Listing of the Day
Location: Bordighera, Liguria, Italy
Price: €19.50 million ($21.84 million)
In the winter of 1884, Claude Monet visited the town of Bordighera in Liguria, Italy, after being introduced to the region by his friend Pierre Auguste Renoir the previous year. During his sojourn, popular myth maintains that the great painter composed some of his Liguria collection from what is believed to be the vantage point of the 15th century watchtower, Torre dei Mostaccini, at Villa Mostaccini. Today, the villa retains the medieval tower Monet is said to have used and the scenic vista that supposedly inspired him, but with recent extensive renovations overseen by artisans and craftsmen, the vast property also offers a plethora of modern amenities.
"It’s taken five to six years to do," said listing agent Alasdair Pritchard of Knight Frank, before noting that "Italy is quite bureaucratic." Mr. Pritchard adds that such architecturally striking properties as Villa Mostaccini are rightfully overseen by the government, which keeps a keen eye on both renovation quality and the town’s sightlines. "You’re getting artisans in who specialize in certain windows, artisans who come in and sandblast… for houses like this you need to get artisans," he said.
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The long work has paid off. "They’ve been very, very sensitive to the restoration," Mr. Pritchard said. One such example he pointed to is the unique outdoor swimming pool, which was designed by the architect to resemble a pond bordered by the property’s tropical and local foliage. Meanwhile, the villa’s interior meshes the original home’s high vaulted ceilings and regal stonework with a colorful contemporary palette, modernist chandeliers, and state-of-the-art appliances found in professional kitchens.
The villa’s bespoke furniture is available by separate negotiation.
"This is one of the best renovations I’ve ever seen period. The sensitivity, the quality, the design. Everything about this is absolutely fantastic," Mr. Pritchard said.
Stats
There are nine bedrooms, and seven bathrooms within the 22,841-square-foot property, which also includes over 9.8 acres of private park.
Amenities
The property’s amenities are many. A two-bedroom staff apartment is just one of them. "You can have the house looked after 24/7 whilst your away," Mr. Pritchard said. There’s also five-car underground parking, plus an additional two-car garage, a Jacuzzi, a steam room, a changing room, a personal gym, a 20-meter swimming pool, a huge private garden, and a professional kitchen capable of catering up to 200 guests.
More:A 16th Century Florence-Area Villa That May Have Been Designed by Michelangelo
Neighborhood Notes
Just across from Monaco on the French Riviera and the border of France, Bordighera is a small scenic town in Liguria, Italy, known for its genteel air and relaxing seaside locale. Some, though, find themselves drawn to the region for its cuisine. "I’ve got one American client—I won’t say who it is—who said the best restaurants in the world are there," Mr. Pritchard said of the region in which Villa Mostaccini resides. Perhaps Villa Monstaccini’s medieval tower is a good place to spot that next great restaurant waiting to be discovered.
Agent: Alasdair Pritchard, Knight Frank