SPACES MADE FOR BELONGING
Discover the Difference
Rooted in a blend of South African soul, Italian elegance, and global inspiration drawn from our time living in the USA, Singapore, and the UK, each property in the collection radiates warmth and character while celebrating the cultural richness of its destination.
Having lived on four continents and travelled the world with our two daughters, we’ve poured our experiences into creating homes that capture the spirit of discovery and the comfort of belonging. Over the years, we’ve lovingly reimagined each property to reflect what we call the “Villa Issima Experience” — a seamless balance of luxury, comfort, and authenticity, designed to make every guest feel both indulged and at home.
Each property in our collection has been hand-selected for its unparalleled position and extraordinary views, from the shimmering waters of Lake Como and the Thames to the dramatic coastline of the Cape Peninsula.
Every element, from custom-designed furniture to hand-selected decor gathered from our travels, tells a story. Working alongside talented architects such as Alessandra Guanziroli and Declan Fallon, and drawing on Veronique’s expertise as founder of Earth Design International, we’ve carefully restored each property — preserving its architectural heritage while layering it with modern design, vintage treasures, and art collected from around the globe.
A Collection of Stories
Villa Issima, Lake Como
Formerly known as Villa Cesare, this 17th-century residence on the shores of Lake Como has lived many lives — from a historic castello to a private family home, and later the beloved Pensione Castello hotel in the 1960s. Today, it has been lovingly restored into an elegant lakeside retreat that honors its centuries of history while embracing timeless Italian style.
The Villa Issima Warehouse, London
Located within Great Jubilee Wharf in Wapping London, the Issima Warehouse embodies London’s mid-19th-century industrial heritage. Built in the 1850s to serve the Port of London, the building’s Grade II-listed architecture — with its brick façades, arched windows, and cast-iron hoists — tells the story of the city’s maritime past. Refurbished in 2023 by Veronique, the residence now combines raw industrial character with refined contemporary design and has been featured in several international design magazines and books.
Villa Issima, Hillside – Cape Town
Perched above Sunny Cove in Cape Town’s prestigious South Peninsula, this Heritage home overlooks the bay and the dramatic coastal cliffs below. Originally built in the 1940s, it was meticulously restored and modernised in 2025, blending classic architectural charm with thoughtful contemporary design. Every detail — from its curated interiors to its breathtaking ocean views — embodies the effortless elegance of the Villa Issima lifestyle.
Our Philosophy
Each Villa Issima property is more than a home — it’s a story brought to life.
We believe in preserving history while reimagining it for modern living. Our collection is defined by a deep respect for craftsmanship, design integrity, and a sense of place. Whether it’s a centuries-old villa on Lake Como, a London warehouse reborn, or a coastal haven in Cape Town, every Issima residence invites guests to experience heritage with soul, luxury with warmth, and travel with meaning.
TIMELESS MODERN STAYS
Experience Villa Issima
Discover a world of curated heritage escapes — where design, history, and comfort converge.
Villa Issima Lake Como and Villa Issima on Hillside are available for exclusive short-term stays, offering guests a rare opportunity to live within history, surrounded by the beauty of contemporary design and the authenticity of timeless architecture.
The Villa Issima Warehouse in London is designed for long-term residencies while also offering a distinctive and versatile setting for film shoots and commercial productions.
