Discovery in the Cantina

When clearing out the Cantina today we came across a box full of broken china. Not sure if its treasure or trash but really impressed with this little gem. 

It looks hand painted, and is a good interpretation of the Square in Ascoli Piceno which is shown in the second picture.  

The inscription says "50th Anniversary of the invalids of the war - 1917- 1967. Only 46 years old and 44 years to go before it becomes an Antique! 

Ascoli is  one of out favourite destination and only about 45 minutes from Cancello Est. 

The central historical part of the city is built in marble called travertino, a grey-hued stone extracted from the surrounding mountains. Its central Renaissance square, Piazza del Popolo ("Square of the People") is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy. According to traditional accounts, Ascoli Piceno was home to more than two hundred towers in the Middle Ages: today some fifty can still be seen.

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.

Let it Snow,Let It Snow, Let it Snow

Could be famous last words - but we have had our first snow falls on the mountains and it all looks very festive and postcard Christmassy.  Gualdo is looking particularly festive and have put all the Christmas lights up in the historic area of town - we even have a set of lights outside Cancello Est.

Christmas Cake made, pickles done, Mince Pies in the oven - just need to add friends and family for the perfect Christmas

Copper Guttering added to Complete the Roof

The finishing touches to the roof refurbishment is the addition of wonderful copper gutters that will drain the rainwater into tanks so that in can be recycled for garden use and to fill the pool.

Looks pretty amazing just hope we don't have to polish it every week !

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.

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.

The Old Lady of Gualdo is Finally Getting a Face Lift

 After a few months of intensive negotiation we have begun the restoration.

The old lady is currently clad in a corset of scaffolding and the face lift begins. The first objective is the outside walls and roof and indeed she is getting a "full support" corset of steel to ensure that not only can she withstand the extremes of weather but also the odd earthquake tantrum that Mother Nature occasionally throws in this area of Italy.




The great wall of Gualdo is now under construction and the "boys" are busy knitting the metal structure that will hold back the garden and of course support the swimming pool.

The swimming pool was was one of the areas of contention for the Commune in Gualdo as it is the first one to be allowed in the "Area Historicale" and the architect - Piero, had to jump through quite a few hoops to gain permission to build.

The garden area or "orto" is actually situated in the 11th century tower of the medieval village and of course we are rebuilding it it using the traditional methods of the time (backed with just a touch of concrete, which will be out of view as it has to be earthquake proof).

I just hope when the outside is finished this old lady  doesn't look like Joan Rivers sucking a lemon!  Hard to imagine that in a few months the breakfast terrace will be complete with great organic food, fabulous views and

Another Reason We Love Marche

Exploring Marche from Cancello Est - Brilliant Day Trip

June is one of the best months (and best kept secrets) to visit Le Marche

The weather on Saturday was wonderful warm sunny and clear so we decided to venture through the Sibilini Mountains to Norcia. The Salami Capital of Italy.

On the way we discovered the plain of Castelluccio which was a breathtaking.  All the fields surrounding this picturesque village were planted with Rape and Lentils which were all in full flower - reds, golds and yellow.

Another reason why we love Marche!

Le Marche in Italy Is Now The home of the Worlds Best Pizza Maker

Marcello D'Erasmo from the wonderful pizzeria, Mamma Rosa in Ortezzano, Le Marche yesterday won the title of "the best pizza maker in the world" at the annual competition in Naples. The competition is held over three days, 21st to 23rd May and attracted 427 entrants.

Taking part together with pizza chefs from all over the world, including chefs from Japan, Switzerland, France, Ukraine, Brazil, USA, Norway, Spain, Canada, Morocco, Germany and Romania, Marcello, who has been making pizza for over 35 years, has been crowned the champion. 


Rather dazed he stated "I have been a pizza maker for over 35 years and it a a great honour. I have to thank Naples and the Neapolitan masters who taught me the craft. Thanks to them, their technique, their advice, I carry out the best job in the world".

Second place was awarded to Gennaro Nasti from Portland, Oragon, who was originally from Naples and third place went to Japanese chef Takehiko Chibe the "godfather of Shozan" from Sendai City, Myiagi Province. 


Another reason why we LOVE Marche

Today The Weather Didn't Take The Shine Off Gualdo's Sparkle!

What an amazing day - we started with glorious sunshine and because we live in the mountains nothing is guaranteed.

However, the warm temperatures and the slight drizzle didn't take the shine off Gualdo's big day. I had no idea that cheese could be such a major attraction to young ( the not so very young) and old alike.  The festival atmosphere was a joy to be part of.

Cheese, Cheese and more Cheese - I don't think I have seen so many different shapes, sizes and varieties. And, of course, we had to try them all!

One thing that stands out in my mind is the different flavours. Amazing - the discovery of the day has to be the local honey served with sharp bitter and creamy Pecorino from the Sibilini Mountains.  Its a ballet on your palate!

Apart from Cheese there were loads of other local delicacies. Marche is famous for its black truffles.  Wow! This vendor had organic chicken liver and truffle pate - you have to taste this to believe it!

