Welcome to Villa Celestino, my home in Italy
In the spring of 2023 I bought a run-down 18th-Century villa in a village outside Turin in Piemonte, northern Italy, and spent the best part of a year doing it up. Then in autumn 2024 I opened the doors for weekend retreats – inviting like-minded people to learn more about interior design, meet new friends, and explore the city nearby, while enjoying the incredible food and wine this region has to offer.
Since then, I've welcomed guests from all over the world – from Singapore to Surrey, Seattle to Sydney. Together we've dined in some of Turin’s most elegant restaurants and cafés, explored the historic streets of this former capital of Italy and plunged into the city’s famous vintage market to seek out bargains. I hope you might like join us this year.
There are currently three retreats scheduled for 2025. During each weekend, expert guests will host special workshops on working with colour and trade secrets of the top interior stylists, alongside my own in-depth design sessions. But there'll also be downtime for you to see the city, explore every nook and cranny of my 24-room house, or simply relax with a Campari – before we finish with dinner from the pizza oven in our own tavernetta, served among the trees in the garden.
You'll go home with new friends, an understanding of your interior design style – and the knowledge of how to put in into practice in your own home with confidence. You may have even kicked off a new room scheme with a treasure found at the market.
To make sure of a cosy, welcoming atmosphere, places are limited to just 15 people per retreat. What's more, each guest receives a 30-minute 1:1 design consultation with me to take place after the retreat, when you've had time and opportunity to absorb everything you learned.
We take care of everything for you, so it’s also a relaxing holiday (stick your hand out and my husband will probably put an Aperol or Campari in it!) The most taxing decision you're likely to face is whether to have dessert or not. Prices include all accommodation, food, drink, and practicalities once you've arrived. All you need to do is arrange your flight to Turin and a quick transfer to the design-led landmark hotel.
I'm looking forward to meeting you.
Kate Watson-Smyth
“I’m inspired and full of confidence after seeing the house and participating in the whole wonderful weekend – a brilliant mix of learning and enjoying. Thank you to everyone for being so open and sharing ideas and encouragement.” – Vicki, company director
“I’ve gained so much confidence in understanding how to mix styles for depth and how to add something unexpected.” – Alex, AI consultant
“Thank you for being such a superb hostess and for the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people. By the far the best of the trips I have been on. I can’t recommend it enough.” – Lorraine, interior designer
Mad About The House
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