In a magical private garden in Monte Mario, opposite Villa Stuart, Le Serre is a place to retreat at any time of day.
“This place is particularly close to our hearts, because it represents our essence, based on 12 years of experience. With the help of our architect Andrea Magnaghi and landscape designer Blu Mambor, we have created an urban green oasis on the border between Monte Mario, Balduina, and Camilluccia. Our little corner of paradise.” Daniela and Cristina
The Concept
ViVi's Botanical Garden Restaurant is housed within beautiful, restored greenhouses, surrounded by a flower garden—a welcoming, green haven where you can breathe in the calm and simplicity of silence and peace while savoring ViVi's signature flavors. Natural light pouring in through the large windows sets the pace of the day, accompanying our "bioviziosi" guests from morning to night.
The greenhouses also change with the seasons: in summer they are a cool lounge with a pleasant, lush flower garden, and in winter they become a warm, bright winter garden, softened by the light of a crackling fireplace: an enchanted world of glass, greenery, and light.
The history and the project
The Greenhouses, which are located within the wonderful gardens of Villa Blumensthil, in the Monte Mario area, owned by the Malvezzi Campeggi family, were part of a ancient nursery where plants from Sabina farms were grown and sold. A forgotten place discovered by chance by Cristina and Daniela, who were immediately enchanted.
The project of Le Serre is signed by the architect Andrea Magnaghi, who also curated the other ViVi bistros and who managed to interpret the ViVi concept once again – a welcoming place, with a sophisticated and refined beauty but at the same time informal.
Andrea has created a light, airy and elegant space designed to make people feel good at any time of the day. He has brilliantly managed to maintain the ancient soul of the nursery despite having been completely rebuilt using ultra-modern materials Highly energy-efficient with UV glass, a supporting iron structure that eliminates obstructions in the middle of the room, dividing walls entirely in glass or mirror, and micro-perforated curtains that shade the glass, ensuring coolness in summer.
The aim of the renovation project was to preserve the original architectural concept of the greenhouses and the nursery, as well as the greenery that would inhabit it; large spaces were created Corten tubs overflowing with plants which recall the sales tanks of nurseries.
The structure with its very modern cuts has been expertly 'amalgamated' with decidedly retro furniture Remodeled in pastel colors; the seating fabrics are colorful and feminine, and the 1910 central counter has been completely restored with a pink glass top and embellished with brass trim. The room is decorated with many glass objects, including large vases that lend a "homey" feel to the large greenhouse.
A bright space from which you would never want to leave, romantic, modern, enriched by unique pieces from different parts of the world, the result of a wise choice by the architect together with the interior designer Anna Aliprandi of Marzotto.
The key words for the ViVi Mood are retro, colorful, and bright! The vibrant African chairs made from recycled nylon from fishermen's reeds, the fine Chinese silk lamps made in Portugal, the antique Stinger sewing machines used as table bases, and the beautiful modern antiques, including the large early 20th-century stationery set decorating the main greenhouse, create an authentic, lived-in, and informal atmosphere. And then there are the Moroccan woven straw chairs, the colorfully striped central table, the lounge area with velvet armchairs... everything finds its aesthetic harmony in this contemporary space.
The rich man Mediterranean garden surrounding the venue is a fundamental part of the project. It was designed thanks to the experience of the landscape architect Blu Mambor who has been entrusted with the green heart of Le Serre. A historic olive tree presides over the entrance to Le Serre, while inside, in the garden that surrounds the outdoor tables and extends into the villa, fig trees, peach trees, Mediterranean shrubs, flowers, fragrant bushes, aromatic plants, and berries populate Le Serre's open-air living room, creating a magical blend of scents and colors that inebriates guests.