Casa Morelli — Chianti, Italy
The Chianti region has long gripped the imagination of travellers, oenophiles and flaneurs, as much for its sense of idyllic escapism as its seemingly endless green vistas. All the more reason to seize the opportunity for an extended retreat in this three-bedroom bolthole in Radda.
In the midst of a vast sweep of vineyards, olive groves and oak forests, Munich-based architect Walter Petri has linked a restored two-storey, 15th-century farmhouse with a new-build to create a sleek modern retreat that nevertheless feels as if it’s always been part of the landscape.
Credit, especially, to interiors studio Holzrausch for walking that fine line between rustic Tuscan tropes and a contemporary read of countryside élan, a balancing act that is quietly articulated in the antique oak floors paired with travertine walls, kitchen and showers lined in Cotto stone, Klaus Lichtenegger-designed tables and chairs, and customised lamps.
The view of the countryside from the living room – whose wide sliding doors open to a stone-clad terrace – is a showstopper, and whilst the fully equipped kitchen encourages communal cooking and meals (there’s even a full sized Berkel slicing machine), the neighbouring winery Brancaia, a short walk away, offers a comforting menu of pastas and grilled meats and vegetables.
ADDRESS
53017 Radda Chianti
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Daven Wu is the Singapore Editor at Wallpaper*. A former corporate lawyer, he has been covering Singapore and the neighbouring South-East Asian region since 1999, writing extensively about architecture, design, and travel for both the magazine and website. He is also the City Editor for the Phaidon Wallpaper* City Guide to Singapore.
-
Hanker after a 1970s supercar? The Encor Series 1 elevates the Lotus Esprit to a new levelThis limited-edition remastering of the dramatic wedge-shaped Lotus Esprit stops at nothing to improve and enhance the original without losing sight of its analogue excellence
-
A new photo book takes you behind the scenes of some of cinema's most beloved films, from 'Fargo' to 'Charlie's Angels'Set decorator Lauri Gaffin captures Hollywood's quieter moments in an arresting new book
-
This sculptural London seafood restaurant was shaped by ‘the emotions of the sea’In Hanover Square, Mazarine pairs a bold, pearlescent interior with modern coastal cuisine led by ‘bistronomy’ pioneer chef Thierry Laborde
-
Experience the cradle of the Renaissance in a new light at Florence’s W hotelFlorence’s palazzi, basilicas and baptistries groan with history. But the city’s new W hotel poses an alternative perspective – one that is distinctly modern
-
Fall in love with the Dolomites at this serene retreatIn South Tyrol, the refreshed Forestis hotel raises the bar for high-altitude calm
-
Langosteria Montenapoleone is the new multi-level dining destination to know in MilanCrowning the top three floors of the recently opened Palazzo Fendi, the Langosteria group unveils its most ambitious venture yet
-
Check in at Aman Rosa Alpina, a modern Alpine cocoonSan Cassiano’s historic hotel has been reborn as a pared-back Aman refuge in the heart of the Dolomites
-
Mediterranean dreams come true at this radiant Puglian hotelA former convent has been converted into Vista Ostuni, a plush bolthole inspired by the landscape and heritage of the Puglia region
-
Stay in a pastel-hued Puglian palazzo as it starts a new chapterA haven for the design-minded, Palazzo Daniele reopens following a thoughtful restoration by Milan-based Studio Palomba Serafini and GS Collection
-
This Italian palazzo-turned-café adds a dash of drama to your morning espressoDesigned by studio AMAA, Caffè Nazionale brings new energy to a 19th-century former town hall in the northern Italian town of Arzignano
-
Pierre-Yves Rochon celebrates ‘the great tradition of Italian design’ in Four Seasons Hotel Milano refreshThe sophisticated hotel’s 118 rooms and suites have been redesigned by the acclaimed designer and long-time collaborator of the brand