The decor of the stars

From Nobel Prizes’ signatures on the fireplace of Villa Mondadori to the pizzeria of George Clooney’s house. Some interesting facts about how celebrities personalize their homes. 

What’s inside celebrity houses? What are the distinctive décor features, the things they would never give up? 
The purchase by Donatella Versace of Villa Mondadori, one of the most luxury Villas Lake Maggiore, has turned the spotlight not only on the beautiful celebrity properties, but also on the characteristics that you can find inside the walls of their extraordinary villas. Let's see some of them. 


A NOBEL PRIZE FIREPLACE

The prestigious Lake Maggiore properties have been for centuries one of the most sought-after destinations for international intellectuals and stars. The publisher Arnoldo Mondadori, after having purchased Villa La Verbanella in Meina in the 1920s, turned it into a meeting place for writers and poets.

Here you can find a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture: a real cultural record. As is known, Mondadori asked its guests to leave an autograph or an inscription on the living room fireplace. Even today, those who pass by there can admire the signatures of some poets like Ungaretti and Montale, of writers such as Hemingway, Simenon, Thomas Mann.

ALESSANDRO MANZONI AND LAGO MAGGIORE

Also, another protagonist of Italian history and literature loved Lake Maggiore. Alessandro Manzoni loved coming to these shores to find inspiration, cultivate friendships and relax. His retreat was Villa Stampa in Lesa, his second wife’s house, Teresa Borri, widow Stampa. Even today there is the desk, various mementos and writer's manuscripts.

VILLA CAMPARI AND BERLUSCONI

Still in Lesa on Lago Maggiore, the villa built by the patriot Cesare Correnti is today owned by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. It became Villa Campari when the family that invented the famous bitter aperitif went to live there. Here the neoclassical style dominates. However, it seems that the Cavaliere was not enchanted by the indoor decor, but by the splendid garden that descends towards the water.

These prestigious Lago Maggiore properties are so beautiful. Why don’t’ you buy one and live your own dream? Choose your style and the Villa Lago Maggiore for your needs.

THE PIZZERIA OF CLOONEY’S VILLA

However, Lago Maggiore is not the only stretch of water that has seduced stars and celebrities.

The actor George Clooney fell in love with this area after a motorcycle trip around the Alps, and decided to buy Villa Oleandra in Laglio from one of his compatriots, John Heinz, ketchup magnate. Several anecdotes and curiosities about his relationship with this place, from when he apologized to the whole neighbourhood for any problems due to his celebrity, to lunch with the Obama family by the lake.

However, few know that inside the house there is a pizzeria corner, where guests can try to bake their favourite pizza.

POWER TO ECLECTISM

Among the dwellings of famous people, a reference to the villa of Francesco Facchinetti cannot be missed. Immersed in the greenery of Mariano Comense, this house is the mirror of his eclectic and eccentric personality. Historical items such as the Chinese chairs of the '700 are combined with unique ideas such as the natural-sized cow at the entrance, a real playroom, a sub (also natural-sized) hanging from the ceiling, a tricolour flag-shaped sink. A house full of surprises and entertainment.

CHANGE OF USE

Not only prestigious Lago Maggiore properties and villas overlooking the most beautiful lakes in Italy, but also luxury Roman residences. That of the well-known TV anchor-woman Paola Ferrari deserves a mention, both for its beauty and for a peculiarity. Before being the home of a VIP, its walls welcomed a convent and, in the 1970s, the secret service offices. Who knows, maybe in some corners there is still a state secret!