Ricupaglia Farmhouse: Contemporary Farmhouse Renovation in Tuscany’s Vineyard Landscape

Nestled between the rolling hills and vineyards of southern Tuscany, the Ricupaglia Farmhouse renovation by Presicci + Pantanella D'Ettorre Architetti exemplifies a refined approach to contemporary farmhouse renovation in Tuscany. Located near Montiano, Italy, this 206-square-meter farmhouse embraces its rural heritage while embracing modern architectural sensibilities. Completed in 2024, the project honors the rich traditions of Maremma’s agricultural architecture and responds thoughtfully to the surrounding natural and cultural landscape.

Preserving the Rural Legacy of Ricupaglia Farmhouse

Originally a typical two-story rural farmhouse, Ricupaglia was part of the estates owned by landowners before being allocated to farmers during Italy’s Agrarian Reform in the 1950s. The house sits on a gentle hill overlooking sprawling vineyards, historically divided into stables and cellars on the ground floor and the farmer’s living quarters above, accessible only via an external staircase. The renovation respected this original layout and key structural elements, including robust tuff and stone masonry walls that speak to the farmhouse’s agricultural origins.

Transforming the Exterior While Honoring Tradition

A striking feature of the renovation is the reimagined external staircase, which was transformed into a sculptural stone wall. This new second façade adds a sense of material presence and modern artistry while respecting the farmhouse’s historical character. The renovation included enlarging the originally small, utilitarian windows to bring in natural light and frame the lush vineyard views, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Creating a Fluid and Open Interior Architecture

The interior was radically transformed from a compartmentalized agricultural building to a dynamic "house in motion." By opening large internal wall sections on the ground floor, the architects created a continuous flow between rooms, allowing 360-degree visibility and seamless movement. This spatial fluidity redefines the farmhouse as a living organism that engages actively with its surroundings and adapts to contemporary living needs.

Materials: A Dialogue Between Past and Present

Central to the renovation’s aesthetic is the use of terracotta and concrete—materials that evoke Tuscany’s ancient building traditions while embracing a modern spirit. The architects stripped the original stone walls of old plaster to reveal their natural texture and repurposed carved terracotta brick flooring fragments from the former stables as decorative wall elements. The interiors feature soft pink concrete surfaces and a brick lattice wall, a signature Tuscan rural detail, providing both functional and sculptural qualities to the space.

Sustainable Modern Comfort in a Historic Setting

The renovation not only focuses on aesthetics and spatial transformation but also incorporates contemporary sustainable technologies. Underfloor radiant heating, external insulation, a ventilated wooden roof, and integrated solar panels contribute to energy efficiency and comfort. These technical upgrades harmonize with the farmhouse’s character while meeting present-day environmental and living standards.

Connecting Architecture with the Tuscan Landscape

The Ricupaglia Farmhouse stands as an eloquent example of how contemporary farmhouse renovation in Tuscany can maintain historical authenticity while evolving into a modern, sustainable home. The project redefines the relationship between built form and landscape, fostering a more open, organic architecture that dialogues with nature, agriculture, and regional traditions.

All Photographs are works of Lorenzo Zandri