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The Design Brief

Nestled in the heart of a Centro Storico, this ancient Italian courtyard had seen centuries of life—and it showed. The stone walls, weathered by time and the elements, had begun to crumble, with mortar joints barely holding their ground. Overgrown plants clung to every surface, and green mould had started to creep in. Our task was clear: restore this charming space to its former glory while respecting its historic integrity.

The brief was to clean and repair the stonework, repoint the mortar by hand, and preserve as much of the original character as possible. This meant choosing materials and techniques that honoured the history of the space, ensuring its longevity for future generations.

The Challenges of Courtyard Restoration

Historic courtyards, while beautiful, come with their own set of challenges. Many homes in Centro Storico areas boast small courtyards that serve as quiet outdoor havens, but years of neglect can turn them into maintenance nightmares. In this particular case, the mortar had deteriorated to the point where rainwater was seeping into the joints, accelerating damage and encouraging the growth of mould.

Our approach was methodical. First, we removed loose debris and cleaned the stonework by hand, avoiding the use of harsh chemicals or aggressive methods that might damage the centuries-old material. The stone surfaces were then carefully inspected for cracks and structural weaknesses, which were addressed using hand tools and traditional repair techniques.

Why Handwork Matters

Repointing and repairing stonework by hand is a painstaking process, but it’s essential for preserving the integrity of historic materials. Using a breathable mortar mix, we ensured that the stone could “breathe”—allowing moisture to escape while preventing rain from penetrating the joints. This not only protects the stone from damage but also reduces the likelihood of green mould taking hold again.

The choice of materials is equally important. Modern mortars often lack the flexibility and permeability required for older buildings, which can lead to further deterioration. By using a lime-based mortar, we achieved the right balance between durability and breathability, respecting the traditional methods used when the courtyard was first built.

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Bringing the Space Back to Life

With the repairs complete, the courtyard underwent a thorough cleaning to remove moss, dirt, and years of neglect. The result? A tranquil space that feels both timeless and refreshed. Stone walls now stand strong and proud, and the courtyard has regained its place as the heart of this historic home.

Watch the Transformation

Want to see the transformation in action? Watch the video above for a behind-the-scenes look at how we restored this ancient Italian courtyard. From the careful repairs to the final touches, we’ll show you exactly how we brought this historic space back to life.

Whether you’re dreaming of restoring your own courtyard or simply love a good renovation story, this project is a reminder of the beauty and importance of preserving Italy’s architectural heritage. After all, every stone has a story to tell.

Dreaming of Your Own Renovation?

If you dream of renovating a property in Italy, why not join us at our Move to Italy Retreat, held every spring at our restored farmhouse in Le Marche, Italy? Learn from experts, tour stunning homes, and enjoy authentic Italian food and wine while getting the inside scoop on making your dream a reality. Discover more and sign up today!