The Most Beautiful European Villas in Film

Hollywood has had a long love affair with the villa. And it's not just romance movies like Under the Tuscan Sun that revolve around villas. Nearly every genre, from action to comedy, has fallen under the spell of the European countryside. Many of these properties have histories just as interesting and dramatic as the movies they’re featured in, including some that have been used to hide mistresses and even a Mafia arsenal. From a minimalist house in Sweden to UNESCO world heritage sites in Italy, these villas have hosted spies, ballerinas, lovers, and even warriors from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Many of the villas can be rented, or now operate as hotels, so they could also be the backdrop to your next adventure.

Villa d’Este, Tivoli, Italy

Long before its cameos in Woody Allen’s To Rome with Love, Bruce Lee’s The Way of the Dragon, and The Lizzie McGuire Movie, the Villa d’Este was the palace of Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este. Designed by Pirro Ligorio, the palace and its spectacular Renaissance gardens were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

Villa Balbianello, Lake Como, Italy
Few locations can boast that they’ve hosted James Bond and Anakin Skywalker. Set on the Lavedo Peninsula in Lake Como, Villa Balbianello was built by Cardinal Durini in the late 18th century and was later the home of explorer Guido Monzino. The villa and its gardens were featured in Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones.

Villa Vignamaggio, Chianti, Italy
Settled by the Gherardini family—relatives of Mona Lisa Gherardini (yes, that Mona Lisa)—starting in the 14th century, Villa Vignamaggio is one of Tuscany’s oldest farming estates. Kenneth Branagh chose the location to serve as the backdrop to his 1993 adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

Villa Malaparte, Capri, Italy

Adalberto Libera’s dramatic modernist design for Villa Malaparte on the island of Capri was destined for the big screen. Overlooking the Gulf of Salerno from its cliffside perch, the villa is still a private residence, but architecture lovers can catch a glimpse by watching Jean-Luc Godard’s 1963 film Contempt.

Villa Necchi Campiglio, Milan, Italy
It’s hard to steal a scene from Tilda Swinton, but Villa Necchi Campiglio came close. The opulent 1930s villa, which is located in the center of Milan, was the filming location of Luca Guadagnino’s 2010 film I Am Love. Designed by Piero Portaluppi, the villa was later remodeled in the 1950s by Tomaso Buzzi.

Villa Laura, Cortona, Italy
Villa Laura is a picturesque 17th-century property outside Cortona in Tuscany. Romance fans may know Villa Laura as Villa Bramasole, its name in the 2003 film Under the Tuscan Sun. The villa was completely remodeled in 2006 and now operates as a rental property.

Villa Malfitano Whitaker, Palermo, Italy

Built by Joseph Whitaker in the late 1880s, Villa Malfitano Whitaker was a hub of Sicilian high society during the Belle Époque. Today it is a museum displaying Whitaker’s collections of art and artifacts. In 1990, Francis Ford Coppola chose the villa as one of the filming locations for The Godfather III. And the villa has its own Mafia connection. In 2009, it was discovered that the Mafia was hiding an arsenal in a cave on the property with the help of the gardener.

Villa di Geggiano, Siena, Italy
Over the course of its history, Villa di Geggiano has gone from a country cottage to a grand villa. The property, which is also home to gardens, a theater, and a working vineyard, was named a Monumento Nazionale. Filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci chose the villa for his 1996 movie Stealing Beauty, starring Liv Tyler.

The best villas for multigenerational family holidays

Multigenerational holidays are booming, which means villa holidays are too. Peaceful surroundings, extra space, added privacy and the luxury of no one else around make rental properties an excellent bet for larger families wanting to spend quality time together.

The options are plentiful: from wood-beamed homes in Corsica to extra-modern villas in Costa Rica, baby-friendly spots in Menorca to ultra-luxe properties in Jamaica, we’ve found some of the best villas on the market to suit every taste and budget.

