La Fenice del Monte Cervino (The Phoenix of Mount Cervino), a fine chalet located beneath the majestic peak of the Mount Cervino, encloses a unique story of rebirth.

Once known as Villa Bacchini, named after its owner, the inventor of the famous Allocchio-Bacchini radio, it represented one of the few villas in the international ski resort of Cervinia since the 1930s. A tragic fate marked its history, when, in 1980, the confluence of two avalanches caused its destruction. The original owners chose to sell what remained of the structure to the Harrison family of London, who, fascinated by old photographs of the residence and with a desire to restore the property to its former glory, rebuilt the villa. Hence, the commitment to revive this historic building from its ashes; thus, the name La Fenice del Monte Cervino was born. Respecting the tradition of the old chalet while ensuring a high level of comfort inspired the renovation work of architect Mariapia Bettiol and her team, in collaboration with interior contractor Concreta, completed in 2021. The intent was to create a place designed both to be lived in and to be rented out to customers. For this reason, in addition to the classic residential functions, the structure includes typical hôtellerie activities, such as a spa with a large indoor pool, a sauna, a Turkish bath, an outdoor whirlpool, a gym, a cinema room, a ski room, and a bike room. La Fenice del Monte Cervino covers an area of 1,200 m² across six floors. The building features seven double rooms, a larger and more private living room, a dining room, a buffet area, and a kitchen. The magical atmosphere of this unspoiled place is reflected in the architecture, which is in perfect harmony with the outdoor: architect Bettiol's design concept involved using exposed stone and wood, recalling the tradition of mountain chalets. A rustic mood that interacts with more sophisticated and modern materials, such as velvet and crystal, all complemented by a neoclassical touch - a style particularly cherished by the Harrison family. The chalet's incredible spaces create an intimate and warm atmosphere with a strong connection to nature and the surrounding landscape, offering a way to experience the mountains that reflects the classic chalet aesthetic of light tones.

The beating heart of the building is the large, open living room, defined by the presence of a magnificent fireplace, which serves as the focal point for both the surrounding furniture and the dining area from which it can be admired. Embedded in a wall, it divides the living area into two separate spaces due to its double opening, allowing a perfect view of the fire from both rooms. The great scenic effect of the fireplace is highlighted by Geopietra®, the natural manufactured stone, which is used to clad the large wall that houses it. The stone model is called Briano, dry-laid, which adds a spontaneous touch to the modern and linear design, enhanced by the stone's distinctive variegated shape. Enhancing the stability and three-dimensionality of the masonry are the corner stones, which are integrated into the corners of the cladding. The shade of the stones is Grigio Chiaro, in perfect harmony with the soft shades of the refined furnishings. The hallways leading to the bedrooms and wardrobes are also transformed into impressive spaces thanks to the manufactured stone finish, whose light shades create a beautiful contrast with the warm tones of the wood. All this is La Fenice del Monte Cervino: a fairy-tale place, brought back to life after forty years. A symbol of architecture and design, it sets a new standard for luxury while preserving the homely atmosphere of a mountain lodge.

Picture: Courtesy of Bettiol Architecture Studio
Photographer: Fabrizio Falcomatà

 

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