We happened this utterly charming formerly ruined Croatian monastery via the Vogue Living Instagram page as it was featured in the March 2018 issue of the magazine. Despite never having considered making Croatia his home, the Italian Master Restorer, Francesco Bergamo Rossi, visited often, the small island of Lopud (Dubrovnik) to be exact. It was during these visits that he began to realise that here he could find an inexpensive house in quiet surroundings and stunning views. And that is how Bergamo Rossi ended up with this island home in the ruins of a small chapel and adjoining complex of nuns’ cells dating to 1484 and, according to the restorer, a view that “… was the most beautiful view on the planet … I really fell in love. I decided that this was my place.” He acquired the grounds on a long lease from the Church of Dubrovnik and set about transforming it into a home …
photographed by FRANÇOIS HALARD via Vogue