A country house is the perfect place to rest and reconnect with nature. In the countryside, life slows down and relaxation comes naturally. It’s the ideal destination for a leisurely weekend, enjoying good food, perhaps with family or friends. However, for a country house to truly be a place of rest, it must have all the necessary modern comforts. Country houses were built long ago, with very different purposes than those of today. Therefore, a
1. Preserve the Original Character
Country houses were designed decades or centuries ago to accommodate various agricultural activities. Depending on their location, they have different architectural styles: a Tuscan farmhouse is not the same as a trullo or a Lombard courtyard. In many of these buildings, we find various rooms that were not meant for living spaces, such as granaries, mills, or even oil mills. It’s important to renovate the building by converting its rooms for new uses and reorganizing the internal layout without compromising the original structures and spaces.
2. Choose Natural Materials
Observe the materials that are already present. To integrate new materials or make changes, favor those of natural origin such as terracotta, marble chips, rustic tiles, or hardwood or laminate flooring. For the walls, you might choose traditional lime-based whitewash.
3. Favor Warm Colors
To create a welcoming rural environment, favor warm colors, in shades of orange and brown. Consider the potential of green as well. Painting walls white will help highlight decorations and details.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Bold
A country house is a special place that isn’t lived in regularly. For this reason, it’s wonderful to have atmospheres that differ from those in your primary residence. Focus on natural colors, but don’t be afraid to be bold. You could combine cream with dark blue or red, along with stucco work and wall decorations.
5. Wood Takes Center Stage
In a country house, wood plays a key role. It can be used for cladding and much more. Exposed wooden beams are beautiful and evocative. Wood is also the perfect material for country house furniture, ideal when paired with exposed brick. However, avoid the “
6. Choose the Right Windows and Doors
Similar to seaside apartments, country houses are generally not inhabited continuously. They are often exposed to cold temperatures and humidity. For this reason, the choice of windows and doors makes a real difference when renovating these types of houses. It’s better to opt for double or triple glazing and durable seals. Heating a house that’s only inhabited for short periods can be very expensive and impractical, so preventing drafts and cold will make everything simpler. Good thermal insulation of the building will make the difference.
7. Invest in Systems Renovation
When renovating a country house, updating the systems will likely be one of the most complex challenges you’ll face. Country houses have outdated systems that are often impossible to salvage. However, the initial expense will prove to be a long-term investment. You could improve the systems’ energy efficiency by integrating new technologies, such as solar panels. By taking advantage of incentives like the Ecobonus, you could enjoy significant tax benefits.
8. Illuminate the Spaces
Country houses have very thick walls and small windows. These were once necessary features for the building’s thermal insulation. As a result, country houses often appear dark. If enlarging the windows isn’t possible, to achieve a brighter environment, paint walls and ceilings in light colors, use mirrors, and choose light-colored curtains.
9. Make the Most of Outdoor Space
It’s wonderful to enjoy the proximity to nature that the countryside offers. Therefore, create or
10. Take Advantage of Available Tax Incentives
When renovating a country house, you can benefit from various tax incentives, depending on the type of work you plan to undertake:
- 50% Renovation Bonus for building renovations, conservative rehabilitation, and restorations
- 65% Ecobonus for building energy efficiency improvements
- Seismic Bonus up to 80% for seismic upgrading of buildings in earthquake-risk zones
Would you like to know more? Are you thinking about renovating a country house? Contact us now, and one of our architects will visit you within 48 hours for a free, no-obligation inspection and quote.
