The Villa
Villa on Verona is a historic Italianate style villa built in 1860. The estate has been newly decorated and furnished, creating an elegant and cozy atmosphere. This destination will immerse you in rich history as will Marshall’s many other historic sites.
The Villa boasts five guest rooms themed after cities in Italy. Each room has its own private bath, Smart TV, goose down comforters, luxury linens, Keurig machines, bathrobes and toiletries.
The History of the Butler-Boyce House
This beautiful and elegant Italian Villa, was built 1858- 1861 by Edward Butler (1814- 1881) merchant, banker and first treasurer of Calhoun County.
The land was previously owned by James Fenimore Cooper. He was an American writer of the first half of the 19th century. His historical romances draw a picture of frontier and American Indian life in the early American days which created a unique form of American literature. He wrote “Last of the Mohican’s” among many others.
W.D. Boyce (1860- 1929), purchased the house and sixty acres as a summer home in 1894. William D. Boyce, a Chicago publisher, founded the Boy Scouts of America. Boyce first became acquainted with the scouting movement while in London in 1909. He lost his way in the midst of heavy fog, and was rescued by a Boy Scout who took him to the address he was seeking. Offering the young boy a tip, he was told that Boy Scouts do not accept money for doing a good deed. Impressed by his organization, Boyce returned home with pamphlets, badges and a uniform. He incorporated Boy Scouts of America, now Scouting/USA, on February 8, 1910.
Explore the Villa Today
Seasonal Outdoor Spaces
The expansive stone front porch greets you upon arrival to the Villa. Comfortable seating and tables are set to take in the scenery while enjoying your favorite drink, or peacefully with your morning cup of coffee.
The screened side porch provides a more intimate setting overlooking the east fountain and 100 year old pines.
Seasonal yard games are available for guests upon request. Utilize the tennis and pickleball courts, or play a game of horse on the half basketball court.
In the west lawn, a circular patio overlooks the grounds and leads the way to the pool with comfortable chairs and fire table.
The saltwater pool is among guests’ favorite amenities. Lounge chairs, large cabana style umbrellas and outdoor eating accommodations provides a resort-style experience. Pool towels, floaties and sunscreen available to complete your fun in the sun. Our pool is open Memorial Day weekend until October 1.
Arctic Spa Hot Tub
Heal your body, sleep better, melt stress away and make your stay feel like a spa treatment.
This luxury Arctic Spa hot tub starts with unique design to top-tiered features. With the perfect combination of comfort and capacity, our tub features 4 amazing shuttle seats, 3 more multi level seats and a massive footwell.
Enjoy the best in self-care.
Arctic Spas has perfected the salt water hot tub with the Onzen™ Salt Water System. This system uses naturally sourced Dead Sea salts, so the sanitizer is created (rather than added to the water). Benefits of this system include:
- Skin-softening appeal. Unlike fresh water tubs, salt water contains a unique combination of minerals and enzymes that help soften the skin.
- Enhanced hydrotherapy. A salt water soak has all the benefits of a regular freshwater hot tub or spa session, with an added bonus: salt water helps extract extra fluid from the skin, which helps with swollen joints and inflammation. People who suffer from arthritis can experience greater relief in a salt water hot tub.
- Less chlorine use. Fresh water spas require chlorine directly added to the water, while salt water tubs continuously generate internal chlorine and cleaning agents through a process called electrolysis.
Bocelli Room
Bocelli Room (music room) – This room is located off the front entry and features a beautiful Hazelton Brothers Piano. Relax in this warm and inviting space with floor-to-ceiling windows, 12 foot ceilings and elegant chandeliers.
Basement Bar & Sitting Room
Fun small bar area and old world gentlemen’s room wrapped in one. To top it off it’s located under the stairs in the basement.
Enjoy your favorite cocktail, beer, wine or virgin beverage while watching TV, playing a game or darts!
Dining Room
Inviting and warm dining room, lovely and romantic with small tables to accommodate dining for two or join together for a farm table experience as a group or family.
Gazebo
Tesla & EV Charging Station
While staying at Villa on Verona Boutique Hotel, Tesla and other EV owners can recharge their vehicles at a Level-2 charging station at no additional cost. We love to offer this sustainable amenity for our guests.
Adding the charger was another step in a long list of green initiatives we have implemented at the Villa. Sustainability and positive environmental practices are an important part of our core value system, and we have incorporated those values into our business and daily life. It is the right thing to do for our property, our beautiful community, and our planet.
Take advantage of this new great amenity at Villa on Verona, and bring your electric or hybrid vehicle with you on your next stay in Marshall, Michigan.
Owners & Host
We’re Virginia and Mason Novess, Owners and Operators of Villa on Verona Boutique Hotel and Distinctive Event Destination.
We got married, had a baby, had a dream and were presented with an opportunity. Our mindset shifted from “someday” to “why not now?” We are excited to carry on the legacy of this amazing property. We are honored to host and celebrate momentous occasions with our guests, and continue to create special memories here at the Villa.
We hope you enjoy Marshall’s charm, history, small town feel, amazing energy and friendly people. We’re happy to provide recommendations on the historic attractions, recreation, shopping, or dining options that provide a wonderful experience.