My castle

This castle in Umbria is the most common story: it was bought by a Russian millionaire, and decorated by a celebrity decorator

Passing the gallery

Magazine: Click (207) 2015

This castle in Umbria is the most common story: it was bought by a Russian millionaire, and decorated by a celebrity decorator

In general, the case was not even so much in the castle, as in the place. The customer paid primarily for the view. At the time of purchase, the castle was a magnificent ruin. But in what environment they stood! At the top of the hill, from where a dizzying perspective opens up. Umbria is the only landlocked region of Italy. But this shortage is more than compensated for by the scenery of extraordinary beauty: green open spaces, dotted with vineyards with winding road snakes.

To restore the building, the customer invited the Roman architect Domenico Minicilli. He collected it literally stone. Ruins dated to the XII century. The architect agreed with local suppliers of stone, which, like nine centuries ago, mined in local quarries. He relied on the drawings preserved in the archives and, to the extent possible, restored the fortifications in their original form. The interiors are designed by star British decorator Martin Lawrence Bullard, with whom the customer has been friends for many years. The task of Martin was not just to furnish the castle, but to give it a habitable appearance. The impression should have been created that history was not interrupted, that this was hereditary possession handed down from generation to generation. This atmosphere was achieved through the use of aged wood and metal. Stone floors, wall panels, all forged items are made by local artisans. Furniture and accessories decorator, together with the customer was looking for flea markets and proven dealers throughout Europe. Things were selected very carefully, but not limited to any one period. Here is how, for example, the interior of the front hall was formed: a fireplace portal of the 17th century was bought in Belgium, antique trinkets that stand on it — the 19th century — were brought from London, but the local blacksmiths forged the fencing of the fireplace today (albeit as a sample of the work of the XVII century, so that the ensemble was perceived as a whole) The customer was in love with Umbria and wanted the castle to have a local flavor and become part of the local history. Everything, as you can see, turned out.

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