Perfect Italian Weekend

A Perfect Italian Weekend - Roccamonfina

A perfect weekend in Italy without the limitations of time, budget, or distance. Every week we ask interesting and inspirational Italians, and Italians at heart, to take us along for a perfect, local weekend. This week, fashion designer Luca Larenza will take us along on his perfect weekend around this fairytale home “Villa Elisa”

Our Family’s Creative Country Retreat

Nestled within the caldera of an inactive volcano and surrounded by centuries-old chestnut trees, Villa Elisa is more than just a country house—it’s a sanctuary where we reconnect with nature, creativity, and family.

For me, especially after returning from the fast-paced life of Milan, where I run my design studio, the villa is an endless source of inspiration. It’s where I slow down, recharge, and let new ideas take shape.

A Family of Artists

Villa Elisa is a family affair in every sense. It was designed by my aunt, Immacolata Fusco, an architect, and belongs to my uncle, Dr. Angelo Fusco. They are my mother’s siblings, and together, we form an extended family of artists, each expressing creativity in our own way.

As a menswear designer and the founder of my namesake label, Luca Larenza, I work at the intersection of fashion, art, and craftsmanship. The villa has naturally become a creative hub—a place where ideas come to life.

A Space for Creativity

In 2020, we established a ceramic workshop at the villa, where Immacolata creates unique, handcrafted pieces. These are available in the Homeware section of the Luca Larenza website and at Angelo Fusco’s boutiques in Rome (just steps from the Pantheon, on Via Della Stelletta, 22) and in Roccamonfina’s main square.

Recently, we launched an Artist Residency Program, inviting artists to stay at the villa and create works inspired by its surroundings. These pieces are later showcased through special events, making the villa a meeting place for artistic exchange.

Given its unique character, Villa Elisa has also become a sought-after location for photoshoots—hosting campaigns for my collections as well as editorials for international magazines, seamlessly integrating into the Luca Larenza brand’s storytelling.

Weekends at Villa Elisa

Life at the villa is never dull, especially on weekends. Friends and guests from all over the world come to visit, and we make sure their stay is an unforgettable experience.

One of my uncle’s passions has been cultivating a path of over 100 varieties of camellias around the property, creating a botanical journey unlike any other. Additionally, inside the park, we are fortunate to have a natural mineral water spring, officially certified by the Ministry of Health, around which a scenic walking path has been designed.

Meals at Villa Elisa are a cherished ritual. Great care is taken in setting the table, selecting seasonal ingredients, and ensuring that every gathering feels truly special.

Saturday

A weekend at Villa Elisa unfolds at a leisurely pace, inviting guests to embrace the unhurried rhythm of the countryside. Mornings begin slowly, with the gentle warmth of the sun spilling across the solarium. Some choose to linger over a book, while others bask in the fresh mountain air, letting the peaceful surroundings set the tone for the day.

As the morning stretches on, the villa’s ceramic workshop comes to life. Under Immacolata’s guidance, guests shape and mold clay, transforming raw material into unique handcrafted pieces. The experience is both meditative and rewarding, a tangible connection to the artistry woven into Villa Elisa’s essence.

By lunchtime, the aroma of freshly prepared local specialties fills the air. A long table is set beneath the shade of chestnut trees, where family and friends gather to share a meal made from simple, yet exquisite ingredients—seasonal vegetables, homemade bread, and olive oil pressed from nearby groves.

In the afternoon, a short drive leads to the Santa Maria dei Lattani Sanctuary, a breathtaking monastery built in the 1400s. Walking through its peaceful cloisters, visitors can admire centuries-old frescoes and soak in the serenity that has drawn pilgrims for generations. From there, the day transitions seamlessly into

aperitivo at Cantine Telaro, a renowned winery nestled among rolling vineyards. As the sun dips toward the horizon, glasses of Aglianico and Falanghina are raised in a toast to the region’s rich winemaking tradition.

Sunday

Sunday brings a sense of quiet adventure. The morning is spent exploring the Orto della Regina, an archaeological site dating back to the 5th century BC. Here, history and nature intertwine, revealing remnants of an ancient civilization hidden among the hills. The weekend concludes with a hike through the natural park surrounding the villa, where winding trails lead through dense forests, past mineral springs, and up to panoramic viewpoints that offer sweeping vistas of the valley below.

As the day draws to a close, there’s a lingering feeling that time at Villa Elisa moves differently—marked not by schedules or obligations, but by moments of beauty, connection, and discovery.

Villa Elisa is a place where creativity, tradition, and nature come together—whether through art, design or simply sharing a meal with loved ones. It’s a home filled with history, yet always evolving. And for those who visit, it offers more than just a retreat—it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave.