Travellady MagazineTM


Sleep Where Liz Taylor Slept

By Inga Adams

For the value-conscious traveler, the Villa Kimberly is the ideal place to stay. Although it is centrally located, it offers a chance to live among the locals.

This B and B's claim to fame is that during the mid 60's, the property was purchased by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton while he was filming Tennessee Williams' Night of the Iguana, directed by John Houston.

The Villa is actually two structures connected by a bridge. It has 10 bedrooms and twelve baths on 7 levels. The bedrooms, which face on to courtyards, are neat and charming, while the bathrooms are functional and adequate.

View from the villa

The part where Burton escaped when he and Taylor were at odds has several bedrooms, a swimming pool. and veranda bar. Here, the view varies from spectacular to breathtaking.

The decor is pretty much as Ms. Taylor left it when she sold the property in the early nineties. It is comfortable and unpretentious.

All the bedrooms are named after films the two stars made together.

Inside the villaThe current has scattered Burton and Taylor memorabilia throughout, and tours are available daily. The owner will tell you everything you wanted to know about the stars but were afraid to ask. Occupied rooms are not included in the tour, for which this occupant was grateful.

A hearty breakfast rounds off the charms of this quaint B and B. Although in the city proper, the Villa Kimberly is a challenge for people who are athletically challenged. and serious revelers. Getting to the Villa from the main street involves at least a five-minute walk up some pretty steep cobblestone streets bordered by terraced sidewalks. If you are game, it is worth it.

Scorecard

+ view
+ hearty breakfast
+ centrally located
+ living among locals
+ price ($85 per room)
- steep cobblestone access to street
- multi-levels in the house

Photos by Dave Shultz

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-Updated 1-15-01-

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Copyright 1995-2008 TravelLady Magazine

Copyright 1995-2008 TravelLady Magazine