In 2007, the owner, Mary Ann Ridge, began renting suites at Villa di Santoro to high-ranking military officers, law enforcement, federal agents and members of the medical community seeking a quiet, peaceful, homelike atmosphere.
Since then, many special guests temporarily working in and around Washington, DC have called Villa di Santoro their “home away from home” for both short- and long-term stays.
In 2013 Mary Ann endured a life-changing experience that set a new course and a new purpose for her life and Villa di Santoro.
Mary Ann fought and recovered from a serious illness, which opened her eyes to the needs of people going through unexpected, life-altering events.
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Villa di Santoro has become the perfect place for those recovering from a medical setback, a widow or widower, or those looking for a sabbatical retreat.
Living at Villa di Santoro is a wonderful alternative to commercial facilities. Mary Ann’s heart is to offer a gracious “home” where active people who no longer can or want to live alone will enjoy companionship, relaxation and a carefree life.
At Villa di Santoro, Mary Ann provides beautifully appointed bedrooms, gourmet meals, a lovely sunroom, and so much more. As a personal concierge, Mary Ann enjoys creating fun and memorable excursion experiences for her guests.
Villa di Santoro offers exclusive accommodations and will only accept two residents at a time ensuring each guest receives personalized attention.
The unique needs of each guest ~ from meals to activities to excursions ~ will be customized to enhance their quality of life and overall experience at Villa di Santoro.
Relatives and friends of Villa di Santoro residents can feel comfortable that their loved one is in a safe and happy environment where he or she is treated like a member of Mary Ann’s family.
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What was once a prayer has become a reality!
Coming from an Italian family, I have always had a genuine passion for hospitality, music, the arts, dancing, singing, laughter and life! My fondest memories are of sitting at the dinner table for hours with family and friends telling stories, laughing, enjoying delicious meals and sharing life together.
It brings me great joy to see others delighting in life at my home, Villa di Santoro.
Since I love to cook, naturally I put love into all the food I prepare using fresh, farm-to-table ingredients as much as possible. I welcome music and the arts at Villa di Santoro and treasure sharing these gifts with my residents.
Nature and beauty surround my property. On a daily basis, you will see deer, cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, and a wild bunny that lives under the bushes.
I have become quite fond of bird watching; and, I especially enjoy visits from my adopted pet cardinal, Roberto. He stops by promptly three times a day for his meals and you will have a chance to meet him too!
During the difficult seasons in my life I discovered “dirt therapy.” Over the years, I have planted shrubs and trees that specifically attract Monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, and finch birds making Villa di Santoro the perfect backdrop for painting, sketching, or experiencing the serenity that comes from enjoying God’s creation.
True fulfillment in this life for me is when I am engaged with and helping people.
It is a privilege to meet people during transitional moments in life and journey with them to discover a new purpose - to find hope, healing, peace, and rest.
Come to Villa di Santoro and enjoy living in a home where you are family, you are valued, and you are loved. Ciao Bella!
With love,
Mary Ann
