ancient surfaces – Antique Limestone by Ancient Surfaces.

Island Living at Home, A Stone Throw Away

Posted on February 19, 2018 by Ancient Surfaces

When ‘modernistic-hype’ recede from the art world, one thing we won’t miss will be what curator Francesco Bonami calls the ‘Eventocracy.’ All this flashy ‘art-fair art’ and those highly produced spectacles and installations wow you for a minute until you move on to the next adrenaline event. Only the Classical Bold Romantic has ever survived because it’s a good notion an immortal idea that stands on the sand dunes of time with a gentile smile on its face.”
This Majestic Historic 16th Century Palazzo embodies those wise words of Francesco Bonami. It is surrounded by high walls and 45,000 squared feet of gardens built all the way back in 1589. During the period that this Palazzo was built, Malta belonged to the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, who came here in 1530 and stayed for over 200 years.

In fact, it is said that the palazzo was the country residence of one of the Knights who was next in line to succeed the Grand Master.

A plaque outside the palazzo was erected by Qormi local council testifying to its status as one of the oldest houses in the area.

A grand vaulted hallway opens onto a large central courtyard that leads to several stately rooms all with exquisite architecture.

The upper floor with its impressive Sala Nobile enjoys a continuous open stone balcony which surrounds the Palace and the elaborate staircase.

All terraces lead off the main rooms and overlook the stunning courtyard and the magical gardens, with its unique belvedere, orchards, groves, swimming pool and entertaining areas. Also complimenting this unique property is a baroque chapel, independent servant quarters, two large original stables, spring water, 10 car garage and other numerous features.

This residence exudes old world grandeur boldness and classical Romanticism and seamlessly merges it with first class comfort.

Come visit our interactive digital online catalog

Call us at: 212-461-0245 // 212-913-9588

Sales@AncientSurfaces.com

Our Latest Design Leak, Paradise Pavers!

Posted on February 16, 2018 by Ancient Surfaces

Harbor Island, home to the Bahama House, is our backdrop. The property marks the first island escape for the custom home builder and renter named ‘Eleven’. With the aide of Ancient Surfaces unique portfolio of rare architectural antique limestone lines ‘Eleven’ was able to set itself apart from the rest of the Frey. The Tailored reclaimed West-Indies look that our ancient Limestone provides, reinforces the home-made guest experience that water enthusiasts, leisure travelers and Island hoppers will experience.

The ‘Bahama House’ is within walking distance to dining, nightlife and the island’s beaches offering a lot for everyone regardless of their taste and interest. The house hospitality, accommodation and local guidance provides guests with a vast array of island adventures and entertainment options.

Unlike other boutique resorts, the House Manager will be on hand throughout guests’ stay ensuring that the visitors get the most out of their time on this beautiful and notoriously exclusive Caribbean island. Eleven’s guides will take guests on water-based adventures including bone-fishing, deep-sea fishing, paddle boarding, diving, kite surfing and snorkeling. Not to mention touring of the island and getting you out there into the exotic outdoors, caving, bicycling as well as beach coasting. For those who choose to just sit back, relax and enjoy the water and sun on top of our reclaimed millennium Limestone pool deck they would not be missing out at all. A lazy and peaceful quality time can be spent in the Bahamas House backyard from dusk till dawn. fine dinning in paradise amidst antique stone elements while sharing a bottle of aged Bordeaux around our reclaimed stone fire pit is one of the most unique scenarios that guests get to experience while in the villa house…

The ‘Bahama House’ dates back to 1800 and has recently undergone an extensive restoration and stone renovation thanks to a star studded team of designers and architects who have enlisted Ancient Surfaces for all stone accenting. The house, a series of separate buildings arranged around a central pool, sleeps up to 22 people in two chic two-bedroom cottages, an original 1800s structure with three suites, and an annex with four suites. This arrangement of 11 rooms in four separate buildings makes the ‘Bahama House’ the place for family holidays, corporate events, wedding parties and friend getaways. Each property offers guests indoor and outdoor spaces and garden or bay views. There is however, two fully stocked private bars, a library and the famous pool with adjoining Jacuzzi hot tub for all to enjoy.

Open from November to July for exclusive use or on an individual room basis, the Bahama House’s in-house chef will prepare a breakfast for guests every morning. Guests can also use the property’s bicycles and daily beach set up. Buyout groups will further enjoy exclusive use of the property, house spirits, beer and wine, lunch or gourmet picnics, guided island adventures, use of the property boat and its seasoned captain, a dedicated manager, on-island transportation, a professional photographer and even a private security detail that will even make John Wick think twice before messing with you. Not too shabby for a measly Nine Grands a day don’t you think?

Come visit our interactive digital online catalog

Call us at: 212-461-0245 // 212-913-9588

Sales@AncientSurfaces.com

Antique Kitchen Limestone Slabs

Posted on January 25, 2016December 1, 2017 by Ancient Surfaces

Oolitic Limestone slabs gives you the best of both worlds; Form and Function.

On the one hand they offer outstanding visual appeal with their dramatic weathered patina and distinctive natural texture, while on the other, Natural Oolitic Limestone slabs offer superb strength and durability.

This combined authentic appearance and guaranteed lifetime performance ensures that your investment in our thick super hard antique Limestone slabs is one that you’ll never regret.

Though there’s nothing ‘physically’ wrong with using granite counter tops, they do however fall short of giving you an iron clad lifetime guaranty on durability or an authentic South Italian or Southern French farmhouse Mediterranean look to your Kitchen tops, not to mention the cold, austere tired look of granite that has become annoyingly tiresome to look at after 100 years of perpetual ad nauseam usage in the US.

Many slab surfaces on today’s market have their pros and cons. The key is to do your homework and learn about each option before taking the plunge. More times than not our antique thick limestone slabs will work best for you.

Antique limestone slabs can be used everywhere whether it’s for your pool coping edges, your BBQ and kitchen counters, your main entryway threshold or on your fireplace hearths.

Why are we so passionate about using our thick Oolitic limestone slabs you ask? Well, we get so excited about creating something unusual and one of a kind that ends up on the front pages of national design and shelter magazines as well as receiving tens of thousands of likes and shares of our finished products across social media platforms and that really pushes us to strive for the ultimate stone designs regardless of the stone application.

Our many repeat clients are hooked on our antique limestone slabs and feel in many cases that their antique slabs are the single most desirable architectural stone element that they can never get enough of. On many occasions they decide to become repeat customers and add those thick antique limestone slabs in other niches and locations as years pass by.

The virtually indestructible aspect of this limestone allows our designer to venture into uncharted territories without getting chewed up by their prudent custom home builders who are weary by nature and try not to wonder too far outside the realm of the usual.

Are you a notorious cook who believe in cooking your own food and see your kitchen as the beating heart of your house?

Our Oolitic Limestone slabs are ideal for anyone who is a heavy duty cook and dosen’t want to worry about leaving wine rings, lime juice spots or oil stains while cooking for the family or entertaining guests.

If you practically live in your kitchen, which is true for many of us, you have no choice but to consider installing our Oolitic limestone foundation slabs on your kitchen counter tops.