Every room in this house has existed three times.
Once as the home it used to be. Once stripped back to stone and plaster. And once as the version I've been imagining for the last two years.
The challenge has never been choosing between the old and the new. It's been figuring out how to let them exist together.
Most people still see a construction site. I see dinner parties, music playing through open windows, jasmine hanging from the skylight, and the life that's waiting to happen here.
The best parts of this house deserve to stay. My job is just to give them another hundred years
#historichome #homerenovation #dreamhome #interiordesign #sicily
Buying and renovating a historic home, especially one as expansive as a 17-room house in a medieval Sicilian village, is a journey filled with both challenges and rewards. From my own experience, the beauty lies not only in restoring the physical structure but also in honoring the stories and memories embedded within its walls. The process of stripping back a home to its stone and plaster layers uncovers decades, sometimes centuries, of craftsmanship—each layer telling a tale of different eras. It requires patience and a deep respect for the original materials and design. One of the most important parts of renovation is deciding what to preserve. Maintaining original elements like wooden beams, terrazzo floors, or traditional ceramic tiles can help keep the house’s soul intact. Merging old and new means that modern amenities must be thoughtfully incorporated without overshadowing historic features. This balance prevents the home from feeling like a museum while still keeping the authenticity alive. Planning for spaces where natural light pours through skylights and where aromatic jasmine vines can climb reflects a dream of a lively, inviting atmosphere—a home that hosts dinner parties and resonates with music through open windows. Living in a historic home in Sicily also means embracing the local culture and climate. The thick stone walls provide natural insulation against summer heat, and outdoor terraces often become cherished living spaces during mild Mediterranean evenings. Overall, the journey of renovating a historic home is deeply personal. It involves envisioning not just the house itself, but the lifestyle and memories that will fill it for the next hundred years and beyond. Every renovation choice echoes a commitment to preserving heritage while welcoming new life into these ancient walls.
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