GUEST RENOVATOR
Borgo di Vagli – a walk through time
I can’t remember how I came across Borgo di Vagli, now a touchstone for our dream Italian village. Instantly wrapped around my heart I fell in love. Not only with the stunningly restored 14th century hamlet but with the abandoned broken buildings that held the original promise of renewal.
It was architect Fulvio Di Rosa with the assistance of Dina Fragai that took this “crazy dream” and turned it into reality. Not a simple task certainly and one that took years to gain the necessary approvals.
I have watched this youtube footage taken in December 1999 by Lee & Cecilia Cogher many times and wonder what thoughts were going through their heads as they wandered the ruins. Would the excitement out weigh the enormity of the task, did they find themselves consumed, drawn in, with no other option but to chase this wild dream.
We explored our own rustic village here at Borga Nari like kids in a lolly shop, already making plans in our heads and talking of nothing else until sleep took over that night. Ever since this ancient place in the mountains of Piedmont has been a part of me, like a second wedding ring that I would never remove.
Walking back through time is a gift, one that I am constantly drawn towards. I’m sure this is why I love places like Borgo di Vagli so much, the spirit of the past is still there. There is nowhere to get, it is complete within itself. Waiting only for the right people to come along and restore it to it’s original state.
To think that the doors and windows have not been changed, which means that the light entering is the same. I could stand in the same shadows, watch the light play and dance on the richness of ochre walls just as others from centuries past did. Touch the same worn stones warmed by the Tuscan sun.
Doorways low enough to crack the unwary head, spaces rebuilt to the original designs, tiny windows and immense thick walls to keep out the heat and cold. Authentic, without pretense…recreated such that the original owners could enter as if they had never left.
For further information on Borgo di Vagli you can contact directly on the site below and let them know Renovating Italy sent you!
♦ Borga di Vagli : Club Borga di Vagli
and the gang x
You are inspired and inspire in turn Lisa. I love reading about your raw passion. It brings me back home when the pragmatics and the pragmatists start to make themselves heard. I prefer the beat of another drum and I know you do too. I’ve not been round to comment for a while but I knew I wanted the time to savour your latest posts. Love and un abbraccio forte. Jxx
Janine I sooo can’t wait to meet up with you, I know what you mean about the pragmatics (I married one) but I give him wings and he ensures it’s safe to fly LOL! Thanks for coming over, I also have not been about as so much is going on right now and I am finding it all a bit overwhelming. I can hear that other drum beating all the time….as can you.
with love xxx
Oh wow – this is so absolutely beautiful, Lisa. 🙂 What a wondrous place to discover and explore. No wonder you find it inspiring! 🙂
It’s that fantastic sense of what’s possible that draws me back. When I see the state of the place so many years ago and now that it is enjoyed by so many is just lovely! xxx
A beautiful property Lisa. I must visit next time I am in Piemonte. I know your dream will come true one day. I’d hate to think of a life without dreams!
Jenny I’m sure you would have a lovely authentic meal to enjoy! Borgo di Vagli is close to Cortona, it’s been my touchstone of dreams coming true for some time now. ciao lisa x
Oh my heart falls in love every time I came here! I love the images of Italy – can only imagine how beautiful it would be to see in real ife 🙂
I have no doubt Lisa that the bus will one day sprout wings and fly xxx
Dreams sweet dreams that will become a reality one day Lisa.
It’s what keeps us going, now putting in practice is the tricky part! Yet that’s what Borgo di Vagli gives me, the clear knowledge that it can be done. x