Local Artisans

 Master Craftsmen
i Mastri Artigiani

The master's hand. It's everywhere: in the shape and style of the chimneys; in the 'ricciolo' or curl finishing an iron rod; the precision of a turned edge; the dressing of a block of stone; the dovetail joint in a drawer; the severe yet stylish cut of a door; the line and curve of a banister; the pattern in which floor tiles are laid; the contrast between the wall colour and its fine line of bordering; the panels of colour under a railing or beneath the ceiling; the careful choice of stone or brick or wood to frame a door or a window; the perfect arch...a tutto sesto (Roman arch) or ribassato or ellittico; the coupling of stone and terracotta; the silent, smooth slide of a drawer...

typical Tuscan chimney

curl of bannister

old style external lights with ricciolo

roof tiles known as coppi (rounded) and tegole

  

stone masonry on steps and wall, each stone individually dressed

coupling of stone and terracotta

elliptical arch

window bars: note link

handmade wooden shutters

window detail: pietra serena and brick

hand made terracotta floor tiles laid in herringbone (spina reale) pattern

pietra serena fireplace surround next to painted wall and oak beam turned into mantlepiece

low arch above windows and cream painted border below beams

 traditional beams - travi e travicelli - and original ceiling tiles - mezzane

perfect dovetailing in drawer

detail of arch finish

traditional style door in poplar wood with iron doorhandle

handmade kitchen drawers installed in masonry kitchen

cupboard handmade by local artisan

arch a tutto sesto or Roman arch

mortise and tenon joint in oak table made by local artisan

The hand of the craftsman (and it is almost invariably a man, in our experience) is everywhere at Le Ripe. The master craftsman, given leave to work on restoration or renovation, will invariably recall tradition in pursuing his art. 'Arte' is indeed the word used historically to describe the various trades, both major and minor, from the days of medieval Florence.  

Respect towards these trades has not shifted much through the ages in the Chianti countryside. As indeed it should not. We are extremely grateful for the skill, care, the aesthetic sense and the respect for tradition evinced by the team of craftsmen who helped us renovate Le Ripe and  contribute to its improvement still today. Master builders, carpenters, joiners, blacksmiths, tilers and painters: thank-you all!