A CASA IN ITALIA!

November 7, 2023 65 Comments

LIFE IN ITALY……..

WE ALL DONOT GET TO EXPERIENCE THIS, BUT A FEW PEOPLE DO AND WE CAN LIVE THROUGH THEIR PHOTOS AND MUSINGS!

THIS HOUSE IS FOR SALE NOW AS THE OWNERS WANT TO DOWN SIZE AND BE CLOSER TO THE GRANDCHILDREN.

THIS HOME WAS DESIGNED AND BUILT BY THE OWNERS WHO LIVE THERE NOW!

THEY HAVE LIVED IN IT FOR 16 YEARS.

IT WILL FOOL YOU BUT IS A FAIRLY NEW HOUSE BY ITALIAN STANDARDS!

THIS HOME RESIDES AN HOUR AWAY FROM LUCCA IN TUSCANY.

Settimo Cielo
Torre Di Monte Vignale 17
54016 Licciana Nardi (MS)
Tuscany
Italy

THIS IS KAREN HARGADON ~ FEENEY THE OWNER AND SHE SPEAKS ENGLISH!

AS SHE IS ENGLISH!

SHE HAILS FROM ENGLAND!

YOU CAN CALL HER AT +39 366 707 2117

TO GET MORE INFORMATION on Settimo Cielo.

WHICH MEANS SEVENTH HEAVEN by the way as KAREN says

“THE ENERGY IS WONDERFUL THERE!”

WE AMERICANS CALLING ADD A 011….. 39 366 707 2117.

This of course will be an INTERNATIONAL CALL.

NOTE THERE IS A TIME DIFFERENCE WHEN CALLING!

OR PEEK AT THE WEBSITE AS SHE IS AN ARTIST TOO WITH THE CAMERA!

HER INSTAGRAM IS VITAKARENHARGADON

WEBSITE: SETTIMOCIELORETREAT.com

LOOK IT EVEN HAS A SMALL TOWER!

I ADORE THESE WICKER CHAIRS HAVE WANTED THEM FOR YEARS!

I WOULD IMAGINE THE VINE IS WISTERIA ON THE TRELLIS KAREN?

WHAT COLOR WISTERIA?

HOW MANY OF YOU KNOW WISTERIA COMES IN WHITE TOO?

ESTABLISHED GARDEN……..ALWAYS A PLUS IN MY BOOK!

ARCHED WINDOW FOR VIEWING THE GARDEN.

IF YOU ADORE TERRA-COTTA LIKE ME YOU WILL BE IN HEAVEN!

I CARRIED A FEW POTS HOME WITH ME WHEN WE LEFT TUSCANY IN 1994!

28 SUITCASES LATER PLUS TWO CATS AND TWO DOGS……… AND TWO SONS!

YOU HAVE ALL HEARD THAT STORY BEFORE A FEW TIMES!

THE WHOLE PLANE KNEW OUR SAGA………

BOY WAS THAT A SAD DAY FOR ME!

DON’T THINK I EVER REALLY GOT OVER IT!

ITALY GOT INTO MY BLOOD.

I HAD A REAL CONTESSA AS A NEIGHBOR!

LIFE IN THE OLD WORLD.

THERE IS SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT IT!

LETS PEEK AT THE DISTANT VIEW!

FANTASTICO…………

DID IT TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY?

WELL IT DID MINE!

GATES TO ENTER…………….

A SECURE FORTRESS ON A HILLTOP!

LA CUCINA……..SETTIMO CIELO.

MY GUESS IS IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME!

SEE THE CAKE ON THE RIGHT?

IN ITALY THERE IS ALWAYS A BOWL OF FRUIT ON THE TABLE!

TO THIS DAY THERE IS ALWAYS A BOWL OF FRUIT ON OUR TABLE!

ITALIAN FAMILIES ALWAYS END A MEAL WITH FRUIT!

I THINK THOSE ARE RICHARD GINORI PLATES TOO!

KAREN BACK IN MY DAY THERE WAS AN OUTLET FOR THEIR CHINA IN SCANDICCI?

OH, I CANNOT RECALL NOW!

I DO KNOW THEY ALMOST WENT UNDER BUT WERE RESURRECTED BY SOMEONE!

