Backstage: A look at the Baxter head's mansion in Nardo
Apr 30, 2021
The Italian brand Baxter has conquered the world with its exclusive leather furniture. Year after year, the factory's stand is one of the most visited at Milan's iSaloni Furniture Forum. Lively crowds and endless queues of fans make it easy to find the stand, even if you're not previously armed with a map.
But the brand's creators prefer a different, quieter, more intimate lifestyle. Today a peek into the sanctum sanctorum of Baxter's CEO Paolo Bestetti reveals how he has organized his personal space.
The famous executive decides to settle in the town of Nardo in the province of Lecce. The original architecture, where warm tones of stone alternate with flashes of light, the brightly plastered facades of old buildings, the Baroque basilicas and basilicas decorated with bas-reliefs and friezes - all this captivated the romantic soul of Paolo Bestetti. And endless fields, olive groves and colourful sunrises and sunsets were the final arguments in favour of moving to this small town of Byzantine origin.
The choice fell on a nineteenth-century Baroque building, like most of the local buildings, measuring 230 m². The premises have been restored with careful attention paid to all authentic architectural elements. The project was led by architect Claudio Colaci, assisted by Stefano Guidotti, head of the Baxter design studio.
MORE FURNITURE by BAXTER. Sofas and beds designed by Paola Navone; cushions, armrests and headboards upholstered in nubuck and Baxter genuine leather.
For the living area, the sofa Housse Mono designed by Paola Navone, the sofa Girgenti by Antonio Sciortino, and the armchair Charlotte and Unique tables from Draga Obradovic's collection.
In the master and guest bedrooms there are three beds designed by Paola Navone: Sommier, Manila and Innsbruck with a padded headboard upholstered in nubuck.
In the kitchen there is another work by Navone, the Gallipoli ceiling light.
In the study are Gibellina Vestita chairs and on the wall is a panel by Antonio Sciortino.
Finally, the terrace. There are Manao armchairs from Paola Navone's outdoor collection. The outdoor space is complemented by a Wedge table from another famous Italian factory, Living Divani. Avant-garde tables and armchairs designed by Draga Obradovic attract attention. The furniture is enriched by bright details such as a collection of wicker baskets from Zimbabwe, an original panel on the kitchen wall, an antique alabaster vase from Marrakech and ironic sculptures by Antonio Sciortino in the study.
The owner's favourite room is the blue living room. "This place in the house best reflects the spirit of Salento," he comments. - And of course, the terrace. This is where I fully experience the warmth and colourfulness that the whole project was conceived for - a home with a warm heart, my home.
New Studio is the official representative of the Italian factory Baxter in Belarus.