Restoration Project in Monte San Martino

Architect Stephen Conger invites us into this stunning home in Monte San Martino (MC) in Le Marche, Italy...

The house sits on the medieval walls of the town of Monte San Martino, and has a small courtyard and garden overlooking the rolling hills to the Sibillini mountains beyond. I knew the house was perfect for me when I first saw it: not too big, covered with an ancient grape vine and built of the beautiful golden-coloured local stone. Inside was less appealing, but once all the internal walls and ceilings were removed it revealed its potential to become a charming home. In fact it is three houses built together, and its hidden archways, small grottos and blocked-up doorways all tell the story of the people who used to live there.

In the restoration I've used the traditional materials of the area - unpolished travertine, terracottas and colour washes - but in a contemporary way. I wanted the house to be simple and uncluttered, not overly restored or "cute". My concept was open-plan with an oversized asymmetrical fireplace and walls which were to look old and discoloured. I wanted to emphasise the imperfections as a way of showing the character of the place.

The house is simple and informal. The garden courtyard is the entrance as well as an outdoor room that opens onto the main living space through oversize french doors. (Guests have another level that opens on to the garden.) All the rooms, which open onto one another, were designed to be flexible, to adapt and change according to the needs of those using the house.

The house flows from one room to the next through the use of a simple palette of colour and materials that reflect the warm ochres and yellows of the stone of the village. The lower level, which has less architectural character, has stronger colours to create a sense of warmth and interest. The furnishings are in neutral, natural materials to form a transition between the old character of the house while affording maximum comfort.

Architect J.Stephen Conger has offices in Bermuda and Toronto.