Villa Emy from the 1930s is reborn as a charming bed & breakfast.

A contemporary restoration project transforms Villa Emy into a charming bed & breakfast, enhancing the historic architecture and reinterpreting the Art Deco spirit.

Historical architecture on the Bisceglie waterfront

Immersed among palm trees and tamarisks, Villa Emy stands out on the Bisceglie waterfront as an architectural landmark. Built in the 1930s, the villa still retains Art Deco atmospheres today, recognizable in the details of the windows, in the curved double-flight staircase, and in the wrought iron elements.
The villa originated from the transformation of a previous agricultural structure in tuff, with barrel and pavilion vaults, enriched by expansions and a pool built in the 1980s. Over time, it has changed its intended use, transitioning from a private residence to a venue for receptions and cocktail bars, until gradually being abandoned.

The recovery project

In 2023, the owners chose to restore the villa to its former glory, entrusting architects Paolo Lettieri and Pierluigi Pindinelli from the Upa Italia studio, specialized in renovation projects and architecture. The goal was to transform it into a charming bed & breakfast, without erasing its identity.
The original structures – load-bearing walls, vaults, and openings – were restored, removing non-breathable finishes that were compromising the tuff.
The internal layout was redesigned to accommodate six rooms with bathrooms, with new lightweight and recognizable partitions, respectful of the original spatiality.

Interiors between memory and contemporaneity

The design of the spaces reflects the balance between respect for the past and current language.
The original finishes, now irrecoverable, have been replaced with a "neutral box": warm gray floors, walls tone on tone with breathable plaster boiserie, and opaque white fixtures.
The furnishings introduce chromatic and textural elements, as in the ground floor suite, where a colorful backdrop with an arched profile separates the bedroom from the bathroom.
In the bathrooms, graphic and floral accents intertwine with matte black fixtures, reinterpreting the Deco spirit in a modern key.

The garden and the pool

Even the outdoor spaces have been carefully redesigned.
The Mediterranean garden has been redesigned with pathways, new pavements, and native plantings.
The pool, restored to its original form, has been enhanced with Art Deco-inspired steps and a shallow water area for relaxation.
The scenic lighting highlights the facade, the entrance staircase, and the pathways, transforming Villa Emy into a place that blends historic architecture with contemporary comfort.

Gallery

PEOPLE

UPA Italia

Via Canonica 67 – 20154 Milano