Sereno Hotels has unveiled the brand new penthouse suite at Il Sereno in Lake Como. Designed by Patricia Urquiola and hotelier Luis Contreras, this stand-out penthouse marks Europe’s first-ever shoppable suite, with custom-made Urquiola furnishings available for purchase alongside décor pieces hand-selected by the designer. This penthouse will accept bookings beginning on August 1.
Standing atop a newest development at Il Sereno, adjacent to the original hotel (also the design brainchild of Urquiola and Contreras), this stunning suite features breathtaking views over Lake Como and a design language that draws from the property’s natural surroundings. From a verde-alpi green marble wall sourced from the Aosta Valley to pavement made with Ceppo di Gres (Sereno’s stone) from the neighboring mountains, the new suite echoes the hotel’s overall contemporary design that melds with its dramatic lakeside landscape.
Inspired by “Italian 50’s and Como Silks”, Urquiola’s design emphasizes the important designers that marked the era and that are still inspiring architects all over the world today, from Carlo Scarpa to Ettore Sottsass. The interiors reflect classic post-war Italian glamour, ‘La Dolce Vita’, modernist Italian designers, the much-loved Como silks for which the region is famous, and the design icon of Il Sereno itself.
Notable Design Features Include: • Noce Canaletto (Walnut) ceiling reminiscent of post-war modern architecture • Ceppo di Gres pavement in geometric patterns inside venetian terrazzo, inspired by Carlo Scarpa’s work in Venice in the famous Olivetti boutique • Urquiola designed new foulards made in Como’s silk works with patterns inspired by the Lake, and luxurious Jacquard fabrics in similar patterns used for wall coverings and cushions • Franco Albini’s fabulous Infinito bookcase along the West wall of the living room, populated with acquired old and new ceramic objects • Objects by Gio Ponti, Vico Magistretti, Charlotte Perirand • Murano made Tessuti Battuti vase and Essagono set of jars and glasses • Scarpa, Ponti, Ettore Sottsass, Aldo Londi objects come together with a selection of books handpicked for the penthouse • Late ‘1940’s vintage chair by Gio Ponti restored to keep its patina of over sixty years as the Poltrona in front of Patricia’s Love me Tender sofa in the living room
The choice of furniture is a tribute to the emblematic pieces of Italian design, the tradition of their local production and the architecture of the post-war years. The suite is a mixture of new bespoke pieces by Patricia Urquiola, as well as some of her latest design projects, such as the fabulous Lariana bathtub designed for Il Sereno and now available from AGAPE or the Ludo lounge chair from Capellini, mixed with classics from the likes of Franco Albini and Gio Ponti.
Since the opening of the hotel, the Ceppo di Gres façade has been mimicked by fashion brands such Oliver’s People, Valextra and Valentino, and the property continues to set a standard for iconic and forward-thinking designs. Referenced as the best penthouse in the world by local mainstay La Provinca di Como, this suite promises to be an unparalleled offering in luxury travel. Il Sereno presents a new era of luxury for the iconic destination of Lake Como with an ethos of understated elegance. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Wallpaper* magazine Designer of The Year 2015, the all-suite hotel has earned worldwide recognition including coveted spots on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2018 “Gold List” and TIME Magazine’s 2018 “World’s Greatest Places” list. Each of the 30 spacious, waterfront suites boast floor to ceiling windows and large furnished terraces. Milan restaurateur and Michelin star chef, Andrea Berton leads the hotel’s indoor-outdoor restaurant Berton Al Lago as Executive Chef, which was awarded a Michelin star in its first year of operation. A full-service spa situated under original stone arches dating back centuries features treatments from Swiss-brand Valmont. When not enjoying the 60-foot-long freshwater infinity pool suspended over the lake, guests can travel around the lake in style, in the hotel’s custom-built boats by Cantiere Ernesto Riva.
