My Beautiful Fortress in Italy.

Thanks for stopping by. This space is devoted to our life in the Italian countryside. In the furthest northern part of Tuscany. A region known as Lunigiana. I am a photo/prop stylist and author.

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WHATS HAPPENING: Getting things in order.

I spend my first week fighting jet lag and trying to get things in order here at La Fortezza. Every year it’s the same deal. It’s an ongoing battle. I try to leave La Fortezza in good shape when we depart, I really do. But the ravages of winter always have their way with her. La Fortezza is a never ending project. It’s an endless list of things to repair. It’s a good thing I love the challenge. Living in a twelfth century medieval beast is just that, it’s a beast. She’s leaking and needs loads of love, patches and repairs and a fresh coat of paint. It’s always something with the old girl.

The winter rains create dampness only a stone house can know. These are the things that one never thinks about when buying an ancient building in Italy. We are wooed by her charm and faded beauty. A beauty that has survived hundreds of years. When we bought her she was falling apart. But we saw her former glory. We carefully put her back together and now we are the custodians of her well being.

Gianluca (our groundskeeper) is busy outside installing a sprinkler system in the veg and rose garden. I will say that I spend a good bit of time here dealing with water. The well, the water heater repairs, the rain, watering the garden, and the humidity that peels the paint off our walls. It’s all about the water here. Sometimes I feel like I’m dealing with a boat. The painter arrived this week and he painted all the guest quarters and the main house. So they are fresh and clean for the season. We’ve surveyed the property from one side to the next, walking the twenty seven acres of land. Like I said, it’s a project and a half. But we are indeed up for the challenge. We love her therefore we take immaculate care of her. We are emotionally bound to her. It’s a love affair. La Fortezza, she’s a beauty…and it’s raining outside once again, water water everywhere.

Don’t forget for day to day updates.. watch my stories on instagram. Next week we are filming YouTube content so it will be fun to follow along. My friend Lizz will be along to look at a possible house to buy.

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LA FORTEZZA RETREAT NEWS:

Now taking reservations for 2025 Custom La Fortezza Retreats:

We are excited to welcome guests this year. We get so many emails from you guys, it is so wonderful. We cannot wait to welcome you next year. If you’re interested in planning your own custom retreat in 2025, Please email Gen and she can get you started on your journey.

Contact Gen to reserve your place in 2025: Gen is our La Fortezza Guest Service Liaison: genesis.carlina@gmail.com

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THE LA FORTEZZA SPECIAL DISPATCH:

Artist in Residence Program Returns

Artist in Residence: I am really excited to announce that the Artist in Residence Program at La Fortezza is BACK! After many years we’ve decided to bring an artist to La Fortezza for the month of July. Melinda Beck will be showing on July 27th at her opening a collection inspired by her time with us. The opening will be our big summer bash. If you’re in the neighborhood July 27th let me know and come party with us. I am so thrilled to welcome Melinda. Melinda is the cover illustrator for two of my books, My Italian Guestbook, and The Killer Menu. She is super talented. Her collection will be for sale online and in person in July. Watch this space for news and updates.

MY LATEST YOUTUBE VIDEO: Spaghetti alla Vongole (Spaghetti with Clams)

All About Annette YouTube Move to Italy : Spaghetti alla Vongole!

One of my favorite pasta dishes is Spaghetti with Clams. It could not be easier. The perfect quick lunch or supper it will wow your family and friends. Give it a try! Let me know how you like it. It’s a recipe featured in my new novel, a murder mystery, my first ever. The Killer Menu. Pick up a copy… it’s a fun read.

Thanks so much for watching my YouTube Channel, All About Annette and please share my channel with your friends.

The channel is now at almost 3500+ subscribers! I am beyond thrilled! x Please like and subscribe lets keep it going my goal this year is to get 10,000 subscribers

MY NEWEST BOOK:

This week I am excited to be featured on Shepherd.com this site is dedicated to book recommendations by authors. Read mine and wander around this website. It’s such a great place to find your next book obsession. Thanks so much to Shepherd’s for asking me to be a member of this distinguished group of authors. “Explore, Discover, Read.”

The Killer Menu, a delicious murder mystery.

Order : The Killer Menu, By Annette Joseph

Finding love and a family is never easy, but when you’re Henry Miller it’s terrifying. Henry is a deliciously charming chef—talented, handsome, and intensely obsessive. The extreme measures Henry employs to insert himself into the lives of his girlfriends take readers on a chilling journey from the streets of Paris to the chic restaurants of Italy and the vibrant Cuban enclaves of Miami. As we delve into the mind of the reluctant murderer, it becomes clear that his habits of love and loss create a recipe for disaster. Come meet Henry and decide for yourself: Do you like him? Or do you hate him?

Becoming a paid subscriber to “My Beautiful Fortress in Italy” will get you…recipes every week, plus my insider travel tips to little known and some better known destinations in Italy. Exciting La Fortezza updates you won’t want to miss. Retreat and excursion news and special discounts on some of my favorite products.

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