Look at the size of these Pecorino and Salami's - we bought some amazing goats cheese Pecorino and the lady was quite insistent that she didn't understand "piccolo". So happily we got more than we wanted and I am thrilled to say she was right.

The village of Gualdo looked wonderful with all the people, the plants and the architecture .  So nice to see so many people enjoying the labours of the local farmers and of course, the local artists. The art was really interesting and very evocative of the local surroundings.

To celebrate the Festival Of Cheese we cooked up our own version of Tagliata Pomodorini.  Fresh wild rocket from the garden, organic tomatoes, Gualdo veal steaks and of course Pecorino from the lady that doesn't understand "Piccolo".  Absolutely glorious way to end a fabulous day in Gualdo. Washed down with a small bucket of Soave of course!

Gualdo Putting its Best Foot Forward

Loads happening in the Village this weekend as it's the Cheese and Art Festival which is an annual event promoting local cheese, Art and of course just a little bit of wine.

The village was teeming with activity this morning and the one thing that really stuck me was the whole community coming together for this event. The square is looking immaculate and has been "dressed" for the occasion. Maria at the coffee shop was bustling around making sure everything was spik-n-span (it always is!) and even Giovanni and Samuela at the bank were getting into the spirit of the occasion.


Its a two day festival and we are going to check out what happens tomorrow and will feed back ( pardon the pun!) Cheese, Art, Music - oh and of course wine.  Lets hope Mother Nature keeps her part of the bargain!

Ecco perché amo il Le Marche!

Another Beautiful Morning in Marche

About a twenty minute drive from Cancello Est is the beautiful little village of Fiastra and its wonderful lake. If you are in to birdlife this place will spoil you for choice.  Today we saw Golden Eagles, Hoopoe, Kingfishers, Ravens and Swallows swooping down over the waters.  Magnificent. A great lunch too in the cafe in the village

Really Exciting Finding at Cancello Est Today

Today was a really exciting day.  When we first viewed the property with Francesca,  one of the Natalini family members, we were really impressed with the fresco that adorned the ceiling in one of the bedrooms. (soon to be the San Giovanni Suite)

Francesca told Monica Bruni, our trusted estate agent, that as a child she thought she remembered that there were some Fresci (Italian Friends, please note correct use of the plural) in some of the other rooms but she was not sure as she hadn't been into the house for over 40 years.  This was enough information for us to start some proper research.

Piero Perogio, our architect located Adriana Malpiedi, a fresco specialist who lives in Cessapalombo which is one of the villages quite close to Gualdo. Apparently Adriana has been responsible for a lot of the restoration in many of the local churches.

She arrived, donned a white coat and latex gloves grabbed a spray bottle then disappeared into the ceiling of one of the soon to be guest bedrooms.  We looked on helplessly with fingers crossed and a expectant look on our faces.

And the result was quite astounding.

This is from the Sanarno Suite which will become our honeymoon suite and not only adorns the ceiling  but the walls as well. Adriana indicated that this is 17th century as it was typical of the colors and design used at that time.

This is in the Smerillo Suite, and looks like it contains a Lilly of the Valley motif in pale blues and yellows. Adriana thinks this is of the same period

In the Loro Piceno suite we discovered the walls were painted in this colorful motif and we can't wait to see what else will be revealed when restorations begin.

This is the design from the the Monte San Martino Suite and shows again flowers and vines and is probably late 18th century according to Adriana. Hopefully it will have early Art Nouveau influences that were popular at that time.

So its back to the drawing board with the plans as we want to design the new layout as to not interfere with the Fresci.  Piero says that its not good practice to incorporate them into a bathroom so the challenge that now faces us is where to reposition the ensuite bathrooms so they don't interfere with the art work.  This is a problem for the location of the kitchen too as it appears that this is the most decorated room.  A great problem to have, I guess, just hope it doesn't delay the renovation timetable.

Introducing the new logo for Cancello Est

We are thrilled with the design and colour palate for our new logo - designed by Henk Van Den Berg of DC United in Johannesburg.

It represents the old Eastern Gate to the medieval village of Gualdo. Also known as the sun gate where the sun rises over the Adriatic Sea.  We think it also depicts the magnificent Sibillini landscape and the crisp blue skies and fabulous light that is so typical of this area of Italy.

Sadly the original gate was badly damaged in the earthquake in the 60's and was removed - however the original fortifications of this magical little town form part of our garden terrace and the walls of the cooking school.

The Project Begins

Well we are off and the process of breathing life into this derelict building has begun.

The house was built in 1625 and is in serious need of a major makeover and some tender living care.  If things go according to plan to we should end up with a seven bedroom boutique guesthouse and cooking school with we think one of the best views in the Marche region.

We will be updating this blog regularly to keep you posted on our developments as we bring Cancello Est into the 21st Century. It may be madness but along the way I man sure we will have a lot of fun experiences to share with you.

The builders move in on Monday - so wish us luck!