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A Rome residence fit for royalty
By Patsy Yang |
August 12, 2012, Sunday
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MARIANITA Ruspoli, who previously lived in Shanghai's former French concession, recently returned to her family home on Rome's legendary Via Condotti, just a stone's throw from the famous Spanish Steps.
The grand Ruspoli family residence, Palazzo Ruspoli, is now also one of the most luxurious and ultra-exclusive boutique hotels in Rome. Covering 15,000 square meters, it is one of the largest palaces in Rome.
The Ruspoli family moved into the palace in 1776 and still live there.
Entering the Palazzo, visitors pass along an elegant arcade of Doric columns, walking up a grand marble staircase lined with marble busts of Roman emperors. At the top of this grand building is the Ruspoli family home, covering 300 square meters.
Having lived in Asia, Ruspoli has transformed her Rome residence into a cozy, modern home with touches of the East, but which also celebrates European style.
Having grown up in such historic surroundings, Ruspoli loves living in an old building but with a laid-back, East-meets-West aesthetic for the interiors.
"I wanted to renovate my home after I moved back, to freshen it up and bring it up-to-date. I prefer the contrast of having a modern touch in decor of a 16th century building," she said.
Her style is inspired by her hometown, studying art history at university and a natural talent for interior design inherited from her mother, Princess Letizia Ruspoli, who has transformed the palace into one of the most unique and sought-after hotels in Rome.
Creating a warm atmosphere in a functional space where the whole family can get on with everyday life was the guideline for the renovation. "The idea was to have a serene hideaway corner where you could feel at home, away from the busy life of the city," she said.
For the same reason, the main colors she chose on natural beige tones were to give a relaxing vibe. "I do like strong colors but I felt during the renovation that I needed a truly laid-back atmosphere, and the choice of natural soft colors was the key to this. That said, I also used touches of black to give some character to the soothing decor."
Having been to Ruspoli's two renovated houses in Shanghai, the biggest difference between her Shanghai residences and her home in Rome is the family antiques that adorn the family seat.
The Ruspoli family has a huge collection of antiques, from opulent oil paintings to silverware and furniture.
"Antique furniture in my home is mostly inherited. All our family members care deeply about keeping the furniture and other antiques with the building, as it's an important part of the history,'' Ruspoli said.
"For instance, the paintings of horses that adorn the living room overlooking the roof terrace were painted by famous Italian artist Filippo Palizzi in the mid-1800s for the family of my grandmother, who were involved in horse breeding." Heirlooms apart, most of the furniture in the home is modern items brought to Rome from Ruspoli's travels in Asia, reflecting her tastes.
Whether it's the rich detail of a porcelain vase or antique furniture crafted several hundred years ago, Ruspoli sees the potential of bringing together different cultural sources to create magical moods. Having lived in both Europe and Asia, her artistic sensibility attuned to combining East and West; and the old and new in both.
Ruspoli loves to use linen, wherever she lives. In Rome, she has linen-covered sofas and linen curtains which make rooms feel airy and bring a sense of calm.
"What I like best about my home is that this building has belonged to my family for hundreds of years, so there is a plenty of antiques. But at the same time it is updated with all modern conveniences. I love it that this home is on top of the building, away from all the noise, and most of all, I love the beautiful views over old Rome," she said.
Indeed, the terrace is one of the finest features of Ruspoli's home; one of the best-kept secrets inside the Palazzo, where the family and guests can enjoy refreshments surrounded by breathtaking city views.
Palazzo Ruspoli's central location makes it perfectly placed for many of Rome's historic attractions. From its earliest days, it hosted high-ranking figures, such as ambassadors. It became a high society meeting place, a venue for diplomatic negotiations, a prime location from where to view the Roman carnival and the place "to see and be seen." Among guests was Emperor Napoleon III, who spent time at Palazzo Ruspoli in 1830, accompanied by his mother, Hortense Beauharnais, the former Queen of Holland.
A one night stay at super-luxe Napoleone Suite inside Ruspoli's family building is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And who can resist the chance to live like royalty?
ASK THE OWNER
Q: What's the best thing about living in Rome?
A: The beautiful ancient architecture surrounding you.
Q: Describe your home in three words.
A: Essential; chic; cozy.
Q: How do you unwind?
A: Looking out of the window at the fascinating view of the antique and modern Rome.
Q: Where do you spend most of the time at home?
A: The living room, all the life of the home moves around this room, situated in the center of the house.
Q: What's the best view outside your window?
A: The Spanish Steps.
Q: How do you scent your home?
