Restoring Macchione
Macchione was originally a farm house or 'Podere' (a ‘podere’ is a local word meaning farm or small holding). Up until the 1970's, it had been in use as a working farm with the ground floor of the building being mostly for livestock (the wood from the original feeding troughs is still in use in the house) and the first floor housing several families.
In October 2015, after a long period of total abandonment, the current owners, Cally & Nick, found Macchione and instantly fell in love. Even in its abandoned and crumbling state, it was obvious that this place and its relationship with its surroundings was very special.
The process of carefully rebuilding and restoring the historic building, started in September 2017 and was completed in June 2022.
"Much more than a building project. This has been transformational on many levels; a labour of love indeed. Everything you can imagine through blood, sweat & tears. We are now so delighted to be able to share this place with others."
Original materials
The recovering and repurposing of original materials was key to the restoration process.
Many of the original bricks and roof tiles were re-used, the old feeding troughs for cattle are now used as bookshelves and the original support beams were recycled to become floorboards and bedroom doors.
Artisan methods
Local craftsmen and artisans were engaged to use traditional methods to restore and recreate the many arches and domes, most of which held strong as the rest of the building was crumbling around them.
The curve or arched shape is one of the key motifs or features within Macchione and echoes the gentle landscape of the rolling hills all around.
Breathing life back into the villa
During the restoration, the intention was to honour all that Macchione had been, to bring it back to life and to create a free-flowing space for guests to enjoy with ease.
Equally important was preserving the natural peacefulness and sense of solitude; this is a place that feels hidden away from the rest of the world.
…’arriving here genuinely feels like stepping into the most calming sanctuary’….
A home-from-home in Tuscany
Macchione is owned by British couple, Cally & Nick Albrecht, who manage the property and split their time between Macchione & the UK, with their three children.
"...we are delighted to share this special place and hope that each and every guest can enjoy its warmth and comfort as an extension of our home."