1 Borgo San Biagio, Italy

If staying in the remains of a thousand-year-old castle in the rolling hills of Tuscany appeals, suggest Borgo San Biagio. A hotspot for big families celebrating a special occasion, it’s made up of individual houses scattered across its very own hamlet, with wooden beams, stone walls and original fireplaces filling its casas, and an outdoor heated pool, large terrace and bubbling hot tub among its alfresco draws. Families can hire three of the six properties to sleep up to 10, or take over the whole place, which accommodates 20 people.

“The individual houses each have their own outside areas so guests can be ‘together’ but apart,” says CV Villas product manager Carolina de Capell Brooke. “It has a separate large kitchen for groups to dine together, and pizza evenings can be provided by the owners.”

Medieval hill towns, vineyards and truffle-hunting experiences are all within easy reach for those wanting to explore, but it’s just as acceptable to lie by the pool and bask in the serene, silent surrounds, where there’s no one  to interrupt the views.

2 Villa Elena, Menorca

If you have families travelling with babies and toddlers suggest James Villa Holidays’ new Baby & Toddler range, whose villas offer infant-friendly features including enclosed grounds, gated private pools and no steps.

Among its line-up of newly-added properties is Villa Elena in Menorca, a whitewashed, one-storey affair complete with private pool (with easy-access steps), covered shady terrace area and three bedrooms, sleeping up to six.

It’s handily located close to Cala Blanes – a family-friendly, wheelchair-accessible resort with a calm, shallow beach tucked into a cove – and Ciutadella, the former capital of Menorca, offering prehistoric sites and other intriguing spots for family members who want to add a splash of culture.

Sister property Villa Lucia is also just next door and has space for up to 12, making an ideal add-on for those wanting to bring the extended brood along.

3 Paleokastritsa Beach House, Corfu

For clients wanting to enjoy their breakfast over an ocean view, suggest this postcard-pretty villa, set on the water’s edge with steps down to the beach, and a five-minute walk from a cluster of local tavernas and shops.

There are two double bedrooms with en suites, plus an open-plan living room and kitchen with sofa bed, but the real draw is the two-level annexe at the back, which offers an extra double bedroom and kitchen-dining area that’s ideal for grandma and grandpa.

Decor is colourful and traditional, and though it doesn’t have its own pool, guests can pop next door to use the huge, family-friendly one at Akrotiri Beach, at no extra cost.

All guests also get a day’s complimentary boat hire, enabling them to hop around the remote caves and beaches that pepper the area and are accessible only by boat.

4 Villa A Pinarella, Corsica

The French island of Corsica might not be the first place you think of for a family holiday, which is exactly where its charm lies. Mountains, valleys, forests and beaches give this idyllic island appeal for every age, and a villa makes an ideal base from which to explore it all.

There are plenty of options, but for a really standout setting look to Villa A Pinarella, perched on a ridge in the village of Monticello, overlooking bottle-green mountains and vast, opal ocean.

It’s traditional with wood beams and old-world furnishings, and it’s spacious in size with five bedrooms (three twins and two doubles) spread across a main house and separate studio, which has its own kitchen, bathroom and terrace for extra privacy.

Staring out over the landscapes from those terraces is idyllic enough, but for those wanting to get out and explore first-hand, suggest heading into the Balagne Hills. Here hiking, pony trekking and other activities await families of every age.

5 Villa Mars, Turkey

Contemporary design, an abundance of space and two private pools overlooking the sea make this oceanfront property a hit for large, luxury-seeking families who value their privacy. It has four bedrooms sleeping up to eight, and a sizeable outdoor dining area complete with a built-in stone barbecue.

“It’s very spacious with fantastic sea views and it’s one of the ultra modern villas in Kalkan,” says Kathryn Coles, head of trade sales at Simpson Travel.

