See our news section for more expert interiors tips, product launches, and luxury travel and property updates The historic estate had been advertised on Engel & Völkers before the fashion designer purchased the home. The expansive50-room property has a splendid history. The estate was bought by the Mondadori family in the 1920s. Since then, many famous names have stayed here, including Walt Disney, George Simenon, Thomas Mann and Ernest Hemingway. During their stay, some of the most acclaimed writers of the 20th century left their signatures on the wall above the fireplace. They remain there to this day, as a testimony to the glorious past of Villa Mondadori. Aside from its pink exterior and traditional Italian interiors, a key design aspect is the large fireplace in the main living room, which is covered in the signatures of famous writers and poets, authors and intellectuals. Spread over four floors, the former Bed and Breakfast offers20 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, each with lakeside views, as well as a library, billiard room and a study. See:At home with Skye McAlpine The lavish estate, known as Villa Mondadori, spans 15,000 square feet, and comes witha pool, garage and football pitch. The property is located directly by the lakeside and surrounded by a beautiful garden with a swimming pool, (with private docks for boats), which sits on the border of Italy and Switzerland. The four floors of the villa play host to an incredible fifty rooms, including twenty bedrooms and twelve bathrooms. The glorious property also comes with a separate caretaker house and a large guest house. According to the listing, the property is one of the most renowned and famous properties on Lago Maggiore. No strangers to luxurious lakeside living, the Versace family previously owned a property called Villa Fontanelle on Lake Como, which they sold in 2008 for almost $40 million. That villa was thought to be one of Gianni’s most-loved getaways. While Lake Como is known for attracting A-listers like George and Amal Clooney, Lake Maggiore is apparently more private but just as glamorous. Along with Lago di Como and Lago di Garda, the Italian lakes have always been an internationally sought-after destination and are becoming increasingly popular. In 2018, around 75 percent of property buyers came from international buyers. ‘We expect the real estate market on Lago Maggiore to see ongoing positive growth in the coming years. International buyers will continue to show a keen interest’, commented Alessandro Lotito, Office Manager at Engel & Völkers. The fashion designer’s renovation plans have yet to be determined, but we imagine they will be as beautiful, eccentric and colourful as the designer herself. Engel & Völkers, engelvolkers.com (opens in new tab)
