The rebirth of an authentic 14th century Tuscan building

Located in the historic heart of Montisi, Umberto 121 blends into the idyllic landscape of Val d'Orcia, amidst vineyards, cypresses and medieval villages.

Mesmerised by the surroundings, the new owners, an Italian-Spanish family, decided to move from Barcelona to Tuscany to restore and welcome their guests to this charming rural accommodation. They were driven by a clear intention: to recover the essence of the house by freeing it from superfluous architectural and aesthetic elements that were added over the years in its numerous transformations.

The project emphasises the historic character of the house, preserving its original architecture and combining the existing features from different periods. Thus, the 19th century frescoes, the 1930s flooring, the original beams on display and the furniture relics proudly bear witness to the passage of time, which are now accompanied by a careful mix of contemporary and antique pieces.

Five double rooms, extensive common areas and a prime garden. Every corner of Umberto 121 is designed for comfort and serenity, where timeless classics by Santa & Cole coexist with other iconic designs by Artemide, Cassina, Kartell or Mobles 114.

In the dining room, a TMD provides ambient lighting, creating a pleasant atmosphere for tasting local products and enjoying long after-dinner meals. The TMC and a sculptural Babel provide light for a reading break in the living room. Sylvestrina, in its wall version, invites for conversation in the warmth of the fireplace. And for night-time serenity, the elegant simplicity of the wall lights and TMM in the first-floor bedrooms.

The beauty of contrast: surrounded by frescoes, trompe l'oeil and decorative mouldings, a Cesta illuminates the hallway of this splendid holiday home that honours the traces of the past.

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Footnotes: 
Photography by Meritxell Arjalaguer - Text by Santa and Cole