Villa Masini is a residence located at via del Pestello 22–24 in Montevarchi, Arezzo, designed by engineer Giuseppe Petrini and architect Luigi Zumkeller and completed in 1927.
Commissioned in 1924 by entrepreneur Angiolo Masini, the villa was conceived as both a memorial to his second wife and a testament to the family’s prosperity derived from La Familiare, their hat-manufacturing enterprise. Petrini, a Montevarchi native trained and employed in Turin before returning to Tuscany as a state railway engineer, could not formally sign the project due to his official position; Luigi Zumkeller therefore served as the credited architect. Construction, overseen by the Failli firm, generated disputes during execution, particularly regarding the western corner tower. The building permit was issued on 13 June 1928, after completion.
About the Designers
Giuseppe Petrini was born in Montevarchi and returned to his hometown after formative and professional work in Turin. Luigi Zumkeller collaborated with Petrini as the registered architect on this commission.
Details
- Designers: Giuseppe Petrini (engineer) and Luigi Zumkeller (architect)
- Commissioned: 1924
- Completed: 1927
- Location: Via del Pestello 22–24, Montevarchi, Arezzo
- Patron: Angiolo Masini, hat manufacturer
- Contractor: Ditta Failli
- Architectural language: Eclectic ornamentation
Frequently asked questions
Who designed Villa Masini?
Engineer Giuseppe Petrini conceived the design, but architect Luigi Zumkeller signed the project because Petrini was employed by the Italian State Railways at the time.
Why was the villa commissioned?
Entrepreneur Angiolo Masini built Villa Masini to honour his second wife and to express the family’s wealth from their successful hat factory, La Familiare.
How long did construction take?
The villa was designed in 1924 and completed in 1927, with the building permit issued on 13 June 1928.
diLeonardoBistolfi.jpeg?w=768&resize=768,0&ssl=1 "La volontà o l'Industria by Leonardo Bistolfi, 1925")