Bernard Arnault Purchases Casa Degli Atellani in Milan, Once Home to Leonardo DaVinci AOC Eye

WWD writes that a storied complex in Milan known as Casa Degli Atellani has been purchased by Bernard Arnault the chairman and chief executive officer of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.

The news was first reported by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

Built around 1490, the landmark was donated by Ludovico “Il Moro” Duke of Milan to Leonardo Da Vinci in 1498. The legendary artist was in Milan working on his masterpiece ‘The Last Supper’.

The 15th century townhouse hides a verdant courtyard that has been restored to its centuries-old status as home to Leonardo Da Vinci’s vineyard. WWD reports that Casa Degli Atellani is presently the “only existing wine-producing estate in the center of a metropolis”.

The carefully-restored small vineyard was unveiled to the public during the 2015 international Expo held in Milan.

Since its restoration, the landmark has hosted private events, fashion shows and other presentations and cocktail receptions. The complex hosts six private apartments.

In addition its ownership of controlling interest in Dior, Louis Vuitton and Givenchy, among others, LVMH owns 26 firms in the wines and spirits category. The most well-known are Ruinart, Dom Pérignon, Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot.

LVMH is also expanding its hospitality division which includes luxury operators such as Cheval Blanc and Belmond.