This all started because I follow an Instagram account called Dreamspaces, which shares beautiful and often jaw-dropping environments. Last week, she posted a carousel of Life magazine photos from 1964 featuring iconic Italian actress Sophia Loren and husband Carlo Ponti at their home outside of Rome. This naturally prompted me to do a deep dive on the property. I am who I am.
The details: Situated along the famed Via Appia and constructed atop an ancient Roman crypt, the estate encompasses a 16th century villa with 50 rooms, including an otherworldly pool house (2nd photo above) and extensive grounds. Sadly the current house has been stripped of its radiant Renaissance ceilings, murals, wallpaper, and much of the color, but their version of the home is incredible and inspiring.
As you can imagine, I am particularly obsessed with the integration of the ancient architecture, including a dining room in what they think was once a Roman tomb. Wild.
And finally, here’s a little round-up of items channeling this Roman estate and the love story it became home to. What a dolce vita:
01. Pintuck cotton dress (J.Crew) $129.50
02. In the Kitchen With Love by Sophia Loren (Etsy) $145
03. Lumbar (Target) $30 and Vintage Poppies 21x21” (Amber Interiors) $316
04. Rattan gardening tray basket (McGee & Co) $95
05. Gardening hat (Porta) $355
06. Pewter “Cigarettes” cup (Porta) $72
07. Coffee set (Porta) $64
08. Faux poppies stem (Afloral) $12
09. Citronella candle in sculpted glass (Nickey Kehoe) $75
10. Embellished ceramic vase (Target) $35
11. Corded Marble Mirror (Target) $84
12. Metal outdoor dining chair (Olive Ateliers) $495
13. Cast side table (Olive Ateliers) $495
14. Melamine small plate set of 4 (Porta) $168
15. Iron watering can (Olive Ateliers) $95
16. Printed cotton tablecloth $278 and napkins set of 4 $20 (Amber Interiors)
Thank you for being here,