THE COMPANY WAS FOUNDED IN 1735 AND IS CALLED THE”FERRARI OF PORCELAIN”.

YOUR PLATES IF INDEED THEY ARE GINORI WERE TO BE MY WEDDING SET.

HOWEVER, THIS GIRL HERE (YOUR CONTESSA) DECIDED THAT SHE WANTED TERRA-COTTA PLATES MORE SO MY MOTHER BOUGHT ME THE SET WHICH ARE A PAIN TO WASH AND THEY HAVE TO BE PUT IN THE OVEN TO DRY!

I DID END UP WITH A SET OF NAVY AND GOLD PLATES FROM MY MOTHER BUT NOT GINORI!

AFTER SHE PASSED.

SIX YEARS AGO THIS WEEK……….

I WOULD JUMP FOR JOY OVER THAT CANDLESTICK!

SHORT AND SQUAT WITH GRAND STYLE!

THOSE RUSH CHAIRS ARE VERY TUSCAN.

I OWN ONE FOR A CHILD!

ONE OF MY FIRST BUYS IN FLORENCE WAY BACK IN 1991.

I USE TO COLLECT CHILDREN’S CHAIRS!

MY HEART SKIPPED A BEAT THE OTHER DAY WHEN MY GRANDDAUGHTER SAID,

“I WILL SIT HERE IN MY SPECIAL CHAIR!”

NOTE THE ARCHED DOORWAY AND HOW THEY HAVE CLEVERLY MADE MORE LIGHT COME THROUGH WITH GLASS.

AS WE CAN SEE BY THIS PHOTO THE OWNERS HAVE GREAT TASTE!

LOOK AT THEIR HATS!

THE LIGHT FIXTURE………… THE DOORWAY!

THESE ARE FIXTURES YOU DO NOT SEE IN MOST ITALIAN HOMES…………

DID YOU HEAR ME SWEAR?

OH MY G……….THAT DOOR!

YOU CAN TELL AN ARTIST LIVES HERE.

I AM GUESSING THIS IS THE FAMILY ROOM?

LOOKING INTO THE KITCHEN OR IN ITALIAN it would be LA CUCINA!

YOUR WATER CLOSET OR BATHROOM!

WHAT IS IN THAT BIG BOX ON TOP OF THE DRESSER?

MAKE UP OR COSTUME JEWELS?

KAREN YOU DONOT NEED TO ANSWER THAT I HAVE A THING ABOUT BOXES WITH GLASS!

The CHAISE LOUNGE IS PERFECTION!

I WOULD IMAGINE IN THIS PHOTO YOU ARE COMING FROM A BATHROOM TO A BEDROOM.

NOTE THE CHICKEN WIRE LIGHT BULB VESSEL!

I WOULD DO A DANCE FOR THAT VITRINE!

THE TWO BIG KINGS OF THE CASTLE!

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

THE ASKING PRICE IS 555,OOO EURO.

In AMERICAN DOLLARS that is $592,000.00.

COULD YOU LIVE HERE?

IN A NEW HOUSE WITH ALL THE PAPERWORK IN ORDER AND CONTACT INFORMATION FOR BUILDERS ETC?

By the way it is half an hour away from THE SEA!

BUGSZY IS A BIT HARD TO TRANSPORT OR I WOULD BE THERE IN A SPLIT SECOND!

BUGSZY CLEANING BETTY’S PAW!

BETTY NOT SO SURE ABOUT THIS OFFERING!

AS I type this there is an ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN LOCK DOWN NOT FAR FROM ME!

THE ITALIAN RANG ME TO BE ON THE LOOK OUT!

I reminded him I have BETTY AND he reminded ME THAT BUGSZY will help too!

WHY ON EARTH DO WE AMERICANS HAVE SO MANY TROUBLED PEOPLE and GUNS available to the MENTALLY CHALLENGED.

IS THAT OKAY?

NO!

TAKE THE GUNS AWAY.

PERIOD!

EUROPE and other countries DO NOT HAVE THE PROBLEMS WE DO!

IT’s TIME TO HEAD FOR THE SEVENTH HEAVEN!

FOR TRANQUILITY, PEACE OF MIND and a SAFE and HAPPY LIFE!

