About

A Truly Special Venue

The Italian Garden is an impressive structure, scale and formality so important in Italian design. This was one of the first gardens built by Mr Simpson in 1924 and early pictures show excavation work being carried out by hand with barrows of soil being pushed up wooden planks to form the high banks around the garden. Symmetry and formality are the prime characteristics of the Italian Garden, which is arranged around the cross of the central ornamental lake, with its carved stone fountains, exquisitely coloured water lilies and flashing shoals of Koi Carp to delight the eye. At each end of the lake there is a statuary that compels attention. At its head, the famous bronze Wrestlers of Herculaneum face each other in perpetual competition. Behind them, York Stone steps lead up to the terrace on which stand two ornate Venetian bronze lanterns, bearing the winged lions of St. Mark, patron saint of Venice. Below there is a central stone grotto housing a bronze bust of Mr. J. Stanley Beard the second owner. Dominating the far end of the lake is the domed temple of Bacchus supported on stone pillars and ‘the Roman god of wine’ is beautifully sculptured in Carrera marble. Arranged around the central lake are formal grass bordered beds massed with tulips in spring and replaced with summer annuals at the end of May. Permanent planting is backed by 32 columns of weathered Bath stone, rhododendrons form a massed background of dark foliage and protect the gardens from all inclement winds, while letting in all available sunshine.
Enter the enchanting Grotto under an impressive Bath Stone archway leading into this delightfully unique stone lined walkway, maintained for many years as a living tunnel. Leading through to the expertly maintained Italian Garden, its distinctive walls can be lit with hundreds of candles for a magical and atmospheric entrance.

Hannah Gibson, BSO Senior Development Officer

On behalf of us all at the BSO, we cannot thank Tony Beales and his wonderful team enough for their fantastic support in organising our Black Tie Gala Evening at The Italian Villa. It is rare to work with a team who is prepared to support on each and every aspect of the event - however big or small. The team at Beales achieved this proudly. The evening will be remembered as a truly memorable and special experience for our most valued supporters, special guests and musicians.

Lauren and Ben x

Ben and I just wanted to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you for all that you and your team have done for us! You are all individually great! Thank Ebony also for all her organisation on the day it ran so smoothly because of her!
Our day was perfect and it was all because of all of you creating such a special day!You are such an asset to your team and are so great at what you do!

Siobhan and Ian

Myself and Ian can not thank you and all the team for making our day a truly memorable day. Everything was perfect, the glass of water on arrival when my mouth was dry with nerves to Chris and the evening team following around with chilled bubbly. We could not of wished for better!

It was the best day of our lives and we are so grateful to you all!

Jane

I just wanted to thank you and your team for my fabulous 50th Birthday party. It all went very smoothly from the initial enquiry to the party - I cannot fault anything and it all went off without a hitch on the evening. 

Sam & Darren

We had an amazing night - everyone said how breathtaking the venue was, the staff were very attentive and the food was lovely - it couldn't have gone better so a huge thank you to you and your staff!

Maria's displays were fabulous and the ice cream tricycle a really good addition - thank you for the recommendation!