Renaissance-era redux
Palazzo DI SONGI, a massive two-story villa within a few blocks of downtown Studio City, takes its inspiration from the Italian Renaissance.
The courtyard fountain is from the Malcolm Forbes estate in Florence, Italy. The walls and some of the ceilings were made of Venetian plaster.
Frescoes highlight an Italian chandelier in the entry. The foyer has a 400-year-old reproduction of a Greek warrior by an Italian artist, which can be purchased separately. It is flanked by medieval wall sconces.
About this house: “I’ve been flipping houses for 15 years,” said horse trainer Danny Gerardi, who with his partner, artist Giorgio Tuscani, bought the 2005 house when it was under construction, then finished it as a palace. The residence, abutting the Santa Monica Mountains in Fryman Canyon, took the couple a year to finish. It was the site of Verona-born oil painter Tuscani’s first public art exhibit.
Asking price: $9,995,000
Size: There are six bedrooms and nine bathrooms in 12,000 square feet. The canyon-view home and gardens are set on 2 acres of parklike grounds, behind wrought-iron gates.
Features: The attention to detail is evident throughout the house. Walnut floors are hand-hewn, moldings are custom designed. The ornate ceilings are adorned with painted domes and coffers. In the dining room, an imported chandelier and custom plasterwork evoke 16th century Italy. There is a four-car garage, a swimming pool and a spa.
Where: Studio City
Listing agent: Tracey Clarke of Sotheby’s International Realty, Sunset Strip, (310) 205-0305, shares the listing with Arline Bolin of the Brentwood office of Re/Max, (310) 207-2050.
To submit a candidate for Home of the Week, send high-resolution color photos with caption and credit information on a CD and a detailed description of the house to Ruth Ryon, Real Estate section, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., L.A., CA 90012. Questions may be sent to homeoftheweek@latimes.com.
