White Lotus
Historical villa with a British royal connection, infinity pool and an enchanting view
White Lotus is a historical villa in a breathtaking location – perched on the lip of the cliff that tumbles down from Taormina to the coast. The views – especially of Isola Bella at dawn are legendary – and apparently, much appreciated by Edward VII, who was a secret and frequent visitor to the villa in the early 20th century during an affair with the owner, Miss Mabel Hill.
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Rebuilt in the 1940s by Tommaso Buzzi, an architect then much in vogue among the Italian aristocracy, it became the property of Mr. Guarnaschelli, owner of Taormina’s casino. During the 1950s and 60s, when Taormina was considered the ultimate in jet-set chic, visitors to the villa included Marlene Dietrich, Gregory Peck, Kirk Douglas, and Louis Armstrong. Guarnaschelli was famous for his hospitality and took care to make sure that returning guests were always allocated the same room. It seems that Richard Burton tried for years to buy the villa, but without success – the Guarnaschellis were unwilling to sell.
For several decades the villa was neglected, but a meticulous three-year restoration has returned the villa, – with its sweeping panoramic terraces and graceful, interlinked reception rooms – to its former glory.
The villa has two floors. The ground floor, with access to the garden, has a series of interlinked reception rooms with huge windows looking over the gardens and down to the sea. Also on this floor are the breakfast room, dining room, kitchen, and guest bathroom. Stairs lead to the upper floor with six double bedrooms and five bathrooms. Every room has fabulous views.
The villa is surrounded by lush, mature gardens and has a magnificent infinity pool with wonderful views across to Isola Bella. Little areas in the gardens are set up for outside eating, or for lying in the shade on a hot summer’s day.
Your villa at a glance
Ground floor:
Hall
Library
Living room
Large dining room
Small dining room
Kitchen
Guest bathroom
First floor:
6 double bedrooms
5 bathrooms – two with whirlpool bath
Outside:
large park
Courtyard
Several terraces with exterior furniture
Belvedere
Infinity pool with panoramic view
Private parking
We like
Spending a holiday in oasis of peace, surrounded by nature, yet right in the heart of Taormina.
Being in walking distance of Taormina’s bars, nightclubs and Greek Theatre.
We think
Groups of friend seeking a holiday that combines, culture, nature, the sea and nightlife.
Nearby
- Catania airport 30km
- Giardini Naxos 5km
- Etna volcano 40km
- Sea 2km
- Catania 15km
Things to do
- An evening stroll around Taormina.
- Walk down to the lovely beach of Mazzarò.
- Visit hill villages used as locations during the filming of Francis Ford Coppola’s Godfather movies (Savoca).
- Explore the extensive and fascinating remains of Sicily’s oldest Greek colony at Giardini-Naxos– and don’t miss the wonderful museum.
