Villa di Parma
Villa di Parma is a historic vacation villa nestled in the green hills around Parma and perched on the hilltop with magnificent views.
In the evenings, there is a magical atmosphere outside because of the stunning views and the mature trees on the grounds.
How would you describe Villa Monty Banks in a nutshell?
It is a historical villa in an Art Deco style and the perfect place to experience the typical Italian lifestyle.
What is the story behind Villa Monty Banks, what was your inspiration to create it?
The villa was built in 1939 by Mario Bianchi, a locally-born actor and director who moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in silent films under the pseudonym “Monty Banks”. He had a very magical life and spent many years living between the United States and Romagna. The villa was designed by Gualtiero Pontoni using only the best materials and exhibits several British influences in its architecture.
My husband and I restored Villa Monty Banks in 2020 while keeping in mind its historical significance and architectural context. We transformed it into an 11-room boutique hotel with a restaurant and spa. We first opened to guests in July 2020.
How would you describe the atmosphere, architecture and interior design of Villa Monty Banks?
The interiors stylishly combine artisan details from the 1930s with contemporary furnishings and all the comforts you would expect of a high-end hotel. Natural materials such as marble and wood feature throughout the villa and the abundance of windows means that all of the rooms are bright.
In the evenings, there is a magical atmosphere outside because of the stunning views and the mature trees on the grounds.
To you personally, what is so special about Villa Monty Banks?
Villa Monty Banks is special for its unique architectural style and the materials used in its construction. Lots of guests visit specifically because they are interested in Italian Art Deco design.
I think the connection between the villa and the farm also makes it a special place to stay. We produce everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to olive oil and wine, all of which guests can taste. It’s a very authentic and original place.
Villa Monty Banks is set across three floors and features 11 ensuite rooms, which are usually rented on an individual basis. It is possible, however, to rent the entire villa.
On the ground floor is the reception hallway, plus a bar and a restaurant with an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work. On the -1 floor are the spa and a gym with fitness machines.
On the first and second floor are the rooms and suites, which range in size from 20 to 40 square metres. All have large windows and ensuite bathrooms and one has a small balcony. One wing of the villa is dedicated to families, with two adjacent rooms that can be rented as a family suite.
The Wellness Suite extends over 40 square meters, with a private sauna by EFFE positioned in the center of the room and conceived as a glass and wood case. The bed is placed with the headboard resting on a fifth of mirrors on which the sauna is inserted.
It is equipped with a boiserie, large marble bathroom, elegant parquet, wardrobe, smart TV, WI-FI internet access, telephone, safe, Technogym accessories for personal training, and sofa.
The Home Suite extends over 40 square meters, with a separate living area, and houses one of the three marble fireplaces present in the villa, which from the ground floor has been dismantled and reassembled in the new environment where its massive grandeur explodes in an unprecedented power.
It is equipped with a boiserie, large marble bathroom, elegant parquet, wardrobe, smart TV, WI-FI internet access, telephone, safe, Technogym accessories for personal training, and sofa.
Deluxe Rooms have large dimensions exceeding 25 square meters. They are equipped with king king-size bed, boiserie, large marble bathroom, elegant parquet, large windows, wardrobe, smart TV, WI-FI internet access, telephone, and safe.
Deluxe Rooms have large dimensions exceeding 25 square meters. They are equipped with king king-size bed, boiserie, large marble bathroom, elegant parquet, large windows, wardrobe, smart TV, WI-FI internet access, telephone, and safe, some have Technogym accessories for personal training.
Not all Deluxe Rooms accommodate up to three guests but two plus a cot on request.
Superior Rooms have approximately 20 square meters.
They are equipped with queen-sized beds, a boiserie, a large marble bathroom, large windows, an elegant parquet, a wardrobe, a smart TV, WI-FI internet access, a telephone, safe.
Not all Superior Rooms accommodate up to three guests but two plus a cot on request.
The Classic Rooms are equipped with queen-sized beds, a boiserie, a large marble bathroom, large windows, an elegant parquet, a wardrobe, a smart TV, WI-FI internet access, a telephone, safe.
Rates include breakfast, which is served a la carte and features homemade Italian items. In addition to freshly baked bread, eggs and seasonal fruits, we serve Mora Romagnola cured meats and Romagna cheeses. Much of the produce we serve in the restaurant is grown on the property.
The spa features a Turkish bath and sauna while the heated swimming pool enjoys magnificent views across the surrounding countryside. On request, we can arrange for a personal trainer in our technogym. Bicycles can also be rented to explore the surrounding area.
It really depends on what guests are interested in. Some want a peaceful place where they can connect with nature while others want to discover lesser-known destinations. On arrival, I’d recommend relaxing at first and taking time to experience the lifestyle of the region and its agricultural heritage.
Cesena is a good base for visiting Ravenna to see the historical churches and mosaics, as well as being within easy access to the Museo Ferrari Maranello. We can also arrange Italian shopping tours with professional guides if that’s something that guests are interested in.
Villa Monty Banks is just one kilometre from the centre of Cesena in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It’s around 40 minutes’ drive from Ravenna and 1.5 hours from Bologna. Both Venice and Florence can easily be reached on a day trip. The closest beaches are around 20 minutes away.
In Cesena, there are several restaurants that are within walking distance, although returning to the villa requires a small climb up a hill.
The area is an important agricultural region, with lots of farms that you can visit to try the local cheeses or fruits. In the surrounding hills are typical Italian villages with castles and churches. It’s all very peaceful.
During the summer, the weather is good everyday and ideal for the beach. But there are a lot of people around. I think it’s nice to visit in May or September/early October. I think we get the best weather in spring as it’s not too hot and the views are beautiful with all the greenery and flowers. It’s also not too busy at this time.
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