Toward the end of the 1800s, construction began in Aprica on two small villas near the Ogliolo stream, along the old road leading to the village of Corteno Golgi. This was an initiative spearheaded by Commendatore Emilio Quadrio, a well-known figure who remained in the public eye until the outbreak of World War I.
It appears that there was originally a plan to build a new settlement, within which the two cottages would have served as residences and accommodations for the doctors who would have worked at the sanatorium to be built nearby; the initiative fell through, but the two distinctive buildings became the hub of a constant social scene. Chalet and Villa Rosa—the two small villas—were, in fact, constantly bustling with numerous concerts and parties, held to entertain the most distinguished guests of the time; Filippo Turati, Anna Kuliscioff, and Felice Cameroni are just a few of the most famous names that Commendatore Quadrio had the honor of hosting.
The concert held in August 1909 remains legendary; the attention of those present was captured by the famous violinist Teresina Tua, accompanied on the piano by her husband, Count Giuseppe Fraschi Verney de la Vallette, and by Miss Margherita Rossi of Bologna; among the organizers and participants in this high-society event were also Nobel Prize winner Camillo Golgi and Miss Matia Gomer, a leading figure in the cultural salons of the time, who was vacationing in Aprica.
The outbreak of World War I and the abandonment of the initial plan to build a sanatorium prompted Quadrio to sell the two villas and the surrounding land to the Counts Dell’Acqua. Countess Dell’Acqua married Mr. Brioschi—after whom the residence is named—the owner of Via Senato in Milan, which was later confiscated from him by the Duce during the war. The Brioschis had no children, and upon their death, the villa was sold to the Panella family.
The relentless passage of time and the vicissitudes of history seemed to erase all traces of the former splendor and lively social life of years past. In 1964, one of the two villas was converted into a hotel, while the other, now abandoned to its fate, seemed destined to succumb to the passage of time and the inevitable nostalgia for happy memories of the past, now buried by the events that had unfolded.
But such a distinctive and prized building—once a distant stage for success and high society—was not destined to succumb; it was destined to experience a renewed era of splendor. Many wondered about a possible renovation project, and that same enthusiasm inspired Mr. Italo Poli, who, along with his wife, became the new owner in 2005, with the aim of bringing a dream back to life. A fervent and capable advocate for the project was their daughter, Architect Monica Poli, driven by a remarkable passion for a task that felt like both a challenge and an expression of admiration for what time had marred but not erased. The new owners were determined to restore the villa’s elegance, exclusivity, and refinement, bringing back its former splendor. The feverish work of research and project planning began; new ideas and original insights continually intertwined until the decision was made to create a refined and comfortable, sophisticated and exclusive lodging facility that would harmoniously blend the ancient splendor of those rooms with the aesthetic demands of a contemporary and modern clientele.
The idea took shape quickly, and the structure lent itself readily to the renovation work, restoring Villa Brioschi rightfully to its former beauty and rediscovered magnificence.
The name Villa Brioschi is meant to reaffirm the connection to an era that still exudes its aura of elegance and sophistication; the furnishings, the interior decorations of the rooms, the furnishings, and the individual objects all share the same desire to bring to light a splendor that has never faded, to preserve and highlight the refinement and exclusivity that have characterized the residence since its inception.
Every space and every detail evoke the vestiges of an ancient and timeless splendor, reborn to take visitors by the hand and lead them through a dream that has become reality. This dream is Villa Brioschi, destined to stand the test of time and emerge triumphant.
Since 2008, guests have been greeted with warm cordiality and kindness by Antonella Poli, who discreetly welcomes them to the family estate that has preserved its ancient beauty and authenticity. Upon entering, you’ll breathe in a magical, family-like atmosphere that allows guests to enjoy an indescribable experience, taking a step back in time and spending a timeless vacation.
If you love refined, charming, and romantic places, welcome to Villa Brioschi!!!!
