Monte Il Fico
Rio Marina
Isola d’Elba
In the beginning an old ruin, composed of three semi-collapsed bodies, without water or light but with a dizzying view, transformed into an eco-chic house. Three hundred meters above sea level and practically immersed in the typical Mediterranean vegetation. Connected to the town by a narrow dirt road which is the only access route to the property.
The beauty contest is won however by the view that embraces all round 360° starting with the bay of Ortano, the Argentario, the island of Giglio, Capoliveri, Corsica Island, the Colle Volterraio, to mention a few names.
Choosing local -“chilometro zero” materials was the most logical and economical solution. All the dry-stone walls of the buildings are made with local stone. The floors made in “Pastellone” on site, consist of an ancient technique based on pigmented lime, spread with a spatula on the screed and then finished with wax, all with natural products.
The caffe latte coloured walls are made of pigmented lime, spread with a spatula to blend the colour. The kitchenette is designed to be a furnishing element, even before a kitchen, the solid chestnut top is recycled from an ancient convent. The wax-finished doors are made of iron, a tribute to a symbolic material of Elba, an island rich in mining sites for over 2000 years.
Garden created with native plants and Elban scents, plus a grove of carob, cork and cypress trees and a series of connecting stairs made with the wood of old railway sleepers.
The eco-correct retreat also has a vegetable garden, bowling green and a panoramic swimming pool with an edge made of sand-coloured micro cement.
