Podere Santa Pia (Castiglioncello Bandini, Tuscany)

For the workmen, there was no greater satisfaction than this - to take something raw and unformed and shape it into something new. And as the morning wore on, they continued their work, slowly but surely molding the land into something beautiful and new.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, the pool began to take shape, its waters reflecting the light in a kaleidoscope of colors. The workmen paused for a moment to admire their handiwork, their faces beaming with pride and satisfaction. You might think these are workmen without any elegance, but when you see them at work, the movements are fluid and without any hesitation.

Constructing our pool at Podere Santa Pia. View of reinforcement of concrete with metal bars connected by wire

Constructing our pool at Podere Santa Pia, reinforcement of concrete with deformed reinforcing bars connected by wire

It was a peaceful and serene moment, as the sun rose higher in the sky, the pool began to take shape

The first digging of a large swimming pool is to be, with unique views of the hills of the Tuscan Maremma. A new hillside will grow here...

The air was heavy with the scent of freshly poured concrete and the hum of activity. There was a sense of purpose and momentum, as if nothing could stop this force of progress. And yet, for all the noise and motion, there was a certain stillness in the air. A quietude that belied the frenzy of construction. It was as if the very act of creation required a certain hush, a respectful nod to the forces at play.

It was a peaceful and serene moment when we first descended into the pool, and could admire the steel weave up close
But as I stood there, watching them move like dancers, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for their hard work and the beauty they brought into the world. They were creating something meaningful and valuable, and they did it with such skill and care. We often overlook the beauty in the mundane. We see these workers as simply laborers, but they are so much more than that. They are artists, using their bodies as instruments to create something out of nothing. And yet, we rarely take the time to truly appreciate their craft.


Reflection of the evening sunset in southern Tuscany on the first sketch of a swimming pool at Podere Santa Pia	Mobile Working Cabin with an extraordinary view, amongst the cypresses and the lush greenery of Podere Santa Pia	A sudden appearance in the garden

The wild garden of Podere Santa Pia in the unspoilt landscape of the Tuscan Maremma, offers a more than ideal place for a swimming pool	Podere Santa Pia, early in the morning, the first workmen arrived, silent and with a strange determination they went to work, what for them was a daily act was for us a unique experience	Constructing Santa Pia swimming pool, the warm grey of the concrete, when the formwork has been removed

Carefully fitting out the height, measuring the size of the pool	Constructing our pool at Podere Santa Pia. Pouring the first base layer of concrete with large cranes and concrete pumps	Constructing our pool at Podere Santa Pia. The first basic layer of concrete, il magrone di cemento



Podere Santa Pia, Grotere kaart bekijken
[1] Photo by Rein Ergo © All rights reserved