The landscape of Como City has gained a new cultural anchor. CASABIANCA is not a museum in the traditional sense; it is a gateway. It represents a deeply personal and ever-evolving collection of contemporary art born of the vision and passion of Paolo and Antonella De Santis.
This pristine 1930s villa, with its original architectural charm intact, has found a new destiny in 2026. It functions as a home away from home where the act of welcoming guests is elevated to an art form.
One Villa, One Destiny
Standing on the waterfront, CASABIANCA is immediately recognizable by its elegant white marble cladding and undulating façade. Designed in 1930 by the architect Piero Ponci, it is part of a structural trio of neighboring villas, each unique in style, all facing the lake.
The history of the building reflects the industrial and cultural evolution of the region:
- The 1930s: Constructed as a private residence.
- The Textile Era: Served as the head office for the Rosasco company.
- The Cultural Shift: Once home to the Ratti family and later a bank, before being reimagined in 2024 as the sanctuary it is today.
The Spark of the Collection
The journey of the collection began in the 1980s with a single ceramic sculpture purchased at La Ruota, the studio of Ico and Luisa Parisi. This acquisition sparked a lifelong friendship with the Parisis and an uninterrupted exchange of ideas about the contemporary art world.
Over the decades, Paolo and Antonella navigated the art scene with increasing curiosity and enthusiasm. Their collection grew not as a static display of wealth, but as a living record of their explorations. Today, the villa serves as the physical manifestation of that four decade journey.
Hospitality Beyond the Traditional
At CASABIANCA, the concept of hospitality goes beyond the realm of private collecting. It celebrates art, culture, and the lake in a space designed for both living and entertaining.
The interior remains untainted and intimate. Because it was designed as a home, the art resides in a context of domesticity, allowing for a more profound connection between the viewer and the work. It is a celebration of the Lake Como Way of Life, where heritage architecture provides the perfect framework for modern artistic expression.
The Cultural Pivot
In 2026, the value of the Como territory is being redefined by projects like CASABIANCA. We are seeing a shift from passive tourism to active cultural engagement.
For the resident and the collector, this villa proves that the Lario is not just a place for history, but a vibrant hub for contemporary thought. The De Santis family has once again demonstrated their ability to restore the structural soul of a building while giving it a forward looking mission. CASABIANCA is a signal to the global elite that the lake is a place where wealth is used to preserve beauty and foster intellectual exchange.
