ENG .
Gentle stone
Camera degli ospiti , posta nell ’ ala nord e riquadrata dall ’ apertura ad arco originale , una delle tante che si ripetono nell ’ intero caseggiato . A rendere particolare l ’ aspetto della pavimentazione è la pietra pece , una roccia calcarea impregnata di bitume , privilegiata rispetto ad altri rivestimenti per la particolare colorazione e disposta secondo tagli irregolari , la cui composizione d ’ insieme forma una geometria arabeggiante segreta e fascinosa ; è il materiale costante che si ripete e si ritrova in tutta la casa , assieme alla pietra bianca ragusana e comisana .
Among centuries-old carob trees , olive trees and luxuriant almond trees , this large farm rises suggestively ; the privilege of an artist who lives it with passion .
“ What fascinates me about Sicily is the sense of distance ; I find it very strong in the landscape , underlined by this house and its position . A farmhouse full of history , inhabited for centuries by a single family that was in close relationship with things , with the land , with work , with animals and with people . It is a legacy that persists , and it seems that the walls carry this heritage . I have been living here for over ten years , and here is where I slept the first time I came to the island . I have never lived anywhere else . I was lucky enough to live in this house when it was a stable , and I couldn ’ t imagine that it would become mine . There was immediately a strong symbiosis and I never left this place , in fact , I did everything to keep it .” This is how the owner of this ancient large farm introduced us to the reasons that bewitched him and led him to choose “ Le edicole ” as his Sicilian home , one of the many architectural-rural wonders of the Ragusan tradition , dating back to the early 1800s .
The renovation was entrusted to the architect Arturo
Montanelli , who wisely reused the authentic pink limestone – an exclusive privilege of eastern Sicily –, and started a careful and accurate renovation project , according to the characteristics of local traditions , using specific biocompatible materials . Outside the farm , the courtyard boasts limestone paving stones ; a staircase on the side allows access to the upper floors . In the centre of the courtyard , there is a tank for collecting rainwater and the art installations of two dogs – created by the owner –, who look away and surprise the visitor . Inside , the various rooms were once used as barns , warehouses , stables and accommodation for the boys , shepherds and labourers : this is shown by the typical stone rings that protrude from the walls – where animals were tied –, as well as the suggestive recesses to place lights , candles and other everyday objects . The environment was completely bare at the time of purchase , without any furniture ; several objects such as chairs , chests , furnishings and sofas were collected on the street and restored , repainted or reinvented . It is a pleasure and a “ fun ” for the owner , who does not like to be surrounded by accessories that smell of “ fake recovery ”.
In the living area , there are ancient farmers ’ tools and instruments , used to complete the cycle of agricultural work , such as a stick and a wooden collar for the herds , placed on the wall-mounted desk . Moreover , there is also the so-called “ tannura ”, a portable charcoal stove and the “ quartare ” on the table , water containers that the artist adorned with typical wild herbs that are now rare and sought after . The shovels , bins , jars and buckets placed with care and style fill all the corners , keeping them alive just as they did in the past .
Renovation project by architect Arturo Montanelli Photography by Michele Biancucci