A meticulously restored 19th century villa in Italy's Piedmont region has captured attention for its masterful integration of historical preservation and cutting-edge technology. The frescoed mansion, located in Alzo di Pella above Lake Orta with sweeping views of Gozzano and Omegna, demonstrates how centuries-old architectural treasures can be transformed into modern luxury homes without losing their authentic character.
The impressive 700-square-meter estate remained in the same family's possession for over 150 years, with roots dating back to the late 16th century when the family first settled in the village. The family's historical significance extends beyond property ownership - they were actively involved in trade and banking since the 17th century and contributed significantly to the local community by establishing La Famiglia Alzese, the area's first daycare center, in 1903, which operated throughout the entire 20th century.
In the early 2020s, new owners acquired the residence and embarked on an extensive restoration project. The renovation was entrusted to architect Pierangelo Pavesi, who collaborated with interior design firms Noitre and Guidetti Arredamenti, while furniture restoration was handled by the specialized company Di Mano in Mano. The project's primary challenge was maintaining the building's historical integrity while incorporating 21st century amenities and technology.
The villa showcases distinctive neoclassical features from the 18th century, despite being constructed in the 19th century. Its rectangular, symmetrical layout provides direct views of San Giulio Island, while the geometric precision is emphasized by a centrally positioned astrolabe on the roof that serves both decorative and symbolic purposes. The fundamental concept was to restore the building as authentically as possible while honoring its rich history, explains architect Pavesi.
The restoration required delicate work, particularly in preserving and reviving the original frescoes found throughout the ground floor and first floor rooms, including the bathrooms. Many of these artistic treasures were in poor condition and required extensive conservation efforts. The frescoes served as the guiding thread for the entire project, with their preservation taking absolute priority in all design decisions.
Antique furnishings bearing the house's coat of arms, which also appears on the exterior facades, were carefully restored and integrated into the modern living spaces. The kitchen features original tiles from Vietri that were refurbished and converted into a functional work surface, demonstrating the creative approach to preserving historical elements while adapting them for contemporary use.
Natural lighting played a crucial role in the interior design strategy. The house is precisely aligned along north-south and east-west axes, and the interior lighting situation is enhanced by various custom-made circular windows that provide illumination to rooms that would otherwise require artificial lighting. We wanted to avoid compromising these clean lines with unnecessary elements, the architect notes.
Visitors enter through a grand octagonal entrance hall that leads directly to the main salon, which connects to the dining room. The salon's walls and ceiling are adorned with frescoes depicting three distinct themes: the four seasons, a romantic story featuring lovers secretly exchanging letters among trees, and symbolic figures on the ceiling vaults whose meanings remain undeciphered. These artistic elements stimulate imagination and tell stories from bygone eras.
The ground floor also houses a kitchen with seating for six, a music room, and a large study featuring an imposing black fireplace with a checkerboard pattern and a central panel of red-painted cast iron that gives the space a mysterious atmosphere. The first floor contains guest suites equipped with wardrobes, private bathrooms, and lake-view balconies, while the family quarters include a master bedroom decorated with a large ceiling fresco in green and beige tones depicting two young girls feeding doves.
The second floor features two additional guest rooms with bathrooms, a fitness room, and a sauna with spectacular views. The project required complex structural improvements, including reinforcing second-floor supports and installing heating, cooling, electrical, water, and internet systems throughout a building completely covered in frescoes, which demanded particularly sophisticated technical solutions.
The installation of a glass elevator required careful planning to avoid damage to the staircase or ceiling frescoes. For the photovoltaic system, which was only permitted on the sides rather than the main roof, wine-red panels were selected to blend aesthetically with the building's character. Materials were chosen to match or complement the originals as closely as possible, while the color palette drew inspiration from the existing frescoes.
The renovation's guiding principle was achieving lightness while respecting the existing structure. The ground floor received new mosaic tiles and Venetian plaster following an original pattern, while transparent components were strategically placed to disappear when light enters, highlighting the wall decorations and frescoes. Modern, sometimes iconic elements were incorporated but in limited quantities to avoid overwhelming the spaces.
Some antique furniture pieces were restored and discretely integrated as visual references to the past, creating a dialogue between historical and contemporary elements. The project successfully brings the location's history to life in every detail while looking toward the future through state-of-the-art technologies and architectural solutions, proving that historical preservation and modern luxury can coexist harmoniously.
