LA DOLCE VITA

For centuries, painters have praised the quality of the light in Italy, where the soft colours of the hills and the plastered walls of the villas combine in a harmonious landscape.

A similar picture can be painted on the other side of the world. Architect Andrew Patterson says it was the quality of the light that particularly appealed to him when he first saw this country property.

"The site was enchanting," he says. "The light, combined with the two hectares of gently rolling hills, conjured up images of Italy."

Patterson says the owners were keen to make the best use of the land and the distant city views. "They wanted a slice of paradise where they could enjoy a simple lifestyle, removed from the stress and strain of modern city living."

This brief, combined with the natural lie of the land, led Patterson to consider a classical villa in the architectural style developed by 16th century Italian architect Andrea Palladio.

"The house is very like a traditional Italian country house," he says. "It has a simple symmetry to give it an integrity that works well in this landscape."

Patterson designed the 300m² house on a long, north-south axis, with rooms opening out to either side. On one side, rooms open to a formal, hedged landscape which merges with the countryside.

Fast-growing Virginia creeper covers the plastered exterior, providing a look that changes with the seasons.

"In autumn the leaves are brilliant shades of red and scarlet," says the homeowner. "In winter, when the leaves are gone, the tracery remains, offering another visual element."

The central, two-storeyed wing of the house accommodates the formal living room, with the master bedroom and ensuite on the second floor. Children's bedrooms, a television room and a bathroom are on the ground floor.

In the symmetrical wing on the other side of the formal living room is a children's playroom, and beyond this is the guest suite.

Story by: Trendsideas