LITTLE ITALY

Villaggio, the exquisite European gated villas in Toorak is a place of serene contemplation and elegant stability. The lofty vaulted ceilings and long pensive corridors of a monastery set in a little Italian hillside village is a close comparison. The flowing bougainvillea overflow the sloping stone walls and forged wrought iron balustrades on stone slab steps create the ambience of a medieval town. One can almost feel the breeze off the hills and the sting of the hot Italian sun as it beams down.

Catt Architect’s main design inspiration came from the age old European ideal: cascading hillside villages, winding lanes, sun drenched terraces, walled gardens, plazas and fountains. Designed as a secure gated estate, each villa differs from the next and yet is similar in style due to the extensive use of Moore River Stone. The idea was to compliment a contemporary urban lifestyle with the enduring qualities of a past golden age. There is nothing more classic and permanent than natural stone.

Villaggio is a spacious residence that creates a grand sense of space, light and opulence. Each villa contains formal entries, flanked by gold limestone pillars to create a ceremonial entrance. Luxurious bathrooms, expansive north facing terraces, glorious garden aspects, formal living rooms with open fire, superbly appointed kitchens and Paul Bangay designed gardens are some of the features.

Project

Villaggio an 11 Villa Gated Estate in Toorak, Melbourne

Architect

CATT Architects

Builder

Peter Hoyman, Melbourne, Victoria

Stone

Moore River Stone

Stone Supply

Limestone Resources

Stone Mason

Unistone Stonemasons

The Moore River Stone, supplied by Limestone Resources was cut to specific dimensions 600 x 350 x 250 mm. Neil Skinner of Unistone Stonemasons cut the stone on site to form the arches and columns, some of which are beautifully reflected on the surface of the entry ponds. Moore River cladding was affixed to the external entry walls. The product was dry jointed to provide an authentic Tuscan aesthetic. Walnut brown European oak flooring, slabs of Callacutta marble and oak panelling all contribute to the overall warmth and intimacy of the space. Copper eaves, gutters, and rain water heads hang like jewels on the patina rendered walls.

Through exciting use of natural stone this attractive development has achieved a sense of gravity and permanence.