A Church Becomes a Home

An abandoned Medieval property in Italy’s Chianti region comprised by a deconsecrated church and an adjacent apartment in La Convertoie, has been restored and fused into a single residence.<br />The property dates back to the 1th century. Siena architect Marco Vidotto and Vero Beach, Florida, designer Susan Schuyler Smith were appointed to bring it back to life.<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2010/03/classical_epiphany/01_classical_epiphany.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2010/03/classical_epiphany/02_classical_epiphany.jpg" style="width: 512px; height: 424px;" /><br />The nave—now the living room—was restored to reflect its original design.<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2010/03/classical_epiphany/03_classical_epiphany.jpg" /><br />Restoration of the church was done under the direction of the institution charged with preserving Italy’s cultural heritage. Smith’s goal was to “create a warm and cozy space with the use of lighting, furnishings and colour,” while honouring the structure’s rich history. Vidotto brought the fresco above the altar’s replastered arch back to life.<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2010/03/classical_epiphany/04_classical_epiphany.jpg" /><br />Converted to a study, the sacristy had been added in the 1800s; Smith chose a wainscot chair and trestle table from that period.<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2010/03/classical_epiphany/05_classical_epiphany.jpg" /><br />The dining room, with its original beams, previously served as a loggia connecting the apartment to the church.<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2010/03/classical_epiphany/06_classical_epiphany.jpg" style="width: 611px; height: 506px;" /><br />Smith installed the center island and cabinetry in the kitchen. The mid-19th-century fireplace “was kept as the focal point,” says the designer.<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2010/03/classical_epiphany/07_classical_epiphany.jpg" style="width: 611px; height: 506px;" /><br />In the terrace garden, Chianti-based landscape architect Nancy Leszczynski planted Italian sage, rosemary, a pomegranate tree and assorted other flora.<br /><br />I have linked this post over at Melissa's <a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/">The Inspired Room</a>. Thanks once again for hosting Melissa!<br /><br /> <div class="byline"> <div class="contributors"> <span class="c"><span>Restoration Architecture by </span>Marco Vidotto</span><br /><span class="c"><span>Interior Design by </span>Susan Schuyler Smith, ASID, of Spectrum Interior Design</span> <br /><span class="c"><span></span></span><span class="c"><span>Photography by </span>Kim Sargent</span> </div> </div><br />All images and information from<a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/"> Architectural Digest.</a>

A Church Becomes a Home

An abandoned Medieval property in Italy’s Chianti region comprised by a deconsecrated church and an adjacent apartment in La Convertoie, h...

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