The Italian Villa

Poole, Bournemouth & Poole

Stunning villa in romantic Italian style
Wonderful setting near Sandbanks, Poole
Glorious Grade II-listed Italianate Gardens
Classical statues, fountains, lake, grotto
Licensed to host civil wedding ceremonies
Reception parties for up to 200 guests
Cuisine by award-winning Beales Gourmet
Array of reception rooms over three floors

Gallery

The Italian Villa takes its inspiration from Mediterranean architecture and horticulture, and was voted 'Most Popular Venue' in the 2015 International Wedding Awards. Located in Compton Acres near Poole, the venue is set along the charming Dorset coastline and remains very accessible. The manicured gardens are Grade II-listed and the villa itself showcases an array of elegant suites.

Perfect for both ceremonies and receptions, rooms in the villa gaze out onto the stunning listed gardens and beyond. The venue is managed by Beales Gourmet, an award-winning catering company who will endeavour to provide you with impeccable cuisine throughout your wedding-day celebration. The Italian Villa is within easy reach of both coastal town Bournemouth and the Dorset countryside, meaning that there is a varied selection of hotels available for wedding-night accommodation just a short trip away.

About

The Italian Garden was created by Mr Simpson in 1924. To enter, you first walk through the enchanting Grotto. A 'living tunnel' for years, hundreds of candles can be placed in little niches on the Grotto's walls, making an overwhelmingly atmospheric vestibule.

The romantic garden itself exhibits a symmetrical and formal design, arranged around the central ornamental lake which features carved fountains, waterlilies and Koi carp. At either side of the lake are two statues, one of which depicts the bronze 'Wrestlers Of Herculaneum', and the other which portrays ornate Venetian bronze lanterns. These represent the garden's classical Italian style.

Featured at the end of the garden is a domed Temple Of Bacchus with accompanying statue 'The Roman God Of Wine' sculpted in Carrera marble. Throughout the gardens are grass beds, which are littered with tulips in spring, and summer annuals by May.

The gardens are a majestic and romantic setting for wedding-day celebrations, and various rooms and suites over three floors of The Italian Villa make full use of them, either opening out onto them directly or boasting impressive aspects from large windows.

Facilities

The Medici Suite

This groundfloor suite has direct access to the stunning gardens, and seats up to 180 guests for spectacular wedding receptions.

Formal Reception Capacity - 180 Guests

The Verona Suite

With glorious views over the gardens from its own private balcony, this room can be used for wedding ceremonies and blessings.

Civil Ceremony Capacity - 120 Guests

The Siena Suite

This lower suite is ideal for wedding receptions and the evening party, and has its own sound system with room for a band or DJ.

Evening Reception Capacity - 200 Guests

With a lift to and connecting all three floors, The Italian Villa is fully accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues.

Catering

All wedding refreshment is provided by Beales Gourmet, the award-winning catering company. Beales Gourmet offer fine-quality cuisine which can be presented in a number of different ways, for example a three-course wedding breakfast, a quirkier evening buffet or an indulgent five-course feast. They also serve fine cheese displays, hog-roasts, barbecues or delectable finger buffets.

The chefs use fresh, locally-sourced seasonal produce to ensure your food will taste absolutely delicious and is an unforgettable part of your wedding day. The staff are on hand to assist you throughout, and consultations with the head chef will be welcomed.

Accommodation

There is no accommodation at The Italian Villa, but a great deal is available in the local area. Choose from a wealth of seaside hotels in nearby Bournemouth, or charming properties in rural Dorset, both of which are only a short drive from The Italian Villa.

To get in touch with the hospitality team at The Italian Villa, please use the contact details which will be found below.

Address
The Italian Villa
164 Canford Cliffs Road
Poole
Dorset
BH13 7ES

Reviews

Vicky and Alan Boylan

We had our wedding at the Italian villa on Thursday 8th June. And it couldn’t have been more perfect. The whole team were fantastic and are so friendly. They make sure all the little details are perfect.

Frankie was amazing from start to finish and was so helpful. A big thank you to Nicky our events manager for making the day run so smoothly and she went above and beyond to help make our day perfect. It was truly so special.

We have got some fab photos in the gardens and in the villa. The whole venue is so gorgeous. And I can’t recommend this venue enough. I felt so at home here and all the staff make you feel so welcome. The food was so delicious and everyone said how great it was.

I would do the whole day all over again.
Sophie & Luke

We would just like to say a massive thank you to you and your amazing team that ensured we had the most perfect wedding! All of our guests have commented on how well organised the day was, how fantastic the food was and how accommodating you all were. Through the rain and the sun our day looked absolutely stunning and everything ran like clockwork without a glitch. Thank you for all of your help throughout the planning process and for your forever quick replies. Everyone at the Italian Villa should hold their heads high and know that they really do make peoples dreams come true!

We can never thank you enough!
Pete and Natasha

Natasha and I got married at The Italian Villa on Friday and are both still struggling to get over the brilliance of the whole day; a day that owes so, so much to the absolute attention to detail and personable approach of the villa. From day one, Frankie was fantastic. Communication was spot on – every single avenue covered with a smile and eloquent nature.

On the day, Nicky was out of this world. She made our day and was – without doubt – the best person in the world to run it. Cool, calm and collective. People are still commenting on her absolute professionalism and brilliance – she’s a superstar.
The food – as we knew after our initial tastings – was the best of the best. Certainly the best we have ever experienced at a wedding.

And, the venue: no words can describe it. It is stunning and – for the day – is yours. Beautiful.
We would give an arm each to press repeat and do it again. The best day of our lives.

Thank you Nicky, Frankie and co. We will never forget the most special day ever.
Laura & Andy

We had the best day ever, please pass on our thanks to your wonderful staff. Drew was amazing and my parents were very thankful for his help and at the end of the day I thought it was lovely that he said goodbye to them. Aphra was also amazing, she was waiving at me as I pulled in when I was in the car with my dad and I think that was so special. I felt that she really was excited for me and it got me a close to tears as the car pulled up. They both were amazing on the day and really made us feel special and like family.

Obviously another huge thank you to you for everything you did on the lead up the wedding, I have said so much to my mum about how you have been all over everything from the start.

Oh… and by the way we had one guest who moaned to me beforehand that I wasn’t getting married in a church, he had never been to Compton Acres before and now he has said then whenever his daughter gets married he wants it all at Compton Acres! I wanted to share this with you as felt this was a huge compliment to you and your team.

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