What better space for a grand winter feast than the historic Great Hall, situated at the heart of this apartment inside Lake Como’s Villa Castelli. Built in 1731, the property has played host to many generations of the eponymous Castelli family (renowned in Italy’s Menaggio region) as well as the likes of Mussolini – the fascist former prime minister’s portrait was found hanging on the wall beside one of Winston Churchill’s wife, Clementine, when work first began on this renovation way back in 2015.
One historic figure has been replaced by another, with a reproduction painting of Napoleon Bonaparte now hanging above the dining table. Like many of the pieces in this home, it was discovered by new owners Darin Brown and Linda Allen at auction. The couple, originally from Canada, are lovers of vintage design and have been known to spend whole days trawling flea markets and secondhand shops in London and Paris.
They have given this home the same level of attention to detail as a skilled furniture restorer would, brightening up its coffered ceilings and hand-painted frescoes, and introducing a rich, atmospheric colour scheme that complements the lustre of the gold in the Great Hall’s original wall covering.
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‘Saturated colours and deep hues work well as they make the outside appear more vibrant,’ says Darin of the pair’s approach. ‘Darkness makes a space feel more cosy and warm. Too many bright colours can make a room sterile and cold – this place is more like a nest.’ He continues: ‘Living in Europe, you can see history everywhere. This apartment is a flashback to the past, but with elements of the present.’
