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Little did co-developers Susan and Sam Longiotti realize that a trip to Italy and it's sun-drenched Calabria region would so profoundly affect them that they would be inspired to recreate a delicious taste of that Italian la dolce vita at home for others to savor.
Thus were laid the plans for what was to become the incomparable Maida Vale. An internationally-acclaimed community that has transformed one of the most alluring vistas in all of North Carolina into a stunning reflection of the Calabrian lifestyle.
Maida Vale takes its name from the old town in the
Calabrian region of Southern Italy that lays claim to the
ever-changing colors of lush orchards, rich coastal vistas
and the deep crystalline waters of the Mediterranean.
During the Napoleonic Wars, this was the site of the
Battle of Maida Vale where the enormously
outnumbered British soundly defeated French forces.
Returning to his home just west of Westminster,
London, battle general and leader Sir John Stuart was
memorialized as "The Hero of Maida" and thus, this
picturesque affluent district became known as Maida
Vale. In the southern section is the tree-lined segment
of Regent's Canal, coined by poet Robert Browning as
'Little Venice.' Today, the distinctive stucco houses and
scenic gardens continue to define this highly sought
after upscale borough.
Is it any wonder why, for centuries, travelers both from the Americas and Europe have tried to bring it home? The food, music, architecture, wine, art, fashion and design. Yet while one can easily import the elements, the essence remains more elusive. In truth, it is that ars vivendi that we crave – the art of living and enjoying life of which Italians are the undisputed masters. And that is exactly what this new interpretation of Maida Vale offers to the discerning homeowner, where the distinctive richly-colored stucco houses and scenic gardens define this highly sought after upscale enclave.
Encompassing 40 prime acres that straddle the Durham
and Chapel Hill line in North Carolina, it is the sundrenched
stucco privacy wall topped by a glimpse of the
red barrel tile roofs that offer the first hint of the
treasure that lies beyond. Wrought iron gates at the
attended gate house open to a warm welcome of the
central piazza bordered by a graceful columnar curve of
Italian cypress trees and highlighted by a tiered
Renaissance fountain and floral-filled statuary. The
message is clear.
When surrounded by this much beauty, there simply isn't room for the mediocrity that gets in the way of the pleasure of living.
Designed to appeal to a variety of American and European tastes, a total of just 59 residences ranging from 3,000 to 15,000 square feet in four distinct sectors will make up this intoxicating oasis at its completion.
The Treviso, San Rimini and Cortona residences offer a variety of living options in a selection of settings. Interested parties can choose from intimate enclaves set among communal formal Italian gardens to others featuring classic European courtyards and elegant al fresco living and dining spaces. Even the timeless reserve of well-articulated Mediterranean inspired homes. While Portofino comprises a select number of exclusive estate homes with a private, gated entry.
Continuity of architectural distinction comes from the Andalusian, French, English and Italian, particularly Tuscan, home designs. A roster of premier custom builders offers 10 distinctive home plans characterized by stone and authentic stucco exteriors, wrought iron detailing, graceful arched entries, private balconies, soaring ceilings, marble and Brazilian cherry inlaid flooring and his and her master baths with expansive separate dressing areas. In two-story homes, elevator access is available. Professional Viking appliances and granite countertops are the standard for all kitchens. Homebuyers may also present architectural drawings to Maida Vale's architectural review board for approval.
As new planting progresses, Maida Vale's verdant
landscaping is envisioned to blossom into a sanctuary
from the pressures of the everyday world. Rooted in the
gardens of ancient Rome, Treviso's formal Italian garden
is designed to be a reflection of those one finds only in
"il bel paese". Here, the parterre construction will be
interspersed with cascading fountains, exquisite
stonework, statuary and, of course, beautiful flowers,
shrubs and trees. It is "an opened garden," designed as
an extension of the home, a private place that is
opened to the world.
Furthering the concept of comfortable luxury, residents will enjoy an international standard of personal attention with round the clock concierge services of the level you would expect to find in a four diamond resort.
As with their Tuscan villa-inspired Siena Hotel in Chapel Hill, for Susan and Sam Longiotti, Maida Vale represents not a development but a love affair. One echoing the distinctive European ambiance and obsession with detail one finds it exceedingly difficult to come by in the New World.
Che bella fortuna.
