Historic Bed & Breakfast
Questionnaire
Year erected: 1670
What is the history of the property?
Villa San Liberale was erected by Antonio Vellaio, after the acquisition of large plots of ground, over existing buildings. Then the property passed through heritages till 1983. It was sold to the current owners, who overtook a vast restoration of all the complex, in 2000.
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
The complex consists of the main building, with its facade facing west, which engages an extension to the north at that time connected with the rustic wing demolished in the twentieth century. To the east there is an addition in 1932, with a large iron frame. Isolated in the west is the stable block, currently used as a caretaker's house, and to the east lies the oratory. The villa is a medieval building, later enlarged and remodeled especially outside. The access is directly from the Viale di Cart. The front garden is divided into two large flower beds. In the back of the grassy area is bounded oratory. The façade is quite simple with a stone staircase, flanked by two symmetrical doors communicating with the ground floor, leading to the main entrance preceded by a small terrace. The simple portal, flanked by two tall windows and further by two slightly projecting balconies, culminate with a simplified entablature in stone that supports the balcony of the upper opening. The villa is distinguished by the large central hall, or atrium entrance, marked by two rows of two columns with ionic capitals, almost clinging to the north and south walls. The chapel, a rectangular hall, was restored by the Bianco family in 1845, by the di Suni in 1942 and by the current owners in 2015
Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
The villa, located on the Viale di Cart, setting for various noble houses, is settled in a large park, typical example of a playground of the country residences. The center of Feltre, one of the most interesting alpine boroughs, with a bunch of renaissance buildings.
Has restoration work taken place?
The current owners undertook a vast restoration, involving the villa, the housekeepers house, the chapel, the garden and the park, and is under current attention for maintenance.
Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
The interior of the chapel contains a painting "Madonna and Child" holding a spike by Giovanni De Min In one corner we see the sacred building with the background of the city of Feltre and Mount Tomatico. During the restoration promoted by Francesca Vellaio in 1746 was added the feature stucco decoration that adorns the walls and vaulted lunettes. On the walls, stucco other form, with their phytomorphic alternating compositions characteristic of eighteenth-century landscape with trees and fake ruins, with the typical fund in color. In one of these is shown a villa preceded by a geometric Italian garden arches flanked by manicured lawns, so as to permit the passage, and surmounted by plumes. Outside, it points out the curious bell tower with a singular cusp with a pagoda profile.
Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
Antonio Bianco, owner in the second part of XIX century, married Teresita Fusinato, daughter of the poet and patriot Arnaldo (1817-1888) and Erminia Fuà, poet in turn, born in 1831 in Rovigo. Erminia and Arnaldo married in 1856; for him it was the second marriage, being widow of Anna Colonna. The family had three sons: Gino, Guido, who became professor of international law, member for the constituency and governor, and Teresita, who married Antonio Bianco. Together with her husband, Erminia cultivated the friendship of the poet and writer Ippolito Nievo and, after his tragic death, she managed to publish the famous work of the young Friulian “Confessions of an Italian”. During a stay, Arnaldo Fusinato hosted in the villa the poet Giosuè Carducci, who was visiting in Feltre Giambattista Bellati. In 1884 was born Erminia, who married then the Marquis Gaetano Di Palici Suni della Planargia, and became the new owner of the villa, which in honor of his maternal grandmother, took the name of "Erminia."
Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
Villa San Liberale is under protection of National Law for Culturale Heritage (D.L. 42/2004) - it also received Carta dei Servizi delle Ville Venete, CETS Eurpean Charter for Sustainable Tourism
Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a: Villa
