Medieval Italian farm houses, or “case coloniche” were complete worlds unto themselves—small, self-sustaining communities where extended family groups grew their own food, bartering their agricultural surpluses for precious manufactured goods available in the towns. The houses and outbuildings grew as the families grew and as agricultural production required, producing a pragmatic architecture that is nevertheless astounding for its craft and beauty.

This harmony of proportions is still very much apparent in Casa Carina, a reconstructed stone barn, which was once a key element in an extended agricultural estate. Recently restored, the house has a dramatic, luminous two-story living room with picture window imbedded in a lovely stone wall, which rises like a natural sculpture on the southwestern interior of the house. The dramatic master bedroom is located up a staircase with hand-crafted wrought iron balustrade, and has views on four sides. It is furnished with an antique, painted armoire, massive hand made chestnut bed, beechwood blanket chest and desk with phone and electrical jacks suitable for computer use. An efficiently designed kitchen--complete with granite counters, chestnut cupboards, old style china cabinet and antique oval walnut table—has French doors that lead to an outdoor stone terrace and grape arbor, ideal for outdoor dining and view gazing.

A beautiful and efficient wood-burning stove, double-glazed windows, and heated towel racks in the bathroom make this a particularly cozy retreat for the colder months. Perfect for a couple, the house also has a fold-out couch in the living room, which can accommodate a child.