17th-century Sicilian palace showcased in The White Lotus available for rental
Nestled Amidst the Scrubland of Noto, Sicily Stands a Magnificent Palatial Mansion: Villa del Tempio
Perched atop a hill in the Noto area, Sicily, a grandiose villa catches the eye against the barren landscape. Its opulent peristyles, water temple, and ornate lounges are the grand result of a extraordinary architectural journey. Reborn as a luxurious holiday rental courtesy of decorator and interior designer Jacques Garcia, this masterpiece emerged from the ruins of a 17th-century Jesuit refuge.
Making an appearance in the second season of The White Lotus, Villa del Tempio now welcomes guests seeking a lavish escape. It's available for booking through luxury holiday home rental agency Le Collectionist, under the new name Villa del Tempio – a Mediterranean haven perfect for your next holiday retreat.
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A palace steeped in history and symbolism
The villa's history can be traced back to its origins as a Greek villa, before being transformed into a Moorish palace, renovated into a Norman residence, and finally converted into a Jesuit monastery. With each transformation, the villa took on a unique architectural identity, leading Jacques Garcia to describe his initial reaction as "an artistic shock"[1].
Externally, the villa showcases mosaics, Doric columns, sculpted fountains, and encaustic frescoes that have been carefully restored. A striking blend of marble, stucco, and antique paving adorns the estate, evoking dreams of a timeless Sicily. The villa's layout centers around expansive loggias and patios, each archway revealing scenes of the Ionian Gulf or the dazzling Sicilian sun. Fountains and pools weave the water element organically into the experience, a nod to the villa's sacred connection to water.
A lavish interior design
Inside the villa, Jacques Garcia's signature flair is evident. Gilded salons, brocade fabrics, Caltagirone ceramic tile pathways, 18th-century furniture, Venetian chandeliers, and Pierre Frey carpets combine to create a living space befitting a museum. Frescoes inspired by Roman palaces serve as reminders of the designer's artistic and theatrical influences.
The main salon, wrapped in marble, leads to a study filled with antiques, while the bedrooms feature refined drapes and velvets. Each room highlights the contrast between baroque and antique details, reflecting centuries of artistic evolution in a fluid dialogue.
A Hollywood backdrop and luxury Sicilian getaway
The villa's one-of-a-kind atmosphere, enhanced by its opulent decor, served as the stage for the most unsettling moments of The White Lotus' second season[1]. Now known as Villa del Tempio, it is part of The Collectionist's portfolio – a renowned agency specializing in exceptional properties for private use or rental. For a limited time, this spectacular villa with its seven bedrooms, reception room, shady garden, and swimming pool can be yours for an unforgettable holiday in Sicily.
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Enhance your home-and-garden living with a taste of the Mediterranean, as Villa del Tempio, once a grand palace amidst Sicily's Noto scrubland, now offers luxurious holiday rentals. Redesigned by decorator Jacques Garcia, this stunning villa - recognized in the second season of The White Lotus - provides a chance to embrace an en-vols lifestyle, steeped in history yet equipped for contemporary comforts.
Amidst the villa's opulent interiors, featuring delicate frescoes, gilded salons, and antique furnishings, lies the perfect harmony between the lavish and the sacred; the tranquil waters of pools and fountains woven organically into the estate, mirroring the tranquillity of Italian travel, where the past and present intertwine in sheer splendor.
