Before 1880
The hill above the lakes
A slope above the small lakes of Pian d'Erba, known locally as il ronco dei Corti, owned by the Corti and Rosa families. Next door stood the Grotto Rosa, once a renowned hotel built against the caves.
1875 – 1885
The painters' studio
The first building was the studio of the painters Pietro Rosa (1819–1891) and his son Salvatore (1863–1931). Friends from the Milanese Scapigliatura came here to paint.
It is said that even Giovanni Segantini was a guest, and that a tunnel led from the studio to the caves of the Grotto Rosa.
c. 1890
A villa for a Milanese summer
The Monferrini family of Milan replaced the studio with the villa that still stands almost unchanged — a villino borghese, square and simple in plan, built by a master builder whose name is not known.
Early 1900s
Evenings with the Meyners
The house passed to the Meyner family of Milan.
Local stories say they were drawn to esoteric sciences and held spiritual evenings here. How much is true, nobody knows.
1930s
Summers of the Carcassolas
The noble Carcassola family of Milan made it their summer residence. Giancarlo Brusati, husband of Fulvia Carcassola and an Olympic fencer, was a frequent guest.
Later
The Locatellis
From the Carcassolas the villa passed to the Locatelli family, its owners before today.
2026
A new chapter
Restored room by room, with its original doors, windows and Liberty details kept, and opened to guests from December 2026.