Recently I wrote of Villa de Vecchi, a beautiful abandoned building I came across through an image shared on facebook. I not only fell in love with the building but also wanted to discover the story of the original owners. Since writing this post I have traveled further in my quest to find the “truth” and been lucky enough to meet many others with the same passion.
The interior of Villa de Vecchi is simply stunning and I can imagine how sumptuous it must have been in it’s day. With so many details and intricate moldings, patterned walls, and vivid color still visible the house still holds traces of it’s former elegance.
That the house speaks to so many and draws them to visit intrigues me. What has somebody see an image online and then plan over years to visit in person. To not only achieve that dream but record the visit so beautifully.
The images I fell in love with while researching were all copyright so I didn’t share them. Imagine my delight when I found out that Jeff Kerwin was the photographer. He came across the story and left me a comment, a new friendship was formed. We certainly share a love of photography and abandoned places. He travels to Italy regularly and his passion is clear. Another friendship formed through an unusual coincidence.
Jeff has very kindly given me permission to share these images and I have selected a small number from his incredible archive. As he says
“I live in Washington, DC but my heart belongs to Italia. Especially the Mezzogiorno (southern Italy). Napoli stole my heart and Sicilia blew my mind.”
“I am honored to be featured on your blog, Lisa. I apologize for not getting around to telling you sooner how I discovered Villa de Vecchi and came to visit it. I’ll do so now. I first saw a pic of it on Flickr maybe 4 years ago, in one of the many groups devoted to abandoned places or “beautiful decay.” I don’t think the pic provided the name of the villa, and it certainly didn’t indicate where it was. I did not even know that it was in Italy, though if I had to guess, I would have have guessed Sicily. Anyway, last year sometime I discovered it again on Flickr, and this time was able to attach a name to it: Villa de Vecchi. I googled the name, thinking it probably would not reveal much. But lo and behold, I discovered just where it was (Cortenova), a story about how it was believed to be haunted, and that it really did have a dark past. At this point I already had my 2012 Italy trip all planned…my last for perhaps a few years. But I knew I was going to have to look into changing those plans. With a little help I discovered it could get to it easily enough by a bus from Lecco, one of the towns on Lake Como. So I crossed Bologna off my list, and instead went up to Milan for three nights. Early in the morning I took a train to Lecco, then a bus along winding roads up into the mountains. I often get sick to my stomach on such rides, but thankfully this time I did not. After an hour’s ride I saw a sign for Cortenova, and a minute later Villa de Vecchi, off in the distance. It damn near took my breath away. Stepping onto the grounds and then standing right in front of it made my head swim! I just couldn’t believe it was right there in front of me.“
Just typing this has brought it all back to me, as if I was just there today. Thanks for letting me relive those moments.
I hope you will visit his Flickr page and discover this very talented photographer.
Further Resources
Villa de Vecchi also has supporters on facebook who would welcome your interest. If you have any information or images please take a moment to contact them.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I am honored to be featured on your blog, Lisa. I apologize for not getting around to telling you sooner how I discovered Villa de Vecchi and came to visit it. I’ll do so now. I first saw a pic of it on Flickr maybe 4 years ago, in one of the many groups devoted to abandoned places or “beautiful decay.” I don’t think the pic provided the name of the villa, and it certainly didn’t indicate where it was. I did not even know that it was in Italy, though if I had to guess, I would have have guessed Sicily. Anyway, last year sometime I discovered it again on Flickr, and this time was able to attach a name to it: Villa de Vecchi. I googled the name, thinking it probably would not reveal much. But lo and behold, I discovered just where it was (Cortenova), a story about how it was believed to be haunted, and that it really did have a dark past. At this point I already had my 2012 Italy trip all planned…my last for perhaps a few years. But I knew I was going to have to look into changing those plans. With a little help I discovered it could get to it easily enough by a bus from Lecco, one of the towns on Lake Como. So I crossed Bologna off my list, and instead went up to Milan for three nights. Early in the morning I took a train to Lecco, then a bus along winding roads up into the mountains. I often get sick to my stomach on such rides, but thankfully this time I did not. After an hour’s ride I saw a sign for Cortenova, and a minute later Villa de Vecchi, off in the distance. It damn near took my breath away. Stepping onto the grounds and then standing right in front of it made my head swim! I just couldn’t believe it was right there in front of me.
Just typing this has brought it all back to me, as if I was just there today. Thanks for letting me relive those moments.
Jeff the honor is truly mine, I just love your images not only the Villa ones but all of them.Thanks for not only sharing these but also your story and passion for Italy.I was also captured by the first image I saw of the Villa and couldn’t get it out of my mind. I can imagine that bus ride and the final turn before the villa came into view, I hope to see for myself one day very soon. I’ll include this story in the body of the post so it doesn’t get lost in the comments. Do you have a website for your images other than flickr? If not I know it would be a real gift to those who love Italy and perhaps a way to buy your work or have them in a book.
ciao for now gotta get the kids to school,
sending love
lisa
Oh by the way did you see the comment from your friend on the fb page, it’s a story in itself!! x
How wonderful connections via the internet can be and thanks to this one you were able to share these great photos.
lindyloumacinitaly recently posted..Last of the Summer Fun
I am always amazed at the quirky nature of the universe in these matters. Jeff’s work is just stunning and I am so happy to be able to direct readers towards his many beautiful albums. As you can see by his comments below he is a man who follows his heart. ciao love lisa x
why has it not been renovated to its former glory? It is so stunning and such a waste! I love the history of the building…imagine living in it
There is so much character to the inside, and such detail. LOVE that a building can draw so many people in. It seems such a shame that the powers that be havent taken under their wings and worked on returning the building to what it used to be.
In Australia there are many buildings that are “heritage listed” – this villa is one building that should also be classed as history. It would make a great “Tour” house
Lisa Wood recently posted..Probiotic Drinks :: Juice That You Can Take Anywhere
Unfortunately the Villa is consumed not just by time but also by bureaucracy. It is also in a fairly unstable area, I don’t hold much hope for her. It seems now that friends of the villa are making every effort to gather the history, images and information to keep for future generations to see. This may be all that will remain sadly.
I’m not sure how “heritage listing” works in Italy, most of the countries buildings would fall under this if in Australia. Could you imagine the Villa like Ripponlea or Como in Melbourne….bought back to life once more.
love lisa x
Another blogging love story blooms Lisa. I love the interiors too. Even in their ruined state, Jeff has captured the magic. A man after our own hearts!!! Thank you for taking the time to keep digging. Jxx
Janine recently posted..Raising the bar
Janine you would just adore the other albums Jeff has taken. I love the quirky way I meet others with the same passions here online. One day soon I’ll be able to meet all these people and ask them so many questions in person! x
Thank you so much for taking us inside this weathered beauty.
I love seeing all those exquisite details, still stunning even under layers of peeling paint and layers of dust. 
Krista recently posted..Puppies, Learning Italian, and Not Becoming A Model
Yes she reminds me of a frail old lady wasting away in a home, yet if you look in her eyes and hold her hand she’ll tell you stories you can’t imagine x
Oh this is all so beautiful. I am yet to visit Italy but I have a feeling that I too will fall in love and that a part of my heart will always belong. Thank you both for sharing this story with us.
Great to meet another creative spirit, I know when you get to Italy you will fall in love. Your blog looks great and I loved the sketch of Edinburgh. ciao for now lisa x