It’s a 10-minute stroll from laid-back resort Kalkan, where Ottoman houses, one-off boutiques and harbourside restaurants line narrow cobbled streets, and guests get a free hammam treatment and gulet boat trip at the nearby Kalkan Regency Hotel as an added bonus – not that they’ll need it with these views.

6 Championsgate Villas, Florida

Florida is family paradise, full-stop, and for families travelling with older generations who want to dip in and out of the parks without constantly being in the heart of it all, a villa is an excellent option.

Funway Holidays recommends ChampionsGate, a sprawling, palm-lined complex in Kissimmee, about a 15-minute drive from Walt Disney World Resort.

Platinum villas here span four to six bedrooms, and several properties can be booked next to one another for larger groups. “This flexibility means that a multigenerational family can have their own accommodation if they like but still be near each other,” says Malcolm Davies, Funway’s product destination manager.

“This might suit older people who want to have more independence on holiday.”

All villas have private pools, and as an extra sweetener, guests get access to amenities at the Omni Orlando Resort next door – including a huge spa, two Greg Norman-designed championship golf courses, five restaurants and a bigger family pool complete with lazy river and water slides, for the best of both worlds.

A Story Of Revival In Key West

Sometimes you arrive at a property whose grounds are so lush, colorful and quiet that you wish you weren't a guest, but rather living there in your own condo complex. I could totally live here, you think. And that’s before you’ve even seen your room.

The new and improved Parrot Key Hotel & Villas in Key West is just that place, with its five acres of interior garden space continually getting re-landscaped and spruced up since September, 2017 when Hurricane Irma barreled through the 125-mile-long Florida Keys.

Long before the Parrot Key reawakening, guests enjoyed the property’s position on the mangrove-lined saltwater channel that flows into the Gulf side of Key West. Which means on your visit that you're nicely tucked away from the hoopla of the bar zone on Duval Street and far removed from the big hotels that line the western end of the limestone island. But when you’re ready to get your groove on, you’re just minutes away from it all on the seven-square-mile island.

If your room happens to lie at the far end of the 148-room Parrot Key, it’s a distant jaunt to the reception, but a nicely welcome one wandering as you do through gardens filled with swaying palms, sculptures by local artists, and past four pools with apropos names such as the Sanctuary and the Grove.

You know you’re in for a pampered time when you discover a welcome letter in your waterfront villa that announces, “Now, let’s talk swag.” The swag, available when booking “The Waterfront Experience,” is a handsome straw bag with a parrot design on it in which you'll find complimentary Parrot Key branded flip flops, two versatile Turkish hammam towels and—because you know you forgot yours—sunscreen. (The bag itself is for purchase at reception.)

Whether a deluxe room, a one- or two-bedroom suite, or three-bedroom villa, your spacious, fresh and bright abode reflects a post-hurricane remake of the property in its local conch-style architecture. You'll appreciate L'Occitane brand toiletry amenities, while the sand pail and shovel in the closet will come in handy when you want to get up from your waterfront villa's private beach lounge chair for a little activity.

With a newly-added awning that covers most of its outdoor space, the poolside Grove Kitchen & Bar prepares all-day dining, with items such as Key West pink shrimp with an island spice and mango cocktail sauce or a Cuban sandwich which reflects the strong culinary and cultural connection of Key West to its neighbor ninety miles to the south.

When you've perhaps had your fill of lying on the hammock on the white sand in front of your room, head to the small activities shack on the property’s saltwater channel side. There, guests can enjoy kayaking and jet skiing excursions and sign up for all manner of water sports. 

Should you overdue the paddling and feel some wear and tear on your body and your sun-drenched skin needs some TLC, the Ocean Wellness Spa in a fine old house in the old town will meet all your massage needs, to go along with beauty and acupuncture treatments.

To get there, and anywhere such as popular Smathers Beach or to iconic Duval Street, a free shuttle takes you every two hours from the Parrot Key.

