Restoring Greatness: La Datcha Forte dei Marmi

A Dialogue with Dasha Tinkova, Manager of the La Datcha Collection

Amid the shimmering coastal beauty of Forte dei Marmi, perched along Italy’s Tuscan Riviera, lies an architectural masterpiece destined to redefine the notion of ultra-luxury. La Datcha embodies a fusion of historical reverence and contemporary sophistication with its vibrant past and splendor unveiled anew. Initially constructed in the 1930s as a modest 20-room haven, the building held an opposing duality of ornate exterior beauty and humble interiors before standing silent for six decades. Today, it emerges as a paradigm of luxurious living, a supremely crafted retreat with an unwavering commitment to artistry and heritage.

LVH spoke with Dasha Tinkova, the visionary whose expertise shaped the transformation of this historic villa. With a sharp eye for detail and an unyielding passion for the extraordinary, she stands as both the custodian of La Datcha’s legacy and its modern-day storyteller.

Restoration as the Labor of Love 

The villa’s rebirth was nothing short of Herculean. “It was truly a labor of love,” Dasha recounts. "Preserving the original architecture was non-negotiable. Every detail matters when safeguarding history."

One of the first challenges emerged in an unexpected form. “The building had been long abandoned, and we came upon a large community of pigeons. Rehoming them humanely was our first act of restoration,” she says with a wry smile.

More critically, the team committed to conserving the villa’s original frescoed ceilings—Parisian-inspired motifs of game and truffle hunting that whispered of bygone elegance. “Master painters from Florence worked tirelessly, layer by layer, to revive these works of art. It took years, but the result is nothing short of reverence given form,” Dasha explains.

Honoring Heritage Through Materials and Design

Respecting history extended beyond frescoes to every material decision. “Take the staircase, for example. It demanded Carrara marble, sourced directly from the nearby mountains,” Dasha shares. “It’s one of the world’s most precious marbles, but anything less would’ve felt like a betrayal to the house’s integrity. Sourcing locally enabled us to honor not just the villa’s origins but also the cultural richness of Forte dei Marmi.”

This philosophy carried seamlessly into the interiors. Tailoring for its coastal setting, the chosen furniture leans contemporary but with purposeful simplicity. “We favored leather and suede for their durability without sacrificing refinement,” Dasha notes. “To elevate the experience, we commissioned bespoke designs from Promemoria. Their expertise in luxury yacht furnishings aligns perfectly with our vision. It required three years to realize, but such artistry demands time.”

Artistry Is In The Details

La Datcha’s opulence reveals itself through distinctive flourishes. Step into its grand corridor, and your attention is drawn to a Dale Chihuly glass chandelier suspended above the enclosed pool. “Every tie between light and space was curated to elevate each moment,” she explains. Chandeliers handcrafted by Italian artisans and intricate tile mosaics further attest to the villa’s devotion to detail.

The Intersection Of Art And Luxury

Entertainment melds with refinement throughout La Datcha. The villa surprises with its array of leisure spaces, including a cinema room, a game suite equipped with a golf simulator, and an audiophile-worthy Bang & Olufsen sound system that envelops the residence in harmonized music. 

Bespoke Comfort by the Sea

Yet, what perhaps sets La Datcha apart is its access to the sea. “Unmatched among Forte dei Marmi’s villas, we offer a private beach. This sanctuary features an alfresco restaurant, outdoor pool, and ten individually designed cabanas. It has become a signature highlight, effortlessly hosting private celebrations in complete seclusion,” Dasha elaborates. The villa’s purpose, it seems, extends beyond mere opulence. It is an environment wherein intimacy and splendor coexist.

The Harmony of History, Service and Indulgence

Luxury, at its core, is a symphony of service and indulgence. For Dasha, exemplary stewardship is non-negotiable. “With 25 full-time staff members, from chefs and sommeliers to wellness practitioners, we aim to create seamless moments for our guests. It’s not merely about attending to their needs but anticipating them,” she explains. This philosophy transforms every interaction into an art form, where perfection feels effortless.

Central to this ethos of curated experiences is the villa’s private wine cellar. “Our wine cellar celebrates global provenance while echoing the villa’s social spirit,” Dasha shares. Designed to be indulgent yet unobtrusive, it invites guests to explore a collection that traverses the world’s finest vineyards. Whether enjoying a guided tasting or selecting a bottle for a private dinner, the space harmonizes refinement with intimacy.

At La Datcha, every detail embodies the art of living well. It is a sanctuary where service, history, and indulgence come together to craft an experience that is as timeless as it is personal.

Curated Experiences Beyond the Address

For clients of LVH, La Datcha is the starting point of a uniquely tailored escape. LVH’s concierge team curates every detail, crafting itineraries that balance exclusivity and enrichment, reflecting the caliber of both the property and the guests who grace it.

To tread upon La Datcha’s storied grounds is to inhabit the intersection of history and modernity, style and substance. It is an invitation to live not just luxuriously, but exquisitely. Don't waste a second, please contact the LVH client relations team to get your elite beach holiday plans started.