luxury house for sale Lyttelton, New Zealand

Villa Pierina was born as the highest expression of someone who has made it in life. At the beginning of the 20th century, Francesco Avanzini, a successful emigrant from Curio to Argentina, decided to commission the construction of Villa Pierina. The villa had to tangibly represent 'the spirit of successful return' to the homeland of for one who had achieved wealth and status in distant foreign lands. At that time, architect Giuseppe Bordonzotti, highly respected in Ticino for his Art Nouveau style of eclecticism, was contacted to take charge of the project. What followed was an intense exchange of correspondence of projects, variants, observations between Ticino and then thriving Argentine Capital of Buenos Aires. At that stage, the client's desire for the building to reflect 'American Long Island Grandeur' often clashed with architect Bordonzotti's desire for local architectural elements to prevail. Finally in 1909, construction work on Villa Pierina began. Completed in 1910, the villa is named after Francesco Avanzini's daughter. Purchased later by a wealthy German family, the building was entirely and tastefully renovated with noble materials, restoring its due 'grandeur'. A prestigious Art Nouveau, turn of the century, country estate which is listed as a cultural asset, Villa Pierina dominates the village of Curio with its regal elegance. Entirely renovated in 2012 using the noblest and most luxurious materials, the villa, with its four floors characterized by large, bright rooms, stands out as a residence of great distinction. High ceilings, large chandeliers, herringbone walnut parquet flooring, inlaid fireplaces, a discrete internal lift, and perfectly restored original frescos are just some of the prestigious elements of Villa Pierina. Its sunny south-eastern exposure and ample large terraces, offers an enchanting view of nature, the village and Lake Lugano. The park houses a large, heated swimming pool with sunbathing area and the villa is accessed via a majestic curved raised tree lined driveway which adds further significance to this magnificent historic estate. Today, Villa Pierina, one of Ticino's standout famous buildings, is waiting for a new owner to continue its prestigious history.