Archive for 'Curiosities'

  

Monday, January 15, 2018
Wool
Chianti Cashmere Goat Farm is a small, private farm located halfway between Florence and Siena, just outside of a town called Radda in the Chianti region of Tuscany. It makes for the perfect place to spend a day learning about sustainable farming, petting the goats, shopping incredible quality garments and enjoying rural Tuscan living. So, whether you find a luxury villa in Florence or a villa with pool in Siena, make sure to set aside time to take a break from urban pursuits and pay a visit to this beautiful and fascinating farm for yourself.

The origins of the farm date back to 1972, when Nora Kravis left Long Island, New York and made her way to Italy, where she bought an old Tuscan farmhouse and set about building a new life. A tiny, dilapidated stone farmhouse nestled into the side of the Volpaia valley with an incredible view across endless rolling hills, vineyards, pastures, olive trees and woods.     Read More
Posted in: Chianti, Curiosities, Localities, Parks & Gardens, Tourist Attractions

  

Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Garden of Villa Reale di Marlia
Villa Reale di Marlia is a stunning 17th century villa and estate with extensive and impressive gardens, located a short distance from Lucca, at the foot of the Pizzorne hills. Once home to Napoleon’s sister and Duchess of Lucca Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, it is considered one of the most important historic properties in Italy and is made up of a sixteen hectare estate that features incredible works of art, works of nature and flights of fancy. While the house is currently closed for renovations, the gardens remain open to the public for visits and make for the perfect place to spend a pleasant afternoon strolling around. Just find a luxury villa in Lucca and pay a visit to this extraordinary estate for yourself.

Pack a picnic and set aside a few hours because wandering this estate will occupy you for that long – there is so much to see and do and you'll need snacks to keep you going.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Castles & Palaces, Curiosities, Localities, Lucca, Parks & Gardens, Tourist Attractions

  

Friday, November 3, 2017
The Winter Garden
You've finally done it. You've said goodbye to stress, planning, chaos and chores and you've decided to spend Christmas abroad, rather than glued to the kitchen and commitments. You've embraced adventure!

But it's not that simple. Many of us are sentimental about Christmas and the festive period (no matter what you believe or which holidays you celebrate) and it's hard to let go of that entirely. Especially if your social media feeds are full of people gathered in cosy homes with their families. Well, why not have a bit of both? Now that you have found avacation rental in the Florence area, embrace the festivities and the luxury by letting someone else bombard you with delicious food in a lovely setting: the Winter Garden by Caino at the famous and historic St. Regis in Florence.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, December, Events, Florence, Food and Wine, Localities, Restaurants & Cafés

  

Friday, August 18, 2017
Beach
Sadly, the title of these posts will have ruined the ending of the story, however, the details still make it worthy of being told. We discussed the rather tumultuous life and times of the great Italian painter Caravaggio in the last post. In it, we learned about how, while he may be remembered for his art, his murkier history is often overlooked today. A bit of a bad boy who was fond of brawling and drinking, one of his disagreements went too far and ended up in murder, causing Caravaggio to spend the latter years of his life on the run for his crimes.     Read More
Posted in: Beaches, Curiosities, Legends, Localities, Tourist Attractions, Tuscan Coast

  

Friday, August 18, 2017
Portrait
Caravaggio is mostly remembered as a genius and great Italian painter today but that was not the only image that he has ever had. While his skill was recognised in his own lifetime, it was paired with a bit of a reputation as a bad boy. He was fond of drinking and gambling, was known to have rather drastic mood swings and was prone to violence. In fact, he was often found brawling in different establishments.     Read More
Posted in: Beaches, Curiosities, Legends, Localities, Tourist Attractions, Tuscan Coast