LONDON, March 12, 2009 (AFP) - The lavish contents of late fashion designer Gianni Versace's Italian lakeside home went on show Thursday March 12 ahead of an auction in London.

Auctioneers Sotheby's have recreated rooms from Versace's Villa Fontanelle at Moltrasio on Lake Como in northern Italy -- including his bedroom, complete with giant stone statues of naked Greek pugilists.

Other items on offer include Sevres vases, rare urns, antique gilt chandeliers, busts, furniture and paintings. The style is mainly neo-classical and empire.

The sale features 543 lots and takes place at Sotheby's in London on March 18. It is expected to raise at least two million pounds.

Versace was shot dead outside his home in Miami in the US in July 1997.