Inside Kate Watson-Smyth's restored Italian villa
When journalist and author Kate Watson-Smyth bought a 24-room Italian villa in the wine-rich Piemonte region near Turin, she knew she was embarking on an epic restoration project, and something completely different from what she was used to. Aiming to celebrate the building's Italian heritage and architectural features while turning it into a cosy, stylish retreat, every detail was carefully considered to make the villa warm, inviting and personal.
The renovation took seven months in total, with the builders finishing three days before Christmas Day. The home was reconfigured to feature six bedrooms and four bathrooms, and Kate also kept the two kitchens – one on the ground floor and one on the top floor – because of how long it takes to get everywhere.
When it came the interior design, every wallpaper and paint colour was chosen for a reason; whether that was because it matched something in the ceiling artwork, or something just visible from a window. In one of the bathrooms, a Victoria + Albert Lussari 1500 freestanding bath matches the colour of the garden's 100-year-old wisteria.
“The key with a big house is that every room has to have a purpose" said Kate.
Elsewhere, the traditional Cheshire bath from Victoria + Albert in a deep glossy red complements the terracotta tones found throughout the house. It has been paired with brassware from Perrin & Rowe's Traditional collection.
Riobel's Parabola collection is stylish and contemporary, and brings a touch of modern sophistication to the master bathroom suite in a matt black finish.
In a building which is so historic, contemporary touches such as this can help bring the space to life, and bring a little much-needed modernity. “There’s a fine line between balancing the historical with the contemporary in a home like this." said Kate.