SENDING GOOD WISHES AND HUGS TO ALL……

I can hear the garbage trucks on our street so the SITUATION MUST BE UNDER CONTROL!

IT WAS A ROBBERY NOT AN IDIOT WITH A GUN!

THEY CAUGHT TWO OF THE THREE MEN!

Let’s end this POST with a PHOTO of JOY!

WELL, MY KIND OF JOY!

NOT ALL OF YOU GET IT…….THATS OKAY!

IF WE WERE ALL A LIKE WE WOULD BE BORING TO EACH OTHER!

WE MUST FIND JOY DAILY………

ITS VERY IMPORTANT THAT LITTLE THREE LETTER WORD!

PS. TO COMMENT OR ASK A QUESTION TO KAREN KEEP ON SCROLLING DOWNWARDS.

WE ANSWER ALL COMMENTS!

XXX

65 Comments

Leave your reply.

Gray
· Reply

November 19, 2023 at 7:59 AM

Just now reading this. I love the home and the area is amazing. I keep telling Chip, I just want to go away. Far Far Away. Like to Wyoming or Idaho or the Caribbean or France or Italy or Portugal.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  November 19, 2023 at 9:14 AM
  
  EUROPE IS THE ANSWER TO THAT FEELING!
  IT CHANGED MY LIFE 30 YEARS AGO!
  XXX
cindy
· Reply

November 18, 2023 at 7:06 AM

What a beautiful property. That door made my heart go litter patter as well.
- Karen
  · Reply
  
  November 20, 2023 at 6:50 AM
  
  Thank you Cindy!~X
D. A. Squires
· Reply

November 14, 2023 at 5:23 PM

Adored everything… as always : ) The casa in Italy is magnificent…wish I had some extra 00’s in my bank account!! Adored the tour of home and property… I am sure it has sold by now. A piece of heaven. The last photo is a prize… I think Bugzy is Banksy’s twin… sooo sweet. And so glad you are having time with your adorable granddaughter! Here we go barreling into December, really wish we could slow time down. Will email pics soon… very busy at my day job and usually too pooped to go on my own computer at night : ) xoxo
- Karen
  · Reply
  
  November 15, 2023 at 3:49 AM
  
  Thank you so much D.A.Squires for such lovely comments about our retreat. Actually we haven’t found our buyer as yet~ the energy is wonderful here… I’m sure the right new caretakers will eventually find us! X
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  November 15, 2023 at 9:54 AM
  
  I am thinking of changing BUGSZY’s name to OLAF!
  ANY FEEDBACK on THAT?
  
  I UNDERSTAND NO RUSH TO RESPOND HERE EVER!
  BE WELL……………XOXO
Paola Vojnovic
· Reply

November 11, 2023 at 1:10 PM

What a gorgeous home! And am in close by in the coast, in Viareggio! I will definitely keep this beautiful home in mind if I hear of anyone looking!!??
- Karen
  · Reply
  
  November 12, 2023 at 2:43 AM
  
  Thank you dear Paola!
  Perhaps we should meet for a cappuccino?!
  My Instagram is vitakarenhargadon let’s connect! X
lisa thomson-author
· Reply

November 10, 2023 at 1:37 PM

Hi LA CONTESSA, what a beautiful home in Tuscany! The attention to every detail is stunning. Makes new look old in a good way. In my dreams…I live in this house. I also noticed that kitchen sink.
The pic of you and Bugszy is so delightful!
- Karen
  · Reply
  
  November 12, 2023 at 2:40 AM
  
  Thank you Lisa for your lovely comments~ very kind~ X
Diana Amato
· Reply

November 9, 2023 at 3:33 PM

Dear Contessa,
There was not one, Not One, photo that I didn’t go back and study at least 3 times! What a wonderful property and such a special environment. Truly all that you describe as being tranquil, peaceful and full of Joy! Given the right moment, anything is possible! I will save this post as a reminder to look again in the Spring. Like I said, anything is possible!

I would love to see a photo of your granddaughter in her special chair!

