Nestled at the foot of the Florentine hills, along a winding road framed by ancient stone avenues, stands Villa il Gioiello, a residence of 700 sqm spread over five levels that has been revitalized through a careful restoration project signed by Pierattelli Architetture. Located just a few steps from the historic center, the villa represents a perfect union of historical memory and contemporary living.
The project aims to preserve the villa’s original character while embracing a current vision of domestic space. The elegant and measured transformation affected both the exterior and interior, with a landscape intervention curated by landscape designer Gianni Medore, who redesigned the garden and integrated a white quartz infinity pool. The original architectural elements—the historic loggia, teak floors, wooden beams, stone arches, and the large vaulted living room—have been maintained and complemented by refined materials such as marble, travertine, and walnut.
On the ground floor, the convivial spaces unfold: a spacious double-height living room with cross vaults, a kitchen characterized by teak wood and stone, and a dining area connected by a scenographic Corten steel and wood staircase. Many of the furnishings, designed custom by the studio, such as the walnut and brass bookshelves, contribute to creating an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere. The interior design is further enhanced by an art collection featuring works by Alighiero Boetti, Ettore Spalletti, Jannis Kounellis, and Mario Schifano.
Each floor was conceived as a functional microcosm. The mezzanine hosts a cinema room and a hi-fi room; the first floor contains the master bedroom overlooking a loggia, with a walk-in closet hidden behind wooden panels. The basement is dedicated to wellness, with a gym and sauna, while the attic has been transformed into an independent apartment for guests. With an approach that combines rigorous design, historical sensitivity, and aesthetic refinement, the project bestows a new identity upon a building rich in history, enabling it to dialogue with the needs of contemporary living.
Pierattelli Architetture, founded in Florence in 1980, is now led by Massimo, Andrea, and Claudio Pierattelli. The studio is distinguished by a multidisciplinary and sustainable approach, active in architecture, landscape, interior, and product design. With over 40 years of experience and offices in Florence and Milan, it has crafted projects for residences, hospitality, and corporate clients, blending tradition and innovation.
For more info: www.pierattelliarchitetture.com
CREDITS
Project: Villa il Gioiello
Architect: Pierattelli Architetture
Location: Florence, Italy
Year: 2024
Photography: Iuri Niccolai
