Italy’s Most Luxurious Modernist Villas Are Yours to Rent

A week in a property built by the world’s greatest architects

When you think of Lake Garda – your mind might conjure up notions of crumbling facades, quaint red-roofed villas and flourishing flora. But if California-style sleek modernism is more your thing, then Villa Eden has to be your go-to vacation rental.

Located in the heart of the Gardone Riviera, on the shores of Lake Garda in northern Italy, lies Villa Eden—a gated resort compiled of seven modernist villas, seven gargantuan apartments and a sweeping penthouse—all designed and developed by world-renowned architects like David Chipperfield, Matteo Thun and Richard Meier.

Nestled deep in the Garda hillside, each property oozes luxury from the infinity pools that seemingly pour in to the crystalline lake, to the near 360 degree floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering unbeatable views of the lake from pretty much anywhere in the villa. Eat breakfast as the sun rises over mountains? Check. Shower while surrounded by a lilac candyfloss sunset? Check. Almost every single room, building and vista was built almost as if with Instagram in mind.

Depending on the number of guests, there’s a property for each and every taste and want. Big group looking for a long-stay with a large budget? Then it has to be Villa Sphere Ovest—built by Marc Mark—the property sleeps up to 10 guests in six immaculately designed bedrooms. With the building wrapping around an outdoor infinity pool – this is the villa for those who want complete and total privacy. Your only neighbour is the lake. The property comes with a full gym, outdoor BBQ area, steam, sauna and cinema.

For a property that looks like it’s slipped straight off of Mullholland Drive, the Richard Meier villa is perfect. The entire property is a dramatic feat of glass, metal and white features. With floor-to-ceiling glass encompassing the entire property, you can’t miss a beat when it comes to the ever-changing skyline. The property comes with a dreamy infinity pool, full basement spa, cellar, kitchen, four bedrooms, two living rooms and a sweeping garage – all facilitated by a sci-fi-esque elevator.

If you’re looking for something a little smaller then the Landmark Buildings (built by Italian star architect Matte Thun) are ideal. From the outside, the slick looking exteriors are deceptively designed for complete and total privacy but once inside, the open-plan design creates the perfect environment for a small group of friends or family. Each building comes complete with a private pool, expansive bathrooms and dining areas.

Although each property was assigned to the architects with no cohesion in design direction in mind—which gives the entire resort an incredible Disneyland for architects feel—there is one centralized property that unites each of the private villas: the clubhouse. Located at the foothill of the resort, and home to the stunning La Terrazza Segreta restaurant (helmed by award-winning chef Peter Oberrauch) the building hosts a full spa (you must try the deep tissue massage) and concierge.

If eating privately is more to your taste, a private chef, masseuse or any number of staff can be arranged upon request. Bare in mind no visit to Lake Garda is complete without spending a few days on a boat – a beautiful Riva yacht be arranged via the concierge.

Valued at €15million per villa, a night at the properties start from 4,682 USD/17,197AED per night for the smallest (which doesn’t fluctuate in or out of low season), but if you’re travelling in a smaller group or on a tighter budget, a night at the hotel is a must. Think equally sprawling open plan rooms, ginormous beds, unbeatable views of the lake and full access to the basement spa included.

Villas start from 4,682 USD / 17,197 AED per night. Rooms at the hotel are 350 USD / 1,388 AED in low season, and 585 USD / 2,148 AED per night in high season. All rates include breakfast.

villa-eden-gardone.com

 

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