Former businessman Angelo Mastropietro was diagnosed with MS, but he didn’t take his diagnosis lying down.
“I had a lapse which left me paralyzed, which was really the catalyst which made me review where I was at, where I was going, and obviously my lifestyle.” -Angelo Mastropietro
Instead of curling up in a ball and feeling sorry for himself, Mastropietro purchased a 700-year-old abandoned cave in the Wyre Forest, near Kidderminster, England, the region which served as inspiration for Tolkein’s Shire and got to work. He estimates just the breaking up and excavation of the 70-80 tons of rock took him 1000 hours. I don’t know how long his magnificent and inspired design took, but I suspect it was every bit as difficult a process as the rock work.
I can’t imagine any better way to reclaim your sense of self after bad health news than creating your dream home. I applaud Mastropietro for his flawless design, this obvious strength, both of body and character, and his unwillingness to give up. What an inspiration!
That stone-inlaid structure at the left is his shower!
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My OBT 
January 30, 2016 at 8:40 am
It is amazing when someone can take what life throws at them and throw it back.
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January 30, 2016 at 11:06 am
It really is. He must be a really cool guy.
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January 30, 2016 at 9:25 am
Wowzer! I think this would be a massive achievement even for someone not battling ill health and the dispiriting news of having a chronic and debilitating condition. Impressive.
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January 30, 2016 at 11:07 am
Agreed! It really is such beautiful design.
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January 30, 2016 at 10:08 am
Love this – its available to rent and that is a beautiful part of England
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January 30, 2016 at 11:08 am
You can rent it?!? That’s the best news! Thank you for telling us!
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January 30, 2016 at 10:30 am
What a story, and what a house! I’d absolutely love living there!
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January 30, 2016 at 11:09 am
Wouldn’t that be incredible?
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January 30, 2016 at 12:50 pm
Amazing in every way. Love the kitchen.
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January 30, 2016 at 1:46 pm
I thought that was a real standout, too! Such great design. I definitely need to get myself there some time.
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January 30, 2016 at 1:31 pm
What a major achievement, especially when your unhealthy. Wow !
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January 30, 2016 at 1:47 pm
It really is remarkable what he was able to do. Hardship inspires some amazing art.
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January 30, 2016 at 11:15 pm
I am in awe. And deeply humbled. Thanks for sharing this.
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January 30, 2016 at 11:41 pm
I’m so glad it spoke to you! My reaction was similar.
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January 31, 2016 at 12:33 am
I love this, it’s beautiful. The little cactus garden in the kitchen of a cave/rock house in England especially made me smile.
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January 31, 2016 at 2:12 am
Wasn’t that sweet? And so unexpected in an English forest!
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January 31, 2016 at 12:50 am
That house is one of a kind! The details, the designing, the interiors..amazing work ethics.
Here’s hoping you’ll visit my blog too at http://www.thewhimsicalandwanderingsoul.wordpress.com
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January 31, 2016 at 2:15 am
I’m so glad you liked the house, and I’m especially glad you directed me to your blog. What lovely writing! I’m also a fan of “Clocks,” and it reminds me of another fave, “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve.
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January 31, 2016 at 2:32 am
It’s amazing to know that you’re a fan too. :’)
Thank you for taking your time out to read it. 🙂
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