May 22, 2009

Tuscan farmhouse

Last week I had the opportunity to see an 11th century farmhouse; one of the oldest homes in Tuscany. Such a treat. The interior was low-ceilinged and smelled of wood smoke and mildew, coffee and furniture polish. The exterior smelled of flowers and freshly mown grass. This is the home of an American woman and her Italian husband, purchased as a falling down relic in the early 1970's and restored to a family home where children were raised and grandchildren now play. It is rather like a story book...and I am so glad I got to visit.









My friend Sue surveying the courtyard...


25 comments:

Ann said...

Nice house. I love looking at pics of old houses from Tuscany as much as I love their famous countryside images.

Anonymous said...

SWOON! I harbor a deep dream to move to a Tuscan farmhouse (ever since seeing Stealing Beauty.) This would do nicely.

Elizabeth said...

I agree with Fog and Thistle....
this would be perfectly suitable for me.
Following your trip with great pleasure.
Super pictures.

Lori P said...

Whoa! The stuff that dreams are made of. I've always dreamed of going to Italy. Loving your photos.

Merisi said...

Your lovely images make me yearn to return to Tuscany!

Happy Italian days to you! :-)

Alicia @ boylerpf said...

You have captured my heart...I KNOW I belong there...just know! So beautiful and full of history!!

Debra said...

I could certainly live out the rest of my days here! I love the way you have described the scents of the home. What calming beauty!
I anxiously await your next travel post.

A Wild Thing said...

What ancient beauty, makes life here in the states a little mundane, as we come back to our simple lives after visiting paradise...sounds like you had a glorious time.

April H said...

OMG Gorgeous! Its like a fairy tale!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Golden West said...

One can only imagine the stories within those walls. I love the wildness beyond the lawn - thanks for sharing your wonderful trip with us!

A Cuban In London said...

This must have been like manna from heaven for an artist like you. And the photos show it. Many thanks.

Greetings from London.

Helen said...

So loved your photos today ... and the word description 'takes me there.'

shiborigirl said...

What a treat to be able to call such a beautiful place home! And how nice for you to be able to experience it too.

I'm enjoying your travels, vicariously. I loved Italy when I visited it back in '82 and long to go back. Thanks for taking me along with you!

Safe travels,

Kate

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a beautiful place!

Rosebud Collection said...

How beautiful..Glad you are having such a nice time..

Cecile/DreamCreateRepeat said...

Which is more beautiful...the house or the view?!

Robynn's Ravings said...

Unbelievable. What a gift to get to tour that place and meet the people who have done such a great thing. Thanks for sharing, DD.

Brighid said...

I loved your photos, especially the garden. Oh those big pots! Thanks for giving me a peek into another world.

Unknown said...

Amazing view, what an incredible residence. Looks like something right out of a movie set.

Almost Precious said...

Utterly charming and the vistas...molto bello. Haven't seen olive trees since I left southern California (Ojai, Valley).
Anna Maria Della (last name unimportant).

Victoria said...

Beautiful. Love the 4th picture down, and that view is spectacular!

bobbie said...

Very beautiful photos. That is the sort of place I would so love to explore. Your description is also wonderful

Donna Pizzi said...

Bellissima... Grazie per le fotografie... Are you dreaming of Italia??? Each time you load another picture, you must relive, like Proust, the sites and smells of each location you were blessed to visit. As many mentioned, the odors make the photos even more vivid. Brava, bella!

Michelle Engel Bencsko said...

Wow- just beautiful! I'd never want to leave.

Unknown said...

So charming and rustic! I love the terra cotta pots everywhere!