The renovation of a 16th century Tuscan farmhouse
Il Podere is a beautiful 16th century Tuscan farmhouse that is one of the most exclusive villas on the rental market in Italy. We give you an inside look into this estate’s rich and storied past and the restoration that brought it back to life.
For over 400 years the farmhouse, perched atop a hill, has overlooked the Crete Senese and during the second world war the property briefly housed the French Commander of the Allied troops. First recorded in 1598, most of the property had largely been untouched when the current owners and a team of local craftsmen began carefully renovating the building to create a contemporary country estate while still remaining true to its history origins.
The owners commissioned a renowned Italian architect, Fulvio Di Rosa, who specializes in the restoration of ancient farmhouses and abandoned Tuscan hamlets. Fulvio believes that during a restoration an architect should allow for the original methodologies and materials to lead the way, uncovering the ideas of the past.
Original wooden beams, cotto flooring tiles, and authentic clay roof tiles were all preserved and repurposed. When additional building materials were required, centuries-old beams and tiles were sourced in order to maintain Il Podere’s authenticity and character. Every detail was thought of including a stone sink reminiscent of the troughs that once fed hogs and cattle on the ground floor. At one point during the restoration, the skilled team of workers spent up to fifty hours painting the master bedroom with a dirt-mixed coat to look centuries older.
The restoration was a labor of love that took three years to complete. Today, Il Podere blends modern comforts with the warmth of rustic Italian life. Set on five acres of picturesque gardens with over two-hundred olive trees, this modern farmhouse is truly the quintessential Tuscan retreat.
