Rebirth in the Piedmont Hills: Our First Italian Restoration Journey

In 2003, after years of allowing careers to consume us, we made the boldest leap imaginable—purchasing an abandoned 10-acre farm outside Acqui Terme, Italy, to embark on an extraordinary Italian restoration. Our vision was vivid: a luxurious bed and breakfast with a shimmering pool, flourishing vegetable gardens, and an art studio where creativity could flourish. I brought my design expertise and years of ceramics study in Hamburg, while Michael leveraged his business acumen to launch our dream. Yet, the reality of Italian restoration—especially deep in the countryside—threw us into a world we scarcely understood.

A Decade of Transformation and Discovery

The farm was a triad of history: a 1600s main house and two 19th-century outbuildings, all in dire need of rebirth. Roofs, floors, plumbing, and electrics were nonexistent or crumbling; these buildings had never known heat or indoor plumbing. We installed massive septic tanks, propane tanks, and a rainwater system to tame the wild land. Four wood-burning stoves, fed by Michael’s own woodcutting, became our lifeline through raw, beautiful winters. The ruggedness of life here belied the magic our guests felt upon arrival.

Honoring History While Embracing Modern Comfort

Central to our Italian restoration was a deep respect for the farm’s rich history. We saw our role not as erasing the past, but weaving it into the present. Every modern convenience was layered carefully alongside original stone walls and weathered vaulted brick ceilings—to honor the aesthetic and historical integrity of the buildings. This delicate balance of old-world charm and contemporary living created a dialogue between centuries, preserving the soul of the farm while embracing modern comfort.

Our decade-long odyssey of Italian restoration spanned seven grueling construction phases, often undertaken in brutal winters so the farm could welcome guests during the seasons. We found ourselves enriched beyond measure, hosting wonderful travelers from 21 countries and earning over 100 five-star reviews—never a four-star among them. This journey taught us more about resilience, passion, and the art of restoration than any previous phase of our lives. By early 2014, we passed the torch, leaving behind a transformed sanctuary born from unyielding dedication to the true spirit of Italian restoration.