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The next step in construction is to reinforce the lintels above many of the windows and doors. In Wonky Versus Perfect I railed against having to make everything plumb, but of course now that I’m looking at the existing windows and door lintels I realize there are too many variations. And while there are bigger issues for Godzillavilla than whether or not her window headers all match, I also discovered that few of the ones she currently sports are actually attractive.
So Angelo is going to get his wish and will be able to take them all apart, bung in some steel, and plaster them over again.
Now we have the problem of choice, to wit, the selections below:
The ones that don't physically need work, having already been rebuilt with mattone and concrete, are - naturally - dead ugly.
It requires a bit of imagination to see the beauty in this, but there's a nice hint of a curve - though it obviously needs help from steel to carry the beam above.
Of course the prettiest (and structurally most sound) lintel is the one that's slated for destruction because the opening is supposed to be widened for French doors leading to the garden. Now I'm rethinking this widening idea!
Then we have the Tuscan classic wood lintel, a look I love but which I'm coming to realize doesn't fit the Ligurian aesthetic. You've probably realized this is NOT a photograph of Godzillavilla...
So what do you think? This will be on the agenda for talking to Angelo in a couple of weeks, so all opinions welcome!
Godzillavilla 
Are you the Shelagh that is joining Heather Jarmin this upcoming Monday for a day in the Garfagnana? I’ve seen your name on Palma’s blog and also Debra’s Bagni di Lucca. I am taking a small group with Heather and look forward to meeting you-if it’s indeed you! Love to have discovered your blog and see what you are doing.
I am indeed! It’s a small blogging world, isn’t it? Very much looking forward to the tour and to meeting you, too.
I am thinking the sitlhlgy bowed (curved) plastered lintel is the way to go. It seems to open the window up to the room. Soft but still subtle and clean. Expressed timber lintels, while gorgeous, might be too much of a feature in this house. I love the idea of hand-finished plasterwork. Wonky is good. Imperfection is so underrated!Love this post as you can see!
I am thinking the slightly bowed (curved) plastered lintel is the way to go. It seems to open the window up to the room. Soft but still subtle and clean. Expressed timber lintels, while gorgeous, might be too much of a feature in this house. I love the idea of hand-finished plasterwork. Wonky is good. Imperfection is so underrated!
Love this post – as you can see! 😉
Good point – given that we have all exposed ceiling beams and quite low ceilings, it might be overkill to have the wood. Thanks for the smiley!
I say Tuscany is near enough to Liguria that who cares???
The wood is a nice relief from all the plaster (especially where the window bars make it look a bit jail-like. Brrrrr.
Love the deep deep wells.
Augusta
Yeah the deep wells are great. Fortunately the bars are only on that one window in the basement, because of its easy accessibility. But it’s not going to be a part of the main living area.
Now that we are repenting at leisure after our (hopefully soon to be former) geometra’s insistence and haste in demolishing our Cherry House I would advocate for the rounded lintels and forget the french doors. I believe you will not be sorry when you are living in your modernised, but more authentic Godzillavilla. Good luck.
Sounds like you have a story there! Haste is certainly not a factor in our own story, that’s for sure; it’s the world’s slowest reno (our own fault, not the workers). It does give you a chance to think about what you really want, though.
Ask Angelo to do the finishes with his bare hands, not using any utensils. This is what gives that rounded, rustic appearance. Tuscan vs Ligurian architecture??? Not such a big difference between what you find in the two areas, particularly in the case of Northern Tuscany. And you can have different styles of lintels. This used to be done in the past and the houses look very genuine. Identical lintels is for modern homes.
Hmmm, I will ask Angelo and see what his response is. Didn’t realize that’s what makes a difference but it does make sense. When I’m there again in a week or so I’ll take a close look and see just how many variations I can stand in one room. It’s always easier to decide when it’s right in front of you, not in a photo.
If I understand what you are saying, then it would seem the new squared off window surround could be curved by judicious application of plaster. No?
Well my goodness there’s a simple solution that hadn’t even occurred to me. Duh!That’s why I seek advice! I’ll run that one by Angelo too and see what he thinks. Seems entirely doable to me.
How far are you from Cinqueterre? Will be there in three weeks…
About 45 minutes inland, direction Varese Ligure. I’ll be gone by then though…only there until May 8 unfortunately. You could try and find the villa but it’s a little tricky without a guide; email me if you want to.