A architectural pearl by Piero Portaluppi – what happened when a brilliant man had no budget limits and no creative limits.

The Villa Necchi Campiglio is an amazing, accomplished and luxurious example of Italian architecture of the inter-war period; it is minimalistic, imposing, extravagant and surrounded by a breathtaking garden, complete with a private swimming pool (very rare at the time) and a tennis court. Once home to the wealthy Milan upper class family Necchi Campiglio – renowned members of the steel industry – it was built by Milanese architect Piero Portaluppi between 1932 and 1935, with later renovations by Tommaso Buzzi, and signifies the introduction of Rationalism into modern architecture.

The garden is open to the public to visit, and holds a very beautiful little café in the corner. But the house can only be visited through guided tours (10 euros per person).

To really understand the true beauty and uniqueness of the villa the tour is definitely recommended, and the tour guides (volunteers) are great storytellers.