Casa Olivi – Markus Wespi and Jérôme de Meuron – Italy

Casa Olivi – Markus Wespi and Jérôme de Meuron – Italy

Architect: Markus Wespi and Jérôme de Meuron

Location: Le Marche, Italy

Year: 2010

Client: Paradizo, Casa Olivi

Project Type: Renovation

Floor Area: 260 m²

Overview

This three-storey, 18th-century farmhouse occupies an astonishingly beautiful corner of Le Marche. With its gentle hills rolling down towards the Adriatic coast and abundant olive groves, this significantly less-trodden Italian region, next to Umbria, is often referred to as ‘the new Tuscany’.

Partially destroyed in a fire several years ago, the spacious, 5 bedroom Casa Olivi has been completely renovated – and the finished result is nothing short of spectacular. The renovation took four years and, as the building is protected by the Italian Cultural and History Administration, the outside and been lovingly preserved while the inside has been remodeled into a deeply tasteful, luxurious and soothing haven.

Guests to the villa can socialise in one of the many different indoor or outdoor communal areas (including the outdoor terrace with sublime views over the surrounding countryside or the pool area). Casa Olivi makes for a delicious rural escape – but is just a short drive to Treia. Guests can enjoy activities such as wine/pecorino tasting and cooking lessons.

Bespoke Experience

Casa Olivi enjoys a panoramic position with stunning 360 degree views over the surrounding countryside. Set in its own private couple of acres, the farm house has been tastefully decorated and really packs a punch design-wise. It’s cool, calm and very serene.

The house has been finished to a very high standard and there are many cutting-edge finishing touches: such as the Phillipe Starck bathrooms, the home theatre and impressive rectangular infinity pool that sits raised above ground level (and looks like an oversized water trough such as are found in the nearby fields).

Dining

As the property is large and spacious, it’s the perfect space for friends and families to come together eat, relax and disconnect. There are several wonderful dining spaces – both inside and out. The kitchen is a cooks’ dream – and, for those who enjoy cooking, shopping for local ingredients and rustling up feasts in this space will undoubtedly become part of the holiday experience. In the south section of the property, there’s a large terrace with a pergola and dining table for 12, as well as an outside kitchen with grill and teppanyaki (Japanese grill).

For those not wanting to eat at home, there are some excellent and highly-recommended restaurants in the vicinity – many with one or more Michelin stars. There are also some renowned wine estates in the area, all producing some fabulous offerings.