Definition And Meaning Of “Villa”
What exactly qualifies one building to be called “Villa”
The word villa can be heard a lot these days, but what exactly qualifies one building to be called “Villa”? We did some research and gathered all the data and info in order to explain what this word actually means. Let’s start with the history!
The History of “Villa”
Originally, villas were luxurious estates that Roman noblemen used for escaping their daily obligation and lives in the city. Most of these estates were settled in wealthy country sides, built on a grand scale, self-sufficient and most of them had remarkable, and, at that time, pretty expansive vineyards and landscaping. One of the well-known Roman Emperors Hadrian had a mansion in Tripoli which is probably the most popular and famous villas from Roman times. With stunning gardens and a beautiful and grandiose architecture, this building represents a true meaning of the word.
Unfortunately, Hadrian’s villa is today reduced to ruins but is still really impressive with its opulent nature that surrounds her.
Another popular remarkable luxurious residence is placed on the island of Tuscany in Italy. Although in ruins, it is a well-known fact that this Roman luxurious villa had heated floors, dramatic marble staircases that were leading down to the beach and lavishly decorated rooms. What is interesting about this estate is that it is renovated in 1989 and opened to the public so that everyone can enjoy its majesty.
Villa Domitia, placed on the island of Giannutri (Tuscan Archipelago) is another beautiful estate that was likely used by the Roman emperors Trajan, Domitian and Hadrian. It’s built on an uninhabited site with no water springs on the island. All the raw materials that were needed for building this beauty had to be carried from the mainland. Today, the island in the Tuscan Archipelago where the mansion is placed is privately owned and it’s home to several private estates and seagulls. The Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage controls the popular Villa Domitia. Giannutri island can be visited by only 75 people on a daily basis and divided into 3 groups of 25. The sightseeing costs around $9 or 8 euros per visitor.
The Villa, nowadays
When someone’s talking about the villa, nowadays, they are referring to some luxurious, private residence that is bought or rented and used as a season vacation home. Often, it is considered a more comfortable and exclusive alternative to a reservation and a stay in a hotel as these residencies are more private and have an intimate setting that attracts lots of travelers and tourists. Luxurious mansions offer the same services as you would get in a hotel, from concierge and breakfast to cleaning services.
A view from the Villa Marebella. Beaurifull Villa in Dubrovnik
What do luxury villas often include
Most luxurious residencies often include:
- 2 – 20 bedrooms
- Well designed, maintained, lush gardens, vineyards and courtyards
- Swimming pool
- Balconies and terraces with an unbelievable view
- High-end amenities and elegant furnishings
Besides their rooms, most popular hotels included villas in their offers. These villa’s mirror the company’s values and standards. For example, the Four Season hotel accommodations are constantly luxurious with attentive service and high-end appliances. Their residencies are a perfect example of what the word “Villa” means.
Examples of today’s villa’s
The Garden Villa in Dubrovnik
This residency is defined by mature landscaping, elegant architecture and special features such as:
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Sauna
- Outdoor bowling court
- Barbecue bar
- High ceilings
- Professional kitchen
- Multiple bedrooms carefully designed
- Location
The Garden Villa in Dubrovnik
The Majestic Mansion – A true paradise on earth.
The Majestic Mansion – Villa in Dubrovnik
A true paradise on earth. This estate is one of the most luxurious beach residencies on the front-line of the Dubrovnik Riviera and is defined by these special features:
- High standards of luxury and modern comforts
- Outdoor swimming pool
- SPA and Fitness space
- Private park
- Private beach access
- Location
- Terrace with lounge area
- Al fresco dining
- Pergola with stunning view
- Wine cellar with large selection of unique vintage wines
- Pavilion
- Barbecue bar
- Piano
Due to the personal nature of these estates, a running theme for all mansion providers is the close attention paid to every lavishing detail.
