Modern Interiors in Ancient Homes

I LOVE old, historic homes. The character, the charm, the history, and the quality of craftsmanship far surpass the cookie cutter houses most of us have to settle for. What I also love is to see how people of today integrate modern technologies and furnishings into houses built long before those technologies were ever dreamed up.
PS - click on each image for a larger version

A home in Sri Lanka - I like that so many of the original architectural elements haven't been tampered with.

Love this bathroom and bedroom - check out the nooks above the desk
the 3 images above are from another Sri Lanka home.

2 images above from a farmhouse in Santiago, Chile
This kitchen is one of my favorites. I love exposed beams, and these have been painted yellow to brighten up the place.
2 images above from a home in Provence, France

2 above from a home in Mantova, Italy
LOVE the stone with a modern take on a classic chair. Gorgeous. From another Provence home.
What do you think? Do you live in an old home? What do you love about it? If you don't, would you like to live in one?
all images © Richard Powers.