Built in 1936 and destroyed in 1980 by two avalanches, today Villa Bacchini has been rebuilt by the new owners with a reconstruction project followed by Architect Mariapia Bettiol’s Studio from Aosta in collaboration with the interior contractor CONCRETA from Valtellina.
Renamed The Phoenix of the Matterhorn, the new chalet evokes the old structure while giving a high level of comfort using quality materials; inside the structure you can find the classic residential functions such as the bedrooms, the living room, the dining room and the kitchen alongside more properly ‘hotel’ services such as indoor swimming pool, Spa, cinema room, Gym, Ski Room, and Bike Room. A staff is available inside to guests.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE VILLA
The building extends over 1200 square meters on six levels including the basement, where the technical rooms are located; seven double rooms have been created, as well as a larger living room and a more reserved one, a kitchen that can also be used by guests, a dining room and a buffet area.
The design concept is based on the use of stone and exposed wood as a tradition in the mountains, but at the same time combining rustic, old wood and stone, with rich and modern materials, like velvets and crystals, with a neoclassical touch.
The central atrium, where the elevator shaft opens, features a parapet in metal and brass with neoclassical motifs, while in the common areas the large wooden frames outlining the walls combine with the stuccoes and plaster decorations recalling the taste and aesthetics of classicism.
CONCRETA’s intervention allowed the recovery and use of old larch wood capable of providing stability for the construction of the floors, while stairs and the basement are in stone, to emphasize the rustic soul of the villa.
The stone originally used in the construction of the villa in the 1930s could be partially reused and integrated with local stone for the external façade, everything was laid dry, with no joints in sight, thus giving additional value to the construction.
THE ROOMS
There are two Master En-Suite Bedrooms on the second floor on either side of the elevator shaft and a King Suite on the top floor, with a small additional room for children. All bedrooms have king-size beds and are all facing the valley, while the bathrooms are north-facing with a view of the Matterhorn.
At the entrance to the Master Bedrooms there are walk-in closets that directly overlook the bathroom, designed as an open space; leather and velvet were chosen alongside a canopy effect for beds, lightened with carved leathers in the wooden frames of the furniture.
In the middle floor, four double bedrooms with shower and private bathroom are all equipped with a small walk-in closet; each room has a different color on the tones of leather and velvets, while wool curtains recall the Alpine tradition in both the colors and designs.
THE COMMON AREAS
Guests are picked up by SUV or snowmobiles and arrive directly in the garage, where there is a reception area and an underground wine cellar, to make the most of also this access.
An entrance obtained under the glazed swimming pool through which you pass coming from the garage welcomes guests upon their arrival at the Chalet. Here, mood lights frame the door, up to the explosion of light from the swimming pool with the game of colors created by the water.
Passing through a corridor of antique larch wood paneling, you reach the elevator shaft where, through a large glass door, you can admire the Ski Room which was conceived as the old choirs of Christian basilicas, with mahogany wood and upholstered thrones of cardinal red capitonné leather, surmounted by a scenic crystal chandelier in colored nuances.
The Spa has a large indoor swimming pool with sauna and Turkish steam room, and an outdoor whirlpool surrounded by snow. On the same floor as the Spa there is the gym, the games room and the massage room, all concentrated on the ground floor.
The result is a unique villa, nothing surrounds it and it stands majestically against a rocky wall framed by the Grandes Murailles.
