Friday, August 14, 2009

Villa Montano

Villa Montano, LivornoI don't know if this building is really called “Villa Montano”, but it was built for this family in the 20's of last century. This is a famous family in town because of three generations of great fencers, olympic medalists and champions in men's sabre: the last gold was won in Athens 2004 by Aldo Montano.Villa Montano, LivornoWe can see the elaborate window above the main entrance, on the left side of the first image, with a partial view of the stairwell.Villa Montano, LivornoThe other side of the building faces an enclosed garden with porticoed terraces and a roof garden. Yes, even olympic champions need to dry their laundry.

24 comments:

stromsjo said...

Sometimes it's a pity to have a zillion cars parked everywhere in a city. The architecture could do a lot better without them for a while.

Interesting building with a bit of modern history.

James said...

That is really an amazing building. I don't think I've ever seen one quite like it. Maybe they will invite you over for dinner and you can get some pictures of the inside. :-)

Marcel said...

Sounds like a great family to come from...

Gunn said...

"BRAVO", to you as a photographer, but also to the arcitect! Very nice!
(Last summere I went to Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi etc.
I saw so many amazing buildings.:-) )

joo said...

It's a really beautiful building - I love especially the last photo with the laundry!
By the way, isn't it amazing how different can be buildings from this time - from elaborated neohistorical styles to simple modernism.

brattcat said...

Wonderful shots! Those brackets under the roof are intriguing. And the last shot, what an excellent composition.

Fio said...

And... the next interesting story with the wonderful photos!
Thank you :)

B SQUARED said...

I thought it was a museum. What a beautiful residence.

Halcyon said...

Do they still live there? That is a neat place! Maybe they'll invite you to dinner. ;)

Sunny said...

Wonderful architecture.
Sunny :)

Lowell said...

What a fascinating place! I find buildings built around a corner especially interesting. There must be money in the family as this home can't be cheap to run or maintain.

Like the clothes hanging out there and the garden on that top balcony.

Anonymous said...

I like those old corner building in Europe! They are so beautiful to explore from different angles! The garden is the best part though - the facade is very parade - the garden is very cozy and family friendly! I like the terrace at the top! And the pink always work for me!

Antjas said...

I noticed that the windows are all shuttered up. Hopefully the owners are on vacation because it would be a shame if those big windows aren't letting in the sun. What a lovely home.

Saretta said...

What a fantastically beautiful building! A suitable home for champions!

Unknown said...

This is a beautiful house! Although I hate pink I really like it on old charming houses. We have a lot here too.

Cezar and Léia said...

Those charming buildings give a feeling of "la dolce vita"...
God bless you!
Cezar

cieldequimper said...

Ah yes! I'm a fencing lover so I do know them. Such an elegant sport. This is a very nice house with so many cool details.

crocrodyl said...

Very interesting building! Great deatils! I like also the shape of the roof in the first photo:)

Hilda said...

It's a magnificent house and I love the idea of an enclosed garden.

Nothing beats the sun for drying laundry! ;)

Anonymous said...

Dear, Vogon Poet! Because you asked how I smudge pictures - I made one dedicated on your blog - based on this very garden of this beautiful villa. Hope you enjoy the drawing - I usually smudge my own pictures - if you have problem with my post - as I based it on your photo - let me know and I will delete it.

tapirgal said...

The laundry comment is funny, and this building is amazing. I wouldn't mind having it myself :) Nice post, Vogon. I always enjoy coming back.

Unknown said...

Love the perspective of the first building. Grandiose!

Unknown said...

Beautiful house and architecture and lovely shots of it!
I've lived in Livorno for 3 months in 2002.
Lovely old village :)

Tinsie said...

That's an interesting building!