In the Borgo Alto district of Arquà Petrarca, nestled in a centuries-old olive grove, an ancient residence with a scenic infinity pool overlooking the Euganean Hills is the setting for memorable events thanks to Donatella Brunello's art of hospitality.
We are witnessing something unique: a refined residence surrounded by greenery where family furnishings, memories of exotic travels, and the scent of aromatic herbs create a magical atmosphere where every detail tells a story and every room is a stage with doors that open like a theatre curtain.
Villa Arquade was born as a summer retreat for a local noble family. In 2017, they renovated an ancient farmhouse, originally an olive shed, restoring all the original stones and decorations. Their dream was to breathe new life into an ancient plot of land, respecting its history and enhancing the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Villa Arquade is a magical place where I found the ideal setting to fulfill my dream: creating special tables and parties in unique settings.
(Donatella Brunello)
The property’s true gem is the panoramic infinity pool with breathtaking views. Here, aperitifs and dinners are held with romantic sunsets over the Euganean Hills, just steps from the center of the Borgo del Poeta (Poet’s Village), one of the most beautiful in Italy, where the famous Francesco Petrarca once lived.
Entrepreneur and event designer Donatella Brunello fell in love with this timeless residence, so much that she decided to take it over. She also owns Quella Casa ad Arquà, in the center of Arquà Petrarca, where she gives vent to her passion for the art of hospitality and event design, after a life spent with her husband running the interior design firm True Design, now managed by her sons.
To create extraordinary dinners and events, Donatella relies on trusted professionals like chef Isabella Guariento and other top-notch collaborators who interpret seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers. Her signature dishes are Petrarca’s Pearls, recipes inspired by the poet and his passion for vegetable gardens, conceived as places of industrious leisure.
The villa, a rarity with original furnishings, is spread over two floors, both of which can be privately rented. The ground floor features a portico overlooking the pool, a kitchen with an antique fireplace, a living room, and three rooms that can be set up with long tables.
Donatella, along with her team, can create any type of dream event, from dinner for two to weddings, from cooking classes to any type of team building event and photo shoot (up to 60 people with indoor seated backup).
Villa Arquade is one of the most extraordinary places in the Veneto region, where you can feel like you’re in the heart of the Dolce Vita, even if just for an hour!
The Secret
The local grandparents used to say that here, among these hills, the best olive oil in the town was produced, one of the reasons why, during the restoration of the farmhouse, no olive trees were “touched” and every ancient tree was preserved and enhanced.
