Tilman Fertitta Moves Into Ambassador’s Residence After Extended Superyacht Stay
Posted on: August 4, 2025, 07:44h.
Last updated on: August 4, 2025, 07:45h.
- Tilman Fertitta has moved into Villa Taverna
- The villa is the official residence of the U.S. ambassador to Italy
- The U.S. has rented the property since the 1930s
Tilman Fertitta has finally moved into Villa Taverna, the official residence of the United States ambassador to Italy.
After staying on his 252-foot-long, $150 million superyacht for almost five months while serving as the U.S. ambassador to Italy, a role within President Donald Trump’s administration that he’s held since May, Fertitta is taking up residency at the historic compound in Rome’s city center.
Fertitta, whose business empire includes hospitality conglomerate Landry’s, the NBA Houston Rockets, and eight Golden Nugget casinos in six states, had been living aboard on his superyacht named Boardwalk. The 68-year-old with an estimated net worth of $11 billion stayed on his boat some 40 miles northwest of the city center off the coast of Civitavecchia while Villa Taverna underwent renovations.
Since May, Fertitta tended to his ambassador duties by flying via his yacht’s helicopter into Rome.
A month after Trump won a second term in the White House, reports surfaced that Fertitta, a political ally of the former casino owner, would be appointed ambassador to Italy. Fertitta gave almost half a million dollars to Trump’s 2024 campaign and $349,050 to the Republican National Committee.
Villa Makeover
Fertitta’s decision to stay aboard his $150 million floating compound, which can accommodate 22 guests and 14 crew members, had ruffled some feathers within the Italian government. Nearly all U.S. ambassadors over the past nine decades have resided at Villa Taverna, a 15th century estate commissioned by Cardinal Consalvi that was first rented by the U.S. Embassy in 1933.
The seven-acre property is located in the heart of Rome and is surrounded by manicured gardens and a Baroque fountain. Its interior includes a 3rd century Roman stone coffin, ancient Egyptian granite columns, and 300-year-old busts of Roman emperors.
The historic home has served as a place for diplomacy between the U.S. and Italy.
Fertitta, however, said he would move into Villa Taverna once a “series of careful renovations” were complete. The project was recently finished, with Fertitta taking residency of the home last Wednesday, July 30.
I am honored to serve as President Trump’s representative to Italy,” Fertitta said. “I look forward to using this extraordinary setting to strengthen the bonds between our two countries — as allies, partners, and friends.”
The U.S. Embassy says Fertitta’s renovations included the installation of a new curated art collection, with Gary Tinterow, director of the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, leading the project.
Fertitta’s Boardwalk superyacht has since returned to the U.S. It’s currently moored in Port Everglades near Fort Lauderdale.
Ambassador Duties
An ambassador is a high-ranking diplomat who serves as the official representative of the U.S. government in a foreign nation. In the role, Fertitta is tasked with building diplomatic relations with Italy, promoting the U.S.’s interests and values, safeguarding U.S. citizens, and managing the embassy.
Fertitta is of Sicilian descent. He was introduced to the restaurant industry at an early age, as his father, Vic, owned a seafood restaurant on Galveston Island.
Fertitta honors his father with Vic and Anthony’s Steakhouse, which has three locations at Golden Nugget casinos in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Lake Charles, and a fourth in Houston.
Last Comment ( 1 )
Who cares what this guy does! No one really cares how he spends his time or money. Useless article.