China

A sumptuous private residence that in some glimpses recalls the splendour and opulence of the reception rooms of Versailles. The interior spaces are almost entirely finished with boiserie-clad walls. And it is this extremely rich boiserie that stands as one of the most luxurious distinguishing features of this grand residence.

In the various rooms we find boiserie enriched with carvings, inlays, gold decorations, inserts in marble or precious fabrics, friezes, sculptures and ornamentation — or entirely in marble. The huge indoor pool has a floor entirely clad in mosaic and is lit by a ceiling with a vividly coloured, back-lit art-glass window. The pool walls are in marble, and the pool itself is surrounded by columns and sculptures that seem to gaze out over the blue of the water.

The ceilings of other living spaces are, instead, frescoed, richly decorated or marked by vivid art-glass windows, often lit and enhanced by imposing crystal chandeliers. Particularly striking is the dining room, with flooring embellished by elaborate inlays whose colour combinations were carefully studied and refined, and the master bedroom, with parquet featuring a meticulous inlay in fine woods. Entire sections of ceilings and walls have been carved for a further touch of extreme luxury.