A World of Interiors Spread of Coppola's Casa Margherita, Room #9
Apologies for the poor excuse for a photo of what looks to be a truly spectacular restored palazzo with walls of repurposed 1920s silk, 1940s furnishings, and custom-designed chandeliers in Southern Italy. It is owned by none other than legendary director Francis Ford Coppola.
The reason for the makeshift snap is that the original shot of Casa Margherita was from March’s The World of Interiors magazine. And although the rag is epic in its design tastes, it doesn’t seem to have gotten with the times vis-a-vis a proper website with previews of the edition.
In any case, I was mesmerised by the article and concomitant photos which depicted a gorgeously restored early 18th century historical structure in Bernalda decorated by none other than Jacques Grange (of YSL Morocco homestead fame) with a little help from Mr. Coppola’s wife and daughter Sofia.
Like all great places of integrity, this started as a labour of love. The director wanted to connect to his family roots (in the vicinity). When he found and purchased the property he became hell-bent on making it a place to which his kids would want to return.
Somewhere along the way, he decided to open it up to the public. So, although, usually one sits there rapt in envious reverie whilst pouring over the pages of such interiors glossies, this time, the reader can in fact partake of the grandeur and old-meets-new chic of Casa Margherita.
However, after word spreads with names like Coppola (Mr. and Ms.) and Grange attached to the buzz, it may be damned near impossible to secure a room.
This is where that dreaming comes in again…Now I’ve got Room #9 on the brain!
