The Old Lady Reveals More Secrets

 As we peel back the layers of nearly 400 years of DIY and bad restoration Cancello Est continues to surprise us.  Now the roof structure has been completed the builders are busy removing walls and floors on the top floor which will eventually provide us with four luxury rooms all en-suite. These suites will have spectacular views of the Sibillini Mountains, the Grand Sasso and the National Park.

The floors, over the years had become a bit of a Mille Feuille with all the various layers added over the centuries. Sixty centimetres in total.

The first layer that was removed is 120 year old Terracotta floor tiles which are a rich red in colour and these will be recycled for the "cantina" area which will become the guest lounge, Bar, Dining Room and Cooking School.

The next layer was of course cement and underneath the builders discovered a deep layer at least 50 centimetres of compacted river sand and and earth.


The final reveal was the original 17th Century floor tiles that miraculously have been beautifully preserved against the ravages of time. They are  the most beautiful honey colour which is typical of the Marche region.

Now the walls are floors are removed the rebuilding begins with new beams, insulation, underfloor heating and of course the fully restored recycled floor tiles. Can't wait to see the finished floors  which the builders say should be before Christmas.

Its hard to comprehend that this magnificent building was constructed during the coronation of Charles I and has survived wars, famine and earthquakes.