Villa Jako, Hamburg

A fashion icon's former hillside home.

Writer Jessica Wong

Nestled into the highly coveted hilltops of Hamburg’s affluent Blankenese district is Villa Jako, the former residence of fashion powerhouse Karl Lagerfeld. The handsome three-acre estate is now listed with Engel & Völkers, so all those wishing to live like the German designer now have the opportunity to do so—all it takes is a cool €10-million ($15.2-million).

Built in the early 1920s, the home passed through different owners and underwent multiple renovations before being purchased by Lagerfeld in 1991. The designer enlisted the help of art conservator Renate Kant to refurbish the property, and renamed it Villa Jako in honour of his late partner Jacques de Bascher. Before parting ways with his Hamburg home in 1998, Lagerfeld photographed an ad campaign for his men’s fragrance, Jako, at the estate, and also published a book dedicated to the property entitled Ein deutsches Haus (A German House).

Today, the villa retains the distinct flair imparted unto it by Lagerfield. The Roman-style façade, with its stately columns and grey stone exterior, gives no indication of the opulence that lies within: patterned rugs and vibrant wall hangings infuse the home with rich colour; grand light fixtures anchor spacious rooms; and gold leaf embellishments crown 20-foot tall ceilings. Each space in the home—including three bedrooms, a living room, an atrium, and a library—was designed with its own individual aesthetic. The overall effect is eclectic elegance; a singular home certainly befitting of a fashion icon.

Photos courtesy of Engel & Völkers.

_________

Never miss a story. Sign up for NUVO’s weekly newsletter, here.

August 8, 2018

Design