Turning a vast abandoned glass factory into a thing of great beauty was a great work, one enabled and joined by the best local working team we could have had. They worked from sunup to sunset with a small break for lunch. I know, because I worked beside them for the last three months of the renovation. Today, after eleven years of welcoming guests from every corner of the globe, I look back with a sense of wonder and, yes, surprise. Take an armchair ride to see “Before and After”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GllsDwAAweI Don’t forget to visit a whole lot of links at the website of L’Antica Vetreria: http://www.anticavetreria.net which will always mean “The Ancient Glassworks”!
Posted by:Colleen Simpson
I followed a dream to live in a medieval village in Umbria. In 2007, we completely renovated a 10,000 sq.ft. abandoned glass works into a villa and four apartments. Set on the western wall of the glass making village of Piegaro, our property L'Antica Vetreria was the most historic glass works founded in 1292 by artists from Venice. It has panoramic western views, pool, terraces and just steps to the main piazza with bar/cafe, restaurant, groceries, butcher, gift shop, museum of glass. I am living my dream of meeting guests from around the world to share my passion for Italian art, culture, history, wine and food! Living in a small village on the border of Tuscany, I am surrounded by good friends who welcomed our restoration of their most historic structure that they have lived within its shadow for hundreds of years. The villagers welcome our guests with open arms, offering cooking classes, mushroom and asparagus gathering, hunting for valuable truffles or just sitting in the sun enjoying life.
Oh My Colleen, the forethought, determination and ambition you are have put into this wonderful place. I love seeing old made new again. And the best part is that I/We got to experience it firsthand. I cooked in that kitchen, and the chef prepared the most delectable meal, such beautiful memories.
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Thank you so much for your heartfelt appreciation! It was a blessing to have taken this path and I am still filled with awe that we actually did it. So many thanks to an incredible local crew who took great pride in their work. Please come back to us someday!!!
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