Picture of a villa with sunken courtyard

Quick answer：

A sunken courtyard in a villa typically refers to a courtyard that is lower in elevation than the surrounding ground level. This design can create a sense of privacy and intimacy, as well as provide a unique outdoor space. In a photograph, you might expect to see a villa with a lower level entrance or a series of steps leading down to the courtyard, surrounded by landscaping such as gardens or hedges.