Architecture · October 2026Architectural Design
Historic Genoa Villa RestorationGenoa, Italy

Milan-based studio M2Atelier has completed a comprehensive redesign of a historic villa overlooking the Ligurian coast in Genoa. The property pairs centuries-old botanical grounds with refined, contemporary interior spaces.

At This Historic Italian Villa, the Garden Takes Center Stage—Down to the 150-Year-Old Bougainvillea
Photo: Architectural Digest — from the original feature, At This Historic Italian Villa, the Garden Takes Center Stage—Down to the 150-Year-Old Bougainvillea

Original featureAt This Historic Italian Villa, the Garden Takes Center Stage—Down to the 150-Year-Old BougainvilleaArchitectural Digest · 6 October 2026 →

Botanical Heritage and Grounds

The estate is defined by its extensive Mediterranean gardens, which serve as the primary focal point of the property. Landscape preservation was central to the brief, ensuring that legacy flora integrated seamlessly with the newly structured outdoor living areas.

Among the botanical highlights is a documented 150-year-old bougainvillea, which frames the primary terrace. The planting scheme pays deliberate homage to previous residents, preserving mature olive trees, cypress specimens, and native shrubs that have thrived along the coast for generations.

Interior Architecture by M2Atelier

Inside the historic structure, M2Atelier stripped away decades of disjointed alterations to establish a coherent spatial flow. The studio introduced a restrained material palette that defers attention to the verdant views visible through restored full-height windows.

Custom joinery, muted stone surfaces, and bespoke metalwork define the main living spaces. Historic architectural elements, including vaulted ceilings and original stone fireplaces, were meticulously restored by local artisans to anchor the contemporary furnishings.

Materiality and Context

The material selection throughout the villa reflects its Ligurian context, utilising local stones, weathered bronze, and natural linens. This tactile approach bridges the gap between the rugged exterior topography and the refined interior environment.

Lighting design plays a critical role, framing both the internal art collection and the illuminated garden paths at dusk. The result is a seamless indoor-outdoor transition tailored for modern Mediterranean living.

Design takeaways
  • Prioritise the preservation of mature landscape features during historic restorations.
  • Utilise a restrained interior material palette to keep the focus on surrounding views.
  • Collaborate with local artisans to restore authentic architectural elements like stone and timber.
  • Design continuous indoor-outdoor transitions for Mediterranean climates.
  • Integrate bespoke joinery that respects the historical proportions of older rooms.
The Ligurian Luxury Market

Properties combining turnkey architectural renovations with significant historical grounds remain exceptionally rare along the Ligurian coastline. While specific acquisition figures for this Genoa residence are not publicly disclosed, prime historic estates in the region consistently command premium valuations driven by international demand from buyers seeking privacy, established gardens, and proximity to Portofino and Milan. High-end renovations by internationally recognised studios such as M2Atelier significantly enhance liquidity and asset value in this tightly held micro-market.

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Sources & credits

Videos are embedded from their original YouTube channels and remain the property of their publishers; ClubProperty hosts no third-party footage or photography. Prices and details are as reported by the sources linked above at the time of writing. Nothing here is financial advice.

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