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Architecture of Casa Sollevare
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Are you an avid Italian traveler? A Toscanaphile? Perhaps just a fan of Frances Mayes book, "Under the Tuscan Sun?" If so, Casa Sollevare will appeal immensely to you. The design of the home literally transports the homeowner daily to "An Italian Holiday."
The architect-homeowner traveled extensively through Italy, renting a 13th century palazzo in Cortona, a working Chianti estate in Mercatale, staying at B&B's in Orvieto and San Gimignano - all to capture the essence of true Tuscan and Umbrian farmhouse architecture. The typical Italian country farmhouse evolved over the centuries, often haphazardly, from humble stables for the animals and their poor, sharecropper overseers, to the multi-generational, additive-architecture estates you see today. For a true-to-life fascinating history of Tuscan farmhouse history, click here to better understand the design theme of Casa Sollevare.
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Close scrutiny of Casa Sollevare will reveal the same true Tuscan farmhouse appearance: a home appearing as though it was added onto over the generations, with the stables (now the garage) appearing two centuries older than the more formal entryway into the current living room. Older appearing stonework appears "repaired" with actual antique terra cotta pavers, just as done in Italy. The three separate entrances in the front facade support the idea of evolutionary growth, as do the three address systems, from casual to formal. Even the "newer," more formal side of Casa Sollevare reflects the ideals of increasingly-wealthier Italians by showcasing an architectural folly, just as many Italian villas offer, and reflecting the more formal, idealized symmetry of Andrea Palladio.
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Interiors further reflect that evolution with an extensive use of antique materials, stone and timber. This is not simply a Tuscan "re-creation," littered with American-style recessed can lights, brass hinges, or shiny hardware. The home's palette of materials hail from around the world: Italy, France, Britain, Spain, Belgium, and Mexico. Five kinds of antique terra cotta pavers cover floors and cabinetry, while reclaimed roof tiles, complete with their century-old lichen, adorn areas of the home. Many items were custom-made in Italy specifically for this home, while others were antiques purchased at several of the regional Italian antique markets. While the Unique Details page and the Virtual Tour photos provide evidence of Casa Sollevare's uniqueness, only a personal tour can do the home justice.
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The author Frances Mayes, upon seeing photos of this home, called Casa Sollevare a "stupendous house!" We're sure you'll agree. |
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