homes
WHEN NICOLETTA AND RICCARDO Piazza first laid
eyes on their historic home in Italy’s Veneto region 10
years ago, they immediately felt at home, despite its
almost derelict condition. Nestled within a chestnut tree
forest in the Lessini mountains, “the house had been
abandoned for around 60 years and was completely
overgrown, but it was magic,” says Nicoletta.
STRENGTH AND SPIRIT Before moving in, she and
Riccardo, an eco-builder, completed a series of major
works, including restoring the property’s main stone
house, which was still intact but missing its roof. They
used eco-building techniques while paying homage
to its rich history and untouched surrounds, filling the
home with natural materials and pre-loved finds.
BE OUR GUEST Elsewhere on the property, two
barn buildings have been similarly restored, and it’s
here that guests can stay and enjoy homecooked
meals made with organic produce from the kitchen
garden, attend workshops and most importantly,
unplug and reconnect with nature. “Casa di Tano is
a place of experimentation where you can learn how
to make things by yourself and where you can meet
people who share your passions and curiosity,” says
Nicoletta. “For this reason, we’re very pleased to host
people who understand and share our lifestyle.”
NEXT CHAPTER While Casa di Tano might already
fulfil the Piazza family’s – and their guests’ – wants
and needs, they confirm it will continue to evolve and
grow for decades to come. “Our nature is to always
change and improve – in the future, we would like to
build a sauna in the forest and a bio lake,” Nicoletta
says. Now that’s what you call a dream existence. R
who lives here?
Nicoletta Piazza, a fashion designer and
textile craftsman, her husband Riccardo, an
eco-builder, their three children Nina, 14, Pepe,
9, and Ravi, 3, along with their four dogs, two
cats and pet turtle! Casaditano.it Areal living
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