The Homes of Zee

Inside Cebu: Philippe Lhuillier’s Italian-Inspired Home

Philippe Lhuilier’s Italian-inspired home deserves a spot on the list of Cebu’s beautiful homes.

This story is taken from our archives. Originally published in the coffee table book, Inside Cebu.

The entrance to Philippe Lhuillier’s home

After serving as the Philippine Ambassador to Italy eleven years, Philippe Lhuillier decided it was time to come home with his wife Edna and settle for good. Though they had spent many years residing in Manila before his posting to Rome, their roots were very firmly in Cebu. Thus, for their new home, they chose a site high atop a hill in Banilad—in the Maria Luisa Estate Park—which affords them a 360-degree view of the city below, the neighboring hills, and the nearby islands.

The home’s facade

The couple agreed to build in the style of a grand Italian villa. After engaging an architect early on, Edna and daughter Angie Miranda took over the design and decorating of the home. Already they had an intimate knowledge of exactly what the concept of the house would be.

The ornate wrought-iron gates open to a driveway that leads to the front doors. These, in turn, open to a soaring living area where two antique European tapestries (inherited from Philippe’s mother, the late Angelina Lhuillier) hang. The main room with its formal seating adjoins a wood-paneled dining room with windows set high on the wall, close to the vaulted ceiling. At the far side of the living room is a generously bottled wine cellar.

All the public rooms flow out to a lanai that offers more informal seating. Beyond it is the elegantly landscaped courtyard dominated by a large Achilles’ heel sculpture that the Ambassador found in a flea market in Italy. A swimming pool is set in a classical garden complete with Italian statuary and topiary accents.

On the second floor, the rooms open to a corridor flanked by colonnades. From here, guests can share the welcome breeze and look onto the courtyard, too. Scattered throughout the property are the remainder of the Lhuilliers’ extensive collection of statues, bas-reliefs, and other objets d’art —mostly from their travels. In pride of place, right outside the master suite, is a sculpture by Rome-based Filipino artist Doodie Diaz.

The master bedroom.

Ornate chandeliers and heavy draperies complement the classical artworks and comfortable furniture around the house. Though the art collection ranges from the highly detailed baroque to the neo-classic, the décor is not overwhelming, its cohesive mix of design evoking both luxe and the lure of comfort.

With its wood-paneled ceiling and snug leather couches, the billiard room can be the envy of any gentleman’s club—quiet, relaxed, and inviting as it is.

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The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 12

Christmas House No. 12 – Heart-felt Holidays at the Hofers’

Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!

Nestled in Banilad, Cebu City, the George Hofer residence stands as testament to enduring elegance. Constructed in the late sixties to early seventies, the mansion exudes timeless charm with warm brown molave wood panels and pristine white marble floors.

Stepping into this grand abode during the Christmas season unveils a journey into a beautifully storied past. This season, Molave wooden entance, intricately carved with the Hofer couple’s monogram, are adorned with opulent yuletide garlands. White velvet poinsettias and persimmon peonies alongside mother of pearl camellias are interspersed with pearlescent berries. Archangel Michael showers the guests with blessings from above, while a macassar ebony wooden effigy of Saint George (slaying the dragon) pays homage to the house owner’s namesake.

Adjacent to a private elevator, a grandiose Christmas tree stands tall, welcoming guests into a sprawling waiting hall. Here, an angel in teal and gold lamé cloth grouped together with exotic blooms gracefully plays the lyre; seemingly entertaining those who await entry.

Further down the hall is an ecru grand piano, where the lady of the house, a skilled pianist, performs Monti’s Czardas, Schubert’s Ständchen, and other rhapsodies on special occasions. A commissioned portrait of George and Dulce hangs on a wall above a console table that separates the hall from the formal dining area.

The Hofer home exudes old-world elegance that is seldom found today, yet its true charm lies in the joyous laughter and warm greetings of the Hofers, who gather annually to share Christmas cheer and delightful yuletide stories in this vibrant space.

The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 11

Christmas House No. 11 – Christine Pelaez

Designed by the noted Cebu architect Teng Jacinto, this expansive residence stands as a testament to the artful curation of Jun Pelaez. Over the years, he has meticulously assembled a collection of artworks, transforming the home into a gallery that reflects his discerning taste and appreciation for the aesthetic.

As the holiday season graces the air, the residence undergoes a festive tone under the artful touch of Jun’s wife, Christine. Embracing tradition, she bathes the home in the classic Christmas palette of reds and greens, infusing each corner with warmth and seasonal charm. The interior becomes a canvas for the holiday spirit, adorned with wreaths, ornaments, and the timeless glow of twinkling lights.

However, the true heart of this home lies in its welcoming spirit. There are two dining rooms, with chairs adorned with red bows and festive centerpieces, where family and friends converge for an equally sumptuous meal.

The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 10

Christmas House No. 10 – The Hudsons’ Christmas Chronicles

The Hudson’s household buzzes with enthusiasm each time the holiday season unfolds. The heart of their Tokyo home, the Hudson Christmas tree, stands tall and proud, adorned with tinsel and cherished trimmings that span the years of their family’s growth. Each ornament tells a story, marking the arrival of a new family member with the annual addition of baubles bearing their names: Mary, George, Victoria and Charles.

Charles, the youngest Hudson at twelve, beams with joy as he proudly places the Christmas star atop the tree. No longer reliant on his father’s shoulders, Charles revels in his newfound height and the welcomed responsibility that comes with it.

In addition to the twinkling blue lights, the festive icons and the white-and-silvery ornaments, another cherished tradition had been completed at the beginning of the joyful season. The Hudson’s much-anticipated Christmas cards, an exciting accountof the family’s adventures, had been creatively crafted by Rose and Karl. The lively narrative chronicles the milestones and quests of each family member, with Karl’s animated storytelling and Rose’s artistic touch bringing the tales to life.

Rose shares, “by mid-November we print two hundred post cards of the Hudson family chronicles. The entire family, from the oldest to the youngest, gathers around to sign each card. Envelopes are lovingly addressed, and the kids lend a hand in labeling.”

In a heartwarming shift of roles, the Hudson parents, Karl and Rose, prepare to pass the baton. The careful planning and distribution of the Christmas cards are soon to become the responsibility of the eager younger generation.

With laughter, love, and a touch of adventure, the Hudson family embraces the season, creating and sharing memories that they and their friends treasure for life.