Villa Sorra

Beautiful frescoes. Baroque architecture. Lots of scrolls and cartouches. 

These make me happy.

 

The World of Interiors recently featured Villa Sorra as a backdrop for the contemporary furniture of the Milan furniture fair, Salone Internazionale del Mobile, providing quite a contrast between the old and the new.

Villa Sorra is located near Modena, Italy, in the town of Castelfranco Emilia. The building dates back to around 1800 as is most noted for its exceptional gardens. Villa Sorra is an outstanding example of Emilian baroque architecture, based on a design by Giuseppe Antonio Torri.

There is not a single wall I don't like. 

It is awaiting restoration; hopefully the frescoes will be left alone!

Which is your favorite?

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Just Waiting...

In the small town of Bourgogne-sur-Gesse, in the southwest of France, sits a charming hotel waiting for the right buyer.

 Would he/she please step forward?

Hotel du Parc is looking for a new owner. The present owner, Madame Annie Laville, has lived here her whole life. Back in 1905, her young grandparents bought the grand private house, owned by the mayor, renovated it and opened the Hotel du Parc. Madame Laville's parents eventually took over, followed by Annie, who is now eying retirement. 

The hotel's wonderfully charming murals were painted by Antoine Barateaud, the son of a close family friend of Annie's grandfather. Antoine was wounded in World War I and after recovering was offered the chance to paint the hotel's rooms. He spent the next five years doing so, even returning decades later to paint scenes in the newly added ballroom.

 The Art Nouveau influence is evident.

Charming, to say the least.

Madame Laville gave herself one year to find a buyer. 

She is reaching the end of the year now. 

Would that we could help her out! 

Anyone?

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A Scottish treasure in green and gold

I discovered Newhailes, a Scottish national treasure, in the October issue of The World of Interiors. Built in the late 17th century, it still boasts the original decorative painting. After it was turned over to the National Trust of Scotland, it was decided to "restore" as little of it as possible, preserving its lived-in and loved interiors.  

This "pineapple" cascade of shelves used to hold small porcelain pieces. Check out the gilded plasterwork moldings! Such attention to detail.

This large painted panel is actually removable and hides an alcove of shelves. Just beautiful. And a lovely chair with its original needlework.

A trompe l'oeil bust sits on its pedestal that is filled with a glass panel painted with fish scales.

The oval marble sculpture portrays the holy family's rest on their flight to Egypt.

I really like this particular shade of green used throughout, and the gilded accents are a perfect complementary touch.

All photos by Ricardo Labougle.