Un forte abbraccio sempre,
Diana
La Zingara
- Karen
  · Reply
  
  November 9, 2023 at 9:36 PM
  
  Thank you Diana for such wonderful comments about our haven~
  You are welcome to visit & feel the wonderful energy in this beautiful unspoilt area of Tuscany!
  My Instagram is vitakarenhargadon & my photography website is http://www.karenhargadon-feeney.com
  where you will find a lot more photographs! X
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  November 10, 2023 at 8:04 AM
  
  ALL PHOTOS BY KAREN TAKEN FROM HER WEBSITE I MENTIONED ABOVE!THERE ARE MORE THERE TAKE A STROLL………
  I do not have photos of her sitting in the chair!
  But will send you what I DO HAVE!
  CIAO CIAO,
  XXX
Fran
· Reply

November 9, 2023 at 2:37 PM

7th HEAVEN INDEEEEEED!!

OHHHHH CARISSIMA CONTESSA…WHAT A MAGNIFICENT POST ON THIS SHOWSTOPPING VILLA!! BEYOND BREATHTAKING!! I LOVE EVERY FORM OF TOWERS IN A HOME – HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO HAVE A TURRET! AND A MOAT (not kidding!)..
EVERY ROOM IS EXQUISITE AND VERY WELL THOUGHT OUT!!
YES! ARTISTS MUST LIVE THERE!
THE GARDEN!! GORGEOUSSSSS! I THOUGHT IT LOOKS LIKE BOUGAINVILLEA INSTEAD OF WISTERIA….THE ROSES… GERANIUMS ARE FANTASTIC – HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THOSE, TOO!! MY GOODNESS….SUCH A MAGNIFICENT HOME!!
I AM SURE SOMEONE WILL SNAP THIS UP IMMEDIATELY!!
AS FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL GRANDBABY – SHE DOES NOT FALL FAR FROM THE GRANDMAMMA TREE – HER PICKING THE EXTRA “SPECIAL” CHAIR TO SIT ON SPEAKS VOLUMES!! WONDERFUL TASTE SHE HAS!!
MR. BUGZY SEEMS TO HAVE SPECIAL TASTE, TOO….HOPE BETTY ENJOYED HER MANI/PEDI!!
SUCH JOY TO READ YOUR BLOGS, BELLISSIMA CONTESSA!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING!! PLEASE STAY WELL AND HAPPY!!
BACI E ABBRACCI XXOO!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  November 10, 2023 at 8:07 AM
  
  TURRET?MOAT?
  WE DO THINK THE SAME………..I was to build a FOLLY in my backyard with the two items you said!That was the first idea I came up with upon moving here 30 years ago!
  THANK YOU YOUR WORDS MADE ME SMILE BIG!
  XOXO
- Karen
  · Reply
  
  November 10, 2023 at 11:15 PM
  
  Fran you are lovely!
  Such wonderful comments~ thank you!
  No most I’m afraid, ( I would love one too!!!), but we do have a shower room at the top of the Tower!
  I have truly loved creating the gardens… Lavender was the first, in fact I have a bit of an obsession with Lavender… ended up surrounding the house! Wonderful healing qualities~
  Il Piccola Giardino Segreto was my favourite though!
  No Bougainvillea I’m afraid but huge areas of Wisteria & Jasmine! X
- Karen
  · Reply
  
  November 10, 2023 at 11:18 PM
  
  Sorry Fran that should say MOAT! Predictive text for you!?
Janey
· Reply

November 9, 2023 at 3:46 AM

Elizabeth,

Oh sigh….that was wonderful. Thank You. I am one if your older followers. I mean I have been following you for years (by the way I am also old). Heather from Arles suggested I read your blog.

I have traveled Europe forever, and like you lived there, although not Italy. We have rented villas in Tuscany three times actually one was a castle (with seven other couples) near Siena that is now a hotel.

Sorry I am talking too much, you triggered wonderful memories.

