Plans for projects to renovate and improve the structures below the villa have been ready for perhaps 12 years. First we looked for European funds. We might have a great project but without powerful political ties…. Then we asked for Italian State funds for the restoration of historical buildings. The first year we almost secured adequate funds and were told, “Next year.” Then the next year the government (they still had some funds at that time) blocked all such projects.
So we turned to the national church and to friends. This has gotten us going on the most essential improvement, the renovation of the chapel. We will go forward as funds become available, and by March of next year we expect to have a new space for our guests. The chapel, already known to guests who had time for a house tour, could be visited before but, due to the precariousness of the floor, was not available for activities. For the coming season the new floor, although in an unfinished state, will permit groups or individuals to use the large space for music, for theater, for meditation, for worship, for ????
This is a big addition to what we can offer our guests. You can see the first big steps in the process of renovation if you click on “Photo album” on the site homepage. After our bricklayers removed the old roof exterior tiles it was not a huge surprise when we saw that we needed to replace also the old beams. It would not have made sense to put a new roof on them. The expense of course increased considerably but we now have a beautiful chestnut beam roof that should last for many decades.
Then Giuseppe, our maintenance man, began to take the floor apart, with the help of volunteers. For centuries this was also the ceiling for the former olive press room. First they removed the tiles, then a layer of fill, then the rotten wooden panels and finally the cross beams. Today and for the weeks until the bricklayers return in winter we have a chapel with a spectacular roof and no floor. It is a sight to behold, something that no one has seen in probably 200 years.
It is our understanding that the chapel, as well as the villa itself, went through major renovation at the end of the 18th century. Before that the space evidently was already a chapel but still further back in time the records show that it had been a theater. It is a special space and we are very pleased to bring it back to its original use of 300-400 years ago while at the same time making it available again as a worship facility.
Enjoy the photos! And next year the chapel.
So we turned to the national church and to friends. This has gotten us going on the most essential improvement, the renovation of the chapel. We will go forward as funds become available, and by March of next year we expect to have a new space for our guests. The chapel, already known to guests who had time for a house tour, could be visited before but, due to the precariousness of the floor, was not available for activities. For the coming season the new floor, although in an unfinished state, will permit groups or individuals to use the large space for music, for theater, for meditation, for worship, for ????
This is a big addition to what we can offer our guests. You can see the first big steps in the process of renovation if you click on “Photo album” on the site homepage. After our bricklayers removed the old roof exterior tiles it was not a huge surprise when we saw that we needed to replace also the old beams. It would not have made sense to put a new roof on them. The expense of course increased considerably but we now have a beautiful chestnut beam roof that should last for many decades.
Then Giuseppe, our maintenance man, began to take the floor apart, with the help of volunteers. For centuries this was also the ceiling for the former olive press room. First they removed the tiles, then a layer of fill, then the rotten wooden panels and finally the cross beams. Today and for the weeks until the bricklayers return in winter we have a chapel with a spectacular roof and no floor. It is a sight to behold, something that no one has seen in probably 200 years.
It is our understanding that the chapel, as well as the villa itself, went through major renovation at the end of the 18th century. Before that the space evidently was already a chapel but still further back in time the records show that it had been a theater. It is a special space and we are very pleased to bring it back to its original use of 300-400 years ago while at the same time making it available again as a worship facility.
Enjoy the photos! And next year the chapel.
We need your support to raise money to make this a free program for youth who need a voice! All of our staff is volunteer, and is working year round to make things happen
medyumlar falcılar
Posted by: medyumlar falcılar | October 20, 2011 at 11:28 AM
It must be really nice to make space for music, theater, meditation, and worship. People are probably excited to use it! It could also be a space for events that your community would organize. How's this project, btw?
Posted by: Kathy Carbone | November 01, 2011 at 11:05 AM
That villa is huge enough to accommodate more space for guests. But coming up with an idea for some makeover could make this place more appealing to your guests. Good luck on your major renovations.
Posted by: Santo Caridine | November 04, 2011 at 09:00 AM
That villa looks pretty big! So how was the renovation? Are the floors okay now? And do you have photos of your villa? I hope you can show us some of those. =)
Posted by: Rolf Matchen | November 22, 2011 at 08:02 AM
I'm glad you had your new roof fixed. This would add beauty for the guests to see . After all, they do deserve every beauty we can offer.
Posted by: Brendan Gertner | November 28, 2011 at 01:00 PM
The volunteers who worked there must be feeling giddy now. It must be overwhelming to know that the renovations are almost finished.
Posted by: Rodney Orton | December 02, 2011 at 04:42 AM
Good Job! Hope it really turned out so well :)
Posted by: Yasmien Nirvana | December 20, 2011 at 02:23 AM