Villa Le Fontanelle
Italy
Villa Fontanelle was built in the 19th century in a neoclassical style by the eccentric Lord Charles Currie. In 1977 it was bought by the Italian designer Gianni Versace that began to restore it to its neoclassical glory. The work, completed in December 1980 included a big ornamental gardens with three cottages, a tennis court, and an approximately 800-meter lakefront façade. After the Gianni Varsace death the property was sold and now the estate is owned by Russian millionaire restaurateur Arkady Novikov, who bought it for 33 million euros.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Villa Le Fontanelle, an architectural jewel situated in the prestigious Moltrasio district of Lake Como. As we stand before this magnificent estate, we are witnessing the pinnacle of 19th-century Italian luxury. …
Listen in the app2The Main Facade — Neoclassical Elegance
We begin our detailed examination at the main facade of the villa. Notice the pale, elegant stone and the rhythmic placement of the windows, which exemplify the neoclassical style popular among the 19th-century Italian…
Listen in the app3The Terrace and Gardens — A Horticultural Masterpiece
Step onto the grand terrace, which serves as an outdoor 'salon' connecting the villa's interior with the vast expanse of the lake. The gardens of Villa Le Fontanelle are a horticultural treasure trove, much like the famous…
Listen in the app4The Private Pier — The Gateway to the Lario
We descend now to the private pier, the historic 'front door' for many of the villa's most famous guests. For centuries, the most elegant way to arrive at Villa Le Fontanelle was by water, gliding across the 'azure waters' of the…
Listen in the app5The Belvedere — The Panoramic Vantage Point
Climb with me to the Belvedere, a small, ornamental structure or overlook designed specifically for the appreciation of the 'Bird's Eye View.' From this height, the entire central part of Lake Como unfolds before you. You can see…
Listen in the app6The Stone Grottoes — A Cool Retreat
Hidden within the tiered gardens are the stone grottoes, a fascinating and somewhat mysterious feature of the Fontanelle estate. These man-made caves, often lined with local stone and shells, were a popular feature in…
Listen in the app7The Wisteria Walkway — A Sensory Corridor
Finally, we walk through the Wisteria Walkway, a pergola-covered path that connects the different levels of the garden. In the spring, this area is a 'symphony of purple,' as the heavy blooms hang down from the wooden rafters,…
Listen in the app8Closing
As we conclude our journey through Villa Le Fontanelle, I hope you have gained a deeper appreciation for the 'perfect blend of the old and the new' that defines this estate. This villa is more than just a beautiful building; it…
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What is Villa Le Fontanelle?
Villa Le Fontanelle is a place in Italy with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Italy |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 45.8560, 9.0929 |
| Last updated |
