Words by Pat Eggleton
Martin and Ally moved from the Cotswolds, “the heart of England” to Lunigiana, “the jewel of Tuscany.” There, they fully renovated a medieval castello and a smaller property which they call their “cottage”.
As Martin and Ally move on to renovate another property, who will be the lucky owner of the two beautiful homes which they have so lovingly created? Read on to see if it could be you….
Martin and Ally, from the “heart of England” Cotswold area, stand at the window of the much-loved house they call their “cottage” and look out at the lush, green woodland around them to the stunning beauty of the imposing, snow-capped Apennines. Nearby is their fully restored “castello” with fortified tower.
The medieval castello is in a dominant position overlooking the whole valley and comprises an area of 350 square metres [3,800 square feet] with 200 hectares [5 acres] of grounds. The two properties have been renovated using top local craftsmen and only the highest quality materials. The restorers have paid particular attention to detail and many original features have been preserved.
The result is classic Tuscan: warm and welcoming, yet, at the same time, demonstrating the refined elegance that prestigious homes in the region are famous for. Ally’s experience as an interior decorator meant that she was able to create two harmonious homes, preserving their original heritage but with modern fixtures and facilities. In fact, she has been so successful in this that she has, on more than one occasion, acted as an interior decoration consultant to other home owners in the area.
The estate now provides an excellent return on the couple’s investment as the castello is rented out by exclusive rental agencies all year round. Now Martin and Ally are ready to begin a new project and they are wondering who will be the next lucky owner of the estate that they have so carefully restored.
Any new owner of the estate would probably want to leave the interior decoration just as it is and the rental business could continue as at present or the property could become a B&B or simply a private dwelling with estate management cottage accommodation.
If you are interested in this property, you will want to know Martin and Ally’s story as their surroundings today seem a far cry from the hectic business lives that they were leading in Britain. It all began by chance one day in the year 2000.
In that year Ally, as a fashion executive, had visited the area of Lunigiana [Tuscany] on business and, unusually, Martin had accompanied her on the trip. Both had begun to feel that they needed to change their frantic lifestyles but they were certainly not ready for retirement. As they wandered around Lunigiana they realised that they had found the place where they wanted to be: in an ideal position which offered both tranquillity and proximity to an authentic Italian village but which was also within easy reach of several major cities, a skiing resort and the sea of the Cinque Terre [Liguria]; a dream location which had it all.
The next question was, what could they do? Both were accomplished cooks so it seemed logical to explore the possibility of entering the hospitality industry in some way. Perhaps, they thought, they could renovate an old property with a view both to living there and using it for holiday rentals. The idea seemed feasible and the search began.
The couple looked at many properties in the area and, although they liked some of them, nothing struck that vital emotional chord. Then, four hours before they were due to fly home, someone in a bar told them about a ruined “castello” and small house that were for sale on a rise above the village. Martin and Ally immediately went to see it and they just knew that this was what they were looking for.
Soon after, the hard work of renovation began. Martin and Ally decided to restore the “cottage” first, so that they could live in it while the main building, the castello, was being renovated. The couple could not be on the spot all the time, however, and, with their then limited Italian, inevitably there were some misunderstandings and mistakes. But Martin and Ally look back and laugh at these incidents now, regarding them as part of the learning curve upon which anyone wishing to restore a property abroad will embark.
Martin emphasises that it is important to appoint an excellent project manager and to personally check out all recommended craftsmen and other potential workers on the property. It is easy to go by hearsay when you begin such a project, partly because you want to trust local people, but doing your homework and contacting people the would-be contractors have worked for previously is essential.
The couple were determined that the properties would be perfectly restored in line with their sixteenth century origins and, luckily, the original stone used in the buildings was still on site, although it had collapsed in. Lovingly and with much energy and enthusiasm, Martin and Ally supervised the entire project with meticulous attention to detail. All building materials used in both dwellings are Tuscan and all the timber work is of chestnut wood.
By 2004 the work was complete and Martin and Ally were not only able to enjoy the tranquil paradise they had created but turned it into a profitable business. Many of their clients return year after year and for the first few days they just relax and unwind in these beautiful, relaxing surroundings. Then, according to the time of year, they may ski, swim, sightsee or take some of the excellent train connections to explore other major Italian towns. At this time of year, says Martin, the castello’s grounds are full of chestnuts which are being gathered for the Christmas market, following on from the porcini mushroom season.
The ever energetic Martin and Ally are ready for their next challenge and are seeking another property to renovate. Who will buy the home into which they have poured so much time and love? It could be you!
For more details about “La Torre” purchasing conditions and for information about other exclusive properties in Tuscany and Umbria, please contact Marie Josèphe Mucchielli, the founder and president of Kalliste PM & RE Agency:
Marie-Josephe Mucchielli:
www.luxuryrealestateitaly.net
mjm@kallisteonline.com
Mobile/Cell: +39 335 75 79 556
Marie-Josèphe is a specialist in the sale and management of exclusive properties and estates in Central Italy and her company can help you with much more than property purchase: Kalliste PM & RE Agency can provide a complete property management and post-sale service, helping you with everything from renovation and interior design to general administration of the property.
If, like Martin and Ally, you too dream of renovating a property in Central Italy, do contact Marie Josèphe to find out how she and her team can help you.
Martin and Ally have proved that dreams can come true!
