Villa Capodilista

Villa Capodilista is situated on the hilltop of Montecchia, which is part of the Regional Park of Euganian Hills, just outside of Venice. This villa is a masterpiece of Italian architecture and is one of the most original of the Venetian villas; it was originally planned as a hunting lodge in 1568 by architect and painter Dario Varotari, a pupil of Veronese.

The villa is surrounded by beautifully-landscaped gardens with low hedge rows and roses, along with statues attributed to the work of the Bonazza family – skilled Venetian sculptors who moved to Padua at the end of the 17th century.

Just beyond the walls there is a private fenced park for the exclusive enjoyment of villa guests. The park includes a heated swimming pool with counter-current swimming and massaging water jets, surrounded by sun loungers for post-swim relaxation.

The villa itself is designed as a square that is repeated in the internal distribution of the rooms: four on the ground floor and four on the first floor, connected by a splendid four-flight staircase in a Greek cross formation. Varotari decorated the rooms and the ground floor loggia in mannerist frescoes with scenes from mythology and the family history, whilst the frescoes in the upper loggia are attributed to Antonio Vassillacchi.

Luxurious, comfortable rooms are distributed over three floors and a basement – the villa has two elegant parlours, a dining room for 12, a portico equipped with tables and chairs, and a frescoed loggia on the second floor with a view over the surrounding vineyards. There is also a fully-equipped kitchen.

All five bedrooms are decorated/frescoed and furnished with original antiques and are well equipped to assure guest comfort. They feature large double beds, loggia access, and either en-suite or private bathrooms. For larger groups or perhaps those travelling with private staff, there are two single rooms – one on the first floor and one on the second-floor mezzanine.

The estate produces several excellent wines, which have won prestigious awards throughout the world. It is possible to organise wine tasting in the cellars, as well as visits to the farm and the vineyards.

For a rural retreat in a historic property without foregoing any modern comforts and luxuries, the special property of Villa Capodilista is the perfect choice.