Meet the people behind the place - Villas of Pisticci

In the quiet hills of Basilicata, fashion designer Judith Lacroix found her canvas: a forgotten ruin transformed into Villas of Pisticci — a serene retreat where aesthetics, stillness, and nature converge. With sweeping valley views and surrounded by ancient trees, the villa offers a refined, deeply personal escape. Intimate, authentic, and full of character.

Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Judith Lacroix, i am 54, fashion designer in Paris and passionate about architecture and interior design. I live in Paris.

We would love to share a bit about you as a person with our customers. Would you like to tell us more about yourself?

I love to travel the world with my 25 years old daughter. As a creative person i have many sources of interest, designing clothes and objects, getting inspirarions from museums and vintage shops, painting. Passionate swimmer i also love to make underwater photographs and spend my summer in the mediterranean…

When and in what way did this property come into your life and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

Looking for a summer house, i discovered the wild beauty of this remote place, and fell in love with the unspoilt countryside near Pisticci. A very quiet place. 10mn from the sea. The seaside of this part of the ioning sea is protected by a pine forest, and you find very few people on the beaches, even in the middle of the summer.

Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing your property?

As the villa was a ruin when i found it, everyhing was to be made. It was a blanck page to my imagination. Immersed in the green with a stunning view, i decided to make it both very open with large windows and very cosy inside. Passionate about antiques, i mostly foud the furniture in the local vintage shops.

On a personal level, what makes your property truly special for you? Any standout memories or moments that make it dear to your heart?

The view from Villa Anna is somply stunning. You see the valley, and the village, and the trees, nothing else. I can spend hours on the terrace just listening to the wind in the trees and the birds .

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

The villa is both cosy and very open to the outside. In the living room you have the chemney, and the large couches, and a vintage music player, and a piano. And when you wake up in the morning, opening the curtains and seeing this valley from the large windows, is like being immersed in the wild nature. It’s also very green, people get surprised how green it is for the south of Italy!

Which part of your property do you love the most, and why?

The pool, protected by a beautifull stone wall and sureounded by olive trees, for a morning swim with the birds singing.

What makes the location where your accommodation is located unique and special?

The stunning view and the beautiful trees. You wouldn’t think thet this place could be so green. Oak trees, pines, and of course olive trees.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

We use the water from the land to grow the new plantations.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests? 

Being busy working in Paris I cannot enjoy this property all the time. I am proud and happy to share it with my guests.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience someone can expect when staying at your property?

Being immersed in nature, in a veey remote place, with the luxury of a beautiful pool and the comfort of a really cosy place.

In what ways does your property stand out from others? What unique features or characteristics make it a one-of-a-kind experience for guests?

The view, and the wildness of the environment makes it very unique.

Can you share the best compliment you've received from a guest?

"Life is not just what we live, but above all what we remember and how we remember it in order to tell it."
This quote by Gabriel García Márquez perfectly captures our experience in Judith’s beautiful home. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Judith, whose kindness made our stay even more enjoyable.

The house is a true gem, filled with light that touches both the eyes and the heart. The large windows let the sunlight pour in, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in every room. The furniture and decorative pieces are simply stunning, with special details that make every corner unique and full of charm.

The time spent here has been unforgettable — an experience we will always carry with us.
Thank you, Judith, for opening the doors of your beautiful home and giving us these unforgettable moments.

– Matteo

What do you hope guests will take away or remember most from their stay in your accommodation?

A timeless moment they wil cherish.

Do you have any recommendations for guests to fully enjoy their holiday?

We provide an extended list if recommandations in the welcome book at the villa. Best reastaurants, beaches, places of interest…

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