Ogden Codman, La Leopolda
Codman, Ogden. La Leopolda, A Description by Ogden Codman, Architect and Owner. Second Edition. 1987. Hardcover in pictorial front cover. It is in very good condition—back cover shows light scuffing.
Not many books are devoted to a single private residence. La Leopolda, the grand French Riviera estate most recently owned by Lily Safra, has the distinction of being the subject of two. Both are rare (the Safra-commissioned volume was last listed in the December 2011 holiday catalogue). This slender but attractive book, first printed in 1939 was written and published by its former owner, the great architect Ogden Codman (who co-wrote The Decoration of Houses with Edith Wharton). It includes text, b & w photos, and drawings.
“[Ogden Codman] welcomed the opportunity to build a villa that would entirely accord with his personal taste, that would repeat the style and elegance invariably found in the artistic products of the marvellous eighteenth century tradition.”
--Introduction, La Leopolda