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.
WHAT’S HAPPENING: Great resource find this week.
As you know, I am always hunting for great resources in Italy. The supply is endless. I found one in Prato a week ago. I had wanted to take my friend Verity to Prato so this was the perfect opportunity to have a walk around. Verity is house-hunting; you may have seen her in some of my Instagram house-hunting stories. She’s looking for just the right spot to land in Italy. I met Verity last year when she attended a shopping retreat at La Fortezza. She and I hit it off immediately. Not only do we work in a similar industry, but her great sense of humor, zest for life, and amazing style had me at hello. We have become great friends since she moved here from London last October to Pietrasanta. She’s funny, smart and creative. Her dog Vince is a hoot, and Vivian and he had a great time together.
Prato ( *see insider travel tips section below for more info) is the town right before you get to Florence on the Autostrada. It’s about an hour from La Fortezza. It’s truly a charming city. One of the textile capitals of the world, it is a vibrant walled city with a beautiful ancient square. Before we headed into Centro, we stopped by an antique showroom. Balma Antiques is on the outskirts of town. Housed in an old building owned by a Florentine noble family, it is a gorgeous location, and the owners, Claudia and Francesco, have that stylish, simply pared-down aesthetic that I adore. Verity and I were offered coffee on arrival and spent an hour taking in all the beauty.
I ordered an upholstered chair and bought two beautiful antique ceramic vessels. I am a sucker for a green vessel, let’s face it. Francesco told us about their home in France and warehouse in Prato. We were intrigued. But like everything in Italy, we will have to be patient to see everything they offer. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. They are a delightful, smart young couple.
BOOK A LA FORTEZZA RETREAT IN 2025!
Now taking reservations for 2025 Custom La Fortezza Retreats: If you’re interested in planning your own custom retreat in 2025, please email Gen, and she will get you started on your journey. Check the calendar and start planning. Every retreat comes with a pasta cooking lesson! *Keep in mind the earlier, the better to get the exact dates you desire next year.
Contact Gen to reserve your place in 2025: Gen is our La Fortezza Guest Service Liaison: genesis.carlina@gmail.com
MY LATEST YOUTUBE VIDEO:
All About Annette YouTube, This week on Move to Italy: I tour a home with a big surprise, something totally unexpected, and it overwhelmed me with joy. You will need to watch the video to the end to see what it is. This property is big and affordable in a beautiful Borgo (small village) above Fivizzano; the view is incredible.
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Book News: “Great Summer Read”…I’ve sold thousands of copies thanks to YOU!
If you love The Talented Mr. Ripley, you’ll love my latest novel. I have taken a big detour from my memoirs to write my first book of fiction. You won’t be able to put it down. I promise. My first self-published book!
IT’S FLYING OFF THE AMAZON SHELVES!
The Killer Menu is a delicious murder mystery.
Order: The Killer Menu, By Annette Joseph
Finding love and a family is never easy, but it's terrifying when you’re Henry Miller. Henry is a deliciously charming chef—talented, handsome, and intensely obsessive. Henry's extreme measures 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 hate him?
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