| OPEN
HOUSE
A
Magazine of Interior Design and Architecture
Volume
25COVER
HOUSE:
VILLA
VENEZIA |
| In
order to facilitate the goal of designing an extraordinary home reflecting 16th-century
Italy with the finest elements of architecture and art, the builder created in
his mind the person who would live here: a wealthy sea captain merchant from Venice
who chose to go to the countryside during the time of construction of the great
villas in the Veneto region. Located in the northeastern part of the country,
this regions includes Venice and the surrounding areas. The prosperity which
began in Venice spread across the mountains to the outlying areas and, as a result,
cities and towns developed. So the vision today was that our Venetian captain
of yesterday traveled to the countryside to build this grand villa. By remaining
on inland waters that flowed ultimately to Venice, and by retaining many of the
characteristics and elements of Venetian architecture, he would never feel homesick.
And how could he in this grand villa? | 
Beyond
the fountain which replicates a gigantic bronze oil jar, there are three towers
topped with pinnacles as seen on Italian palaces.
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| As
one approaches, there is an entrance gate with Gothic arches and quatrefoils topped
by winged lions, representing Venice's patron saint, Saint Mark. After
entering the grounds, one approaches the grand fountain which replicates a gigantic
bronze oil jar. Encircled by a fountain ring, the eight-foot-tall jar features
cool, bubbling water from its spout. As the approach continues, one cannot
help but notice that the driveway is an unusual cobblestone travertine.
In fact, more than 26,000 square feet of travertine were used in both the interior
and exterior construction of this residence. To the sides of the driveway
are Italian styled parterres with benches and columns and, of course, Italian
cypress, which is carried throughout the entire property. CLICK
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