HISTORY OF DIMORA GROTTA AZZURRA

The building dates back to the end of the 19th century and was bought at the beginning of the 20th century by a local family. It was the home of two sisters until 1993, half used as a dwelling (the plastered part), and half as a stable with barn (the stone part). The building has also been a refuge for many species of local fauna: dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits, deer, foxes, bats and various birds.

After more than twenty years of neglect, the ruin was purchased by the current owner in summer 2018. The forest was swallowing it up, so the first step was to clear it of trees and weeds.
In spring 2019, renovation began, starting with the demolition of what was left of the roof.
Then began the restoration of the beautiful original stone walls, a good 50 cm thick! Subsequently, the roof was completely rebuilt.
Throughout the entire construction period, the first site manager (King Ubaldo I, known as Baldino) inspected every millimetre with his four paws, making sure that everything was carried out in a workmanlike manner.
In December 2019, just before the arrival of the snow, the roof was finally finished. The renovation of the floors and ceilings then began, trying to salvage as much of the original larch beams as possible.
From 2020 onwards, the renovation continued mainly in the interior spaces, but the Covid-19 pandemic, the Superbonus 110 odyssey and speculation on the cost of materials delayed the end of the work considerably. Finally, in early 2023, the interior was practically ready; all that remained was to restore the exterior spaces, including the old well, which has now been restored to its original splendour.

We finally arrive in April 2023, when the Grotta Azzurra accommodation began life in the form of a B&B, welcoming its first guests. We have recently opted for a more family-friendly and flexible form of accommodation: a tourist rental, where guests can make full use of the common areas, including the kitchen.

On the walls you can admire the paintings of the painter Francesco Bernacchi, grandfather of the current owner. He was a talented and very versatile man: although he was a professor of urological surgery, in his spare time he loved to paint in his studio, or even outdoors, surrounded by nature. The boot of his car always contained his colour palette, canvases and wooden supports, and the ever-present easel. In his long life he produced hundreds of paintings and drawings, characterised by an explosion of colours and energy.

Now that you know the history of this ancient residence, we hope you will feel at home. Enjoy your stay and thank you for choosing this property, whose soul is a bridge between past, present and future.