HomeDesignHome & DecorVIDEO: Inside the Little Mermaid Villa also known as the "National Monument...

VIDEO: Inside the Little Mermaid Villa also known as the “National Monument of Modern Architecture”

follow us on Google News

Legend tells us that the peninsula of Sestri Levante originated from the forbidden love between the merman Tigullio and the mermaid Segesta. The place where the Danish writer Christian Andersen stayed in 1833, was published shortly after the story “The Little Mermaid”, perhaps inspired by this fascinating story.

The Little Mermaid Villa
The Little Mermaid Villa

It is right here, on the extreme tip of a cliff, just 15 km from Portofino and 25 from the Cinque Terre, that the architect Luigi Carlo Daneri, drawing on the language of the master Le Corbusier, designed a charming villa between 1938 and 1940, now for sale.

The Little Mermaid Villa
The Little Mermaid Villa

A place of peace and beauty, surrounded by 2.3 hectares of parkland to guarantee total privacy; a corner of paradise far from the frenzy of contemporary living.

Belonging to an Italian publisher and frequented by the big names of design and architecture, publishing, and business, the villa is a rare example of unaltered, rationalist architecture. The house was recognized as a National Monument of Modern Architecture by the Italian Ministry of Culture as “an essential testimony to Italian architecture of the twentieth century”.

Ads

Completely renovated, including the furnishings designed by Daneri, the house has been restored to its original architectural value.  

The building was designed in relation to the environmental context, with a careful balance between the intimacy of the interior spaces and the absoluteness of the landscape. The functional rigor, the clarity in the distribution of the rooms and the state-of-the-art technology make it, as Giò Ponti wrote: “A dwelling, intended not as an accommodation, but as a theatre for human actions of life and thought work and contemplation”.

Once the construction was completed, the villa was published in the prestigious magazines Casabella (October 1940) and Domus (January 1941) and in the 1990s by Abitare.

The Little Mermaid Villa
The Little Mermaid Villa

A suggestive path in the woods and a staircase leading to the private beach with exclusive access to the sea. With a swimming pool, sun terrace, and ample parking, the villa has 1,100 square meters of interior space that includes the main building and two independent annexes. The house is spread over three floors with nine bedrooms and six bathrooms, ideal for accommodating numerous guests.

The villa is listed exclusively through Lionard Luxury Real Estate S.p.A.

Photos courtesy of Lionard.

Julie Nguyen
Julie Nguyen

Julie is the founder of SNAP TASTE and a driving force in global storytelling, innovation, and creative leadership. A respected member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, she also serves as a judge for the CES Innovation Awards (2024, 2025, and 2026), bringing her perspective to the intersections of business, culture, and breakthrough technologies.

Her immersive reporting has taken audiences behind the scenes of defining world moments, from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and Expo 2020 Dubai to CES, D23 Expo, and the Milano Monza Motor Show. Through her lens, global events become intimate, human stories.

An accomplished film critic and editorial voice, Julie has built a reputation for reviews that go beyond analysis, finding the heartbeat within the frame. Her work on National Geographic documentaries and other cinematic works speaks to audiences who believe that great storytelling has the power to shift perspectives and expand the world.

At the heart of everything Julie does is a belief that art, technology, and culture are not separate conversations. She has spent her career proving they never were.

Ad

Leave a Reply

More to Explore

Top Outdoor Design Trends and Tips for Creating a Stylish and Functional Space

As spring approaches, it’s the perfect time to relax in the garden and enjoy a morning coffee on the balcony. Sandra Gøthler, an interior...

Bring the Magic of Swedish Nature Indoors with IKEA’s New SKOGSDUVA Kids’ Collection

IKEA is bringing the charm of Swedish autumn indoors with its latest children's collection, SKOGSDUVA. This playful lineup includes 20 fun and educational items,...

HomeGoods Finder’s Camp: A Retreat for Brand Enthusiasts

HomeGoods has introduced HomeGoods Finder’s Camp, a weekend retreat tailored for dedicated brand enthusiasts. It aims to replicate the invigorating atmosphere of HomeGoods stores....

H&M HOME Unveils Summer Collection: Breezy Escape Meets Modern Sanctuary

H&M HOME introduces its summer collection, drawing inspiration from chic destinations and relaxed cabanas to create a contemporary take on summer interiors. Within this...

Aston Martin’s first residential project in Miami, 99% of condominiums have been sold

Bringing its iconic brand and design mastery to one of the most striking and highly desirable addresses in the United States, Aston Martin today...

Win the HGTV® Smart Home 2024 Valued Over $1 Million!

HGTV unveiled the HGTV® Smart Home 2024, a freshly renovated and fully furnished residence situated in Atlanta, Georgia. The fortunate winner of the sweepstakes...

Minimalist Luxury: Exploring IKEA’s Wooden Kitchen and Bathroom Solutions

Wood remains a staple in interior design, offering a timeless and sophisticated touch to any home. IKEA, renowned for its budget-friendly housing solutions, introduces...

IKEA’s Largest Office Series Yet – The MITTZON Collection

IKEA has launched its largest office series ever, catering to the evolving demands of flexible working life. After experiencing a period of moderate demand,...

Le Creuset Cooks Up Magic with New Disney Collections

Le Creuset has unveiled its latest additions to the tableware line: the "Mickey Mouse Collection" and the "Winnie the Pooh Collection," both featuring beloved...

Embodying Change: The Renouveau Collection by Alexandre Ligios

Introducing Alexandre Ligios, heralded as a new figure in French design, characterized by an innovative approach and refined aesthetic. His work stands out for...

Windsor: Final Phase Now Selling – Luxurious Homes on Florida’s Barrier Island

Windsor, a 472-acre private residential community situated on a barrier island between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean, was co-founded by W. Galen...

Bentley Residences Miami: Bringing Luxury to Sunny Isles Beach’s Exclusive Coastline

Bentley Motors and Dezer Development announced they are breaking ground on Bentley Residences Miami, the first tower of its kind. It will stand tall...

Handpicked for You

You Might Also Like