Dolce & Gabbana Part Ways With Their Vibrant Italian Villa on Stromboli Island
Perched along the coastline of Italy's volcanic Stromboli Island, fashion designers and former couple Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana purchased this summer home for themselves in the 1990s. The seven bedroom and nine bathroom abode was once three separate villas.
The pair eventually merged the spaces into a 2,500-square-foot single residence and decked out the interior with their signature style—from brightly-colored suites to distinctive upholstery and walls of hand-painted majolica tiles.
The home is spread out along the eastern edge of Stromboli, a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The island can be found in the Aeolian archipelago just north of Sicily.
The traditionally styled whitewashed exterior has many characteristic Aeolian features, with a flat roof and sections built as modular cubes for easy expansion. Urban development is extremely restricted on Stromboli, requiring that all homes conform to these established styles and source local building materials whenever possible.
Over 3,000 square feet of terraces surround the villa, offering plenty of space for entertaining. Traditional Aeolian design centers around the use of large terraces for outdoor living.
But, the conventional design ends once over the threshold. A walk through the home reveals distinctively styled rooms, each featuring unique shades of bright patterns or colors, and all expressing elements of Dolce and Gabbana's extravagant taste.
A breakfast area overlooks the terrace and views of the sea. A stunning mosaic of hand-painted majolica tiles canvases the floor and walls, contrasting with custom designed fabrics along the built-in couch.
The formal sitting area is painted in a striking shade of sky blue. Antiques line the walls and hang from the timber-beamed ceilings, while a different majolica tile motif covers the floor.
The designers' influence extends to each of the home's seven distinct guest suites. Over the years, the pair have hosted many star-studded parties at the property, which was also featured in a Dolce & Gabbana commercial starring Colin Farrell.
Lace curtains line the large windows of this emerald green suite, which also features an antique fireplace and furnishings.
Another room takes on a comparably subdued color palette of pastel pink. Filling the space are additional pieces of antiquity, including an ornamental chandelier and wall sconces.
Several guest bedrooms are larger for extended stays. Here, a three-room suite painted in a golden yellow features arched openings and a plastered half wall to separate the spaces.
A mirrored armoire reflects the room's charming blend of wood tones and decorative patterns set against sky blue walls.
While Dolce and Gabbana have not publicly confirmed why they are selling the home, it could be because of the island's notoriously active volcano, Mount Stromboli. The volcano has erupted on and off for the last 85 years. The most recent eruption took place just this summer, on July 3, 2019.
The home's expansive terraces look out over panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Stairs lead down along the stone retaining wall to the rocky shore below.
The new owners can spend time relaxing and taking in sunset views from several sitting areas that are topped with traditional wooden beams.
The Domenico Dolce And Stefano Gabbana Villa is currently listed for an undisclosed amount, rumored to be around $6m. The listing is held by the Italian agency Lionard Luxury Real Estate.
Related Reading: Now You Can Buy a Historic Home in Italy For Just €1
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