The building that is presently known as Villa Nieuwenkamp was built on the ruins of a pre-existing farm and was transformed into a genteel residence only in the 19th century. In the past centuries, the bishops of Fiesole stayed in the villa during their journeys to Florence, therefore the villa is also known as "The Bishops` Rest".

In the 18th century the villa became the dependance of Villa Rondinelli and in the 19th century was acquired by the Borghese family, who renovated it.

In 1926 the Dutch painter, architect and engraver Wynand Otto Jan Nieuwenkamp moved into the villa. He renovated the tumbledown building and enlarged the park, which he then decorated with fountains, stone elements, statues and archaeological finds, according the eclectic taste in vogue at that time. Nieuwnkamp wrote two books describing the renovation work in details.