Snow on the Sibillini and the Old Lady of Gualdo get a New Hat

Winter has finally arrived and the first snows of the year have really made the mountains look spectacular. The trees are starting to take on the russet hues of Autumn. The clear blue skies and the golden colours are now enhanced by white peaked mountains of the Sibillini National Park which makes the vista from Cancello Est particularly special this time of year.

Construction continues with the property and work is underway with the tricky replacement of the roof.  The 17th Century roof tiles have been carefully removed, restored and cleaned and the environmental friendly insulation (recycled PEP bottles) tucked underneath to keep our guest warm and dry.

As the weather changes it gives us full opportunity to indulge ourselves in the hearty winter stews and casseroles all made from organic local produce. So its hearty meals and log fires for the next few months. Our favourite time of year.

The Five Storeys of Gualdo

 Gualdo bathed in beautiful autumn sunshine with a newly shrouded Cancello Est encased in scaffolding ready for the intricate surgery that is starting on the South facing facade.

You now see how large the  property is when you see the expanse of the green surgeons gown.

The colours are starting to change of what is a very late autumn - in a few weeks the countryside will change into stunning hues of Gold, Red and and brown and bring another aspect of the Marche country side.  This of course is enhanced by the clean, clear Marche light.

Finally the tower of the original eastern gate to the village is rebuilt (with a cleverly designed swimming pool incorporated)

The honey coloured stone and marbilita look marvellous. It really does look like it was built in the 12th Century rather than yesterday. Now some railings and some clever planting in the garden will make the area look fabulous.

On a Clear day you can see forever!

Apologies to Ms Streisand - but we are absolutely thrilled with the great wall of Gualdo! 

From the pool you can actually see the Grand Sasso, 230km away and its wonderful. Imagine relaxing in the warm waters on a balmy Italian day with that view! 


The "Great Wall" is taking shape and almost complete - the next stage is to get the south facing side of the house stripped, pointed and made waterproof. 

We needed the garden area secure and earthquake proof so that the rest of the renovations can commence. 

Watch this space!

 

A Pool with a View

Stage two of the pool construction is complete - its coming along perfectly - the decision to convert a non usable foundation stabilising room into a pool was the right one.

One things for sure, guests who bathe are going to have the most spectacular view of the Sibilini Mountains!

Autumns Harvest Making Christmas Tasty

We are enjoying an Indian Summer here at Cancello Est and apart from the beautiful Autumn colours, nature is providing us with some extra special, organic treats for the Christmas Table.

We followed the initiative of the locals and foraged and picked some of the most amazing produce and canned, pickled and bottled for the Christmas table.

Apple Jelly, Peach and Ginger Jam, Pickle Onions, Green Tomato Chutney, Chilli Jam, Chilli and Ginger Relish, Mint Jelly and of course Grape Jam from our own vines. All grown within 5kms of Gualdo and produced as Mother Nature intended - naturally.

Walnuts, Hazelnuts and Almonds have been picked and stored - we are looking forward to an organic Christmas table - hope you can join us.

Two Little Visitors Today

Not exactly a Spring Lamb but more of an Autumn Child - this little beauty was born a few hours ago and is looking so cute and fluffy.  The dogs are desperate to give it a good sniff but mother sheep will not let them any where near it.

The work Continues at a pace

Stage two of the foundations are now complete and we the second level (semi-clad in wood) will be the pool - underneath we have ended up with a pool room (or is it an air raid shelter).

Apparently the pool stage will be finished by Saturday - can't wait till they start cladding the cement box with the original 12th Century stones.

As soon as this area is finished scaffolding will be erected to restore the house facade to its former glory.

A Little rave for Old Fashioned Craftsman

In never thought I would ever ever find myself over the moon about brickwork. The stripping of the old cement and dreadful plaster has been competed on the Via Borgia side of the house. This all had to be done by hand as Sandblasting would have created such a mess for the wonderful neighbours (We want them to stay that way. The builders have used old fashioned building methods to get the correct effect and I must say its absolutely wonderful.

The Shrouded Old Lady of Gualdo looking towards the Historic Centre of the Village

“He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his head is a craftsman. He who works with his head and his heart is an artist” 
St Francis of Assisi