Thursday, June 9, 2011

Amazing Tuscan Stone Villas

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In researching my trip to Italy this summer I came across the most amazing and talented architect, Domenico Minchilli. I love architects who respect the integrity of the original home and restore and enhance the property. Domenico Minchilli is a master!

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He and his equally talented wife, Elizabeth have restored their own Tuscan stone villa and penned several wonderful books about Italian Stone, Villa and Farmhouse renovations. Their most recent is Italian Rustic. a marvelous book which outlines building in the Tuscan style.

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Their own home, Pergolaccio, is also the subject of a book and has been in many, many national and international magazines.

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The interiors of Pergolaccio are equally beautiful. I adore the amazing Dining area!

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But one of my favorites it their restoration of Torre Gentile.

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The outside areas are as spectacular as the inside

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Crumbling walls were repaired to create beautiful vignettes

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The heart of the home is the family room – Notice the beamed ceilings and tiled pass thru

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The fireplace is such a stunning focal point. Also notice the texture and depth of the plaster.

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The house is filled with wonderful nooks and crannies like this stone shelf that turns a into a desk and chair into a a unique office area.

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I adore the way the old Tuscan stone peeks out from the plaster walls. The wall is so beautiful no headboard is needed. Look thru the doorway into the lovely bath.

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Here is close up the bath vanity. Notice the lovely Italian tile and skirted vanity

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This bedroom has a more ethereal feeling. The ceiling beams have been pained and sheers dress the windows – the shape and patina of the iron bed is to die for.

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Here an arched window adds additional interest to an already pretty bath.

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Another fireplace is found in the kitchen area. Likely the original cooking hearth.

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The kitchen is a mix of new appliance with antiques. I love the contrast of the old, worn beams with shiny, stainless steel pendant. Floors are gorgeous!

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The outdoor patio takes my breath away! Truly a stunning renovation.

Elizabeth also writes a wonderful blog about her Italian life, travel and her love of Italian cuisine called Elizabeth Minchilli in Rome. It is a wonderful mini-trip to Italy with fabulous tips, recipes and restaurant recommendations. You can visit her blog HERE.

You can visit Domenico Minchilli’s website HERE to see many other spectacular homes.

You can order many books penned by the Minchilli’s HERE. A special thank you the Elizabeth and Domenico Minchilli for allowing me to share these images with you.

(Photos by Simon McBride. Images copyrighted by Domenico and Elizabeth Minchelli not to be used with out permission – all content property of Willow Décor and not be used with out permission)

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