Constructed in 1909 as a large family residence, Villa Peduzzi commands exceptional views over the northern Italian Lake Como. Set within terraced gardens, the villa is built upon a Medieval-style stone plinth. Decorative elements in the Italian Liberty style are integrated into the architectural façade of the villa. Largely abandoned since the 1960s, Studio Daminato were commissioned to oversee the transformation of the interior architecture, design and decoration.
The terrace level of the villa contains the main communal areas such as library, piano salon, living and dining rooms and family kitchen. These rooms access directly onto the stone-clad terraces with outdoor living, dining areas and a summer pergola.
The two floors above accommodate the private bedroom suites and large en-suite bathrooms. The final floor in what was the original rooftop attic was raised during the renovation to include entertainment lounges, a games room, outdoor terraces and bar. The original tower room was repurposed as the 9th bedroom suite and bathroom. Extensions were made to the stone basement plinth to provide space for a fitness wing along with caretaker’s lodgings. A summer pavilion and swimming pool were constructed in the gardens to the east of the site with breathtaking views over the lake.
Materials, textiles, finishes and colours throughout the villa were inspired by the original painted wall and ceiling frescoes in Liberty-era pastel tones. As with all of the studio’s residential projects, much of the interior joinery, fixtures,hardware, furnishings, floor textiles and wall lighting were specifically custom-designed, with particular 1930s or mid-century vintage furniture and lighting pieces selected alongside newer pieces procured for the villa.
Commissioned to supply and install the stone in the suites’ bathrooms, kitchen, stairs and outdoor elements, Grassi Pietre also co-ordinated the challenging logistics of this project.
The stones used included Rhino White, Rosa Portogallo, Verde Acquamarina, New Calacatta, Pietranova Gialla, Perla dei Berici, Pietra di Luserna, Giallo Avorio, Chocolate Brown, Bianco Thassos Agglomerate and a bespoke Terrazzo. The pastel tones of these marbles and stones, create a perfect harmony with the chromatism of the Villa, underlining its refined and elegant atmosphere.
Design: Studio Daminato
Photography: Frederik Vercruysse and Petrina Tinslay
Lighting Design: Nipek / Shigeki Fujii