Day 6: Under the Tuscan Sun

Today we drove from Rome to Tuscany where we will spend 7 nights in Il Villino, a Tuscan farmhouse near the village of Montepulciano. Our friends Mark and Greg from Dallas joined us today, and Gina and Susan arrive tomorrow. Let's get the party started!

The entrance to Il Villino. The house dates to the 16th century, probably as a post-house or inn. The house was given the name "Il Villino" in the 18th century when Napoleon's niece Maria Bonaparte married Conte Valentino whose family was the original owner of the estate where Il Villino is located. The family lived here while their grand Villa was being built, about 200 meters away.

After the Valentino family moved to the Villa, Il Villino was occupied by 4 or 5 "contadini" families, peasant families who worked the land for Conte Valentino in exchange for a home and a share of the crops.

The house was completely restored and modernized in 1998 by the present owners.

The living room.

Dining room with seating for ten.

The modern kitchen. Three of our group are experienced chefs. I have a feeling Weight Watchers just flew out the window!

Den and informal dining.

Our bedroom, second floor with french doors and an outdoor terrace, private bath.

Rear view of Il Villino. The pink flowers line the wall of our bedroom terrace above.

The pool house, outdoor fire place with pizza oven, and combination media room/gymnasium, a modern addition.

The pool and rear lawn.

 
Views from the rear lawn/pool area.

You know, Tim and I live in a fabulous place, but today we feel like we are moving through a postcard from Tuscany. These are the times when we are very aware that friends are among the best things in life, and today we feel incredibly blessed to be able to spend a week with great friends in a place where none of us live. Que bella!