Description
Villa K2 offers a rare opportunity to experience a one-of-a-kind home by the celebrated Italian architect Carlo Mollino. Perched on the shores of Lake Maggiore, the house is celebrated for its dramatic cantilevered forms that appear to defy gravity. Designed in 1953, it was commissioned by Italian industrialist Luigi Cattaneo as a respite from his business in Milan and has remained in the same family’s care ever since. Its standout feature is the striking cantilevered section, suspended above the landscape on two aviation-inspired pillars, giving the impression of flight over the shimmering lake below.

An exquisite example of mid-century modern design, the villa's interior is a time capsule of Mollino’s visionary style. The house exemplifies mid-century modern architecture, characterised by its interior adorned with rich wood panels and clean geometric lines. Mollino meticulously designed every aspect of the dwelling, from its structural fastenings furnishings, which include bespoke beds, bedside tables, wardrobes and cabinetry, as well as notable individual pieces.

Internally, the home boasts an innovative open-plan dining room-kitchen area and encompasses five bedrooms across two floors, adn two bathrooms. The villa comfortably accommodates eight guests, primarily due to the two-bathroom setup. However, the hosts are happy to make exceptions, particularly for families with children.

With every detail thoughtfully preserved, guests can immerse themselves in the ambience of this mid-century gem, a true celebration of art, architecture, and nature.

Area
The villa is surrounded by three hectares of lush, lakefront gardens, offering sweeping views of the Lombard shore. A vast terrace extends along the upper level, perfect for taking in the panoramic scenery. To the rear, a stone patio leads into the expansive parkland, providing a tranquil escape into nature.

Nestled in Agra, a short drive from the picturesque town of Luino, Villa K2 is an ideal retreat on Lake Maggiore, Italy's second-largest lake. This region has long been a haven for Milan’s elite, drawn to its elegant shores and charming waterfront communities like Cannobio, where the promenade is as captivating as the surrounding mountains. The lake’s islands—Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Borromeo—are just a boat ride away, offering another layer of exploration.

For those who love the outdoors, the mountainous terrain around the lake is crisscrossed with scenic hiking and biking trails. The Borromean Gulf near Stresa, known as the Queen of Lake Maggiore, offers stunning routes, while further afield, the Vigezzo Valley promises more challenging adventures. Nearby, the small town of Locarno hosts an internationally renowned film festival, and the city of Lugano, just across the Swiss border, blends Mediterranean charm with mountain vistas.

Architect
The eminent architect, designer, and photographer Carlo Mollino (1905–1973) is known for his eclectic and innovative approach to modernism. Born in Turin, Italy, Mollino’s work defied conventional boundaries, blending architecture with art, engineering, and design. He is celebrated for his visionary creations, from avant-garde buildings to highly crafted furniture, often drawing on organic forms and aerodynamic principles.

Mollino’s architectural works are few but significant. His designs often reflected his fascination with structure, movement, and natural landscapes. In the 1930s, Mollino conducted a thorough photographic survey of the traditional regional architecture of the Val d’Aosta. He drew inspiration from the timber buildings with raised superstructures, open galleries, and pitched roofs that influenced the design of Villa K2. This allowed Mollino to create a structure that combined modernity with a local, nationalistic identity suitable for the setting.

Amenities
Bedroom 1: Double (ground floor)
Bedroom 2: Twin (ground floor)
Bedroom 3: Double (first floor)
Bedroom 4: Double (first floor)
Bedroom 5: Twin (first floor)
Two Bathrooms
Fully equipped kitchen
Large terrace
Barbecue
Television
Cot
Wifi
Parking

Pets
No pets

Cost
Base price: £275 a night, minimum 2 nights
Additional cleaning fee: £115

Booking
Please note the ‘Availability/Book’ button takes you to an external booking site (please mention Modernist Estates when booking).
Any additional booking fees will be calculated and displayed directly on that site.