A: Opening the windows overlooking the small terraces and to let the perfume of the flowers there float into the house.
Q: What's your favorite object at home?
A: An wooden desk dating back to 1700.
The grand Ruspoli family residence, Palazzo Ruspoli, is now also one of the most luxurious and ultra-exclusive boutique hotels in Rome. Covering 15,000 square meters, it is one of the largest palaces in Rome.
The Ruspoli family moved into the palace in 1776 and still live there.
Entering the Palazzo, visitors pass along an elegant arcade of Doric columns, walking up a grand marble staircase lined with marble busts of Roman emperors. At the top of this grand building is the Ruspoli family home, covering 300 square meters.
Having lived in Asia, Ruspoli has transformed her Rome residence into a cozy, modern home with touches of the East, but which also celebrates European style.
Having grown up in such historic surroundings, Ruspoli loves living in an old building but with a laid-back, East-meets-West aesthetic for the interiors.
"I wanted to renovate my home after I moved back, to freshen it up and bring it up-to-date. I prefer the contrast of having a modern touch in decor of a 16th century building," she said.
Her style is inspired by her hometown, studying art history at university and a natural talent for interior design inherited from her mother, Princess Letizia Ruspoli, who has transformed the palace into one of the most unique and sought-after hotels in Rome.
Creating a warm atmosphere in a functional space where the whole family can get on with everyday life was the guideline for the renovation. "The idea was to have a serene hideaway corner where you could feel at home, away from the busy life of the city," she said.
For the same reason, the main colors she chose on natural beige tones were to give a relaxing vibe. "I do like strong colors but I felt during the renovation that I needed a truly laid-back atmosphere, and the choice of natural soft colors was the key to this. That said, I also used touches of black to give some character to the soothing decor."
Having been to Ruspoli's two renovated houses in Shanghai, the biggest difference between her Shanghai residences and her home in Rome is the family antiques that adorn the family seat.
The Ruspoli family has a huge collection of antiques, from opulent oil paintings to silverware and furniture.
"Antique furniture in my home is mostly inherited. All our family members care deeply about keeping the furniture and other antiques with the building, as it's an important part of the history,'' Ruspoli said.
"For instance, the paintings of horses that adorn the living room overlooking the roof terrace were painted by famous Italian artist Filippo Palizzi in the mid-1800s for the family of my grandmother, who were involved in horse breeding." Heirlooms apart, most of the furniture in the home is modern items brought to Rome from Ruspoli's travels in Asia, reflecting her tastes.
Whether it's the rich detail of a porcelain vase or antique furniture crafted several hundred years ago, Ruspoli sees the potential of bringing together different cultural sources to create magical moods. Having lived in both Europe and Asia, her artistic sensibility attuned to combining East and West; and the old and new in both.
Ruspoli loves to use linen, wherever she lives. In Rome, she has linen-covered sofas and linen curtains which make rooms feel airy and bring a sense of calm.
"What I like best about my home is that this building has belonged to my family for hundreds of years, so there is a plenty of antiques. But at the same time it is updated with all modern conveniences. I love it that this home is on top of the building, away from all the noise, and most of all, I love the beautiful views over old Rome," she said.
Indeed, the terrace is one of the finest features of Ruspoli's home; one of the best-kept secrets inside the Palazzo, where the family and guests can enjoy refreshments surrounded by breathtaking city views.
Palazzo Ruspoli's central location makes it perfectly placed for many of Rome's historic attractions. From its earliest days, it hosted high-ranking figures, such as ambassadors. It became a high society meeting place, a venue for diplomatic negotiations, a prime location from where to view the Roman carnival and the place "to see and be seen." Among guests was Emperor Napoleon III, who spent time at Palazzo Ruspoli in 1830, accompanied by his mother, Hortense Beauharnais, the former Queen of Holland.
A one night stay at super-luxe Napoleone Suite inside Ruspoli's family building is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And who can resist the chance to live like royalty?
ASK THE OWNER
Q: What's the best thing about living in Rome?
A: The beautiful ancient architecture surrounding you.
Q: Describe your home in three words.
A: Essential; chic; cozy.
Q: How do you unwind?
A: Looking out of the window at the fascinating view of the antique and modern Rome.
Q: Where do you spend most of the time at home?
A: The living room, all the life of the home moves around this room, situated in the center of the house.
Q: What's the best view outside your window?
A: The Spanish Steps.
Q: How do you scent your home?
A: Opening the windows overlooking the small terraces and to let the perfume of the flowers there float into the house.
Q: What's your favorite object at home?
A: An wooden desk dating back to 1700.
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