I wish Karen and hubby the best of luck selling Sellimo Celo. It must have been a very difficult decision….Janey
- Karen
  · Reply
  
  November 9, 2023 at 8:22 AM
  
  Hi Janey,
  Thanks so much for your good wishes!
  You are absolutely right, it hasn’t been an easy decision… but we are now ready to hand over to…. whoever next! X
Candace Wilson Culp
· Reply

November 8, 2023 at 9:44 PM

Thank you for your help in this fab offering. I would love to live in Tuscany, however I need the lottery to favor me.
Still, you’re right about the idea of guns in too many hands, unstable people as well as incompetent ones. We don’t need to hunt for the ego of it.
I agree about the need for joy, there is a lack of it . Let’s start by being joyous about how lucky we are if we have shelter, food, water, good health and love.
Especially the love of dogs, cats, and piggies.
And friends afar like you.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  November 10, 2023 at 8:09 AM
  
  JOY TO THE WORLD IS THE SONG WE NEED NOW!
  YOU can’t move to TOSCANA as you have your daughter here!
  But you can visit once the LOTTERY PICKS YOU!
  XXX
Linda Henderson
· Reply

November 8, 2023 at 8:37 PM

Dear Contessa, I think it would be a dream to own property like this one. Wowza. Thanks for sharing a touch of Joy. Good word.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  November 10, 2023 at 8:11 AM
  
  YES, A GOOD DREAM I AGREE!
  I forgot to mention it sits in a NATIONAL PARK!
  XXX
Judith
· Reply

November 8, 2023 at 4:32 PM

Hello Contessa and Karen! First of all, Karen, thank you for sharing your beautiful and tasteful home with us here on the blog – it took my breath away. The amount of love and care you have put into this place shines through. So charming! I think several of us readers should pool resources to purchase it and take turns staying there! Compared to U.S. prices, at least in my area in East Tennessee, it seems to be a bargain. I volunteer to come over and take care of the gardens for you! Well, at least for a few weeks. I love the painting of the angel and wish I could get a closer view. Finally, what is that structure that is next to the tower, with no windows?

Now, Contessa! Thank you for this creative feature – what a wonderful idea to showcase this place. I loved reading your observations, and would have missed a thing or two without them. Spend some time this week remembering special things about your mother; I hope it brings you some measure of peace. You look like life is agreeing with you – seems like you are feeling better!
- Karen
  · Reply
  
  November 9, 2023 at 12:34 AM
  
  Good Morning Dear Judith,
  Thank you for your heartfelt message & compliments, I am delighted it took your breath away… how lovely!
  I am so grateful to the Contessa for offering me this wonderful platform amongst such a warm & welcoming community of her friends & followers… she is a one off!
  Judith, your thoughts and idea of a group pooling resources to purchase our haven is quite brilliant!
  If we can, between us, arrange a time for interested folk to come over to Tuscany and view Settimo Cielo… I would gladly offer a splendid typical Italian lunch!
  It would give you a true feel for the house & all its further potential!
  I could even arrange for us to wander through our dear neighbours Olive grove, meeting Laura & Luciano!
  It’s the most wonderful joy using organic olive oil produced from trees established over generations, growing right there on land next to ours!
  And of course, the flavour is divine!
  We call it “gold”!
  For those of you interested please view my website & Instagram page, there are many photographs relating to the house & area!
  Regarding the price~ you are right, we are asking for just what is needed for us to move forward with our lives… it is extremely reasonable, given that the house is built in an area of national park with views of the Apennine & Apuan Mountains in a very accessible place.
  The energy and magic… is something you must come & feel for yourselves!
  Oh and by the way, the area next to the Tower is one of the en-suite bathrooms, it does have windows the other side! X
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  November 10, 2023 at 8:19 AM
  
  YES, am doing a bit better as THE ITALIAN says you are doing much better than 3 months ago!My latest is my pulse.It’s been a bit LOW!
  Boy have I got a story about THAT!Now they are telling me my at home OXIMETER and BP cuff do not give proper pulse readings for myself NOR DOES THE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AT THE HOSPITAL!
  WHY?
  I have some underlying condition with my heart beats……………..
  COULD YOU HEAR MY ANGER LAST WEEK?
  I NEARLY WENT THROUGH THE ROOF!
  BIG HUG
  IS YOUR KITCHEN FINISHED?
  XOXO
Maggie
· Reply

November 8, 2023 at 2:47 PM

Elizabeth,
Wow, what a magical place. I would love a change but my husband is more reserved. I love all the details you write about, your always very descriptive.
You have a wonderful blog, your a very good writer. I enjoy it very much. Animals add so much to life, I always enjoy seeing them.
Maggie
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  November 10, 2023 at 8:13 AM
  
