General & History

For parties of up to 31, the Villa Cristina can be booked with Villa Elisa.

A bijou villa - the restoration of this19th century building, full of fascinating and quirky details, has been a major labour of love that has found its way into prestigious decorating magazines. If you crave unsullied peace and aesthetic perfection, Villa Cristina will be a blissful haven for you. The rooms are vast and full of light, redolent with history, and an aesthetic feast. The owners have kept all the textures and touches that give Italian country houses such charm - terra cotta floors polished by generations of feet, gnarled beamed ceilings, elaborate curlicues of wrought iron, carved stone niches and medallions - and have discreetly installed the contemporary practical necessities that make life comfortable. The interior décor, from heavy lined brocade curtains, fine Turkey carpets, gilded, painted and panelled doors to antique coffers and armoires going back four centuries or more, is all of a piece with this exceptionally elegant property. And yet, while awesomely grand, it is relaxing, friendly and comfortable. Quite a feat.