Bernard Arnault, the famed entrepreneur and owner of the ultra-luxury group LVMH, has added a new property under his name. The billionaire is the new owner of Casa degli Atellani, the former residence of Leonardo Da Vinci, a polymath and master painter. Located in the city centre of Milan, the property’s previous occupants include the descendants of the Conti and Portaluppi families.
At press time, the transaction and purpose of this acquisition were not disclosed.
The majestic estate was built in the late 1400s and donated to Da Vinci by Ludovico “Il Moro” Duke of Milan in 1498 when the painter was in town to paint his magnum opus — The Last Supper. Through the years, Casa degli Atellani saw multiple changes of hands and ownership and in 1919, it was acquired by the senator and entrepreneur Ettore Conti.
Located on Corso Magenta, the estate underwent restoration works under the direction of Piero Portaluppi, who is a famous architect and son-in-law of Conti. Within the grand country house’s verdant courtyard is a hidden vineyard that once belonged to Da Vinci. It was the only wine-producing landholding in the centre of Milan and spans around two acres or 16 rows. Restored in 2014, after years of neglect, it was restored to its former glory in 2015 during the international Expo held in the capital city. The public could once again indulge in the wines made in Milan.
The revitalisation of Casa degli Atellani saw it become a top destination for fashion shows, presentations and cocktail receptions. Tourists and visitors often earmark the estate as one of the places to visit. There are also six for-rent apartments that could be utilised.
The multi-billionaire’s portfolio includes some of the world’s most luxurious brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany & Co., Bvlgari and others. He also owns several wines and spirits firms, namely Ruinart, Dom Perignon, Moet & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot. Being one of the richest in the world, Arnault is always at the top of the list and often competes with Tesla and Twitter owner Elon Musk for the crown. As of December 2022, Forbes estimates Arnault to have a net worth of US$181.8 billion.
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