Reimagined by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio and only a short stroll from Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, Villa Beatrice now stands as the bay’s rarest gem. Following a sensitive restoration, the property – the first of its kind in Belmond’s portfolio – offers guests the opportunity to experience the refined yet relaxed spirit of an enchanted private hideaway for themselves.
Taking its cue from Art Nouveau and Gothic Revival architecture, the villa, built in 1913, is a clifftop landmark, beloved by Portofinesi for its distinctive silhouette, beguiling location and breathtaking panoramic views of the bay. Conceived by much-coveted Tuscan architect Gino Coppedè, the villa was built for Ligurian entrepreneur Attilio Odero, with the intention of providing a cherished retreat for summering friends and family.
Coppedè’s design fuses architecture, art and sculpture – fitting for an adventurous polymath who was sculptor, decorator and architect combined. His imaginative outlook resulted in a building that riffs on a number of eras, including Art Nouveau, Neo-Renaissance and Gothic Revival, while thoughtful details, from intricate stucco work and wrought iron motifs to whimsical frescoes, arched windows, marble columns and a signature torretta, capture his artistic spirit. As a result, Villa Beatrice stands apart from the region’s typical patrician villas – distinguished instead by its playful interpretation of historic eras and styles.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Hotel Designs.
