Villa Barberina is truly special: the only clos – walled vineyard – in Valdobbiadene where an extraordinary wine is produced, the property still maintains intact all the refined original furnishings that bear witness to over 200 years of illustrious history.

Commissioned at the end of the 18th century by Giovan Battista Sarri-Dall’Armi to live there with his wife, in the 19th century the Piva family, owners of the famous spinning mill in Valdobbiadene, acquired it to donate it to Barberina Piva, from whom the house takes its name, remaining the property of the Piva-Viansson family until the 2000s.

A place precious in every detail, where you can feel at home in a historic residence with original furniture and the luxury of modern comforts at the same time.

It was the family of the Milanese Counts Viansson, who used it as a summer residence, who gave it the distinctive charm that distinguishes it. In fact, to modernize it, they called upon the famous architect and set designer Lorenzo Mongiardino who, in the second half of the 20th century, created some of the most spectacular homes of the time for important clients, from the Onassis to the Versaces, from the Rothschilds to the Hearsts.

For Villa Barberina he designed all the custom-made furniture in Biedermeier style, placing them alongside eighteenth-century decorations, precious private collections, such as those of ceramics and ancient books, and curious nautical-style details and ship models in homage to the Cosulich branch of the family, famous shipbuilders.

In 2004, following several changes of residence of the owners, the villa was purchased by the Franco family who began a major renovation. For them, an iconic company in the production of world-class Prosecco, it was the culmination of a dream.

In fact, the gem of Nino Franco’s production is born here: the “cru” Grave di Stecca Brut which stands out for its strong character, completely different from all other Proseccos, a perfect expression of the vineyard from which it comes. Here the microclimate has acquired its own personality over time which is then transmitted to the wine through the grapes.

To the side of the villa, the two-level stone swimming pool opens onto a centuries-old park that merges with the vineyard, creating a truly breathtaking panorama.

The conservative restoration has brought the original frescoes, curtains and furniture back to their ancient splendor, while also keeping intact the rare collection of objects, books and works of art bought by the families who have lived in the house over the years.

Each room is a surprise of refined unique objects, even in the bathrooms, among which the refined “salle de bain” with French blue majolica and Liberty frescoes that tell, layered, almost three centuries of history, stands out.

The splendid hostess of Villa Barberina is today Annalisa Franco who welcomes guests in a refined and exquisitely “familiar” way, inviting them to choose between the 6 period rooms, each different from the other, including the 2 beautiful and spacious deluxe suites.

Tasting a glass of Grave di Stecca while sitting in the Villa’s centuries-old garden is perhaps the most charming way to enjoy the timeless charm of this bucolic corner of the Venetian countryside. To learn more about this wine, you can also book a tasting at the nearby Nino Franco winery, a stunning contemporary design building restored by Tobia Scarpa and Paolo Bornello.

The Secret

For the last 300 years, Villa Barberina played a central role in the Valdobbiadene social community. In its garden, for instance, you can still see an ancient fountain that, according to the inscription engraved on the side, was “for available for public use”.

Useful Info

Villa Barberina
Via Roma 2
31049 Valdobbiadene, Treviso
Tel. +39 348 0932797

Villa Barberina closes seasonally from December 1st to March 15th
Rooms from 200 euro with breakfast