Sure, the town’s Conch Train Tour and the drivers' cheesy patter is touristy, but for newcomers it’s a great intro to Key West’s architecturally rich mini districts that are filed with antebellum homes and vernacular styles of pine timber houses, many with gingerbread accents. If you later ride a bike, as many locals do, you can investigate your favorite dwelllings up close and easily pop into the plethora of art galleries.

This tip of the Florida Keys is famously where the Ernest Hemingway Home on Whitehead Street stands, a mid-19th-century manor which the hirsute writer in the 1930s shared with his wife, Pauline, and their beloved six-toed cats. If the guided tours of the National Historic Landmark site look to be packed, it's best to tour on your own in order more tranquilly to see memorabilia, movie posters and Hemingway's writing space in the house's detached studio.

Also on Whitehead Street, the less-visited Audubon House & Tropical Gardens shows antiques and artifacts, as well as works by the seminal naturalist painter.

When it's time for lunch, Fisherman’s Café is not much more than a shack under a coconut tree on the old seaport. It's celebrated for its lobster enchilau (that’s not a typo) tacos in a garlic tomato sauce, among other savory seafood items. Across the street, you can dip into the famous Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe for dessert.

Come evening, it's time to visit an institution: In the old Casa Cayo Hueso cigar factory on the waterfront Mallory Square, El Mesón de Pepe Cuban restaurant has a menu that is as extensive as its space and patio are massive.

Or, for a classic sunset experience, jump onto the Sunset Watersports company’s catamaran for a a few hours of copious drinks and live music as you sail into the Gulf to enjoy a crepuscular show.

Back on shore, Key West has an insane number of bars per capita. On the main Duval Street drag, The Green Room stands out for its reclaimed wood interior and upcycled decor. Its brand new funky upstairs Tree House space has a live music stage and terrace for another kind of sunset view.

With so many sunset options in Key West—what to do? Well, you could always just camp out in front of your Parrot Key waterfront villa to take in sunset from your personal lounger. Your mini bar is stocked, after all, with free cocktail mixes that should last you well until the last rays have dipped below the Gulf waters.

CW Group on how to sell your Ibiza villa

We spoke to Christian Wolf of CW Group Ibiza who gives us his tips on how to sell your villa property on Ibiza, how to work with real estate agents and get a faster sale.

Why should you choose a real estate company to sell your villa?
"A good real estate agent helps the seller to determine a realistic selling price for their property, will understand the legal framework and routinely works with lawyers and banks. He or she also helps to solve problems that might arise between the buyer and the seller. All this helps to avoid any issues that might impact the sale. As well as connecting you to a large number of sellers, your property will be advertised via various media too."

How should you choose a real estate agent on Ibiza?
"The agent should have very good knowledge of the Ibiza market and understand the individual needs of each client. They should also be able to detail any additional costs, such as promotion clearly, so there are no surprises later on for the seller. Finally, the seller must be able to see that the agent will get the best deal for them."

Should you engage just one good agent?
"No, we always suggest to people wanting to sell a villa on Ibiza to work with various agents, often as many as six. This maximises the seller's ability to sell a property as each real estate agent will want a successful sale. It also multiplies the amount of promotion each property gets."

It's unusual to suggest working with a competitor though!
"Any good agent will work with other agents. In fact, we have made many sales by being open and working with other agencies. We work with a lot of the best top Ibiza ones, including Estela Exclusive homes, Ibiza Now, Luxury Estate Ibiza and many more. Our shared aim is to help the client sell."

How successful has that approach been?
"Very. In the past two years, we have sold over 50 villas. That's a lot and shows that an open approach of working with multiple real estate agents works."

How much does it cost to work with multiple agencies?
"For the seller nothing as the fee depends on the sale, That's between three and five per cent of the cost of the villa. It's a small sum to pay with the huge support you get in selling your villa and getting a good price."

