The building, completed in 1912, was designed by architect Gustaf Estlander (1876–1930).

At that time, the building was bought by businessman Allan Hjelt [fi] (1885–1940), who carried out alterations designed by architect Eliel Saarinen to the building, including the main staircase and living spaces.

[1][2] Hjelt presented villa in the 1910s as the residence of Prince Frederick Charles of Hesse, who was chosen as the King of Finland,[1] and the current Presidential Palace would have remained for the use of the court.

However, the Kingdom of Finland project never came to fruition, and in the 1920s Allan Hjelt ran into financial difficulties.

[1] He sold the villa in 1925 to the Italy, and the Italian ambassador to Finland has lived in the building since then.