Restoration of a casa colonica.9
Finale
Warm dry mid-January weather permitted final site grading, the planting of a small orchard of apricot, pear, cherry and two fig trees ( albicocco, pero, ciliegio e fichi ) and the sorting and stacking of excess building materials.
Electricity was activated and a wood stove ( stufa a legna ) installed. A stove, refrigerator and washing machine ( fornello, frigorifero e lavatrice ) were delivered and connected. Kitchen and bathroom countertops of local marble were cut and placed. Finally, a few simple pieces of furniture were purchased - a bed ( letto ), living room chairs ( poltrone ), and dining room table (tavola ) with chairs (sedie ).
Casa della Cieca will be occupied in the Spring of 2007. The site will be planted naturally with only a ground cover to tame the clay and a small vegetable and herb garden. A vine- covered rustic portico will be erected over the terrace for shade and perhaps a small traditional pole structure to protect a car.
With the restoration nearly complete it will soon be time to relax and contemplate the Marchigiana landscape………………..
February 19th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
It looks like you have done a great job with this restoration while keeping many of the unique characteristics of the original structure. So much of the work being done now in this area seems to be just a shell with steel and plaster inside.
February 28th, 2007 at 1:11 am
I am a friend and classmate of Richard Guggenheim, who referred me to this site. What strikes me most is the beauty of the surrounding landscape. I like the restrained and humble manner in which this restoration was undertaken. As an architect myself I doubt if I would have seen the potential that you have realized in this project. My suggestion would be to include a map of Italy with an indication of where this region is located.
March 30th, 2007 at 12:38 am
Absolutely gorgeous Frederick
Suzanna
March 30th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
Hello Frederick…
can I add my congratulations to those already offered. You’ve done a superb job maintaining of not only the integrity of the original building, but also keeping it in harmony with its surroundings.
I notice you’re an architect - so are you solely responsible for the the design of your new home ? I ask because as someone who’s about to embark on a restoration project myself, I intend - and I hope you don’t mind - showing what you’ve done to your house to the people who’ll be working on my house as an example of perfect sympathetic restoration.
One of your other correspondents also asked for an idea of your overall costs per m2. Are you able to pass on this information ?
With thanks
David
April 11th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
Fred,
Occasionally we have bumped into each other over the many years since we served in USA Reserve at Raydee Chicken Hatchery in Preston. Fawn Walker, who joined us here at Allyn & Associates, shared your website with me this morning.
I am amazed by what you have done in saving and creating a beautiful “casa”. Fawn says you are going to spend some months there. I don’t blame you! I am in envy of what you have done and are planning for yourselves!
Fred Allyn, Jr.
April 26th, 2007 at 10:53 pm
What beautiful buildings. Do you do all the work yourself? As above it would beinteresting to see where in italy these buildings are.
Well done!
May 15th, 2007 at 1:13 am
Frederick and Emily,
Michael forwarded your site to me. Only now do I understand how you were able to leave your beautiful gem of a home with such a breathtaking view here in CT. I think I could also have made the move if I told myself, “Just wait for the little casa in Italy with the take-your-breath-away views.” Here’s hoping you will enjoy every minute in your new home. Your efforts make you real stewards of the land. I’m glad you took the opportunity.
Fondly,
Sarah
May 27th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Hi,
Congratulations. My husband and I have been filing through the internet looking as whatever we can on the subject of rustico renovations because we have a dream to do the same thing. Of all the images and ideas that we’ve seen, yours is the most perfect in our eyes.
The integrity of the landscape and original inhabitants shines through.
Well done!
Daniela Miotto
and
James Brown
Tasmania, Australia
June 9th, 2007 at 10:30 pm
“No house should ever be on any hill or on anything. It should be of the hill, belonging to it, so hill and house could live together each the happier for the other.” — Frank Lloyd Wright
Casa della Cieca is a wonderful reflection of who you are, humble yet truly inspiring. Enjoy each and every day.
July 29th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Frederick:
Your work is beautiful. It’s also inspiring. I came across this site because I’m interested in your brand of restoration architecture. I’m a carpenter, but I’m ready to move into architecture. I’d really like to correspond with you, but I can’t seem to find an e-mail address. Is there one? Is this possible? misterfield@hotmail.com
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Fred,
What a beautiful restoration. I remember Raydee Hatchery located in Preston later merging with Spafas as I formerly lived in Norwich and was in the hardware business.
Ted Montgomery,
North Windham, CT
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:00 pm
There is only one success - to be able to spend your life in your own way.
February 4th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
@chels I know what you mean, its hard to find good help these days. People now days just don’t have the work ethic they used to have. I mean consider whoever wrote this post, they must have been working hard to write that good and it took a good bit of their time I am sure. I work with people who couldn’t write like this if they tried, and getting them to try is hard enough as it is.