Margherita Palace opened its doors in 2012. And, still, Francis Ford Coppola’s hotel in Basilicata it is one of the busiest addresses in the region. There, on the edge ofItaly, overlooking the waters of the Ionian Sea, the internationally renowned director has started a structure in the setting of a country that is particularly dear to him: Bernalda. The Lucanian village that precedes Metaponto – and how wonderful are the Tavole Palatine to visit along the main road – is known (also) for being the birthplace of the creative’s grandfather, Agostino Coppola. So, here, Francis Ford Coppola decided to start a business in a nineteenth-century building with recognized charm. With nine rooms – seven suites and two rooms – the boutique hotel is (also) a villa for exclusive use for those who want it all for themselves.
Margherita Palace
Margherita Palace
From the reception to the lush outdoor area, the hotel’s layout displays the designer’s signature Jacques Grange. Keyword: elegance. In the frescoed rooms, the designer combined opposite aesthetics: some of the details, therefore, are inspired by the Italian country style; others to the contemporary. Among the rooms, the Francis Suite – the name already says it all – it is the largest in the building; its walls house a wood-burning fireplace and a hot tub freestanding. A few steps away, the Sofia Suite It boasts a checkerboard floor and a leaf mural. In front of the bedrooms on the first floor (and not only) there is a very precious garden – according to what we read in the description of Palazzo Margherita it is one of the garden best preserved in the entire region. Dotted with mature plants, the green square – so-called “Italian-style” – is in all respects an urban garden of historical value, composed of jasmine, bougainvillea, wisteria and palm trees.
Margherita Palace
Margherita Palace
A few steps away, the pool open air it is the antidote to the scorching heat which, in August, transforms the undulating land all around into a barren picture. In this setting, that is, in the outdoor area of Palazzo Margherita, once a week a table is set up for a shared barbecue, which takes guests to a set (not cinematic, but almost) between the vines and the historic fountain. And speaking of food. The hotel is also an address where catering ranges from Cinecittà-Bar – that’s what it’s called -, a pool bar and a bistro restaurant. The products on the table are all locally sourced. After all, cooking in Basilicata has a lot to offer. And the drink list is also well taken care of. In the shade of an ancient Murano chandelier it is possible to sip cocktails to the notes of Italian taste. The sitting room, on the upper floor, is a tribute to the cinema – which just couldn’t be missed. Wanted and curated by Francis Ford Coppola himself, it also offers an evening screening service of art films. And entertainment is guaranteed. Among the (other) activities, too custom made, there are: cooking courses, cycling excursions and visits to the caves in the Murgia Historical Park of Matera. Because, yes, the City of Stones is just a few kilometers away and is an enchantment not to be missed.
Margherita Palace
Margherita Palace
Margherita Palace
Margherita Palace
Margherita Palace
Margherita Palace
Margherita Palace
www.thefamilycoppolahideaways.com
Alessia Musillo is editor of Elledecor.it. Graduated from the State University of Milan with a thesis held at the Treccani Foundation in Milan, she also studied Modern Languages at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow (UK) and Semiotics at the University of Tartu (Estonia). After having collaborated with various newspapers, today she transforms current events into stories by writing about cities, design and pop culture for the Elle Decor Italia website. You can follow her on Instagram (@alessia__musillo) or by reading Elledecor.it. Her articles are journeys on the trail of contemporary living. The middle of her? The word.
