But Carlton, isn't this what makes the difference between a good and a bad architect? It is very well possible to modernise old houses and keep the old character. See for example (sorry only in italian or german):
Fondazione Terra Vecchia Villaggio, the houses are completely modernised, but from outside it looks like the old ones and inside it kept the character.Btw, this village is just on the other side of the valley I grew up.
