In a film dedicated to one of the most fashionable families in the world, starring the likes of renowned singer and actress Lady Gaga as well as actor and Gucci ambassador Jared Leto and laden with vintage Gucci pieces, it may come as a surprise that the most stylish star of the film is neither a celebrity nor a garment, but a property. Villa Balbiano has long been one of the most iconic properties on Lake Como, however, its film debut in Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci has propelled the villa to new heights.
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Villa Balbiano plays a crucial role in House of Gucci, used as the residence of family patriarch Aldo Gucci (played by Al Pacino, who Gucci heiress Patrizia Gucci deemed too “short, fat, [and] ugly” to play her grandfather). The 16th century home was built by Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio who used it as his main residence, before being expanded and redecorated a century later by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini who used it to host elite society functions. Each owner has only added to the opulence, with the villa featuring 17th-century frescoes painted by the Recchi brothers and Agostino Silva, as well as a large art collection sourced from Sotheby’s and Christie’s. Additionally, the property recently received a revamp courtesy of French interior designer Jacques Garcia, bringing Villa Balbiano into the contemporary age while still preserving its heritage.
Spanning six suites and an expansive garden, Villa Balbiano is laden with luxurious touches like marble bathrooms, velvet furniture, crystal chandeliers, and gilded furniture. And, the view of Lake Como and its surroundings quite frankly speaks for itself.
Far from turning into a tourist destination, Villa Balbiano will be available to the public for one night only. Bookable for the 30th March 2022 for the (surprisingly reasonable) price of €1000 ($1500 AUD), prospective guests will have to be on the Airbnb website on Monday, 6th December at 12pm ET (7th December, 4am AEST) and pray their index finger clicks fast enough to secure the sole availability.
Words by Theo Rosen
