Beachside deck with two lounge chairs, a white side table, purple flowers, turquoise sea, and distant boats under a blue sky.
Costa Smeralda

Happiness by the Sea

  • 3 min read
  • by Merle Wilkening

  • Issue

    02/25

  • Location

    Sardinia, Italy

  • Photography

    Gianluca Muscas

Set next to the water’s edge in beautiful Porto Cervo, this superb dwelling with its unusual organic forms blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings of the Costa Smeralda.

Villa Costa Smeralda: Blue-green like the Mediterranean

The Emerald Coast lives up to its promising name, inspired by the breathtaking bluish green hues of the Mediterranean. Visitors to this stretch of coastline soon discover that the inviting, glistening sea is the absolute star of the show here.

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV came up with a sophisticated development plan back in the 1960s that transformed Porto Cervo into a sought-after destination for the discerning traveller. His business-savvy concept proved successful, sparking an economic and tourism boom along the Sardinian coast. Even today, this Italian seaside resort, known for its pristine sandy beaches, gourmet restaurants and luxury boutiques, remains a favourite hotspot of the international jet set.

Bright coastal living room with white sofas, a patterned rug, and sliding glass doors to a patio overlooking turquoise sea.
The large windows in the living area frame the emerald sea and the islands of Cappuccini and Caprera perfectly.

An Organic Design with Tradition

Many of the luxury villas that define the iconic image of the Costa Smeralda were built in accordance with strict landscape planning guidelines set in place by an architectural committee specially appointed for this task. These homes were designed to blend in carefully with the surroundings, emphasizing the region’s natural beauty as the central feature. One such villa, situated on a seafront plot, was one of the earliest residences to be built in the area, based on original design plans drawn up by the architect Peter Schneck.

Bright coastal suite with all-white decor, large sliding glass door opening to the blue sea and greenery, a white sofa, and a round wooden-framed mirror.
Inside, light tones throughout create a cool and calming atmosphere during the hot summer months. The master bedroom boasts a dressing room and en suite bathroom.

This remarkable retreat was recently reimagined by a renowned architectural firm, which has preserved its authentic Mediterranean charm with its irregular shapes and use of natural materials like granite, wood, and light-toned plaster. Located just steps from the beach, the villa’s flowing, organic design blends in beautifully with the pink granite landscape of the bay of Liscia di Vacca. The architecture encloses the heart of the house like a shell: the light-flooded living area with fireplace. This flows seamlessly onto the patio and leads to the kitchen, which also opens up to the outdoor dining area at the rear of the villa. Its architecture embraces the heart of this home like a protective shell – namely the light-flooded living area with a fireplace, which transitions seamlessly out to the patio. From here, the space flows into the kitchen, which in turn opens to an outdoor dining area at the rear of the villa.

The harmonious interplay of glass, wood and stone evokes a unique atmosphere inside, combining contemporary design with the typical hallmarks of local craftsmanship. Stepping inside, lucky guests are instantly captivated by the stunning view of the sea. Large floor-toceiling windows frame the breathtaking panorama, which stretches as far as the islands of Cappuccini and Caprera off the main coast.

Open living space with dark curved walls and arched doorways opening to a pool and garden, white seating, and wooden furniture.
Glass, wood and stone feature here in a blend of local tradition and contemporary design.

A Retreat for Relaxation

Contrasting room dimensions lend the interior a unique character, while fostering a sense of seamless flow between the individual spaces. The master bedroom features a walkin closet, an en suite bathroom with a bathtub, and direct access to the patio complete with a Whirlpool. A separate wing of the property plays host to three well-appointed suites, each with their own private bathroom.

Open-air dining area with a long glass table and white chairs under a slatted wooden roof, opening to a sea-view with lounge chairs outside.
The living space opens to an inviting patio.

The property affords uncompromised privacy, as well as a beautifully tended Mediterranean garden, a pool enjoying ample sunlight, and various inviting terraces that are perfect for year-round relaxation. Besides being a dream come true for anyone seeking luxury living in a prestigious and highly desirable location, it is also a timeless investment.

Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

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Smiling young woman with short blonde hair and hoop earrings, standing outdoors in front of a stone building with ornate architectural details.

Merle Wilkening

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As a Senior Editor at GG Magazine, Merle Wilkening writes about the people, places, and ideas that shape our world. She is most in her element interviewing personalities who speak about their passions with genuine enthusiasm. Driven by curiosity, her travels regularly take her toward the sun in search of unique encounters and the stories behind the world’s most captivating destinations. Her culinary pursuits range from local neighborhood gems to Michelin-starred dining.

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