Two people who crossed paths almost by chance…
It all began in May 2016 when Andrea was returning from a weekend in Turin with a mutual friend of Marco's.
The latter, being in Milan, decided to pay Marco a brief visit for two days.
This simple coincidence gave rise, in just a few months, to a genuine friendship, built on many shared passions. Among these, the desire to explore the world, visit abandoned places, the charm of vintage objects and cars, and a taste for a carefree life. From that moment, they began to travel together, often and willingly...
A type of journey without a specific destination, without strict plans, without paying too much attention to the clock. That 'on the road' journey that leads them to stop in places no one would consider, just out of curiosity... and often leads them to discover wonderful places.
This journey is made up of chance encounters that leave indelible memories, but at the same time fuel the desire to set off again. Because once back, the mind is already focused on the next adventure.
Because stopping is not an option!
We wish to share the philosophy that inspired the decoration and personalisation of our home. We are passionate about the concept of recycling in all its forms. For us, giving new life to objects: whether it's a chandelier, a piece of furniture, a mobile, or even a sheet, represents a true philosophy of life.
Each piece of furniture and accessory you'll find in each room has a story to tell. We've searched through second-hand markets, received donations, rescued items from bulky waste collection, and even found treasures that someone else was about to throw away. All these objects have been carefully cleaned and restored, ready to live a second life and add personality to the spaces.
Of course, we have purchased new mattresses, bed frames, pillows, appliances, and towels. However, even the pure cotton sheets come from the closure of a hotel on the Romagna Riviera. These choices are not only driven by the desire to give new life to objects but also by a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
By reusing and recycling, we contribute to reducing the unnecessary production of waste, giving objects a second chance and preserving the resources of our planet. We believe that this message is of great importance to share, as it offers you the opportunity to create an environment that reflects your style and personality, without having to conform to the furnishings of large retailers, which can cost more and last less.
– We must go and never stop until we get there.
– Go where, friend?
– I don't know, but we must go...
(Jack Kerouac, On the road)
Both share a passion for Urbex, the exploration of abandoned places, and on an ordinary day during one of Andrea's early visits to Pontremoli, Marco's hometown, they unexpectedly find themselves exploring an abandoned house in the medieval centre of the city.
The beauty and charm of that place inspire both of them to transform it into a guesthouse.
In a short time, they find the property and, after months of complex negotiations, manage to purchase the building to start this project together! Marco is an architect and has brought this new project to life with Andrea's support, combining their passions.
The result? Well, you are seeing it or will see it in person!
Marco, born in 1986, Architect, was born right in Pontremoli (MS) in the beautiful and green Lunigiana, grew up in Versola, studied in Parma, and moved to Melegnano (Milan) for work in 2012.
He travelled with his parents from a young age. Every summer and winter, the family set off to visit new places. He was taught from a young age to eat the main ethnic cuisines and to fly by plane 'carefree'... 'Hakuna Matata'!
With his parents, he has always visited many European capitals, explored many places in our beautiful country, and crossed the United States of America when he was not yet old enough to enter the casinos of Las Vegas.
He has been travelling independently since, at school, he was sent for a week to Portugal for a language project... a journey that, in its own way, sparked in him the passion for 'travelling free from everything and everyone'.
From that moment, he travels with people who share his desire to discover new places and look at them with different eyes.
'My most beautiful journey? The On the Road crossing of America I did in 2013 with friends for my graduation trip... We crossed 11 states in 26 days covering 8,700 km... a journey that taught me many life lessons, deeply marking me. I will definitely do it again.'
To travel is to walk towards the horizon,
to meet the other, to know,
to discover and return richer than when the journey began.
(Luis Sepúlveda)
Andrea, born in 1992, was born in the fascinating capital of South Tyrol, Bolzano/Bozen (bilingualism is a must). After working experiences in Germany, in Munich, and in Val Gardena, in 2019 he moved to Milan for work as an environmental technical consultant. From his passion for the mountains and nature in all its forms, in 2022 he became an Environmental Hiking Guide and Tourist Accompanier.
Andrea also travelled with his family from a young age; in fact, his first challenging journey was at only 3 years old when, between flights and ferries, he visited many Greek islands of the Cyclades and Ionian archipelagos.
Endless are the summer holidays spent exploring Southern Italy or other European countries.
Andrea has always had great freedom from his parents, and often at just 14 years old, he would take short road trips with friends on his scooter. Leaving the small village near Bolzano to go to Lake Garda or to Innsbruck wasn't for everyone, but for Andrea, the road and the kilometres were never a problem.
Growing up, the desire to explore and see new places could only increase, and all his free days from work were spent hiking in the mountains of his home, the Dolomites, and on trips discovering unusual corners away from the usual destinations.
'My most beautiful journey? Well, to be honest, I don't have a favourite trip among all those I've taken... they have all been unique for the places, the views, the history, and the people I've met. Every journey is a different story, an unrepeatable experience that leaves something inside you. Perhaps that's why I'll never tire of travelling; every time I return home, I can't wait to pack my bags and dive back into a new adventure!'.
"We are unusual travellers... we are the kind of travellers who can visit Rome and not go to see the Colosseum or the Pantheon, just because maybe on the way we saw a secondary street that inspired us more and we changed our route!"
M&A
The restoration of La Casa Medievale was certainly not an easy journey. Four long years have passed since the beginning of the works, during which unforeseen events were a daily occurrence, and challenges were faced with determination.
Numerous structural surprises often required modifications to the original plan, leading to significant improvements. The restoration was conceived with the utmost conservation care, preserving and respecting the original features of the medieval house.
The old plaster in some rooms has been replaced with modern lime-based plasters, ensuring proper breathability for the stone walls. The paints used were also made with natural lime-based paints, maintaining an authentic and respectful approach to the ancient structure.
For the rest, the stone walls have been left exposed, thus preserving the medieval soul of the house and creating a tangible link with its millennial history.
Contact us to book La Casa Medievale and enjoy all the benefits of the facility such as the SPA, meticulously designed environments, and the excellent central location ideal for visiting the village and beyond.
Via Piagnaro, 23
54027 - Pontremoli (MS)
Available all year round
By appointment only