Blood sweat and many tears describes the experience of the last year or so, renovating an XVIII century Italian villa, creating a sustainable, eco-friendly environment whilst maintaining original structure.
A dream come true, for some it may be more like a nightmare. But for a brave couple who decided not to pursue a comfortable life in Naples FL , they decided to invest a tremendous amount of energy and their entire life savings in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle in Italy, optimistic to the nth degree!
Like many of Naples residents, they had Italian heritage and travelled to Italy - Puglia to be precise (the heel of Italy) - for many years looking for a suitable property to purchase. After many trips to the area, visiting with estate agents, arranging site visits and seeing property after property, they finally found the perfect property on the Internet from their kitchen counter in Florida! It was back to Italy in spring 2006 to view the property and decide if this was the one.
Walking up the long driveway to the property through the weeds and wild vegetation added to their anxiety. Through the frame of the Magnolia trees, the warm colours hued by countless years of sun, wind and rain gave a feeling of calm, comfort, and hospitality. It didn’t seem to matter that the neglected villa was so old it didn’t have running water (except through the roof) or electricity or sewage! It didn’t have windows or doors either! It did have trees…growing out of the roof tiles. Through all this and the advice provided by others - “you would be better off tearing it down and building new” - they could envisage 'the dream.' So in June 2006, Ron and Lesley finally became the proud owners of Villa Magnolia with 33,000 sq mt of farm land.
It began with understanding the infamous Italian bureaucracy and legal issues of buying a house, then moved on to dealing with the piles and piles of ‘red tape’, finding trustworthy, competent builders, plumbers, electricians, stone masons, and finally locating a farmer to take care of the land and harvest the olives from the 90 ancient trees, the almonds from more than a 100 trees and to prepare an organic vegetable patch! After two years of planning, design, discussions, construction and restructuring, high stress levels and a budget that quadrupled, Ron and Lesley miraculously managed to survive the countless pitfalls, and Villa Magnolia now has a new lease of life.
The original Villa has been totally restored with high vaulted stone ceilings in two of the four unique bedrooms. The greatest of care was given to maintain the same warm, inviting colours on the outside as well as aged interior finishes that somehow show a respect and honour time. In a direct contrast, modern ensuite bathrooms have been added that have solar power for hot water and sky lights that flood the hydro massage area with natural light. The patio area to the rear of the villa opens onto a covered veranda, making it a perfect place to relax as the sun sets behind the Roman temple and enjoy freshly baked focaccia or pizza from the restored wood fired oven.
A short walk to the pool through the column lined “passegiata” is a delight in itself. The sun is filtered through the entwining vines. The roman style mosaic covered pool is filled with salt water - soft on your skin and eliminating the problem of red eyes = as well as a private water jet spa and massage area are inside the raised ‘temple’ area, veiled with curtains that are lazily urged by the soft breezes.
The Villa has outstanding eco-credentials using recycled wood whenever possible for doors and windows, local materials and labour for all construction. The Villa is 90% energy efficient, having solar thermal panels for all the hot water and heating, photovoltaic for energy supply, plus surplus energy is sent back to the national grid! The owners are determined to show how it is possible to live in a healthy , comfortable environment without further polluting our planet.
So for those of you who wish to stay in an authentic Italian villa with period furnishing providing a luxurious, private, comfortable and unique experience, and see first-hand how this amazing feat was achieved, be one of the first testimonials of this unique place. Visit the villa’s website by clicking the link below and contact Ron and Lesley in Italy!
Villa Magnolia is a discreet retreat far from the stress of city life, open for business beginning in June 2008. At Villa Magnolia Italy, relax your mind, pamper your body, replenish your spirit. Private, exclusive, environmentally friendly.