The Dream House

The Stunning Holiday Villa in Tuscany that used to be a Stable

There are few places in the world that conjure the same sort of magic and romance as the countryside of rural Italy. Part of its allure is the rustic architecture that retains its charm. But the strict planning rules and regulations designed to preserve this rich history certainly provided a challenge for Tel Aviv-based architecture firm, Roy David Studio, when they were commissioned by a client to restore the Montelparo Villa.

“The preservation laws were very strict,” they told us. “We found it interesting observing the building elements and style, trying to find the perfect combination of preserving the old country side style of building and at the same time not compromising on the architecture and interior design.”

It’s hard to imagine that the resultant villa in all its splendour and slightly understated opulence, was previously a lowly stables building. From the outside, the building looks not much different to what it would have decades ago, though with some elements polished up slightly – we doubt it ever had a pool previously! But it’s on the inside where the contemporary flair of Roy David Studio really sings, juxtaposing brilliant white walls and fittings with exposed beams and original features.

Masking our jealously, we just had to find out more about this dream holiday home:

The Plus: Tell us a little bit about your team and how you started the project?
Roy David: The owner is an Israeli entrepreneur who contacted us directly. We had a vision of creating an ideal vacation house, so we picked a building in this amazing location that suited our client’s needs.

TP: What did you keep and what did you add during the refurbishment?
RD: Each of the original stones which constructed the facades was numbered, disassembled and reconstructed. also, an external spiral staircase was demolished, and we adjusted a new one as part of the re-design of the internal space of the building.

TP: How long did it take to complete the project?
RD: It took about a year, the work process was very intense considering the requirements of an overseas project, it was a great experience!

TP: What’s your dream vacation resort?
RD: My dream vacation resort would probably be a place which feels primeval. Sitting there, surrounded by the wilderness and landscape. A place where the architecture is one with its surrounding and flatters the natural materials that creates it.

TP: What next?
RD: Wow, many interesting projects ahead actually. I’m very excited to continue working on another amazing project abroad, this time in the U.S. I can’t tell you much about it at this point!

Photography by Matteo Canestraro.