Perfectly situated between Verona and Lake Garda and a stone’s throw from Valpolicella, Villa Sagramoso Sacchetti formerly d'Arco is a 16th-century Sanmichelian residence, steeped in a culture of agritourism, which strives to offer its guests the magical experience of enjoying the authenticity of life at a Venetian villa firsthand, immersed in cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves.

The term 'villa', in the classical sense of the word, indicates a country estate used by Roman patricians to conduct their various agricultural activities. In addition, these suburban dwellings were also considered places to delight in, homes where they could indulge in philosophical conversations, moments of conviviality and recreation during their ‘otium’ or leisure time. At the end of the Republican period of Roman history, ‘villas’ became increasingly popular as a summer resort and the rustic buildings became an integral component of opulent architectural constructions surrounded by nature. After the decline of the Middle Ages, the concept of the Villa as a “buen retiro” or secluded, restful location reached its apogee during the Renaissance period, and there were considerable variations in the styles of the different regional areas of 15th and 16^th-Century Italy.

The so-called 'Ville Venete' or Venetian Villas were in fact completely unique in their own right. They first came into being in the early fourteenth century and represented the perfect amalgam between displaying the opulence of 'extra moenia' residences for the Venetian aristocracy which were located outside the walls of the city, and sites where agriculture could be undertaken on a large scale. These premises were indeed characterised by having ancillary and supporting constructions such as ‘barchesse’ colonnaded barns, ‘rustici’ farmhouses and dovecots.

After decades of neglect and wartime vicissitudes, what remained of the ancient Villa was purchased in the early 1960s by Alessandro and Rosandra Sagramoso Sacchetti, with the support and valuable advice of Veronese historian Giuseppe Silvestri and the then superintendent Pietro Gazzola. In the years that followed, the Sagramoso Sacchetti Counts undertook the commendable and demanding work of renovating the monumental complex, restoring the Villa and its historian's outbuildings to its former glory. The latest generation of the family, represented by sisters Chiarastella and Ludovica, has resolved to revive the authentic essence of this Villa Veneta as a patrician house at the heart of agricultural activities, and to revive the atmosphere and traditions of this ancient land.

THE HISTORY OF VILLA SAGRAMOSO SACCHETTI

The origins of the Villa del Corno Alto can be traced right back to an ancient, possibly medieval, agricultural farmstead, equipped with rustic buildings, an oven and a dovecote tower, built on a scenic promontory overlooking the Adige Valley and Valpolicella. At the beginning of the 17th century, Gian Giacomo d'Arco took possession of the terrain, building the magnificent palazzo and the adjacent private chapel dedicated to St James the Apostle, which can still be admired today. The main elevation of the Villa is characterised by its two-flight staircase and the original Baroque chimneys. The architectural style is reminiscent of the famous Veronese architect Sanmicheli (1484-1559).

On the opposing façades can be found the heraldic coat of arms of the original d'Arco family as well as that of the current owner, displaying the Sagramoso crest. There is also a bearded stone mask, classically used to decorate the keystones of portals in the Baroque Renaissance period and frequently depicting the image of Olympian deities or grotesque faces. The Colombara Tower at Villa Sagramoso Sacchetti originates from a primitive late-medieval building transformed in the early 17th century with the insertion of two large Renaissance-style portals in rustic yellow limestone blocks, which is in harmony with the majestic gateway giving access to the courtyard. The ‘Rusticale’, typical of the kind of building once used as a farmer's abode, has a distinctive balcony that divides the broad loggia in two. The ‘Barchesse’ were used in Venetian times for storing tools and farm carts. The private noble chapel is dedicated to the Apostle James; its interior has a gabled roof and a single nave. There is a tomb slab of the d'Arco family which can be seen on the floor of the chapel.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES: WEDDINGS AND PRIVATE EVENTS AT VILLA SAGRAMOSO SACCHETTI

The main hall, together with the frescoed drawing room and library, the garden and part of the grounds, provides an exclusive and refined setting for organising intimate events in the atmosphere of a private residence. The possibility of sleeping at the villa also offers guests the opportunity of fully experiencing their special event, sharing the anticipation and preparation of the big occasion with friends and family.

ACCOMMODATION

Staying at Villa Sagramoso Sacchetti signifies soaking up the experience of being in an authentic, centuries-old setting, which the owners who wish to preserve and animate their home are keen to share with you. Lose yourselves in the foothills of Valpolicella and Lake Garda, discover the hidden treasures of wonderful Verona. Immerse yourself in a good book, enjoy the magical splendour of a frescoed room or simply relax at the edge of the pool, nestled among the cypresses and olive trees, and indulge in a journey of rediscovery.