Montemaggio Estate
ITALY - COMPLETED 2009
This secluded Tuscan estate is enclosed in a valley set 650m above sea level. At the time of acquisition, it comprised a series of derelict structures, the most significant of these being a small monastery dating from the twelfth century. The monastery building was reistored, with later unsympathetic additions pared away. BBUK designed a patio area at the side of the dwelling utilising the existing historic paving which was lifted and re-laid to create an external carpet.
Given the estates location, the surrounding landscape was a defining element of the new scheme and BBUK restored the historic walled gardens (hortus conclusus) with its central cistern and designed seasonal planting for year-round interest. A stepped path leads from the formal garden area to a more natural landscape design that encloses an elevated pool and pool house, set amongst the surrounding woodland.