Villa Bella Vista, Historic Renaissance Revival house in Chester, Connecticut.
Villa Bella Vista is a two-story residence on a hilltop with a three-story tower and stuccoed stone walls overlooking the Connecticut River. The structure combines elements of northern Italian farmhouse architecture with European design details into a unified composition.
The house was built in 1908 by Italian immigrant masons based on designs created by owner Eila Pierre. The plans drew inspiration from northern Italian farmhouse architecture that Pierre sought to recreate without formal training.
The residence displays a blend of European building elements visible in its Gothic pointed arches and French doors opening onto the loggia. This combination reflects the owner's appreciation for Italian and French design traditions.
The property sits in hilly terrain with good views of the river landscape and is easily accessible from nearby roads. Visitors should plan to explore during daylight and be prepared for exposure to weather since the site sits on an elevated location.
The house was designed by its owner without formal architectural training, reflecting a unique personal interpretation of European design traditions. This amateur approach resulted in an unconventional take on classical building styles.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.