It’s difficult to even imagine the state of this late 18th century Italian villa when the restoration, designed by architects Sabrina Bignami and Alessandro Cappelero, began after a 20 year vacancy. So many aspects are daunting and the frescoes lying dormant under a thick coat of white paint would have turned most away. Yet the owner’s decision was not to perform a meticulously accurate restoration but to uncover the hidden beauty and then honor its age and imperfection. Saving the ancient floors was a rewarding labor of love, whether it is the intricate hand painted tile or the herringbone brick.
I have palatial respect for this owner in their use of contemporary furnishings. Don’t you love how the clean lines rest lightly on the elaborate villa’s restored floors and once-again-vibrant fresco walls? This pairing is what makes this villa truly unique. You’ll recognize classically modern pieces with a much briefer history including Saarinen tables and tulip chairs, Verner Panton chairs, and even a George Nelson bubble lamp. Many of the other one-of-a-kind pieces were found in European markets.
My favorite room is one of the three bedrooms. The pencil thin white four poster bed rests in an arch framed room as a modern bauble in an elaborate antique jewel box. And when you remove the bauble the beautiful box remains.
Architects: Sabrina Bignami and Alessandro Cappelero
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