10 Mar A Small House Restoration in the Historic Village of Fiuggi
House restoration is more than renovating an old building. It is about preserving the identity of a place while creating spaces that meet contemporary living standards. This project, located in the historic village of Fiuggi in Southern Lazio, shows how careful architectural design can transform a traditional Italian house into a comfortable and authentic home.
A House Restoration That Respects History
It’s pretty common, while wandering through a medieval village, to get totally swept away by the vibe: those winding alleys that suddenly open up into tiny squares, ancient stone walls, and heavy doorways leading into hidden courtyards with classic loggias and stone stairs.
Often, that ‘crush’ turns into a real project. You start dreaming of a place of your own, getting back to a more ‘human’ pace of life—where streets are alleys, not highways; where distances are measured in footsteps, not car rides; and where you smell fresh bread from the local shop instead of the supermarket.
That’s how T. decided Fiuggi would be the place. The choice fell on a little gem right on the edge of the historic center with a wide-open view on mountains and valleys. That terrace overlooking the valley was the clincher—an opportunity too good to pass up.
The interior need a complete overhaul. Like many of these old places, the apartment changed hands so many times, and it was pretty neglected. And while the thick stone walls and tiny footprint didn’t leave much room for maneuvering, the potential was definitely there.
The goal was to rethink the layout. We even tweaked a bit the walls to better connect the living and sleeping areas, adding a three-sided fireplace right in the middle. It’s the heart of the home—you can enjoy the fire whether you’re having dinner or lounging in bed.
Since the living area is tiny, ‘standard’ furniture was out of the question. But that’s not a bad thing! Instead of trying to cram in a sofa and cabinets, we turned the walls into niches and benches. Wood is used for everything from seating to a shelving system that leads your eyes right into the kitchen.
The goal was to rethink the layout. We even tweaked a bit the walls to better connect the living and sleeping areas, adding a three-sided fireplace right in the middle. It’s the heart of the home—you can enjoy the fire whether you’re having dinner or lounging in bed."
In the bedroom, every inch counted. We knocked down the wall to the bathroom and replaced it with a multifunctional ‘system’ that acts as a divider, storage unit, and even a built-in tub on the bathroom side. Even the bedroom was custom-built to maximize space. The wardrobe is made of industrial metal pipes, while the bookshelves—running along the windowless walls—are wood with just a pop of sheer color to let the grain show through.
The best surprise? The ceiling. The previous owners had covered it with a false ceiling, but underneath we found an amazing old wooden structure with original beams. There’s this one massive, rugged beam cutting across the bedroom—literally a raw tree trunk used as a support! We decided to restore it all and painted it a bold green to contrast with the walls and floor.
Since we couldn’t leave the original stone exposed (due to some old structural reinforcements), we went with clay plaster. It’s great for old walls because it ‘breathes.’ We applied it with a small notched trowel to give it a raw, textured look, finished off with a white lime wash. The walls really come to life this way—they catch the light in these little ripples making small shadows, Just like the light, they grab your attention, and you find yourself following the textures as if you were scanning a map.
The old tile floor had to go. To keep things bright and authentic, we went to a local kiln and picked out small-format, straw-colored terracotta. It’s rustic, elegant, and full of those little imperfections you only get with handmade stuff.
For lighting, nothing ‘standard’ felt right. So, we went with colorful Edison bulbs hanging at different heights, with exposed braided cables and porcelain sockets snaking across the white walls and beams. The wiring itself became part of the decor—a colorful web branching out through the house.
A small home, packed with personality, where everything has a purpose, that create a perfect balance with the fireplace soul of it all.
Why Choose House Restoration Instead of New Construction?
Choosing house restoration means preserving architectural heritage, reducing environmental impact and creating a home with a unique identity. Historic buildings often offer qualities that are difficult to reproduce in contemporary construction, including craftsmanship, natural materials and a strong connection with the surrounding landscape.
This house restoration project in Fiuggi demonstrates how historic architecture can be carefully adapted for modern living while preserving its authentic character. At Dwell Stories, we help international buyers transform traditional Italian homes into places designed for contemporary life.
Learn more about our approach or get in touch to discuss your project.
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