  THOSE HUSBANDS!!!
  SOMETIMES THEY NEED A NUDGE!
  THANK YOU SO MUCH…………very kind of you to say all of THAT!
  XXX
Tracy
· Reply

November 8, 2023 at 1:46 PM

Elizabeth,
Karen’s home is a dream!! The light, the view, the wisteria!!! (Btw, my fav kind of wisteria is the white one!!) Seems like this house is so affordable compared to California real estate. Anyway, happy you shared, thoroughly loved it!! xo
- Karen
  · Reply
  
  November 9, 2023 at 1:06 AM
  
  Thank you for your lovely comments Tracey!X
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  November 10, 2023 at 8:33 AM
  
  I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN ABOUT AFFORDABLE……………YOU CANNOT GET A TEAR DOWN FOR THIS PRICE HERE!
  XXX
Rosemarie
· Reply

November 8, 2023 at 1:29 PM

Hi there CONTESSA
Thanks for sharing the “house” – so enjoyed viewing the inside/outside/architecture/decor/landscaping. A real treat to view on a rainy afternoon.
Special chair for the granddaughter – it will be a favourite place to sit/eat/talk – share an afternoon with Nona.
My grandmother had a “special” mug (the handle was of a bird/whistle) for me which I drank my milk out of for YEARS and then later coffee/tea. Imagine my shock/sadness when I returned from being away in Europe for a year – headed to get “my” mug and it was gone! She had given it away!
You have a great companion(s) in Bugszy/Betty/Theodore..
Thank gawd it was not an idiot with a gun!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  November 10, 2023 at 8:31 AM
  
  “SHE GAVE IT AWAY?”
  ALL I CAN THINK OF IS SHE WAS SAD EVERY TIME SHE OPENED THE CUPBOARD AND SAW IT!
  THIS GOES HAND IN HAND WITH ALL THE SILVER BABY CUPS I FIND IN THRIFT SHOPS AND CONSIGNMENT STORES ENGRAVED!
  MAKE MY HEART MELT…………….
  XXX
  THE NONNA IN THE MAKING!
  AKA; YOUR FAVORITE CONTESSA!
- Karen
  · Reply
  
  November 13, 2023 at 12:13 AM
  
  Good Morning from Tuscany Rosemarie!
  Thank you for such lovely words & thoughts, it seems to have taken a lifetime!
  Sorry to hear about your special mug… I can imagine how you felt.
  I don’t have a precious one from my childhood but I collect lovely mugs from various potters/ ceramicists we have visited over the years, & I always choose which one I want to drink from at the time!
  Happy day… and to our dear Contessa! X
yancey williams
· Reply

November 8, 2023 at 12:51 PM

I love that you and bugs have the same color hair. It looks gorgeous on both of you, btw!
Yes, I would buy that house in a flash, if my girls still lived in Italy. Alas, one must stay where the children are. Right?
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  November 10, 2023 at 8:27 AM
  
  IN YOUR CASE RIGHT!!!
  XXX
Linda Clark
· Reply

November 8, 2023 at 12:33 PM

Love the post and the beautiful Italian home !!! Yes it would be lovely to live in that gorgeous house. Thank you .
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  November 10, 2023 at 8:27 AM
  
  WELL I THINK OUR BAGS ARE ALMOST PACKED!
  IF WE DIDNOT HAVE THE SONS HERE WE WOULD BE THERE!
  LIFE IS DIFFERENT IN ITALY!
  XXX
Hilda Smith
· Reply

November 8, 2023 at 8:08 AM

What a beautiful home with beautiful views. Thank you for sharing it with us. And it seems a really reasonable price. I could sell our very average house and still have change. But I would miss my daughters and families who live a few minutes away. And we have wonderful friends too. xx
- Karen
  · Reply
  
