A Touch of Tuscan

By: ERIN COULEHAN

Tuscan-style castle rests at the corner of classic and contemporary in West El Paso that has been transformed into a divine domain with all the comforts of a cozy home. Homeowners Rose and Victor LeGloahec describe the house as a masterpiece of Tuscan elegance and simplicity that coalesced into a Michelangelo triumph.

“The design was taken lock, stock, and barrel from a villa in the Tuscany Region of Italy. Blueprints were created from the original villa and the home constructed. A Tuscan Villa in the Franklin Mountains in El Paso, Texas,” says Victor.

The LeGloahec’s explain that their aesthetic-style developed from a combination of moves over their time in the military, which led them to understand the concepts of what looks good and flows well with a refined and graceful sophistication.

Elements of Tuscan architecture and design are typically achieved using limestone, travertine, or marble and terracotta roof tiles. The style coalesces classical architecture with modern accents for a cozy old-European feel defined by an effortless incorporation into natural elements -- like the Franklin Mountains.

Tuscan-style architecture emerged long before Tuscany became the home for olive, wine, and assorted agricultural products when the Etruscans inhabited central Italy and created a thriving civilization that included the development of a unique architectural and building style.

Art historians assert the Etruscan architectural style was inspired by Greek design with the major distinction being that the Greeks built with stone whereas the Etruscans constructed using wood, which remains a characteristic of modern Tuscan-style homes. Etruscan homes often featured stone facades with marble carvings and accents, as well as wooden beams upcycled from farmhouses.

“We love the interior courtyard that is heavily balanced by eightfoot solid wooden doors, along with the abundance of stainedglass windows highlighted by brick and copper ceilings,” says the LeGloahecs.

Additionally, contemporary Tuscan-style homes continue to pay homage to the Etruscan people with the inclusion of warm colors that invokes pastoral landscapes and romantic settings.

One of the most beloved qualities of the LeGloahec home is the integration of old European features in a uniquely modern Borderland setting.

“It’s a mix of European architecture with high graceful ceilings and American architecture with large open spaces,” says Rose. “Some of our favorite features are the open airy kitchen with exclusive appliances cand stonework throughout the home.”

While some elements have evolved over time, modern Tuscan style homes have retained key features as seen in the LeGloahec home:

• Thick stone exterior walls that blend the structure into the region’s natural landscape

• Terracotta tiles made of clay that are prevalent in warm climates like El Paso that also connect the home to the environment

• Outdoor living space that welcomes the warm summer nights and cool mornings

The inviting stone exterior and elegant design details emphasize the home’s modern Tuscan design, while also integrating oldWorld elements like arched windows and grand entryway that create an aura of strength, resilience and timelessness.

The outdoor courtyard’s fountain area showcases Tuscan rustic charm that also connects one with nature – a pleasant oasis in the desert.

Soaring ceilings within the LeGloahec home enhance the structure’s magnificence by demonstrating the durability of the home’s construction that creates a cathedral-like aesthetic made lambent by the large windows and abundant natural light.

The seamless integration of the home to the natural landscape is the LeGloahec’s favorite feature.

“We love the manner in which the entire home flows so simply and easily. The breathtaking views of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico do not hurt either!” the couple agrees.