330 SOUTH MAPLETON DRIVE
In 16th century Venice and the surrounding Veneto region, merchants and bankers hired Padua’s star architect Andrea Palladio to build homes that reflected their growing wealth and status. His Greco-Roman influenced designs caught on quickly and, before too long, villas and palazzos were being built in his Palladian style throughout Italy and beyond.
Over the centuries, Palladio’s designs became the architectural equivalent of dressing to impress: Hong Kong’s neoclassical Legco building is, for instance, influenced by his blueprint. And the style continues to inspire architects today, as exemplified by this modern Los Angeles property in the Holmby Hills neighbourhood. Many LA mansions are designed according to Palladian principles. Their symmetry, scale and sense of proportion act as stylistic reflections of their occupants’ success.
Traditionally, Palladian homes are simple on the outside and lavish on the inside. Designed by local studio Stephen Stone, the interiors of 330 South Mapleton Drive are a contemporary twist on Palladio’s approach. Light on ornamentation, the lavishness here is reflected in the high quality of materials and the expansive use of space. For example, the ceilings soar 27 feet above the floors and the master suite encompasses 2,900sqft, including two beautiful bathrooms, both in marble. There are sculptures in the entrance hall and the front porch is double columned but a contemporary preference for clean lines mostly predominates indoors.
The interiors are lavish in the number and variety of entertaining areas provided, which is much in keeping with the lifestyles of those original Palladian home-owners, the Renaissance Venetians. The house has a formal dining room for 20 guests, a billiard room and double formal living rooms. Its three-tiered screening room is panelled in macassar and alpaca, and a 3,400-bottle wine cellar is located next to a bar. The spa includes an indoor swimming pool and sauna, and there’s also a library. The kitchen is equipped with Bulthaup appliances and there is a loggia with fireplace, plus terraces, gardens and guest and staff accommodation.
BEDROOMS: 6 SIZE: 31,000 SQFT