A Tuscan Villa

Tucked into the greenery of the Sequatchie Valley, Villa Ropella, as the home came to be called, lives up to its name with stunning panoramic views and Italian-style architecture wowing guests from the first glance. “We’ve spent a lot of time in Italy and love Italy. And I love architecture,” Patrick shares. “I just love the old-world stone, and the stone here is pretty much exactly what you’ll find on the homes in Tuscany … However, the biggest inspiration for the exterior ended up coming out of Texas, of all places – an Italian restaurant in San Antonio.”

The home’s first floor introduces a rehearsal area complete with a stage – the perfect space for the couple’s musical colleagues and guests. Moving through the corridor, a guest suite equipped with a full kitchen, lounge area, and two secluded guest bedrooms provides these super hosts with the perfect space for every gathering and occasion.

Since moving in, a particularly fond memory for the Ropellas is a get-together with friends during the Fourth of July. “We ended up with almost 30 people, but it wasn’t crowded,” Robbie says. “We had that whole downstairs kitchen area that’s built for a buffet, and everything just flowed. We had cornhole, horseshoes, and other games outside. It was a lot of fun.”

The open-concept kitchen and living room features acacia wood floors in Tobacco Whiskey – a common element throughout the home – and shaker-style cabinetry, projecting a warm, welcoming tone for this captivating gathering space. The kitchen boasts sleek marble countertops, a waterfall island, leather turquoise chairs with gold trim, a coffee bar, a stunning quatrefoil- patterned backsplash, Italian-imported appliances, a charming apron sink, and thoughtfully placed floral décor, while a separate pantry area in a matching wood finish provides ample storage.

When it came to designing the details, Patrick shares that the process was both collaborative and organic. “We found what we like by visiting stores and just kind of custom designing it,” he explains. “At first, we’d start with a lot of pictures and go, ‘I really like this,’ and then we’d reference those pictures when visiting stores.”

Also seen throughout each room are various works of art that adorn the walls – shard art installations and glass blown pieces made by Patrick, and landscape canvases the couple collected while visiting Italy.

Upstairs, a lavish primary suite reveals a main bedroom overlooking the valley. An Italian high-gloss dresser, headboard, and wardrobe set provide cohesion while a large marble backdrop and statement chandelier anchor the room.

The luxurious en suite bathroom is adorned with striking details – round, crystallized mirrors above a quartzite-framed double vanity, porcelain floors, and a jetted tub – projecting the homeowners’ intended ambience.

“I really like a spa-like, earthy, comfortable feeling where you go in and just relax,” Robbie explains. “I wanted something that kind of took the stress of the day off. And that’s the thing – it’s difficult when you work inside where you live. When you’re here 24/7, you better really enjoy it.”

Of all the home’s beautiful rooms, Robbie’s spacious boutique-style closet is a special inclusion. A crystal tree branch chandelier illuminates wall-to-wall bespoke wardrobe cabinetry, a seating area, and a three-paneled mirror that adds both function and elegance, making the space feel cinematic.

“I really like a spa-like, earthy, comfortable feeling where you go in and just relax.” –Robbie Ropella 

Through every twist and turn, expansive picture windows keep the home intimately connected to its surroundings.

“Living here has transformed me into a morning person,” Robbie says, “because you’re woken up with the sun shining through. You can capture the sun setting from almost every location in the house. It makes you shut down, turn off your phone, and focus. Even after the sun goes down, the brilliance of all the different changing colors – it’s like watching God paint with a paintbrush.”

From the thoughtful architecture and design to the sweeping views, the Ropellas can embrace each day with a simple truth: la vita è bella – life is beautiful.

Cabinetry: Classic Cabinetry; Olive Branch Woodworking

Countertop: Webco, Inc.

Custom furniture: 5090 South The Furniture Store

Tile: Louisville Tile

Contractor: J.W. Morrison Company, LLC