Renew, reuse, repeat.

Managing our carbon footprint

It’s important to us in offering Villa Menaluna that we control - as much as possible -our impact on the environment. To meet this challenge we’ve taken several steps to do our bit, including the following:

We reused materials from the renovation in other areas of the project

We ensured all packaging from deliveries was recycled locally

We’re using solar panels for generating all hot water in the sunnier months

We’ve invested in battery storage for solar-generated electricity to supply the house and thirsty appliances such as the pool pumps and laundry room

We use water taken from our own ground well for watering the garden

Our pool and terrace area is built using reclaimed langhe stone from a nearby barn renovation project where the stone wasn’t going to be used (a crime!)

All taps and showers have eco-settings to encourage a reduction in water consumption

Rather than kit out the house with mass-produced generic items, we’ve used furniture taken from our own collection of inherited family pieces and scoured antique markets for interesting finds, and hopefully we feel, added a bit of unique character too

We’ve collected an array of pre-loved vintage flatware and glassware over the years and we’re supplying Villa Menaluna with some lovely collections of items so you can entertain with a piece of history

Our curtains have been handmade using vintage linens

We selected Weaver Green to supply our bed blankets, rugs and cushions, and all are made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles (yes!) yet have the feel of wool. All are stain-resistant and machine-washable too, making them extra-practical too (read more here)

The electric oven and halogen hob are powered by solar energy

We offer an electric car charger for over-night charging (fee applies)

Chilled filtered water is available on-tap in the kitchen, in an effort to reduce the need for bottled water to be brought to the house

For those who prefer another option, we provide sealable glass bottles and encourage guests to source their sparkling and still spring water from the local water station in the neighbouring village (5c a litre), rather than buy plastic bottled water

Guests will be encouraged to recycle as much of their waste as possible, including for glass, plastics, cardboard/paper

Organic (non-animal) food waste will be used to make compost for the garden

Pre-loved, renewed and reused

In keeping with our ethos, over the years we’ve gathered interesting items from the many excellent antique markets across Piedmont and southern France, and included heirloom furnishings from our own former homes in the Cotswolds and London, many of which have been in our family for over 100 years. All possibly of no huge monetary value to anyone, but of great sentimental importance to us, and it’s so warming to know that these pieces will again be enjoyed in a new house, with a new life ahead of them.

The bedroom curtains are handmade from vintage Italian linen sheets, so each is a little different (no matching pairs here) and cushions and other upholstery uses traditional fabrics reclaimed from various sources, such as curtains which hung at our old Cotswolds cottage and ‘tree of life’ fabric used in our former London home.

The breakfast table was saved from the house clearance when we purchased Villa Menaluna, and now with its patinated zinc top and grand size, is proudly the focal point of the breakfast room, accompanied by comfy chairs for lazy breakfasts or long dinner parties.

Outside you’ll find repurposed items, such as the old door to our own house which was no longer suitable when we renovated, but now takes centre-stage as an oversized table on the terrace

Our classic white metal garden chairs and tables come from a palazzo in Saluzzo which was recently sold and the contents cleared by the new owner (another crime!)

Remember though, pre-loved doesn’t mean cheap, so please handle the house contents with care as if they were your own - it will be very much appreciated.