Modern meets medieval at the design-forward COMO Castello Del Nero
Don’t we all dream of life in Tuscany? Until that European holiday pad becomes a reality (and shouldn’t your first second home be spectacular?), a jaunt over to the dreamy COMO Castello Del Nero is in order. If deep history, complete serenity and being right in the Chianti region presses all your buttons – but you also lean towards a modern aesthetic – this property is perfection.
The 12th-century estate is a few rolling hills away to San Gimignano, Siena and Florence: a sprawling 740 acres with scenic vineyards, turned luxury retreat. Now a COMO property, it has undergone one amazing makeover courtesy of Milan-based designer, Paola Navone. Navone worked in South-East Asia for decades, and is known as one of the most inventive designers working today (case in point: her award-winning Big Bed for Poliform, part sofa, part raft).
It’s an indulgence to be surrounded by history and so many original details. What’s so astounding at the Castello is that iconic Tuscan traits – from delicate Renaissance frescoes (above) to terracotta tiling (below) – mingle so effortlessly with Navone’s contemporary touches.
Navone’s is a minimalist palette that introduces character through texture rather than bold colour (in a previous life as a luxury hotel, the colour palette of some rooms were inspired by the local Chianti). Her choice is a completely modern, clean grey. On upholstery you’d expect to see in a chic apartment; on headboards (below) that reach for the wood-beamed bedroom ceilings, on highly textured rugs and dining tables and chairs in one of the Castello’s restaurants. Marble, of course, is at home here – not just in those beautiful bathrooms, but on sleek side tables we’ve all fallen for during the marble revival.
It’s effortlessly light, modern and tranquil – and just what we’d expect from another COMO beauty.
Site note: There’s a Michelin-starred restaurant on site, unsurprisingly. La Torre (below) takes root in the property’s former stables: the dramatic concrete arches are the portal to the past here.
Side side note: The exteriors are pretty darn lovely too.
Where to now?
- Take our money: here are the independent furniture stores to hit up for the COMO look.
- Need more hotel inspo? Look no further than the Origin Bar at the Shangri-La.
- Coworking spaces also make for interior inspo – when they’re designed by Takenouchi Webb.
- Alright, look further: at these iconic designer chairs.
- And before you start renovating, meet the founders of hi-tech house paint Gush for interior chic that also purifies the air.
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