Technical information

When the current owners found Santo Stefano it was a complete ruin, with only the chapel still standing (albeit without a roof). Local craftsmen were appointed to ensure that the restoration adhered to the original principles of building in the area. This is most notable at the front of the house, where it is possible to see most clearly the way in which layers of stone are interspersed with layers of terracotta tiling.

 

Wherever possible original materials were used, or materials of the same age and style were sourced. Terracotta floor tiles are used throughout the house, being a mixture of antique and hand made tiles, and the roofs are supported by beams and pianelle - thin terracotta tiles.

The downstairs areas of the house would originally have been used to house animals, and wouldn't have had windows. Instead, they would have had gratings - which

 

have were included in the restoration for authenticity, rather than for security.

Very strict planning rules apply in this part of Italy, and so the villa had to be restored to an idential shape and size, with windows in precisely the right places. However, the rules regarding the building of a loggia have recently been relaxed - making this a possible future addition to the property