Villas have become de rigueur for luxury hospitality these days (especially for the family, multi-generational and groups markets)—but a day villa is a fairly unique concept.
In Italy’s Lazio region, just 20 minutes from Vatican City, Brigadoon re-opened last month following three years of renovation as a unique venue for events and gatherings (think weddings, birthday parties, reunions and business dinners), with space for up to 1,000 guests. Note: Guests cannot stay overnight, but the villa makes for a terrific day trip.
(And, yes, the Italian villa is named for an American musical set in Scotland. Nothing wrong with multiculturalism, in our opinion!)
The rustic farmhouse and restaurant sit on approximately two acres of farmland and olive groves. Guests can move between the grand ballroom, adjoining veranda, private dining room and covered dining gazebo. (Nice Touch: Each of the event rooms are named for a Scottish clan: Sala Campbell, Sala McPerson, Sala Stewart, Sala McGregor and Sala Sinclair.) There are also two alfresco dining areas and a library with an oversized fireplace. In the past, guests such as Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra and Sophia Loren visited the villa—we hear it was a popular spot for filming in the region.
Owners Daniele and Michele Mancini offer customized packages centered around history, music, food and wine of the region, and can offer cooking classes, teambuilding exercises and even gladiator training. (Russell Crowe fans will love this!)
For bookings and more information, contact Sophie Herslow.