reclaimed stone – 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.

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

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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?

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

Sales@AncientSurfaces.com

Then I Saw Their Stone, Now I’m a Believer!

Posted on August 18, 2016December 1, 2017 by Ancient Surfaces

I am doing a large renovation of my home (total project over $100k) and needed the “perfect” floors. We are installing a large scale sliding door which opens up the entire wall of our family room to create an indoor/outdoor living space and our dream was a uniform floor indoor/outdoor so that it was truly seamless.

We have an outdoor spa so we require a non-slippery surface. I saw the millennium planks on Houzz in an indoor/outdoor application and I fell in love.

I called them and was immediately called back by Tony Bennetti. I was scared to ask about the price of the stone because the photographs on line were amazing. It is not inexpensive but frankly I was pleasantly surprised. It is a tremendous value considering the market for other less desirable local stone (DFW Metroplex) options and also far superior in aesthetics. I was very nervous because purchasing off of the internet is frightening and I needed more than 2000 square feet.

I asked Tony for two samples which he promptly sent to me. Ancient Surfaces will tell you that the stones are very durable because of their age and also the quality of the type of stone.

I won’t try to repeat the story on Olithic limestone (Tony’s version is too good to attempt a repeat) but I was a skeptic that they didn’t need a sealant and that they would last. Limestone is not known to be durable. I doubt anyone done a more stringent test on these floors than my husband.

My husband poured wine, ketchup, jelly and a variety of oils. in fact, he scrubbed the items into the stone and then let them sit for hours before washing them off. It turned into a bit of a contest at some point. I literally could not spot the location.

Obviously not planning on incurring this type of damage but I also feel very confident that Tony is right about this stone. We also called references which were all glowing. We purchased 2150 square feet and just received the stone!

The delivery was exactly as promised both for the amount of time that it would take to receive the product and packaging. There was no breakage which is a testament to the very impressive packaging.

The stones are arranged in the crates so that there is a variance in the size and colors. This is imperative so that when the stone is installed it is uniform throughout the large project. We inspected all 6 crates and it is amazing.

We put out the first portion of the floor and it absolutely looks better than in the pictures. The builder was happy that it was extremely easy to install. Trust me – the pictures do not do it justice.

I was pleasantly surprised at the number of extremely long planks (60″) and that these were not broken. The stone has the perfect amount of variance both in color and in size which is what makes it so unique and beautiful.

The width is uniform but the length went from 18″ to 60″. It is unique. I love that it is absolutely not slippery which makes it perfect for the indoor/outdoor use. Beautiful doesn’t quit describe it.

The customer service for this company is impressive. I called Tony with so many questions along the way. He is readily available, responsive and informative. He believes in his product and I can see why. I highly recommend Ancient Surfaces. If anyone needs more information, Tony can give you my number. I would be glad to help you fee comfortable with this company.

-END-

Most of our clients are quite stunned to learn that all our antique reclaimed limestone flooring selections rival one another in uniqueness, beauty and color distinction. The post below is an article in a magazine “Premiere Designers” featuring our antique reclaimed biblical stone in a beautiful coastal Mediterranean french farmhouse style home that most agree is a treat to look at.

Reclamation Images

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

Sales@AncientSurfaces.com

Come visit our interactive digital online catalog

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

Sales@AncientSurfaces.com

Antique Limestone Jacuzzi and Pool Fountain Slabs

Posted on February 28, 2016December 1, 2017 by Ancient Surfaces

Imagine having Thick limestone stairs that goes into your Jacuzzi and pool without getting affected by chlorine, salinity, fluoride or other water born solvents and contaminants that would have wreaked havoc on any other type of stone product.

The same could be said about the pool coping of your swimming pool or Jacuzzi where a unique thick limestone slab could surround the outer edge of your prized pools providing them with a unique uneven slip resistant yet smooth to the skin surface, guaranteed to stand up against the harshest climate conditions yet keeping its original pristine beauty year after year.

The area around your swimming pool is one of the most important parts of your pool scape. Not only is it where everyone congregates while at the poolside, but also plays a key role in defining your pool’s personality and style.

There are a variety of manmade and natural materials that create superior pool decks, but those real antique and historic natural stone copings that we stock, are unlike anything else found on earth.

They are the true companions of any sophisticated Mediterranean inspired pool or Jacuzzi spa.

Reclaimed Limestone foundation block slabs were used as coping around the Infinity pool, Tuscan cladding was used on the home’s exterior.

Ancient Surfaces is the ultimate source for rare reclaimed limestone architectural elements salvage from the Mediterranean basin.

Antique Limestone slabs are one of the world’s finest and most prized indoor and outdoor building materials.

Limestone, normally quarried from local sources, is hardy and can retain its beauty for years, no matter the weather.

Reclamation Images

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

Sales@AncientSurfaces.com

Come visit our interactive digital online catalog

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

Sales@AncientSurfaces.com

The Arcane Antique French Limestone

Posted on September 25, 2015December 1, 2017 by Ancient Surfaces

Antique Limestone Floors the French Arcane stone collection by Ancient Surfaces.

The Arcane french limestone floors are old and reclaimed ancient pavers salvaged from old homes and structures from across ancient South of France cities on the Mediterranean Sea.

Antique Limestone Floors the French Arcane stone collection by Ancient Surfaces.

The advantage of the Arcane limestone is that it’s a bit texturally smoother and is less costly than its famous counterpart the ‘Biblos Stone’ also known as the ‘Biblical Stone’.

Antique Limestone Floors the French Arcane stone collection by Ancient Surfaces.

This stone blend offers a sophisticated and evenhanded mixture of ancient arcane beauty and modern luxury.

Antique Limestone Floors the French Arcane stone collection by Ancient Surfaces.

Just like all our limestone its quartzitic composition is very high so its hardness is legendary, capable of enduring any climate extreme, any weather conditions, wet environments or heavy traffic areas with ease.

Antique Limestone Floors the French Arcane stone collection by Ancient Surfaces.

The Arcane French limestone is the perfect choice for all indoor and outdoor applications including spas, Jacuzzi lingers and swimming pool floor bottoms.