Bargain home: Tom and Aileen Winter, a couple from Colorado, purchased a remarkable 400-year-old tower, now transformed into a vacation home in Italy back in 2017.
Bargain home: US couple Tom and Aileen Winter, who are based in Colorado, bought a 400-year-old tower turned vacation home in Italy back in 2017.Medieval village: They tracked down their Italian home after seeing it listed online and took an instant shine to Exilles, located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy.Unique home: The couple purchased the tower, which they’ve named ‘Torre Piccolo’, for 19,000 euros (around $21,000).Making changes: Once the sale was finalized in early 2018, they set about the process of transforming the four-story home into a suitable vacation house for the two of them.Strong community: They quickly got to know the locals, who were surprised that they’d chosen to purchase a home in Exilles, which is close to Gran Bosco national park.Renovation process: They spent a total of $94,000 on remodeling the house. This is what the upper level, which was previously used as guest accommodation, originally looked like.New look: It’s since been converted into a bedroom, with two single beds.Full makeover: “It’s a very small place,” says Tom. “There’s only so much you can do. So it’s quite an easy process compared to some of the projects that people get involved in.”Home improvements: They’ve replaced the staircase with an open stairway in order to bring more light into the property.Modernizations: The old kitchen on the first level, which featured a kerosene stove, has been converted into a living area.Kitchen area: The Winters have built a new kitchen on the second level of the house.Warm welcome: “Everyone’s been incredibly kind and patient with us,” says Tom. “They appreciate that we love their village because they’re quite proud of their little village.”
Conclusion
Through thoughtful renovations and a deep appreciation for local culture, Tom and Aileen have successfully transformed an antique tower into a modern cozy retreat. Their story serves as an inspiration for anyone considering a similar journey in home renovation or cultural immersion in foreign lands.
