The overhaul is remarkable given the scale of the project. The upper floor of the castle had moldering carpet throughout – even in the single bathroom that served the whole building. Luckily, the floorboards were good underneath and these have been beautifully restored.

The dialogue of old and new is showcased in this renovated bedroom, which features the original stonework peeking out from beneath lime plasterwork. Heritage-design fabrics on the headboard and throw give the room a period feel without overpowering the compact space.

After seven years of hard work, Stef and Simon successfully transformed this 500-year-old fortress into a luxury boutique hotel.

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10 abandoned historic residences rescued from ruin and restored to glory