  November 8, 2023 at 11:08 AM
  
  Thank you Hilda for your lovely remarks~ X
Brenda N
· Reply

November 8, 2023 at 7:56 AM

Hi Elizabeth! Wow, thanks for sharing this Italian dreamhouse with us, it’s absolutely beautiful and it brings joy just to see it! I have always wanted a dining terrace under a vine- covered arbor like that, but in Italy of course. My niece married her Irish husband in nearby Lucca 23 years ago!
The photo of Betty with Bugszy cleaning her paw brings me joy! I share in your kind of joy, it’s all about the little things.
I love terra cotta too, getting ready to buy several new pots for my scented geraniums soon.
Children’s chairs are magical, as you and your granddaughter know.
I lost my mom 7 years ago today, thinking of you as you remember your mom this week.
Take care!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  November 10, 2023 at 8:25 AM
  
  THANK YOU BRENDA N!
  LUCCA IS A VERY SPECIAL TOWN IN ITALY!
  A LOT OF LUCCESE HERE IN THE Bay Area!
  XXX
Sandra Sallin
· Reply

November 8, 2023 at 7:51 AM

Well,I can dream can’t I? Looks wonderful. Maybe you should move back. It brings you so much joy.

I love what your granddaughter said. It’s in her blood.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  November 10, 2023 at 8:23 AM
  
  WE ALL CAN DREAM……..
  NO ONE CAN TAKE THAT AWAY FROM EACH INDIVIDUAL.
  
  I HOPE SO…………I SO NEEDED A GIRL IN MY LIFE!
  XXX
Michele
· Reply

November 8, 2023 at 7:42 AM

What a gorgeous home! It sounds like a dreamy location. Still on my bucket list to visit Italy and this area of Tuscany is definitely part of the dream trip that has yet to be.
The artistic touches and use of local materials make this home even more magical. Someone will be very lucky to live there after Karen and her family move on!

Elizabeth I loved reading that Charlotte has her “special” chair at your house!
I agree with you that during times like these we need to find joy in everyday things and give extra hugs to our loved ones and animals.
- Karen
  · Reply
  
  November 8, 2023 at 1:09 PM
  
  Thank you for your kind words Michele. I shall continue to keep the Secret Garden looked after & put love into the place~ in readiness to hand it over to the new custodians!X
Pat
· Reply

November 8, 2023 at 7:22 AM

What are you waiting for? You have two sons, send Bugzy to live with one of them and buy that house! It’s gorgeous!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  November 10, 2023 at 8:21 AM
  
  ONLY IF YOU COME WITH US!
  XXX
Kathleen W.
· Reply

November 8, 2023 at 7:05 AM

What a dream spot. 10 years ago I would have jumped. What a stunning property. Now, it will have to be something small, but I am on the lookout for my own 7th heaven!
Nothing stops one from dreaming though. That kitchen!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  November 8, 2023 at 7:16 AM
  
  YOU WILL FIND YOUR 7TH HEAVEN!
  I KNOW THAT KITCHEN IS PERFECT!
  XXX
- Karen
  · Reply
  
  November 8, 2023 at 1:43 PM
  
  How lovely of you Kathleen~ thank you! I hope you find your Settimo Cielo!~??
rena.spain
· Reply

November 8, 2023 at 7:01 AM

A very cozy house. We would like to move to Italy and are looking, but unfortunately it is far away from a reasonably larger city. …
yes, it’s terrible that there are so many lock downs with guns in America and in schools, but it’s not just you. Not that many, but there are enough madmen in Europe who keep people in check with their rifles and then shoot them. But I’m just reading that this spat is over and you can get back on the street. Betty would be a good defender especially if her Contessa were attacked. But I doubt Bugzsy….haha…….Joy, Love, hugs…the best recipe for every day
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  November 8, 2023 at 7:20 AM
  
  LUCCA IS AN HOUR AWAY………..I DONOT KNOW WHAT IS IN BETWEEN HOPEFULLY KAREN CAN ANWSER THAT QUESTION.
  THE GOOD THING IS YOU ARE AWAY FROM THE TOURISTS!
  BUGSZY HOPEFULLY WOULD SCARE THE IDIOT WHO TRIES TO ENTER JUST FROM HIS APPEARANCE STANDING THERE!
  LEAVING SPAIN………..REALLY?
  XXX
- Karen
  · Reply
  
  November 8, 2023 at 9:06 AM
  
  Hi Rena,
  We are just 15 minutes by car from Aulla, Lunigiana a large town with railway station & autostrade exit.. plenty of shops, supermarkets restaurants & bars. Saturday market with local produce!
  Just another short hop to beautiful Sarzana… a further 10 minute drive!
Andrea Serrahn
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November 8, 2023 at 6:49 AM

