As House of Gucci, Ridley Scott’s glamorous tale of murder, fashion and family feuds hits the big screen, Gucci-fever is sweeping the world. For those craving a taste of the decadent lifestyle, Villa Balbiano, the grand 17th century estate in Lake Como that was used in the film is available for rent via AirBnb.
House of Gucci may not put the Gucci family in the best light, especially given that the plot centres on Patrizia Reggiani (played by Lady Gaga), an outsider who marries into the Gucci family and whose unbridled ambition leads to a spiral of betrayal, revenge and ultimately murder. Their style, however, is indisputable. And not just in terms of the clothing — when the audience is transported to the home of Aldo Gucci (played by Al Pacino), they’re treated to interior splendour on the edge of Lake Como. Now, you can physically transport yourself to the elegant palazzo, which is available to rent via AirBnB.
It’s not only cinephiles and fashion fanatics that will be drawn to Villa Balbiano — the baroque home is an architectural and design marvel that dates back to the 17th century. The home was famously home to Cardinal Durini in the 18th century, and while residing there, he amassed a large art collection and turned the Villa into an important meeting place for Italy’s leading intellectuals.Â
The grandeur of its early days remains today — now, the gilded interiors are filled with ornate antique furniture pieces sourced from Sotheby’s and Christie’s, and the original 17th century frescos by Baroque painters the Recchi brothers and Agostino Silva are still in tact. Modern touches have been added throughout, with acclaimed French interior designer Jacques Garcia upgrading the six main suites, and crystal chandeliers, marble bathrooms, and jewel-toned velvet furniture added all around.
Outside, the setting lives up to its cinematic credits — in addition to the outdoor swimming pool, the private pier and the boathouse, the estate boasts stunning gardens bordered with elegant lawns and ornate fountains, which were distinguished by the British Society of Garden Designers Awards in 2017.
The downside? The literal House of Gucci is only available for rent for a one-night stay during March 2022 — so get booking, presto.
Bookings for this one-night stay open on Monday 6 December at 5pm (GMT).