Some real estate agencies say it's better to sell a property exclusively, what is your view?
"I would disagree with that as i don't think it helps the person selling the property, especially if they want a fast sale. The problem with selling a villa exclusively with one agency is that you don't reach the maximum amount of potential buyers, so we recommend that our customers use the big agencies to do just that. Rather than sell houses exclusively, we prefer to get the job done and find a buyer for the client's property as quickly as possible."

5 Penginapan Ini Berada di Tengah Kebun Kopi, Sejuk dan Asri!

Ada banyak cara yang bisa kamu lakukan kalo sedang stres atau penat. Nah, kalo kamu kebetulan adalah pencinta kopi, mungkin menginap di tengah perkebunan kopi bisa menjadi alternatif yang jitu. Sekarang, sudah ada beberapa akomodasi yang memang berada di tengah kopi, yang pastinya menawarkan suasana yang berbeda. Nah, ini deretan penginapan di tengah kebun kopi yang bisa jadi referensi bermalam.

1. Arabica Homestay
Penginapan pertama yang berlokasi di tengah-tengah kebun kopi adalah Arabica Homestay. Akomodasi ini bisa kamu temukan di Jalan Kawah Ijen, Kalisat, Sempol, Kalisari, Bondowoso. Dikelola oleh PTPN XII, Arabica Homestay menyajikan suasana yang tenang dan nyaman, dengan fasilitas memadai. Kamu bisa menemukan ranjang, kamar mandi pribadi, air panas, hingga sarapan. Tarifnya mulai Rp200 ribuan hingga Rp1 jutaan per malam.

2. Guest House Jampit
Akomodasi ini juga berlokasi di kawasan Jalan Kawah Ijen, Kalisat, Sempol, Bondowoso. Sama seperti Arabica Homestay, Guest House Jampit, atau biasa disebut Jampit House, pun dikelola oleh PTPN XII. Mengusung arsitektur khas kolonial, rumah inap ini dikelilingi perkebunan kopi yang sangat lapang. Kamu juga bisa menemukan aneka bunga yang cantik, yang kabarnya diimpor langsung dari Eropa. Tarif per malam di tempat ini mulai Rp2,2 jutaan, sudah termasuk 4 kamar, TV, ruang santai, dan 4 kamar mandi.

3. MesaStila Resort & Spa
Bergeser ke Jawa bagian tengah, ada MesaStila Resort & Spa yang terletak di tengah perkebunan kopi seluas 22 hektar. Penginapan ini tepatnya berada di Desa Losari, Kecamatan Grabag, Magelang. Sebelumnya bernama Spa Retreat & Coffee Plantation, akomodasi ini menyediakan fasilitas mewah khas hotel berbintang. Traveler bakal menemukan AC, TV satelit, pemutar DVD, mansion bergaya Belanda, hingga kolam renang. Kamu perlu merogoh kocek minimal Rp3 jutaan untuk bisa menginap satu malam di MesaStila Resort & Spa.

4. Banaran 9 Resort
Masih di Jawa Tengah, namun kali ini di Semarang. Ada Banaran 9 Resort yang juga berlokasi di tengah perkebunan kopi. Tempat ini bisa ditemukan di Jalan Semarang-Bawen KM 1,5, Bawen, Semarang. Berada di area kebun kopi, penginapan yang dikelola PTPN IX ini sangat cocok bagi mereka yang ingin refreshing. Pemandangan yang disajikan cukup menawan, belum lagi fasilitasnya yang terbilang komplet. Kamu perlu merogoh kocek mulai Rp300 ribuan hingga Rp700 ribuan per malam.

5. Munduk Moding Plantation
Bali memang gudangnya penginapan keren, termasuk Munduk Moding Plantation. Ini adalah akomodasi yang menawarkan view perkebunan kopi serta sudah didukung dengan fasilitas kelas atas. Saat bermalam di sini, kamu bisa menikmati pemandangan kebun kopi, sawah, plus gunung. Fasilitasnya pun terbaik, termasuk TV satelit, pemutar DVD, spa, restoran, hingga shower air panas. Untuk bisa bermalam di villa satu kamar dengan view hutan hujan, kamu perlu membayar tarif Rp3,7 jutaan. Oh ya, akomodasi ini bisa ditemukan di Jalan Raya Asah Gobleg, Banjar, Desa Gobleg, Buleleng.

