Forte dei Marmi is a small charming town located on the Tuscan coast, in an area called Versilia. Though very small – the city has only 7,400 inhabitants – it is a symbol of luxury and the epitome of the Italian Dolce Vita, thanks to its elegant villas, fancy restaurants, luxury beach resorts, and haute couture shopping.
No wonder why this little elegant Tuscan city attracts every year many celebrities. Among them, the famous Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli is for sure the most affectionate to this area. In Forte dei Marmi the singer has purchased a villa and opened a beach resort.
1. Villa Alpemare
Bocelli’s villa is an 8,000-square-foot pale pink mansion located on the promenade of Forte dei Marmi. The villa, named Villa Alpemare, is large enough for him and his family to live and work in, make music, and host friends. Bocelli is married to Veronica Berti – his wife and manager – and has three children: Amos, Virginia, and Matteo.
When asking him why he chose to purchase home there, he replies that it was a quick decision, driven by the fact that he had always wanted to live near the sea. He followed his instinct, setting aside his rationality. “I sensed that this was the home where I would raise my children, and I bought it,” declared Bocelli.
From the end of World War II until the late ‘90s, the villa was a hotel. Before purchasing it back in 2001, Bocelli asked for advice to his brother Alberto Bocelli, who is a professional architect. “Alberto knows my needs and those of my family very well,” declared the singer.
After listening to his brother’s opinion, Bocelli renovated the villa (the refurbishment lasted for three years) and divided the mansion in three separate levels. The first floor includes the living and dining rooms; the second floor includes Bocelli’s studio, the offices, and rooms for receiving guests; the third level hosts the bedrooms and other private spaces. From the third floor there is a breathtaking view of the sea and the Apuan Alps.
The interior design of the house is based on curvilinear shapes that remind of music. Bocelli admitted that his wife’s choices were essential to select the furniture. “She took care of every little detail, giving the rooms a sense of coherence and warmth,” he said.
Villa Alpemare is Bocelli’s main residence when he is not touring the world. Therefore, it was extremely important for him to create a comfortable and familiar environment. “I am very attached to this house. I feel that it resembles me,” he declared. But for most of the year he is traveling around the world. When he has finally some free time, the best place for him to rest is this home, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.
The singer also often hosts charity musical evenings in the villa’s park.
2. The Alpemare Beach Club
In addition to the Villa, the Bocelli family also owns the Alpemare Beach Club, which is right across the street from their residence. It is a place for fun and relaxation, where guests can enjoy the sea and taste a gourmet cuisine on the beach. The area was restored and redesigned by the brother Alberto Bocelli and by the artistic director Alberto Bartalini. Everything was designed based on three core elements: art, nature and vacations.
The goal of the refurbishment was to achieve the perfect balance between tradition and innovation and between functionality and elegance, which they definitely achieved.
According to Bocelli, the Alpemare Beach Club has had a very positive impact on Forte dei Marmi and has contributed to bring added value to the entire Versilia.
