Villa Berla

Floorplan Brochure

Villa Berla

Azzate, Italy

€1,850,000

Freehold

Located above Lake Varese in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, Villa Berla is a 16th century vision brought subtly into modernity through decades of sensitive restoration. It is located less than an hour from Milan and Lake Como, in the beautiful village of Azzate and combines around 14,000 sq ft of internal accommodation with almost two thirds of an acre of gardens. Within its private curtilage, grand Baroque elements meet exquisite, restored frescos thought to be attributable to the Lombardian Old Master Giovanni Battista del Sole, some of whose greatest works are located in the nearby Santa Marta Chapel of Varese’s Basilica Vittore.

Around three decades ago, it was the former director of Olivetti, Riccardo Berla, who acquired the palazzo and its grounds for use as his family residence. In the ensuing years he adapted and extended the space into four connected but independent dwellings, all with minimal intervention to the historic architecture. In more recent years, Villa Berla has benefited from a comprehensive renovation and restoration, to a sympathetic design by the architect Enrico Caminoli of Caminoli Coppola Architects, and interior restyling by the architect Marta Nowicka.

The building takes shape in a monastic layout; around a courtyard which has been reinstated with river pebbles in the local tradition, and re-opened to the garden for the benefit of views from the first-floor windows. From the courtyard, the portico provides a wonderful transition to the main house and is rightfully employed as a cool retreat for al fresco dining during the hot summer days and evenings.

Inside the levels have been consolidated and underfloor heating incorporated in sections, and restorations of the original fabric have taken place; on the corbels and struts of the cantilevered eaves for instance. Exposed beams have been reconditioned and returned to view, and colossal stone fireplaces heat the rooms once more.

From Via Volta, the most discreet of ancient timber doorways leads through the facade to a cobble-floored tunnel. Wrought-iron gates to the gardens lie beyond and a turn to the left leads into the portico, where summer dining takes place.

Stone steps lead up to the piano nobile where the full restoration of box-wooden ceilings and terracotta floors are displayed. The frescos attributed to Master painter Giovanni Battista Del Sole surround the beautiful, restored fireplaces and encase the walls of some bedrooms.

The palazzo was built in the 16th century and underwent significant changes in the second half of the 17th century, with further modifications in the 18th century.

In more recent years, the expanse of floorspace was divided into separate living quarters to allow for multi-generational living and as independent spaces for visitors. The possible iterations and arrangements are limitless but the unifying element always remains; the central courtyard as a place to congregate and socialise. Today, the arrangement is simplified as a five-bedroom main house and a separate but connected apartment.

Beyond the courtyard there are substantial private gardens whose lawns and mature borders extend all the way south to Via Battista.

Exposed beams have been reconditioned and returned to view, and colossal stone fireplaces heat the rooms once more

Bedrooms:

Reception Rooms:

Bathrooms:

Internal:

13,900 sq ft / 1,300 sq m

External:

27,976 sq ft / 2,600 sq m

Tenure:

Freehold

Borough:

Azzate, VA

Council Tax:

N/A

EPC:

N/A

Nearby

The villa is situated in the centre of the charming village of Azzate in the Lombardy region of Italy. It enjoys the most stunning views of the Alps and of Lake Varese which lies beneath Azzate to the north.

The area is known as a great launching point for outdoor activities to the north; walking, cycling and activities around and on the lake. There are some lovely local cafes and trattorias serving provincial specialities like pesce di lago, some fine handmade, northern pastas, and excellent local wines.

Varese, known as the ‘garden city’ or ‘Little Versailles’ of Italy, is between ten and fifteen minutes by car and offers a wider itinerary in the most elegant of settings. The Old Town is a familiar sight of colourful 18th and 19th Century buildings, with a breathtaking main street in pink porphyry. Piazza Carducci is equally magical and is home to the excellent La Posteria restaurant.

Transport

Azzate and Varese are both just an hour’s drive from central Milan and its international airport. The easiest way to get around is by car, though regional trains and local buses do connect Varese to its surrounding villages. From Azzate, cycling and walking is highly recommended.

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