The Aldo Rossi masterpiece on Lake Maggiore

On the lakefront of Verbania, in one of the most exclusive and charming corners of Lake Maggiore, a villa with direct access to the lake is for sale, one of the masterpieces of renowned architect Aldo Rossi. This magnificent residence of about 500 square meters, distributed on four levels, offers spectacular views of the lake on each floor. Commissioned by a family whose surname is linked to one of the best-known Made in Italy design brands, the villa represents the only architectural creation of the celebrated master on Lake Maggiore. Considered one of the most important Italian architects of the second half of the 20th century, Aldo Rossi was the first Italian designer to win the prestigious Pritzker Prize for architecture. With his rigorous language of primary forms, geometries and evocations in absence, he offered a personal version of postmodernism, creating some of the most intensely poetic works of architecture and design of his era. The design of the villa consists of large, essential volumes and, in a fusion of elements typical of nineteenth-century patrician residences, is developed in a measured eclecticism of materials. The structure of the building consists of stone wall partitions, built according to the ancient technique of “scagliola” walls, now abandoned, and combined with terracotta window frames. In the dense texture of these walls, thin flakes of rocks of different types, shapes, lengths and color varieties are layered, giving the wall structure a kind of homogeneous petrified compactness only slightly rippled. The materials used are many: Montorfano granite, Baveno, beola, serizzo, which in their different silvery gray, leaden or at times shaded ochre colorations enrich the uniqueness of the structure. The entrance to the villa is marked by two imposing polished green granite columns. Also of the same material are the frames of the front door and windows, which contrast elegantly with the scagliola wall behind the two large entrance columns. The lakefront façade, which is more reserved and protected from outside gazes, abandons its imposing and severe appearance to adopt an elegant classical style, characterized by three loggias made entirely of terracotta, whose red color contrasts beautifully with the gray of the stone. The octagonal-shaped columns, balustrade columns, window frames, and tiles inserted into the green metal beams of the terraces were made of terracotta to Aldo Rossi's design, thanks to the collaboration of a Tuscan kiln. The craftsmanship in the workmanship of the stone flake facades, combined with an unexpected use of terracotta, along with the special copper covering of the vaulted roof, are the architectural features that make the dwelling unique and valuable. In contrast to the terracotta we find the red tinting of the window and door frames - a precise reference to oriental colors derived from the architect's experience in Japan - and the pink-tinted plastered surface that forms the backdrop to the lakefront loggias. The balustrade handrail, made of wood stained white, is a detail that underscores the desire to use materials that transform and enrich with the course of time. The layout of the villa on four levels originates a succession of independent but at the same time connected spaces. The first, at street level, is the heart of daily life and conviviality: with an entrance hall, kitchen, bathroom, dining area and living room, divided by a monumental fireplace, it welcomes guests to the house. The second, at lake level, with its double living room, service rooms and bathroom, on the other hand, creates a more intimate relationship with the body of water and the surrounding garden. Lush vegetation and high stone fence walls accentuate the feeling of privacy and direct contact with the lake located in front. The sleeping area is spread over the two upper levels of the villa: in the first is the large master bedroom with bathroom and walk-in closet; in the second, under the striking roof vaults, are three more bedrooms with two bathrooms. The floors on the lake and street level are made of natural stone slabs, while those in the bedrooms on the upper floors are made of teak wood, adding warmth and intimacy to the private rooms. All the furniture in the villa has been carefully researched and designed by the renowned Architect. A spa area and a large garage for four cars complete the offerings of this exclusive residence. The magic of the villa can also be breathed in the garden, where a wooden terrace overlooking the water stands out, ideal for enjoying the natural spectacle of this shore of Lake Maggiore or organizing an aperitif made unforgettable by the colors of the sunset. Last but not least, there is a private dock where you can moor your boat: an invitation to discover the lake even more closely. The strategic location of the villa, close to the bike path and the scenic lakeside promenade that in a few minutes leads to the town center, full of cafes, restaurants and services of all kinds, makes the offer even more valuable. Villa Aldo Rossi in Suna, much more than a villa: an icon of style, a choice for those looking not only for a pieds dans l'aeu property, but an unparalleled dwelling, a one-of-a-kind jewel.