November Topic Assignment:
Name the thing/person/place you've always wanted to experience.
Dream that money is no object.
Tell the world what you've always wanted to do, but just haven't done yet.
Anyone who knows me, knows I dream of owning an estate in Italy. The location I imagine is on a hillside with an expansive view. The setting offers a feeling of seclusion yet within close proximity to several beautiful villages in an area just outside of Firenze.
Mind you, I don't just want to live there, I want to share this with others and do what I love to do: Create an extraordinary atmosphere for guests to enjoy...the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation. I see a peaceful place that uplifts and inspires; a unique combination of amenities, services and activities born of my own travel experiences and passions.
Rather than leave it as a swirling, abstract dream, I began writing down intricate details describing every aspect imaginable from what types of people would be working with me to bring this to fruition to the features in every room.
I have pages and pages describing the vision I have for this place. In my mind's eye I have seen the view from every window, the food, the festivities, the books in the library. I have sketched elevations and floor plans (it has an internal courtyard) and I have imagined every detail of the kitchen, the baths–even the poolside furniture. I can see what is growing in the gardens, the mature trees and the proximity to the olive grove with meandering paths that lead to meditation spots on the property. —It makes my heart sing to visit these pages!
Though it may seem to the contrary after reading the above, I am open to other locations. I've always been drawn to Italy, but I am looking for properties that inspire me–wherever they might be in the world.
Like many of my fellow bloggers, I adore France and know it would be a wonderful place to realize this dream. I have often said I have a sense of familiarity for many things French and have wondered if this is explained by a past life there? Maybe. Maybe that is why Italia has been calling to me so much in this one . . . new vistas to explore?
In any case, there shall be no absolute conclusions. I am open to France, Italy and . . . who knows where else?
Why put limits with infinite possibilities before us?!
In the hunt for my ultimate dream property, I came across the enchanting historical estate I share with you today called La Tuiliere
Yes. It's in Provence, -no where near Firenze- but twist my arm...I think I could make a go of it here if I really had to. ;)
All images and descriptions provided by Frank Knight Properties
Considered to be one of the finest small estates in Provence, La Tuiliere dates from the late sixteenth century. The house has an unrivaled setting at the head of a beautiful south-facing valley, and is surrounded by over 40 acres of superb terraced gardens, meadows and woodland.
La Tuiliere
Four Reception Rooms ◆ Seven Bedroom Suites ◆ Two Bedroom Cottage ◆ Pigeonnier
◆ 25m Heated Pool ◆ Tennis Court ◆ 40 Acres
◆ Dining Hall Ancient beamed ceiling, terracotta tiled floor,
stone fireplace, access to Circular Staircase.
◆ Kitchen with barrel-vaulted ceiling, excellent range of
limed oak cupboards with granite worktops; circular
granite sink, Lacanche cooker, historic bread oven.
◆ Long Gallery A very large room with an impressive barrel vaulted
ceiling and Louis XV stone fireplace, fitted
bookcases.
Ground Floor
◆ Dining Hall Ancient beamed ceiling, terracotta tiled floor,
stone fireplace, access to Circular Staircase.
◆ Grand Salon South-facing. French windows to terrace
and garden, stone floor, beautiful open fireplace with
carved stone overmantel.
◆ Study French window to formal garden, Louis XVI
fireplace, terracotta tiled floor.
◆ Guest Cloakroom and storeroom.
◆ Kitchen with barrel-vaulted ceiling, excellent range of
limed oak cupboards with granite worktops; circular
granite sink, Lacanche cooker, historic bread oven.
◆ Second Kitchen/Utility Room, larder, boiler room.
◆ Back Hall with Cloakroom.
◆ East Staircase leading to Long Gallery.
◆ Games/Cinema Room.
First Floor
◆ Long Gallery A very large room with an impressive barrel vaulted
ceiling and Louis XV stone fireplace, fitted
bookcases.
◆ Principal Bedroom Suite. Double-height bedroom facing
due south with wonderful valley views. Louis XV
moulded plaster ceiling. En suite bathroom, separate
shower and WC.
◆ Bedroom 2 having en suite dressing room with
ornamental fireplace, and en suite bathroom.
◆ Bedroom Suites 3 and 4, with private bathrooms.
◆ Studio Apartment (Bedroom 5). Independent access to
Entrance Courtyard, Sitting Room with stone fireplace,
kitchenette, Mezzanine Bedroom and bathroom.
Connecting door to East Staircase.
Second Floor
◆ Bedrooms 6 and 7, each with en suite bathroom.
Cottage
◆ Sitting/Dining Room, open-plan fitted kitchen, glazed
door to Entrance Courtyard.
◆ 2 Bedrooms and bathroom, independent heating.
◆ Private Walled Garden.
Gardens and Outbuildings
◆ Walled Entrance Courtyard with Pigeonnier Tower and
Dovecote.
◆ Stone Pillared Open Barn with parking for 4 cars.
◆ Summer Dining Room to seat 14.
◆ Pool House with bed/sitting room, shower room.
◆ Superb 25 metre heated Infinity Swimming Pool.
◆ Spectacular Terraced Gardens with magnificent Long
Borders, ruined Castillon, and 50 metre Formal Canal.
◆ Two Architectural Garden Follies and Obelisk
◆ Extensive Parkland with olive grove, meadows and pine
woods; exceptional distant southerly views.
◆ All-weather Tennis Court.
◆ In all about 40 acres.
(click to go to Splenderosa/Marsha Harris (founding member) for a complete list
of participants and links to their posts on this month's topic.
linen & lavender
visit our new site:
|
12 comments:
Dearest LeAnn,
That is a wonderful dream spot you found for all of us! Well, you make me a bit homesick as we've lived and worked for one year in the Venice area...
Love to you and have a great remainder of the week!
Mariette
Oh my dear!! I so enjoyed this post!! A wonderful place in the Provence! To file!!
xx
Greet
Wow this has always been my dream, to have a home in Italy but I never dreamed this grand!
LeAnn, you have absolutely topped yourself with this post. You have written my "dream" as well. Italia is in my blood, really. My grandfather was from the Florence area. What a gorgeous post, my wonderful friend. Welcome to "BY INVITATION ONLY"...all of us look forward to each one's post every month, and I am so happy you are with us!!
Sending love...
I've given you a shout-out on my blog today.
Hello Mariette, Greet, Debra: Thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to leave a line or two. Always so nice.
Marsha: I commented on your blog, but thank you again for the shout-out and for always singing my praises. How wonderful for you to have that connection to Florence!
Sending warm wishes to each of you lovely ladies! ~LeAnn
How did you get these photos of my house??? OK, that's a joke. My house here in St. Remy could probably fit inside the garden shed of this gorgeous place! Thanks for sharing.
I am absolutely drooling over every image. We dream the same dreams. Thanks for sharing. Mona
Absolutely magical.......I do hope your dream comes true.
Helen - Toronto Canada
Hi, Julie. You got me! :)
Lucky you living where you do.
Thank you for stopping by~LeAnn
Mona: You are welcome to visit me there as often as you like! :) ~L
Eleni: So sweet of you! Merci! ~L
LeAnn, I stumbled onto you via Splenderosa and am so entralled by your vision. Not only to dream vaguely but to document details? How marvelous and how much more likely it is to happen.
I would be delighted to visit your establishment in either Tuscany or Provence so will keep coming by to see how you are doing.
I'm writing from Portland, Oregon
Hello, Catherine and Welcome! So glad you stumbled this way! :) Thank you for your encouraging words...my door will be open! Warmly~LeAnn
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.