Gemma House is a precious discovery.
On a cold Sunday we walk along the long avenue with huge plane trees, which must have been the main entrance to the house, and we find ourselves in front of this mysterious villa.
In the garden full of trees and untidy bushes, there are also several annexes and a pond.
But we don’t want to wait, and without hesitating we immediately begin the exploration of Gemma House.
This villa, which dates back to the 16th century, has a square plan with a terrace built as a sort of tower, and it is thought that it belonged to a wealthy noble family in the area.
From the outside it is completely covered with ivy trunks, and stands out against the sky in all its majesty.
We make our way through the brambles and cross the threshold of Gemma House, where a mosaic on the floor welcomes us with the words “Hello” and the coat of arms with a rooster.
Personally, I found that writing quite disturbing, perhaps due to the huge crack that overlooks it.
Inside, Gemma House still retains some of the original furnishings. The most surprising thing are the frescoes on the ceiling, and the wallpaper in some rooms well preserved and very colorful.
In the kitchen there is a set dining table, a wood stove and lots of pots.
The structure is very unsafe, perhaps on the verge of collapse. For this we quickly explored the upper floor with the bedrooms, complete with everything, including the clothes in the closet.
Abandoned in the 1970s, Gemma House is a historical and landscape jewel. But even if protected by Cultural Heritage, it has been left to neglect and abandonment.
The cracks in its walls are many and large, the stairs are creaking and beyond the second floor we decided not to venture too far.
Once out of Gemma House, we dedicate ourselves to the annexes.
One of the two was used as a warehouse and tool shed, while the other was used as a home.
We do not know if it housed the villa’s service staff, but in the rooms there are wrought iron beds, bird cages, trunks of all sizes, games and prams for children.
If you love abandoned villas at this link you can see my explorations.
