Villa d’Este’s Private Villa Cima Gets A Loro Piana Makeover
by Laurie Kahle, ForbesLife, 25/10/2019, Source
Lake Como’s landmark Villa d’Este hotel tapped the famous Italian fabric and design house Loro Piana to refresh its Villa Cima, one of four private villas on the property, earlier this year.
Built in 1815, long before the estate transitioned to a luxury hotel in 1873, the 7,000-square-foot Villa Cima allows guests to enjoy the best of both worlds: the intimacy and privacy of a standalone lakefront residence with the service and amenities of a world-famous five-star hotel.
The four-bedroom villa spans three floors around a grand central staircase. Shared spaces include a living room, dining room, study, chef’s kitchen and outdoor terraces for lounging and al fresco dining with panoramic views of the breathtaking lake.
Loro Piana transformed the interior, imparting a modern residential ambience without sacrificing a sense of old-world glamour or the character of the antique building. Throughout, the hotel’s signature shade of cardinal red is complemented with a palette of contrasting French blue, deep teal, and silvery taupe.
Heavy, old-world antiques were switched out for custom contemporary upholstered pieces such as headboards, chairs, sofas and settees all covered with Loro Piana’s sumptuous cashmeres, velvets, silks and linens. Even the accents, such as throws, pillows, and table linens were given the impeccable Loro Piana touch.
The waterfront villa is surrounded by the estate’s manicured 25 acres, just a short walk from the main hotel, where guests can indulge in gourmet dining, cocktails, or lounging by the famous floating swimming pool, Lake Como’s first, built in the 1960s.
Famous for its serene surroundings and an emphasis on privacy and discretion, Villa d’Este has a long and storied history going back to 1568, when the architect Pellegrino Pellegrini built the villa as a summer residence for the Cardinal of Como, Tolomeo Gallio.
Since its transformation into a palace hotel in the late 19th century, Villa d’Este has hosted royals and rockers, cultural luminaries, heads of state and Fortune 500 CEOs. And it has lost none of its allure among today’s A-listers with recent visits from Jennifer Aniston, Adam Sandler, Bruce Springsteen, and John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, who stayed there during their nuptials in 2013. It’s also a favorite hangout for George and Amal Clooney who own a villa nearby.
The newly redesigned Villa Cima only enhances that sense of privacy and relaxation, providing a sanctuary within a sanctuary overlooking the mesmerizing shimmering waters that shift colors as the day progresses.
“This magical setting is an invitation to be present with the flow of time, the greatest luxury of all, our most precious gift,” said Danilo Zucchetti, Villa d’Este’s managing director. “And it continues our fine tradition as a haven of peace and tranquility.”
Villa Cima (from $11,700 per night) can accommodate up to 8 guests.
