From our archives: classic villa in Forte dei Marmi
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20 Feb 2023
This villa seems to have come off the pages of architecture textbooks. The project of architect and interior designer Dmitry Velikovsky, created with the participation of designer Angela Konevnina, is an ode to Renaissance architecture and modern comfort
Dmitry Velikovsky is a man of peace. His projects are implemented in Europe and Southeast Asia, Russia and America, in London, Moscow, Marbella. But, probably, only in Italy can an architect have a chance to show his knowledge of classical architecture in all its splendor.
The main facade of the house.
Photo
Tim Beddow
In the harmonious rhythm of the columns, you can hear the echo of Renaissance Florentine architecture
Living room with access to the garden. Antique Baroque columns, Naples, XVIII century. Sofas, Kingcome Sofas. Chairs, Laurel & Co. On the right is a round table made by Florentine craftsmen, a table lamp, Galbuzera. On the left is a coffee table made of stone and metal, IBL & Co. Antique carpet, Bonhams New York.
Photo
Tim Beddow
However, we should not forget that in the country that gave the world great architects, the bar should be kept very high. And this is exactly the task Dmitry set himself when he saw what he had to work on — a large house from the 1970s on a not too convenient narrow plot of land in the center of Forte dei Marmi. Rebuilding the house did not make sense — it had to be demolished, and the first task was a complete redevelopment of the site.
The facade of the house from the garden side.
Photo
Tim Beddow
The front part with a regular garden has become a kind of stage, framing the classic facade of the villa with green hedge scenes. The harmonious rhythm of the columns of the Tuscan order, in which the echo of Florentine Renaissance architecture is heard, the ratio of the height of the floors, subordinated to the principles of the golden section, and traditional materials — plaster in the color of honey-yellow Sienese marble and gray sandstone architectural details of pietra serena, exactly the same as Brunelleschi used in the construction of the Pazzi chapel — this house will confuse anyone with its historical authenticity.
"I have been absorbing the spirit of Tuscan architecture for many years," says Dmitry. "On trips to Italy, we often stayed in historic villas, grandiose and at the same time captivating with their apparent simplicity." The interior decoration of the house also seems so intentionally simple — no imitations, modern frescoes or expensive materials.
View from the salon to the dining room. Coffee table, IBL and Co. Armchairs and pouf, Laurel and Co. Sofas, Kingcome Sofas. Queen Anne style cabinet with Chinoiserie painting, XVIII century. The circular table is made to order by Florentine craftsmen. Table lamps, Galbuzera. Chandelier in the dining area, antiques.
Photo
Tim Beddow
Striking is that the impressive size of the fireplace in the style of the XVII century, brought from Lyon, is one of the few wishes of the owners regarding the interior, otherwise giving the architect carte blanche. Dmitry generously allocated the entire ground floor for the front rooms — the living room extends from the main entrance to the swing doors opening onto the terrace and garden.
Fireplace area of the salon. Wooden fireplace portal, XIX century, bought in France. Armchairs, XVIII century. Wood grate inside the fireplace, Chesneys. The sofa in front of the fireplace is made to order, upholstered in Pierre Frey fabric. The bookshelf is made to order.
Photo
Tim Beddow
The flickering of old mirrors, crystal and worn gilding makes the modern world recede
Canteen. Dining table with wood and stone top, Francesco Elly. Chairs, Laurel and Co, upholstered in Bruno Triplet fabric. Chandelier, antiques, Italy, XIX century. Mirror, Of Interni. Display cabinets, Galbuzera.
Photo
Tim Beddow
There is a dining room on the right and a room with a fireplace on the left. On the second floor there are four bedrooms with stunning mountain views. The interior is filled with authentic objects of the middle and end of the XVIII century. These are mostly antiques from southern Italy, maybe a little excessive in the interpretation of Baroque and rocaille motifs, but giving the modern interior of the villa the same historical atmosphere as the Renaissance details of the facade.
Guest bathroom. The mirror is made of an antique frame. The underside of the sink with a marble countertop and artistic painting is made to order.
Photo
Tim Beddow
Authentic objects of the XVIII century give the interior a historical atmosphere
The main bathroom. Admiral, Devon & Devon foot bath. The underside of the sink with a marble countertop is made to order in Italy. Chandelier, Bella Figura. Roman curtains — made of fabric Beacon Hill York col. Linen.
Photo
Tim Beddow
Office. Chandelier, Vaughan. Desk, Trade route. Chair, Guadarte. Armchair, Laurel & Co. Carpet, Tassibel.
Photo
Tim Beddow
The garden facade of the house sounds contrasting — light, clear, modern and completely informal. In its shade, you can spend days away from the hustle and bustle of the popular resort. And it is worth returning to the living room, filled with subdued light, the flickering of old mirrors, crystal and worn gilding, as the modern world retreats even further — about five centuries ago. After all, classical architecture is relevant at all times.
The master bedroom. Bed, And So To Bed. The headboard in Nina Campbell fabric is made to order. Bra, Tindle. Poufs in natural suede, Edelman.
Photo
Tim Beddow
The grandiose historical villas of Tuscany captivate with their apparent simplicity
A fragment of the master bedroom. Mirrored desk, Arte Veneziana. Chair, Cabiate. Mirror, Casa d'arte Paoletti. Table lamps, Chelini. Built-in wardrobes are made to order.
Photo
Tim Beddow
