Nestled in the bucolic landscape of Somerset, the Villa Ventorum It is much more than just a relic of Roman history. Passionately restored by a team of archaeologists and architects, this villa is now a fascinating bridge between past and present. Its walls, adorned with vibrant mosaics, tell a centuries-old story, while welcoming visitors into a unique setting.
An unexpected discovery in 1832
It all began in 1832, on the lands of Hadspen HouseWhen workers digging near the property stumbled upon an unexpected discovery: ancient Roman coins and the remains of a forgotten villa. Imagine the excitement of this history enthusiast who, upon further exploration, realized he had unearthed a Roman treasure. What was then just a pile of scattered stones would, nearly two centuries later, become the ambitious project of a historical reconstruction.
The rebirth of Hadspen House
In 2013, Hadspen House, an elegant Georgian mansion, was acquired by Koos Bekker and Karen Roos, a couple known for their creativity. They didn't just breathe new life into the property; they transformed it. Today, it's a luxury hotel and wellness center surrounded by lush gardens, orchards, and vineyards. And at the heart of this metamorphosis is the recreation of the Villa Ventorum in 2022 is undoubtedly their most impressive achievement.
A faithful reconstruction of Roman history
The villa itself is a masterpiece. Designed according to a T-shaped plan faithful to the Roman era, it stretches 55 meters wide and 21 meters long. Every room, from bedrooms to kitchens, has been meticulously recreated. And that Roman bath, heated by a system of hypocaust Who would have thought that such technological genius existed 1,700 years ago? The frescoes and mosaics, depicting deities like Diana and Bacchus, add a touch of grandeur that almost gives the impression of going back in time.
A colossal seven-year project
But it's not just a simple setting. For seven years, a team of archaeologists, artisans, and engineers worked tirelessly to bring this project to life. The excavations, which began in 2015, revealed how this villa evolved from a modest farmhouse into a sumptuous residence, reflecting the growing wealth of its inhabitants. It's a human adventure as much as a historical one, marked by sometimes unexpected discoveries, such as a buried mosaic that took weeks to unearth.
An immersion into daily life in the 4th century
For visitors, Villa Ventorum offers a truly immersive experience. You can stroll through gardens filled with medicinal plants, sample dishes inspired by Roman recipes, and even sit in latrines recreated with surprising accuracy! Virtual reality takes the experience even further, allowing you to witness scenes of daily life from the 4th century – an experience that is both educational and entertaining.
Tradition and innovation at the heart of Newt in Somerset
Integrated into the field of Newt in SomersetThe villa is not simply a celebration of the past. It embodies a modern and sustainable vision, where regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, and the artisanal production of cider and cheese take center stage. This dialogue between tradition and innovation makes this place much more than a historical site: it is a true ode to resilience and imagination.
For a visual tour of Villa Ventorum, you can watch the following video:
