Restoring country houses is a dream shared by more and more individuals and investors. Restoring an old farmhouse in a state of disrepair is possible, and Biemme Restauri can help you realize this project by providing all the solutions and advice suited to your needs.
The renovation of a farmhouse in Tuscany or the restoration of a property in a state of ruin can represent numerous advantages in addition to being a successful investment. In fact, these charming buildings often date back to the beginning of the last century and have great historical value.
In addition, more and more people are tending to move away from urban chaos to find some tranquility and clean air among the green meadows of the Tuscan countryside. For this reason, ruins are increasingly being revalued on the real estate market for purchase and renovation.
To properly handle this type of intervention, it is necessary to rely on restoration specialists, and in this Biemme Restauri is highly prepared, confirmed by its many years of experience and activity, from original construction projects to restoration work.
ARTICLE INDEX
How to Renovate a Country House: where to start
Renovation of a ruin or country house usually involves the full or partial recovery of the elements already present, such as perimeter walls, floors, inter-floor floors, wooden beams and roofing.
Then there are various types of interventions that can be put in place to make the complex safer and more comfortable, such as consolidation of the structure, earthquake-resistant renovation or change of purpose.
The latter intervention occurs, for example, with old barns, stables, or in the case of agricultural warehouses that are converted into modern housing.
Among the various methods of operation, the least invasive for the building is always chosen, consistent with the requirements of safety, technical and financial feasibility, and always maintaining a margin of reversibility.
This means that, should there be a need in the future, elements can be modified, dismantled or removed.
Ideas for Renovating a Country House: strengths and how to enhance them
Before proceeding to renovate a country house, it is good to remember once again how important it is to rely on the opinions of an experienced architect who can depending on one’s needs, recommend the right way to achieve the best possible result.
Starting with the outdoors, the garden cannot be missing in a country house; whether it is a large courtyard or small green corners on the sides, gardens are places intended for the pleasure of rest and at the same time enhance the aesthetics of a house, especially if set up according to a studied design.
The outdoor space often consists of a large porch where one can dine al fresco and relax while enjoying the last rays of sunshine. Wood, stone and glass are the materials that best suit the rural setting, creating a pleasant alternation between rustic and modern styles.
Moving indoors, the kitchen is the heart of a country house and deserves to be enhanced by abundant beams of sunlight introduced by large windows or glass panes, so you can also enjoy the beautiful green landscape of the countryside. In addition, traditional stone countertops can be made and at the same time incorporate state-of-the-art appliances.
The fireplace is also a must-have piece of furniture; whether it is used or not, it will be a great presence if placed in the kitchen, living room and maybe even in the bedroom.
As for walls, in order to give charm and naturalness to common and noncommon rooms, it is preferable to leave exposed bricks, even better if original.
Enhancing niches and recesses is also a good way to provide uniqueness to rooms, turning them into bookcases or setting shelves. Arches are also very typical in country houses and can indicate the transition from one wing of the dwelling to another.
How to create a Restructured and Modern Farmhouse: style, colours and decor
Reinterpreting a country house with a modern style and decor is possible by finding the right compromise between the past and the present. Bearing elements of the house such as brick walls, stone arches, and beamed ceilings play a large role.
Furnishing suggestions often include antique objects and furniture, either original to the house or purchased at some antique market. The preferred material is wood, which is durable, cozy and practical. The other materials that go best with it are stone, wrought iron and terracotta. Best to stick to the essentials, a key feature of modern style.
Traditional elements such as dressers, sewing machines, antique cherry cabinets or vintage cast iron stoves with wicker baskets juxtaposed with other more modern furniture create a good contrast.
For outdoor paving, using an outdoor terracotta floor is the ideal solution if you want flooring that is in harmony with the rural setting, durable and driveable.
Suggested colors include creamy whites or soft greys. Brightly colored design objects and artwork illuminated by contemporary lamps are appreciated.
To stay with the rural landscape theme, paintings depicting farming scenes, nature and grazing animals accentuate the bucolic setting and allow one to perfectly identify with country life.
How Do You Recognize Restored Country Houses?
Generally, restoration work in country houses is reversible and minimally invasive. The approach is deliberate so as not to alter the original structure and conformation of the farmhouse, which deserves to be enhanced both for its history and for the way it was built.
In fact, with modern restoration, the added elements must be easily distinguishable from the original ones, and the recognizability must be discreet to avoid too sharp and obvious contrasts that could compromise the aesthetic harmony of the construction itself.
The interior flooring, made of stone, ceramic or terracotta tiles, as tradition dictates, can also highlight the presence of a historic building; as well as the wide ceilings, solid wood beams and ample square footage are typical of country houses of the past.
Farmhouse Renovation Project.
Since this is a renovation of a classic building, like a farmhouse, the restoration project must take into account the preservation and enhancement of traditional elements while incorporating contemporary ones. Even in the case of reconstruction, it is possible to remember traditions with the skilful use of the most appropriate materials.
A farmhouse renovation project also involves structural and regulatory constraints. In fact, special permits must be obtained. In contrast, in the case of construction from scratch, the lot must be buildable and the limits of buildable volumes and areas and any landscape constraints must be known.
Renovated Houses: Before and After
Using Biemme Restauri is a guarantee in the world of construction, as our highly successful work throughout the region confirms. The many different renovations of farmhouses and ruins in the Tuscan countryside have tested our ability to create small gems of construction, amply satisfying the expectations of our clients.
Thanks to the collaboration with selected and highly qualified master craftsmen, realizing the home of one's dreams is possible without having to compromise. Here are some examples of country houses renovated by Biemme Restauri.
What the Interiors of Renovated Country Houses look like.
Interior finishes always go with the pre-existing raw material of the old farmhouse, which, rather than being demolished is enhanced by putting it well on display and repurposing the rest of the furnishings to suit it. For example, an authentic terracotta tile floor gives personality and warmth to a country house and can be accentuated by a countertop, shelves and fireplaces of the same material.
The wood or stone effect must be wisely proportioned so as not to obscure the real wood and stone already present in reclaimed materials. For finishing touches, artisans are the ones to enhance the strengths, often using pre-existing materials to create original and customized works to be placed wherever you want. Vintage mirrors, rugs, objects and furniture help create the right enchanting atmosphere, typical of restored country homes.
How much does it cost to renovate a country house?
The cost of renovating a country house varies depending on the type of work to be done and how much time is needed to readjust the property. In this Biemme Restauri is totally available to assist the client in budgeting, proposing tailor-made solutions to realize ambitions of all kinds.
Starting with an entirely free estimate and inspection, renovation costs start from a minimum of €1,000 per square meter to a maximum of €2,000. Included in the overall price are the constant assistance of qualified professionals, labour and any handling of paperwork necessary to carry out specific interventions, such as:
- Comunicazione di Inizio Lavori (CIL) or Notification of Start of Work
- The Application for Start of Activity (DIA and SCIA)
- building permits,
- public land occupations,
- other construction practices.
How much does it cost to make a ruin safe?
Biemme Restorations, in addition to dealing with construction, is committed to securing of the projects taken over, to ensure that the client stays in the home of their dreams, safe and serene from all possible risks and concerns.
There are interventions that affect individual structural elements, without reducing the pre-existing safety conditions, known as Securing Interventions, described in the text of the Technical Standards for Construction 2018 in Chapter 8 paragraph 4.1. These concern actions aimed at safeguarding the integrity of an existing building to prevent collapse or further damage that, in the long run, could compromise the safety of those living there. Prices per square meter can range from € 1,000 to € 1,500, even in the case of complete intervention.
Whether it is a new house or the recovery of an old farmhouse Biemme Restauri is the best choice to carry out a careful and precise restoration of a country house. Our goal is to turn our clients' dreams into substantial reality, and to do so we employ the highest quality and professionalism in the field of construction and renovations, even for those undertakings that seem impossible.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much does it cost to renovate a country house?
Renovating a country house varies in cost depending on the type of work needed. In general, renovation costs start from a minimum of €1,000 per square meter to a maximum of €2,000.
How much does it cost to make a ruin safe?
When is it worthwhile to demolish and rebuild?
Do you want to restore a Country House in Tuscany?
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