Transforming ancient homes into hotels of charm

Restoring luster to ancient homes that have fallen into disrepair and have been abandoned, sometimes in truly disastrous conditions, allows history and the place to continue its course in maximum splendor.
It is an important action for the territory – which will be able to enjoy a beautiful and well-kept home, rather than an abandoned ruin – but also for the local people – who will return to see the “light” and history of these buildings – as well as for those who will be able to see it for the first time.
This is what Geocharme Luxury Collection has achieved with some of its hotels and villas: the Sicilian brand of hotels and villas has, frequently, renovated ancient bagli and old tuderi, not to mention an Art Nouveau building in the center of Palermo.
Thus, in what were now piles of stones or decaying buildings, today the soul of a hotel or a villa with a swimming pool beats, allowing its guests to experience history and tradition.
The restoration of ruins is a delicate and complex process, which requires a deep historical, cultural and architectural understanding, as well as great attention to technical and conservative details. This is what Geocharme has shown it can do, through structural and conservation interventions.

Palazzo Liberty Unique Hotel

Palazzo Liberty Unique Hotel is the careful restoration of Palazzo Ammirata, one of the symbolic buildings of Palermo's Liberty architecture, built at the beginning of the twentieth century and designed by the architect Francesco Paolo Rivas.

Until 2021, the building had a decaying facade and the interiors were neglected and unsafe. Yet, it was a truly unique building, cited in all the books on Art Nouveau in Palermo, so much so that photos of its details are numerous on the web and on specialized sites such as art.nouveau.world

It was commissioned by Francesco Ammirata who, to build the building with Art Nouveau techniques, even purchased a boat from which he took wood and iron.

Starting in 2021, Geocharme Luxury Collection has begun the important restoration work of this building which is a protected property pursuant to Legislative Decree 42/2004. (D.D.G. n. 8811 of 20.06.06).

The restoration has brought the historic building back to its former splendor: its imposing façade, with enameled ceramics with floral and geometric motifs; the cement and plaster decorations made by Li Vigni; the paintings made by Rosario Spagnolo, imitating the mosaic, on the band along the sloping roof. Not to mention the polygonal corner tower, the sloping roof supported by brackets and the sinuous wrought iron railings. Last but not least, the repetition of the red plaster on the first floor, which recalls the polychrome architecture of the master Damiani Almeyda.

Inside, some evidence of its illustrious past: the decorated ceilings and the floors of the past, associated with an innovative but respectful touch of the Palazzo Liberty style, in short, represents an essential stop for those visiting Palermo, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of the city.

Baglio La Porta and Pietra d’Acqua Spa Resort

Sicilian "bagli" are ancient fortified rural structures, typical of the Sicilian territory.

The term "baglio" probably derives from the Arabic "bahal" or the Latin "vallum", which means fortified enclosure or courtyard. The bagli were in fact large agricultural complexes organized around a central courtyard, mainly used as masters' residences and agricultural management centers. The bagli were often built in local stone. Some of them, especially those owned by aristocratic families, also had watchtowers or valuable architectural elements.

The restoration of two ancient and now decaying bagli was an act of love by Geocharme towards Sicilian history and culture, which gave rise to the hotel Baglio La Porta and Pietra d’Acqua Spa Resort.

Respectively, Baglio La Porta at the entrance to the Riserva dello Zingaro (province of Trapani), with a breathtaking view of the sea; and Pietra d’Acqua in Sampieri (province of Ragusa), 2 km from the sea. Respecting the original architecture and enhancing the historical elements, the ancient buildings have been transformed into sophisticated charming hotels, without losing their unique character. The rooms, furnished with taste and refinement, offer modern comforts without sacrificing the authenticity and charm of the past. Every corner has been taken care of in the smallest details to give guests unforgettable stay experiences.

Conclusion

The restoration of ruins represents a form of art and science at the same time, in which the passion for the past merges with the technique of the present. Saving these ruins means keeping alive a piece of our history, contributing at the same time to the construction of a bridge between what we were and what we will be.