Renovating Woodfarm Tuscany: You Ask, We Answer
This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot specifically for our place in Tuscany, to answer the common subject of “Renovating Woodfarm Tuscany”. It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where we answer tonnes of FAQs and give you lots of information to help you get the most out of your Tuscan stay with us.
At Woodfarm Barns & Barges, we understand that planning the perfect getaway involves many questions and uncertainties. To help you navigate through these and to ensure you have the best experience possible, we’ve launched our ‘You Ask, We Answer’ initiative. This approach isn’t just about promoting our Barns, Cottages and Barges; it’s about providing valuable information, solutions, and peace of mind to our prospective guests.
We have a whole load of progress blogs if you want to take a deep dive!
Anyway, this is the video, and the transcript is below it if you wish to go back over anything.
This is what I said…
You Ask, We Answer: Renovating Casa Trebbio in Tuscany
Hello from Tuscany! In this blog, I’m excited to share with you the full story behind the renovation of Casa Trebbio, our beautiful holiday home just outside Lucca. If you’ve been following the progress, you’ll know that this has been quite the journey! Though I don’t have much video footage, I’ve taken plenty of photos, which I’ll walk you through as we talk about how everything came together.
Before and After: A Dramatic Transformation
When we first started renovating Casa Trebbio, the house was in desperate need of attention. For instance, we had a tiny balcony, which we’ve now turned into a spacious Terrace. The old kitchen was green, dingy, and covered in horrible tiles, but we completely transformed it into a charming, rustic space. The dining room, bedroom, and lounge were all equally damp and outdated, with features like awful fitted wardrobes and shiny 1970s tiles that we couldn’t wait to replace.
Mood Boards and Design Inspiration
Before we started the renovation, I put together a mood board, collecting ideas from magazine clippings to help visualise what I wanted. For the kitchen, I imagined a cosy, welcoming space with a French dresser, and I’m pleased to say it turned out exactly as I’d hoped! In the bathroom, we added a classic roll-top bath with claw feet, which adds to the traditional Tuscan feel of the house.
The Renovation Process
The renovation was no easy task. In 2019, my friend Steve and I spent several gruelling days in the sweltering heat, ripping up old floor tiles, removing wardrobes, and dealing with endless amounts of rubble. We even made a little friend along the way – a cat we named Gordon (yes, he sneezed in our dinner one night, but that’s another story!).
We didn’t stop there. We brought in builders to install RSJs (reinforced steel joists) to support the structure, lay new subfloors, and insulate the house. The entire floor was replaced with beautiful, thick terracotta tiles that add an authentic Tuscan feel to every room.
The New Terrace: A Stunning Addition
One of the most exciting parts of the renovation was adding a new Terrace to the outside of the house. This turned out to be a bigger job than expected, but it was worth every penny. The Terrace now boasts stunning views of the surrounding valley, copper downpipes, and a Tuscan railing that adds to the authentic feel. We have also installed a barbecue and pizza oven for guests to enjoy.
The Finishing Touches: Furniture and Decor
As the renovation progressed, we started bringing in furniture. Many of the pieces were sourced from auctions in Suffolk, including a French dresser and a dining table. The kitchen, which was built using rustic wood I found locally, now feels like the heart of the house, complete with industrial-style lights I brought over from the UK.
A New Lease of Life for Casa Trebbio
Now that the renovations are complete, Casa Trebbio has truly become a special place. From the new terracotta floors to the cosy fireplace in the dining room, every detail has been carefully thought out. The views from the lounge and bathroom, looking out over the valley towards Lucca, are nothing short of breathtaking.
Plans for the Future
While Casa Trebbio is now ready for guests, the work isn’t entirely finished. I’m considering converting the two large cellars into additional bedrooms or perhaps a garden room for even more space. There’s still plenty to dream about, but for now, I’m thrilled with how far we’ve come.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into the renovation of Casa Trebbio. It’s been a labour of love, and I couldn’t be more proud of the results. If you’d like to see more, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for updates, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to hear about last-minute availability, competitions, and more.
