Lo Scoglio by Tigmi Trading and Angelica Arnott: A Sanctuary of Italian Heritage and Sustainability
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Coopers Shoot, Byron Bay, Australia
Architecture & Interior Design: Tigmi Trading, Angelica Arnott, Louella Boîtel-Gill
Interior Styling: Joseph Gardner
Photography: Alicia Taylor
Landscape Design: Land Company
Building Design: Skyline Projects, Craig Cawds
Tucked into the breathtaking landscape of Byron Bay’s Coopers Shoot, Lo Scoglio is a sanctuary that beautifully merges the rustic allure of traditional Sicilian farmhouses with regenerative and sustainable principles. Owned by Angelica and Charlie Arnott, the villa embodies a retreat that offers visitors an elevated, immersive experience in a setting that celebrates nature and craftsmanship.
At its core, Lo Scoglio is much more than a luxurious escape. It’s a home rooted in principles of sustainability and respect for the land, where every element—from design to landscape—is crafted to honor heritage and ecology. Set against the serene hills of Byron Bay, the villa is both a family refuge and an invitation for up to 10 guests to experience a thoughtful blend of Italian influence and environmental mindfulness.
Angelica Arnott, a key designer behind Lo Scoglio, was inspired by her Italian heritage, specifically the timeless aesthetics and connection to nature found in Sicilian farmhouses. “The design is a nod to the authenticity of the farmhouses I grew up visiting in Italy,” she says. This vision translated into a home that feels like a harmonious extension of its natural surroundings, with every feature exuding a sense of belonging and history.
Lo Scoglio is a celebration of craftsmanship, where each material choice holds meaning and speaks to the past. The walls, built from hand-selected Italian stone and custom marble, ground the home in history. These enduring materials are complemented by rich brass accents, creating a timeless palette that evokes both luxury and an organic connection to the landscape. “We selected materials like European oak and aged marble for their timelessness,” explains Angelica. “Everything was chosen to feel natural, grounding the villa within its environment.”
The substantial stone architecture anchors the residence, while carefully framed views draw the natural world into the living spaces, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Each element—marble fireplaces, the sprawling stone terraces, and oak wood details—is crafted to stand the test of time and invite reflection. Together, these choices reflect the Arnott’s commitment to sustainability and respect for the land, making Lo Scoglio a model of regenerative design.
Central to Lo Scoglio’s design is a deep respect for the land itself. Angelica and her team collaborated with landscape consultant Dr. Patrick MacManaway to honor the spirit of the land and ensure that every choice was rooted in environmental harmony. This ethos is seen in their approach to farming, where regenerative landscape practices rejuvenate the land and maintain its integrity. “We view the landscape as a living entity,” says Angelica. “This regenerative ethos shaped every decision, from reusing materials found on-site to collaborating with specialists to honor the spirit of the land.”
The Arnott’s dedication to sustainable and mindful building is also reflected in their approach to interior design. Each room is thoughtfully curated to encourage a sense of peace and appreciation for the beauty of simplicity. Louella Boitel-Gill, Tigmi Trading’s founder and co-designer, worked alongside Angelica to create interiors that are elegant and sophisticated, with a palette that echoes the villa’s natural surroundings.
Beyond its beauty, Lo Scoglio is a welcoming retreat, offering wellness-focused amenities to elevate the guest experience. The villa includes a one-bedroom studio, spacious common areas, and tranquil spaces designed for rest and rejuvenation. From the craftsmanship seen in the custom marble and brass details to the regenerative principles embedded in its landscape design, Lo Scoglio is an escape that harmonizes luxury with sustainability.
Guests who stay at Lo Scoglio can expect an experience that not only redefines luxury but also celebrates simplicity, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to nature. This blend of traditional Italian craftsmanship with modern environmental consciousness makes Lo Scoglio a serene sanctuary, a place where each material, view, and design element has a purpose and a story.
Architecture and building design were led by Skyline Projects in collaboration with Craig Cawds. Interior design was a joint effort by Tigmi Trading, Angelica Arnott, and Louella Boitel-Gill, with building completed by Skyline Projects and landscape design by Land Company. Through this collaborative effort, Lo Scoglio has become a retreat that elegantly balances heritage with a commitment to sustainable luxury.
