A Tranquil Retreat at Villa Saraceno
Finally, some silence. Just me, a glass of wine, a crackling fire, and a Palladian villa. As I sink back into the plush sofas, relaxing and gazing up at the ceiling adorned with beautiful Italian frescoes, I cannot help but marvel at the splendid job the Landmark Trust has done with this property. From their philosophical approach to repair, to the thoughtful furnishing and attentive hospitality by the housekeepers, nothing is left wanting.
Where else could one simply stay in a Palladian villa, experiencing the magic of the proportion and relationship of room sizes, lived in as it should be? This is not a museum of the past but a living museum—a celebration of enjoyment and functionality. Villa Saraceno is a working building, just as Palladio would have imagined!
Discovering Villa Saraceno
Less well-known than Palladio’s more famous buildings but no less beautiful, Villa Saraceno is a 30-minute drive south of the city of Vicenza. Palladio designed the building as a grand farm structure, employing his simple technique of rendered shaped brick to imitate expensive stone. It is as much a place for storing grain as it is for living in.
Villa Saraceno appears in Palladio’s Quattro Libri but in a different form, originally envisioned with matching barchesse (farm buildings) flanking either side and long wings extending to form a square garden plan. For one reason or another, Palladio’s complete vision was never realised. However, I believe that Villa Saraceno benefits from this unfinished state. It remains more humble in its site plan, showcasing the workings of the farmyard with its original barn and well to the east. In its current form, the emphasis is placed on the main building, which commands the landscape and frames distant views.
The Beauty of Simplicity
Villa Saraceno, though simple, is a beautiful example of Palladio’s work. Despite its grand scale as a farm building, it retains a humble charm. Its simplicity does not detract from its form but rather enhances the understanding of the building through its pared-back details and elegant structure.
Gratitude to the Landmark Trust
A big thank you must go out to the Landmark Trust, who facilitated our stay at Villa Saraceno. Their dedication to preserving and maintaining this historic property allows guests like us to experience its beauty and tranquility. I cannot recommend a stay at the villa enough. Its beautiful landscape, harmonious proportions, and comfort, with enough rooms to house the whole family and more, make it a perfect retreat. It also serves as an excellent central base to explore all the villas of the Veneto without the tourist bustle of Venice.
If you’re interested in staying at this remarkable villa, visit the Landmark Trust’s website to learn more. Villa Saraceno offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and serenity, providing an unforgettable experience.
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