Sacramora 12 Design Apartment

A Dynamic Complex of Art, Design and Gastronomy

Designed in collaboration with Faenza-based Studio Rava Piersanti and owner Miria Rava, this compound immersed within park-like grounds is part showcase, part gastro-tourist destination, and all about the celebration of 20th-century art and design.

Two distinct dwellings are organized within one remarkable property that includes its own multi-disciplinary library and studio, with a museum of the expressive art of French artist Philippe Artias.

The first, a spectacular, 130-square-meter, double heigh space, recovered from an old barn, welcomes all the light and greenery inside. Its three open sides were enclosed with glass walls, creating a sense of immersion in nature. Signs of wear and tear have been left to mark the passage of time on the columns and brick walls, but the rest of the space has been updated into the here and now.

Automatic curtains across the glass walls lend privacy to the rooms when needed, and a striking mezzanine floor hosts a king-sized bed with views across the foliage. The spacious ground floor includes a living room that expands into a dining area, with a foldable kitchen that can be opened and closed as needed. 

Interiors are a treasure trove of more than 50 works of 20th-century art and designer furnishings, including some rare pieces. Of particular note are Marcel Breuer seats, AEO sofas by Archizoon, and the classic modular sofa, Camaleonda, by Mario Bellini.

The second space, a rationalist-style villa, was built in the Seventies and is full of surprises. From a design perspective, it’s an impressive structure, its front wall made entirely of glass and overlooking a vast garden. Interiors include some rare pieces that date back to the Seventies and others that have been especially made for the house. The expansive rooms are furnished sparely but feature bold shocks of color, including a vividly painted terrace and cool vintage Ettore Sottsass ceramics. 

The two homes also serve as a showcase for the expressive art of French artist Philippe Artias, a post-war friend and confidante of Picasso in Vallauris, who later moved to Italy. Both are located in park-like landscaping, with an almost sculptural array of raised vegetable and herb beds, plus an orchard. Much of the produce is used for the breakfasts that are served to guests each morning.

Read more about this home in our Stories section here.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Breakfasts are served daily and include a choice of locally sourced foods typical of the Romagna region, using pesticide-free produce from the family farm. Lunch and dinner can also be provided, if requested.

AROUND

The property is located in the heart of the Romagna region in north-eastern Italy. It is within an hour’s drive of the Adriatic Sea beaches, cities like Bologna, Ferrara, Ravenna, Pesaro and Rimini, and national parks such as the Pò Delta Park and the Tiberius Grottoes. Florence, Venice, Padua and Milan also make great day trips.

Points of interest near Sacramora include MIC, an international museum of ceramics in Faenza, and automotive museums for brands like Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini (all in Modena) and Ducati (in Bologna). Also within reach is Mirabilandia, the largest and most popular amusement park in Italy, near Savio on the Adriatic.

LOCATION

Faenza, Ravenna, Italy. Nearest airport: Bologna (50km).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round.