Villa Stella
Today, I live in my aunt Stella’s house which has become Villa Stella in honour of all the women of my family who have been and are strong and influential souls, including my mother. The house has been refurbished and I have decided to open it to guests from all over the world to enjoy.
“I was afraid that that question would arise and I was hoping it would never be asked. But it was asked and I couldn’t respond in any way other than to say ‘no’. In Calabria, there were no jobs, no opportunities and nothing to eat. I knew he wanted to go for our future. My husband asked me to follow him to America... but I said no! I felt destined to stay here to build a house here and, most of all, helping the rest of the family. So, we parted with heavy hearts and tears.
Although we were feeling sad and guilty about not being together, we both knew we made the right decision. Money sent back from America helped me to buy land, build this beautiful house and support my 5 sisters each of them with their own families alongside my own.”
This is the beginning of the story of my great grandmother Stella around 1920.
On this land, 60 years later, my aunt – also named Stella - had her house built. Unfortunately, she didn’t live long enough to enjoy her house as following an illness she passed away. The house was then left abandoned and I now enter the story, as I felt trapped by destiny.
Travelling and teaching Italian culture across the world for over 30 years made me feel proud to be Italian and over time the urge to return to that land became stronger and stronger. I was drawn back to this small town without knowing why. I felt the need to retrace their steps and find out more about their stories and by doing so I would build my future through rediscovering my roots.
Today, I live in my aunt Stella’s house which has become Villa Stella in honour of both Stellas and all the women of my family who have been and are strong and influential souls, including my mother and other two aunties.
The house has now been refurbished and I have decided to open it to guests from all over the world to enjoy.
You can rent part of the villa for you and your family (5 people) or join a group to study Italian while participating in cultural activities.
Gallery
The villa
Villa Stella has been recently refurbished, and includes a large living/dining area, a private terrace, large garden, and light-filled bedrooms.
Features & Amenities
Spacious living area
Light and spacious room classically decorated. Full kitchenette attached. Two balconies overlooking the surrounding garden.
Large terrace
Front veranda with table, chairs and enclosed on two sides. Classic Italian table football available for guests to play.
Private garden
The house has a beautiful garden where you can spend time detoxifying while enjoying the authentic slowness of the past.
Where we are
Calabria
Nestled in a tranquil village between the stunning Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts - the Coast of the Gods and that of Ulysses - Villa Stella offers an authentic taste of Calabrian life.
Just 20’ from the crystal-clear Ionian waters and 1 hr from Lamezia Terme airport, it's a perfectly positioned base for experiencing true Italian culture.
Getting to us
Villa Stella is a unique place. It is on the edge of Torre di Ruggiero, a medieval hamlet in the center of Calabria. It is in a valley surrounded by unspoilt nature.
20' drive from the gorgeous beach of Soverato (Ionian coast);
50' drive from the Tyrrhenian coast of Pizzo; and 1 hr from Lamezia International Airport.
Pricing
From £700 to £1000 per week depending on season.
