By George Upton
For a classical sanctuary
This three-bedroom apartment in Milan’s elegant Brera district was renovated by the celebrated interior designer Renzo Mongiardino. In addition to the distinctive barrel-vaulted room with trompe l'oeil coffers (Mongiardino was known as the “architect of illusion”), there is a dining room featuring bas-reliefs depicting classical scenes, and a 60 sq m terrace. The property is on the market for €4.6mn.
For a spacious interior
This distinctive three-bedroom townhouse, built in 2002, has a spacious open-plan double-height living space with a large fireplace and a mezzanine with an office. The bedrooms are organised around a private, internal courtyard and there is a 275 sq m terrace on the third floor. The property, which is on the market for €5.7mn, includes garage space for two cars, with parking for a further two in front of the house.
For a luxurious estate
The Villa Borri-Manzoli is an eight-bedroom estate situated 20km west of Milan, around 30 minutes by train from the centre of the city. On the market for €15mn, the estate (also main picture above) dates back to the 16th century, with the main body of the house built in the 17th century, and was renovated in the 1990s with further restoration work in 2011. In addition to the four large rooms for entertaining, there is a loggia overlooking the town of Corbetta, an orangery and, facing the 19th century neoclassical facade, extensive gardens with mature trees.
For high ceilings
Located on the top floor of a converted 1930s industrial building, this three-bedroom apartment — on the market for €2.7mn — has double-height spaces that include a verandah with a retractable glass roof. In addition to the living space, which has five-metre-high ceilings and a mezzanine with an office and gym, the two principal bedrooms have en suite bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes and large Velux windows that close automatically in case of rain.
For a private terrace
This four-bedroom apartment is situated in a palace that dates back to the 17th century and once housed the studio of Italian sculptor Antonio Canova. Listed by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities, and recently renovated, the property is located in the centre of Milan and includes a large private terrace that can be accessed from the open-plan living and dining room, and from the kitchen. Bedrooms on the second and third floor of the property have en suite bathrooms, and the large attic can be used as a hobby room. The property is on the market for €5mn.
Photography: Christies International Real Estate; Lionard Luxury Real Estate; Italy Sothebys International Realty