The Majestic Mansion in Dubrovnik – One of the most luxurious Villas in Dubrovnik
The difference between a villa and a house
Villa can be very similar to a house that in some manners resemble family homes, but such residencies are much larger, luxurious homes with their own vineyards, courtyards, and big gardens, not to mention all hotel-like services and pools or fountains. Villas are mostly more private destination spots for those who want to spend their time somewhere else rather than staying in a hotel where the entire atmosphere can be impersonal.
So, villas are generally larger than single family homes, although this is not always the case. Most villas have many bedrooms with the luxurious feel as soon as you enter one. They are mostly surrounded by private courtyards and gardens that provide guests a true feel of seclusion and intimacy, but still offer most regular hotel services such as concierge, maids, and meal services. They are usually popular alternatives for those who want to spend their holidays in an intimate and private setting.
As for the construction, villa’s not so much different from the house when it comes to construction. It still has neighborhood and can even have a common wall with another house. Villa also can be detached from everything and everyone, but still feel and look exactly like a family home. There are many versions of villas and it depends on you what you’re looking for for your dream vacation. Is it going to be a luxurious villa like The Majestic Mansion, or a simple family look-a-like home like the ones in Naples and Bonita Springs?
Why rent a villa?
Let the crowds stay at a hotel…
As we mentioned above, if you’re looking for something more intimate and less crowded than renting a villa for your holiday should be your number one choice. They usually range from 2 to 20 bedrooms, a personalised attention from villa’s specialists and concierge, you can have a unique experience based and customized to your needs, you’ll get a superb value as you’re going to maybe spend less and receive much more, you’ll have more privacy and quiet, not to mention more space for you and your family, there will be no strangers in the next room or even by the pool, fully equipped kitchens where you can cook by yourself or have a professional chef preparing your favourite dishes just for you and magnificent outdoor areas with pools, gardens and verandas included.
If this didn’t convince you, just look at the images and pictures on our website or Google the word “villa” and see for yourself.
The meaning of Villa around the world
The word “Villa” evolved in time and now means different things in different parts of the World. From its original Roman meaning for a luxurious, upper-class, country home, to a modern specific type of detached suburban residence and luxurious accommodation for modern, rich society.
The meaning of villa in Jamaica
Not all around the world, the meaning of “villa” stands for lavishing residence and to clear up doubt we’ll explain what is the definition of the word “villa” in Jamaica and what you will get if you rent a villa in Jamaica for your vacation. Size is not everything here, so a large house may not be luxurious as you may think and may not have the “villa character”. Every house that has a private swimming pool will make her instantly a Villa. This is the definitive element if you’re trying to figure out what means “villa” in Jamaica. It’s really important that the house has a character and a perfect location. If the house is situated somewhere on the beach, by the lake, or mountains, here is considered that such house is a villa. There are basically 6 factors to keep in mind when trying to determine whether some accommodation in Jamaica is a villa or not:
- Private pool
- Size – Although it’s not that important factor, if a house is large it’s a villa
- Detached with land around it
- Amenities for those who come to spend the night
- High-end designs
- Location
So basically, a Jamaica villa is a big detached house that is designed for vacations with a pool and other high-end amenities and it’s located away from the bustle of city life.
The meaning of the villa in Spanish
What is interesting is that the word “villa” in Spanish means “little town” which is another great explanation how something magnificent this word represents. So, basically, the meaning of the word “villa” stands for a home that has everything in there, so you don’t have to go outside. A private little town with a swimming pool, high-end amenities and everything that will make your holidays perfect!
The meaning of the villa in French
French call it “châteaux” which is a large residence of some lord or a country house of nobility or gentry. It’s a “powerhouse”. Most châteaux are “luxurious country houses” or “palaces” and should not be mistaken for “castles”. At some times, the word “palace” is a more appropriate word to describe it. For example, the Château de Versailles is called “palace” because it was built in the countryside, but it does not bear any similarity to a castle.
Other synonyms:
- Manor
- Mansion
- Country house
- Large house
- Summerhouse
- Vacation home
- Castle
- Estate
- Hacienda
- Hall
- Manor
- Manor house
- Manse
- Palace
© Croatia Perfect 2017 | All rights reserved