History
Villa Clelia is named for my Grandmother, Fernanda Clelia Iellamo. She was raised in Roccella Ionica, a town nestled on the Ionian Sea. When she married my Grandfather, Francesco Barillaro, an engineer, the couple moved to Locri in 1921 and lived in a house Francesco designed and built.
Fond memories of her country childhood inspired Clelia to begin acquiring uncultivated land bordering the outskirts of Locri. Overtime, she planted a vineyard, cultivated olive trees and created citrus groves and a variety of other fruit trees. In the following days, she spent her time overseeing the construction of what would become the couples’ country home surrounded by acres of agricultural splendor.
Clelia passed her dream to my mother Maria, who further beautified the property. My own wife Sonia, a lawyer by trade, had the foresight to modernize the property after we moved into Villa Clelia with our daughter Diletta. Sonia was determined to preserve the natural beauty of the land that my mother and grandmother had brought into being. Sonia’s sensitive influence created an estate possessing a completely renovated Palmento, a house surrounded by medlar trees, prickly pears, Geracese olive trees and a family garden producing an array of Italian specialties.
The estate boasts a magnificent view of the ancient town of Gerace, home to one of Italy’s first civilizations.
The property has a beautiful and charming swimming pool surrounded by cypresses trees imported from Tuscany.
Villa Clelia is less than one mile from the Ionian Sea; the Aspromonte National Park is within close proximity; and the Locri Epizephiri (excavations of eighth and seventh century settlers from Locride, Greece); castles, restaurants (both rustico and fine dining) are all within minutes of Locri.
Most importantly, it is home to the most genuine, warm and welcoming people – the Calabrese.
The Women of Villa Clelia
The history of a place is shaped by the people who love it, embrace its beauty, preserve and enhance it. Villa Clelia is the result of the love and passion of four important “Women”: Clelia, Maria, Sonia and Diletta.
My grandmother Clelia who had the vision of olive trees, cultivated vineyards and citrus groves.
My mother Maria, together with her beloved Joe, infused it with the intimacy of home.
My wife Sonia, who lovingly undertook the rebirth and enhancement of Villa Clelia and made it our permanent home.
And finally, Diletta, our daughter who will preside over its future. Whatever that future will be, it will certainly be infused with memories of and gratitude for those who loved and cherished this place and the unforgettable days spent here together.
Thanks to these Women, for loving me unconditionally!
