A Designer’s Impression of the Lake Como Villa by J. Mayer H. Architects
As a traveler and designer, standing before this villa on Lake Como felt like stepping into a reverie. The 18th-century structure is not just beautifully preserved—it’s been reawakened. J. Mayer H. Architects didn’t just renovate a home; they reignited its soul. The octagonal form, perched directly on the water’s edge, makes you feel suspended between land and lake, history and modernity.
Inside, the monochromatic paint in each room isn’t minimalism—it’s storytelling. Glossy surfaces reveal the imperfections and timeworn charm that most restorations try to hide. Light dances across the ceilings of lake-facing rooms, and in those turned inward, moody hues create a hushed, contemplative retreat. It’s not just functional—it’s poetic.
The garden redesign is just as deliberate. The pool clad in local green stone, the whimsical grotto with lily-studded fountains, and a garden kitchen forged from stainless steel all show a keen respect for both craft and character. It’s a house that doesn’t shout, but lingers in your memory—sophisticated, grounded, and quietly magical.
Photographs:David Franck