Aldo Gallo's apartment is located on the central square of Panicale, a medieval hill top town in the heart of the Umbrian-Tuscan region. What used to be a wine cellar and a warehouse was restored blending the existing classical 17th century details with modern design. With its one bedroom and living room, it can sleep four adults, but is best suited for two adults and two children.
There are two entrances to the apartment, one through the central square, and one through Via Ceppari. Both lead to the large room on the bottom floor. This room has been kept open, and using the original structures, is naturally divided up into three different areas. It has a travertine floor, which blends well with the 16th century walls which where restored to their original state making the building stones visible.
The bearing walls screen off an area that was turned into the kitchen. It is complete of oven, gas stove, refrigerator, and all necessary cooking utensils (Including the mandatory espresso maker). Being at the far end of the apartment, distant from windows and glass doors, little natural light entered the area. The lighting problem was solved through a skylight. A large pyramid formed window of glass was put in place of the ceiling letting in all the necessary light. Right outside the kitchen there is the dining area with space for 6 people.
A beautiful red brick arch separates the dining area with the living room. There is a bed sofa that sleeps two, as well as couches. One of them can easily be transformed to a single bed. There is a small colour television should you feel like practising your Italian, but are too unsociable or tired to drop by the bar.
There are two toilets on this floor. One of them is equipped with a WC, basin and shower, while the second just has a WC and basin. There is a also washing machine in one corner, indispensable for longer stays.
From the living room area, there is an open wooden staircase that leads to the upper level. The upper floor has an open architecture, with its railing giving directly towards the stairs and a window on the main piazza. There is a dark brown hardwood floor, which fits well with the beams and red bricks on the ceiling. Up here, you will find a double bed, and a wardrobe. On the opposite end of the room, overlooking the stairs, is a working table and some chairs.
The walls of the structure are so thick that they guarantee a constant cool temperature during the summer months, and keep in the heat from the radiators during the winter ones. The only unfortunate part is that there is no outdoor area belonging to this apartment. This has however not stopped people in the past from putting a table outside on the main square, and enjoy the buzz in the Piazza.
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