Historic Villa Agnelli Adds Contemporary Dining Concept Augustus Hotel & Resort has launched Bistrot di Villa Agnelli, a new restaurant within one of Versilia's most storied residences. The venue, which opened for the 2026 season, occupies space between the villa's terrace and garden and welcomes both hotel guests and outside diners. Villa Agnelli was originally built by Admiral Morin and later acquired by Edoardo Agnelli, father of Senator Gianni Agnelli. The family maintained the property as a summer residence for more than 30 years, establishing it as an iconic destination during Forte dei Marmi's Dolce Vita era.
Menu and Design Philosophy Executive Chef Edoardo Leoni and Chef Riccardo Angeli developed the menu to reflect the local region "with sensitivity, lightness and creativity." Table settings feature Ginori 1735 tableware, selected to align with the villa's character and history. The villa's interiors preserve original architectural elements, including Art Nouveau wallpapers and a richly appointed library. The property remains the only building in Versilia with direct access to the beach via a private underground passage—originally commissioned by the Agnelli family for discretion and still available to Augustus guests today.
Why It Matters
For luxury hospitality operators, the integration of heritage properties with contemporary dining concepts offers a template for monetizing iconic residential spaces while maintaining their historical integrity. The repositioning of Villa Agnelli reflects broader industry trends toward experiential, story-driven hospitality that capitalizes on provenance and exclusivity.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