This villa in Andalusia is perfect for a winter sun break

The neighbourhood

What neighbours? The beauty of Casa La Siesta is that the nearest town – the pretty white hilltop village of Vejer de la Frontera – is a four-mile drive away down rough country roads.

And thank goodness. Aside from a small collection of wind turbines to the north and a few farm buildings in the distance, the views from Casa La Siesta are of trees on the surrounding hillside and ochre fields stretching off into the distant horizon. Guests can unwind to nature’s soundtrack of clucking hens, which roam freely outside the house gates, and the wind in the trees.

Visitors wishing to escape the confines of the Casa will find plenty to occupy themselves. The dreamy Costa de la Luz (the Coast of Light) is just six miles away, offering ample eating, drinking and watersport opportunities. The stretch of coastline between Tarifa and Cadiz is also known for surfing. Veterans and beginners are all welcome, and staff can arrange equipment hire or classes. Plus, Casa La Siesta provides free bikes for guests to explore the countryside and nearby coast, and golf and horseriding excursions can be arranged.

The look

Combining a classic hacienda with cool, contemporary styling, the sandstone building that constitutes the main house sits in landscaped gardens packed with olive, lemon and palm trees, and lavender and jasmine bushes.

Much of the furniture throughout the property is reclaimed, with wooden doors, beams, tiles and fixtures bearing the hallmarks of a much-loved history. Aside from butterscotch stucco walls, the interiors are clean, minimal and neutral. Food is served in an outdoor courtyard, which is full of plants and trees and tastefully lit of an evening, when the surrounding countryside and star-filled skies amp up the romance factor.

The vibe

Friendly and hands-off. Guests are encouraged to make themselves at home during their stay and, while the excellent team are happy to help with any questions, there’s also a tacit understanding that most guests are there to make the most of the peaceful environment that has been carefully cultivated.

Bed and bath

Rooms are large and airy, with wooden beams, parquet floors and shutters that guarantee an excellent night’s sleep. Bedroom doors open onto private patios, complete with table and chairs – perfect for sipping a pre-dinner aperitif. A freestanding roll-top bath, his and hers basins, and a large and powerful walk-in rainfall shower complete the room, which is perfect for a couple but lacks privacy if your relationship is a platonic one.

Food and drink 

It's no exaggeration to describe the food as spectacular. There’s an emphasis on local produce, an abundant supply of locally sourced seafood, and a vegetable and herb garden onsite. A multiple-course breakfast including Greek yoghurt, honey and oats, fresh fruit, toast, eggs, avocado and cake set us up for a day of lounging poolside; a three-course lunch delivered the best gazpacho I’ve ever eaten, complete with a small dish of finely chopped onion and cucumber as a garnish.

Menus change daily, but one evening meal consisted of jamon iberico and local fish, finished with a rich ganache slice accompanied by lavender-infused ice cream.

Casa La Siesta is also home to a small wine cellar full of Spanish bottles, many of which are sourced from family-run local vineyards. Based in the heartland of sherry country, the house also offers a selection of the area’s finest examples. Guests can help themselves to the honesty bar, which offers wine, beer and spirits 24 hours a day.

Pools, spas and public areas

A 17m pool surrounded by olive trees and fragrant bushes provides the perfect opportunity to cool off when the mercury rises. During the cooler winter months, the pool is heated. Those after more privacy will find plenty of hiding places throughout the house grounds, including Spanish daybeds and sunbathing and covered areas in which to read, relax or enjoy a bite to eat.

Inside, a central room functions as the main indoor hub, lined by shelves of books about Spain, food, architecture and travel. A white and airy hut with muslin curtains is used for massages, although these are also available in-room.