Milan Watercolors

Ask a romantic what a dream house in Milan is like. You won’t get a luxury attic in the fashion district overlooking the Madonnina and not even a quiet, bohemian style apartment in Brera for an answer. You’ll be told Milan watercolors.

Yes, you’ll be told that the house of a lifetime is a small, two story villa with pastel colored walls and little balconies and windows with wooden shutters – kissed by the sun from dawn ’til dusk – surrounded by a small garden, protected by a green and white ivy covered gate where little sparrows chirp at dawn’s first light. This isn’t just a dream house, it actually exists in real life, at the coordinates of Via Lincoln and Via Franklin.

At one time they were established as workman‘s homes (the project, coordinated by the SEAO, Building Society for Workman’s Housing, began in far off 1889 when the first single family, multi-level housing project for workers was accomplished, destined to workers, artisans and employees) and have now become the stuff that dreams are made; having a house with a garden just a few steps away from the Duomo.

Ten civic numbers scattered in a metropolitan handkerchief on a road that should be enjoyed by foot, to be teletransported to another dimension that is nothing short of Notthing Hill. Each one different from the other, from the color to the personal touches. Observing these small windows you can almost imagine the life that they conceal: happy families with a hippy twist just a touch chaotic, elegant couples who pay close attention to detail, modern young girls or grandparents who wait for the weekends to see their grandchildren.

One evening I had a date for an aperitif in a winery in Via Sottocorno, running late as usual, desperately and frantically trying to find a quick parking spot. I turned the corner and found this little gem. This happens too, in everyday life Milan will surprise you.