Restored Barrel Vaults and Local Stone Give this Italian Home a Rustic Facelift

Fridays are a great day to <a href="http://inhabitat.com/rustic-lakewood-house-has-a-solar-screen-of-indigenous-logs/">dream about rustic homes</a> in the Italian countryside, which is why we're stoked to tickle your fancy with this beautiful renovation by <a href="http://www.lucazanaroli.com/Temp/Home_4.html">Luca Zanaroli</a>. Situated in Salento near Morciano de Leuca, the modest single family home looks like it has been inserted into a cave, but the shell is actually comprised of two old abandoned buildings that were once used as shelters by local farmers. Not wanting to give up the buildings' historical character, Zanaroli restored the barrel vaults and interior using <a href="http://inhabitat.com/rustic-lakewood-house-has-a-solar-screen-of-indigenous-logs/">locally-sourced stone</a> that dates back to the 1800s and finished off the interior with a sustainable lime mortar mix.

Two historical shelters form the shell of this single family home

Located in Salento, Italy, it was lovingly restored using locally-sourced stone

A sustainable lime mortar mix was used to finish off the interior

And at every step, care was taken to maintain the rustic ambience

Perforations in the thick will provide natural light and ventilation

While a skylight in the dining area adds more lighting

A covered veranda and enclosed courtyard provide protection against the summer sun

This is a home that everyone dreams about!

This is a gentle renovation that pays its respects to the natural environment.