Agra, Italy: This property is a treasure trove of Italian architecture. The only work of the celbre architect Carlo Mollino that has remained perfectly intact in the area. A suspended spaceship, surrounded by vast meadows (over 3 hectares) and entirely overlooking Lake Maggiore. A magnificent construction, built in 1956 by a brilliant mind, renowned worldwide and featured on the cover of The World of Interiors. The Turinese architect was also responsible for the design of the furnishings, all unique pieces, some of which are still preserved inside the house.
The house stands on a gently sloping plot of land, overlooking the left bank of Lake Maggiore to which the villa's large openings are directed. It is on two levels, the main one of which rests on a portico supported by two reinforced concrete pillars, shaped according to the direction of internal forces, which impart considerable dynamism to the entire volume. The living area is located on the upper level, made accessible by an external stone ramp, flanked on either side by an artificial terrain modelling to partially cover the lower level. A corridor paved with river pebbles disengages the living area, the kitchen and the bedrooms in sequence.
On the opposite side runs a long cantilevered balcony, made of wood, which punctuates the front facing the lake, up to a panoramic terrace on the south side. The entire project is played on the careful juxtaposition of traditional elements (such as wood and local stone) and the then modern construction technique of reinforced concrete, transformed into an expressive and plastic element. To the rear of the Cattaneo house there are three further buildings, included in the price, a house that serves as an annex, a stable that can still be converted and a chicken house. From the property there is easy access to Switzerland (both Lugano and Gambarogno sides), Luino, Angera, Stresa and the Borromean Islands.
For further information and/or an inspection please do not hesitate to contact us, we are at your disposal.