Nico van der Meulen Architects has renovated this stunning historic stone house that overlooks a forested Umbrian Valley, a region situated in central Italy. Entitled ‘House Cicaleto’ — a renovation of a 12th-century watch tower that was extended and reformed over time, a palimpsest of users, functions, and meaning, to create a dwelling set among the rolling olive groves.

Due to the sensitivity of both the position (within 700m from Roman ruins, and 10km from Assisi) and the age of the structure, the approval and planning commission process lasted nearly three years with understandably firm and curated conditions applied by the authorities in executing the proposal.

Continue below to explore the personal home of architect Nico van der Muelen, principal of Nico van der Meulen Architects.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Nico van der Meulen Architects INTERIOR DESIGN MSquare Lifestyle Design ENGINEER/PROJECT MANAGER Ing. Dr. Giovanni Selli, Cannara BUILDER Possanzini Construction, Deruta STEELWORK Eurofer, Tavernelle POOL Piscine Aqua Sport CARPENTRY Luciano Mondini, Tavernelle SCULPTURE Regardt van der Meulen

Additions were allowed, albeit the bare minimum. This offered the opportunity to create a light and open connection between the two existing buildings, which would encapsulate a portion of the new kitchen, leading out to the addition of a lanai and triple-rim flow swimming pool. These additions are sensitive and mindful of the layered histories of the context.

The kitchen/access link is a simple contemporary, flat roof structure under a glass roof. A steel staircase was inserted into this void, creating a physical relation between the ground floor living areas and the first floor where the main suite, study, and painter’s studio are located. This transparent void becomes a critical nexus within the altered home.

The original watch tower — turned farming dwelling — was quite traditional in its functionality and purpose; typically regional in its understanding of farming requirements in rural Italy. Stables and other farming facilities were located on the ground floor, along with hay storage located on a mezzanine level, while living quarters were located on the upper level. The new alterations and additions are mindful of these pre-existing processes and are thus programmed in a similar fashion.

The fabric and texture of the home are distinctly contextual and biographical. Stone, as the primary material for construction and finishing, needed to be enhanced and celebrated. The existing stonework was meticulously re-established both on the exterior and interior of the home.
All new stone used for finishing/structural work was found within the immediate context, establishing the sense of place. Timber trusses and beams were repurposed and recycled (some of these date back centuries).

The interior of the house offers a subtle, warm, and somewhat eclectic palate. The predominant base of the stone is offset and enhanced with light shades of wood, black steel, and raw concrete.

The contemporary furniture and fittings were sourced from International brands such as B&B Italia, Molteni & C, Ciacci, Kristalia, Magis, Gloster, Fantoni, Lightyears, Rexa, and the kitchen fittings by the Spanish company Doca.

Light-toned resin flooring provides a subtle base with off-shutter concrete, rough-sawn hardwood, and restored oak beams to become the palette of rich ceilings throughout the house. Doors were manufactured from recycled oak beams, detailed with steel handles.

The new sophisticated steel fireplace with steel chimney breast was crafted specifically for this space, while the staircase was covered in lacquered hot rolled steel sheets by local craftsmen. The quality of the steelwork executed is on par with the work stonemasons conducted on the project. This material and quality of work are evident throughout the interior, in the guest toilet, and main bathroom.

The dining room is graced by a Regardt van der Meulen sculpture titled “Weathered” — it is quite apt in its placement and meaning by being present in a house that has undergone some weathering before being re-established as a beautiful work of art.

What We Love: This historic stone house in Italy provides a relaxing respite for an architect and his family to enjoy the natural beauty of the Umbrian Valley. The home’s idyllic setting is perfect for outdoor entertaining. Expansive covered living spaces are sheltered from the elements while a sumptuous swimming pool provides the ultimate outdoor oasis. Overall, we are loving every detail in this home, from the beautiful stonework to the magical surroundings.

Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the renovation of this stone house in the countryside of Italy? Let us know in the Comments below, we love reading your feedback!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other wonderful home tours that we have highlighted in the past here on One Kindesign in the Italian region: A romantic luxury apartment overlooks the rugged Amalfi Coast in Italy and Fairytale stone house nestled into the breathtaking Tuscan countryside.

The kitchen across the glass link is directly connected to the lanai and the raised swimming pool with expansive views over the Umbrian valleys.

In the main bedroom, dressing, and bathroom, a historic brick arch divides the new dressing room and main bathroom where a mix of high-end fittings, black steel, and recycled wood was used against the old stone walls.

As with the existing house, this project is an exercise in respect, patience, and the understanding of place and history, while imparting carefully considered new work into and between existing work, creating a new sense of place through the legacy of the old. The home represents a unique amalgamated character, richly veined with history and novelty, becoming a beautifully and well-considered home in the Umbrian countryside.

Photos: Courtesy of Nico Van Der Meulen Architects

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