Jenny and Dave Marrs have taken their renovation skills beyond borders, tackling a centuries-old villa in the serene Tuscan countryside. The project, known as Campo Sasso—or ‘the rocky field’—presented its share of challenges. From language barriers and adapting to unfamiliar protocols, to balancing coordination from miles away, the Marrs persevered to deliver a masterpiece.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Tuscany, Italy
Owners: Rebecca & Pierre Gouttenoire
Design: Jenny & Dave Marrs
Architect: André Benaim, Studio Benaim
Furniture: Marrs + Local Craftsmen
Project Manager: Sofia Lalli
Photos: Marrs Design Team
Originally a sharecropping home for a monastery, the villa has stood for decades. Owned by Rebecca Christopherson Gouttenoire and Pierre Gouttenoire, the plan was to convert it into a charming vacation rental. The Marrs’ friends trusted them with a tight €400,000 budget, following their purchase of the villa for €800,000. However, this wasn’t just another local renovation—the Marrs had to operate creatively under different rules and standards.
Since they aren’t licensed contractors in Italy, local architect André Benaim and project manager Sofia Lalli of Studio Benaim stepped in. They helped with the technical plans, permits, and kept the project running smoothly during the Marrs’ limited visits. Local builders undertook major redesigns, ensuring the villa maintained its structural integrity while embracing new functions.
The former stables were transformed into a functional yet beautiful kitchen space, complete with new terra-cotta flooring. Olive wood was used to add warmth throughout the house, infusing tradition in every corner. Each of the villa’s three bedrooms received a tailored en suite, enhancing the overall guest experience. The Marrs even accommodated by building a shed for the owners’ sheep—a nod to the property’s pastoral roots.
The renovation didn’t stop at mere aesthetics. The Marrs focused on maximizing light by adding windows that showcased breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The villa’s stone and concrete ‘bones’ were preserved, giving it a rustic charm coupled with modern comforts.
One of the highlights was the creation of a cheese cellar—a first for the Marrs. Tasked with maintaining specific moisture levels, the cellar can house up to 40,000 pounds of cheese, supporting the owners’ future ventures in cheese tastings. Alongside it, a wine cellar was constructed, featuring traditional storage methods that honor Italian craftsmanship.
In the kitchen, Jenny’s vision shone through. Built inside the former stable, her design showcased plastered white walls contrasted by original stonework. Marble for the countertops was sourced from the iconic Carrara quarry, where Michelangelo once selected stone for his sculptures. Black Smeg appliances and bespoke terra-cotta flooring tied the room together with timeless elegance.
The living room embraced inviting earth tones, with handmade tiles and herringbone olive wood flooring providing a soft touch. Custom furniture pieces, like a bed built by Dave using olive wood, offered personal and intimate details throughout the home. The Marrs also retained historical elements by converting a former cow trough into a unique bathroom vanity.
Perhaps the most striking piece of the renovation was the bathtub—crafted from terra-cotta by eighth-generation artisans in Tuscany. It was delicately brought in through a window, becoming a sculptural centerpiece in the bathroom.
Reflecting on the project, Dave noted the difficulties of working outside familiar territory: “In America, I know who to call and where to get the materials. In Italy, we had to build everything from scratch.” Yet, this challenge was also what made the project so rewarding. They relied heavily on local craftspeople who upheld traditional methods, ensuring every door, window, and detail was handcrafted to perfection.
The completed villa now serves as a three-bedroom, four-bath retreat for those seeking authentic Italian charm. The Marrs’ meticulous work paid homage to both the past and future of the property. Jenny found the project creatively invigorating, saying, “We stretched ourselves beyond our comfort zones, and that’s where the magic happened.”
The Marrs are open to more international ventures in the future. “Would we do it again?” asks Dave. “Absolutely. Maybe even another project in Italy.”
This Tuscan villa stands as a testament to the Marrs’ adaptability, craftsmanship, and dedication to honoring historical spaces while making them livable for centuries to come.
