It's simply fantastic living up there on the roof of that villa. And I say "simply" - yes - it is a simple life, but you have everything you need and actually more. Alessandro is the best host you can have - friendly, uncomplicated and absolutely reliable. I spent 3 days in the sculpture "on top" and 5 days in the bamboo house in the garden. Both of them with its own spirit and both of them an artwork of its own - yet you can figure out that it is made by the same artist. In any case it is something special to live there.
Since I was in this livable sculpture for the second time, I don't have many things to add to my first review.
So here is what this year was striking for me - apart from the gorgeous hospitality:
- good position: You live in Rome, 20-30minutes from the city centre and nevertheless you can - but only if you want - feel like in the countryside. Just around the corner is a huge park, where this time i went running every morging. At least this was my purpose. I had to stop every 10 metres, because I discovered something interesting, like for example almonds next to a tree, pines, the river Aniene, sheep in the field, etc. - pastoral poetry everywhere around. Around the other corner you can find small bars, supermarkets and shops (I recommend the newly opened Mozzarella shop "La Tramontina") and in few minutes more there is even a small farmer's market, a church, the town hall, restaurants and even historical buildings (Mausoleo and Ponte Nomentano).
- great premises: You have a large garden with interesting buildings/sculptures, places where you can relax and just sit in the sun or in the tree's shadows, sometimes you can see art being created, have a talk with Alessandro or play/talk/tickle Gaetano, peaceful guard of the premises. The Kindergarten on the main floor was closed by the time I was there this year. The surroundings are also quite relaxed and not as crowded as in the city centre.
- colorful housing: You live on top of the villa and have a great view over the garden and other villas from your big terrace. There you can sit in the sun or in the shadow, pick herbs from the rim and cook with them in the small but beautiful kitchen. The kitchen has got two bar stools or you can choose to sit down in the hall and let the illumination effects blink at you. This year, the sun was up each day, so I had wonderful days in the direct, but also in the indirect sunlight. Don't forget your sunglasses - even in March! 8-)
In the sleeping room you've got a double bed, a cupboard/wardrobe and a TV - which you don't actually need. The bathroom is small but cosy, in the same style as the rest of the sculpture, strong shower, bidet and space to put your clothes or towels.
All in all one of the greatest holidays I've ever had - even though Corona was in everyone's mouth: In Alessandro's housing you could just forget about it (still being safe).
Thanks for your hospitality!