Torre di Moravola: Christopher Chong Converts a 12th Century Watchtower into a Boutique Hotel

When architect Christopher Chong and his partner Seonaid Mackenzie first purchased the <a href="http://www.moravola.com/architecture_clearance.html">Torre di Moravola</a> in Italy, the 12th century watchtower was a crumble of ruins that had bushes and trees sticking out of it. They naively entered into the contract, underestimating what it would take to bring it back to life. But six years later, the stone building has emerged as a gorgeous <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/boutique-hotel/">boutique hotel</a> overlooking the majestic Tiber Valley.

Christopher Chong and his partner spent six years converting the Toree di Moravola watchtower into a boutique hotel

The 12th century stone building was in ruins when they first purchased it

They re-stabilized the structure using steel and concrete

There are communal areas, two sitting rooms with ancient fireplaces, and a large terrace

Two atria on either side of the watch tower bring in natural light

It's a beautiful hotel that pays ultimate respect to the historical aspects of this remarkable building