Description
Located along the historic and legendary Via Appia Antica, just 5.8 kilometers from the Colosseum and a 15-minute drive from the heart of Rome, this extraordinary property represents a unique opportunity to acquire a residence of exceptional historical, architectural and cultural value. Once the private home of famed film producer Carlo Ponti and his iconic wife Sophia Loren, this villa has hosted some of the greatest stars of international cinema over the years, including Rex Harrison, Kirk and Michael Douglas, Tony Curtis, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton-a timeless retreat where elegance, privacy and prestige come together.
Designed by renowned Roman architect Busiri Vici, the main villa covers 800 square meters spread over two levels, connected by an elegant elevator to the second floor and the panoramic rooftop terrace. The interiors express the refined classical Roman elegance, with five bedrooms with private bathrooms, a courtesy bathroom for guests, a library, a winter garden and a room with a bathroom reserved for service personnel. The heart of the residence is a majestic 330-square-meter hall, divided into three interconnecting rooms with large windows, three important fireplaces and open views of the garden. The entire area is decorated with statues and original marble artifacts-some of which are over 2,400 years old-collected by the owner, giving the house a museum-like atmosphere of great charm and cultural depth.
The property stands on a layer of solidified lava from the nearby volcano of Castel Gandolfo, in an area that was excavated by the ancient Romans to extract basalt used in the construction of the Appian Way. This intervention created a kind of natural amphitheater that elevates the villa 15 meters above the surrounding landscape, offering a dominant, reserved and scenic position. Within the garden is a second structure: a 700-square-meter Provencal-style building, once a stable, now transformed into an elegant and bright residence. The heart of the space is a large 300-square-meter open loft with high ceilings, large windows, a professional kitchen and period furnishings selected from unique Italian and Northern European pieces, ideal for private receptions, events or family time.
The garden, which covers an impressive 14,000 square meters, is a true masterpiece of landscaping, personally designed and maintained by the owner, a landscape architect. Outdoor spaces include a swimming pool, mature trees, stone pathways, private relaxation areas, a garage, technical rooms, a gardeners' annex, and the ultimate in privacy, while remaining strategically connected to the city's major neighborhoods, international schools, cultural sites, and the capital's best restaurants.
This is not simply a residence, but an iconic and unrepeatable property - a collectible property that encapsulates the soul of ancient Rome, the elegance of Italian design and the immortal spirit of international cinema. Rich in history and incomparable in its charm, it is a home for those seeking beauty, uniqueness and a legacy to pass on. Available by private appointment only and reserved for selected clients.
