In the heart of Melbourne's shopping haven, you'll fine an elegant Italian Renaissance-style villa — it's just
bella.
This beautiful building was designed in 1885 by the distinguished architect John Bernard Augustus Koch as a home for himself. The elegant Italian Renaissance-style Villa Donati is typical of his work and he designed many fine buildings in Melbourne, as well as being Mayor of Richmond.
The second resident of the villa was the distinguished Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne who had been given the name Field Flowers Goe. His brother's name was Wild Flowers Goe!
Villa Donati is conveniently located for today's serious bargain shopper — right at the fashion addicts' corner of Bridge Road and Chapel Street. There are many good restaurants and cafes in the area and you can walk to entertainment and sporting venues. Melbourne's CBD is only minutes away.
The villa, which has only been operating as a b&b for a year, has a long and interesting history and blends perfectly with Richmond Hill's other fine old buildings.
There are expansive views of the city skyline from the guest sitting room and bedrooms. The décor is an eclectic blend of Australian, European and Asian antiques, fine arts and artefacts.
The three bedrooms have en-suite facilities, and if you have a romantic night in mind, ask for the Tuscan-inspired room which has a richly decorated four-poster bed and views of the courtyard. Another of the rooms is Oriental in its décor, and the third room makes very clever use of natural light.
Villa Donati also has an interesting historic apartment in the CBD. Its located in the Majorca Building, on the corner of Flinders Lane and Centre Place.