Beautiful home filled with artistic essence in the Italian countryside. Yes please! How tempted I have been as of late to move back to Europe to be away from what else: guns! These are signs I cannot ignore….
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  November 8, 2023 at 7:23 AM
  
  ME TOO………….
  A MEDICI VILLA IS ALSO FOR SALE IN ANTELLA.
  A COOL 29 MILLION!IT WAS CLOSE TO A FRIENDS HOME AND I WOULD TURN AROUND AT ITS GATES!
  SWOONING!
  THIS IS MUCH MORE PRACTICAL!!!
  LETS GO!
  XXX
- Karen
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  November 8, 2023 at 9:09 AM
  
  Andrea thank you so much for your lovely comments.
  We are in a peaceful haven close to nature!
Lorna
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November 8, 2023 at 5:12 AM

OMG, I want that house!!! It’s beautiful. Just a dream, of course. I love to dream. My husband loves Lucca (I prefer Siena) but with that view, who really cares?
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  November 8, 2023 at 7:26 AM
  
  OKAY YOU LEAVE MALTA AND I WILL JOIN YOU THERE!
  DO YOU PREFER SIENNA OVER FLORENCE?
  MOST PEOPLE DO.I AM THE OPPOSITE OF COURSE! MAYBE BECAUSE I KNOW FIRENZE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM!
  THAT CITY MADE ME SO HAPPY!
  XXX
Lydia
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November 8, 2023 at 1:18 AM

What a magical place! What is the nearest coastal town, please? Also, closest vintage/antique markets/shops? Thank you!
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  November 8, 2023 at 7:28 AM
  
  KAREN NEEDS TO ANSWER YOU BUT I WOULD THINK THE BIGGEST ANTIQUE FAIRE WOULD BE IN LUCCA WHICH IS ONCE A MONTH AND LUCCA IS AN HOUR AWAY!A WALLED CITY WITH LOADS OF CHARM!!
  XXX
- Karen
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  November 8, 2023 at 9:24 AM
  
  Thanks Lydia!
  Lerici is only half an hour away… you look across at the breathtaking Bay of Poets as you wind down to the beautiful town. It’s where Byron, Keats & Shelley swam!
  Lucca boasts a fabulous antiques market the third week~end in the month.
  There are antiques/vintage shops in Sarzana!
Karen
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November 7, 2023 at 11:57 PM

Thank you dear Contessa for your wonderful blog on Settimo Cielo!
It’s just after 7 am here & I am awake!
I am in England for a few days visiting my daughter & sweetest granddaughter, Margot Elizabeth, nearly 2!
I am more than happy to answer any questions on our haven in Tuscany.
It has been built with quality, local materials…oak roof doors & windows, stone window sills & I designed a large kitchen sink built in Carrara marble, the very mountains where Michael Angelo had his marble from for “David”!
Settimo Cielo has been designed & created with love, not just from our hands… but also from the skilful hands of Italian artisans & people who care.
It sits in the most magical area of Tuscany known as, Lunigiana… meaning land of the Moon!~
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  November 8, 2023 at 7:34 AM
  
  I NOTICED THAT SINK!WHO COULD MISS IT!
  ALSO THE SHELL SINK OUTSIDE AS ART?I BROUGHT BACK A MARBLE SINK FROM ITALY FOR THE GARDEN!I ALSO FOUND AN OLD STONE SINK AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FROM A CASA COLONICA REMODEL!I RAN HOME AND MADE THE ITALIAN HUSBAND AND HIS SISTERS GO GET IT!
  IT NOW IS IN OUR MASTER BATHROOM!MY FAVORITE FEATURE OF OUR HOME!I ALWAYS SAID IF WE MOVE, THE SINK GOES WITH US!
  THEY LOVED TO USE THOSE OLD SINKS AS PLANTERS IN THE GARDEN WHEN WE LIVED THERE!
  YOU ARE SO WELCOME KAREN!
  I LOVED PUTTING THIS TOGETHER FROM YOUR BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS ON YOUR WEBSITE!
  XXX