well read ~ part one

whether they’re stacked on the floor or alphabetized on ornate custom shelving, books are an essential part of our daily lives…a true reflection of our passions and professions…more tomorrow!

Karl Lagerfeld

Albert Hadley

Alexandre de Betak

Andy Newcom

Bill Blass

Brigitte & Alain Garnier

Bunny Williams

Charles Spada

Christopher Knight and Carlos Aponte

Cristina Azario

David Kleinberg

Dransfield and Ross

Garagnani and Poccianti

Gil Schafer

Greet Lefevre

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castiglion del bosco

I just had to share with you one more discovery from designers Garagnani and Poccianti…they were involved with the extensive restoration of Castiglion del Bosco, a magnificent Estate situated in the heart of Tuscany’s Brunello winemaking region…purchased in April of 2003 by Massimo Ferragamo, the Estate boasts 4,500 acres of protected nature preserve, 130 acres of vineyards (all licensed to produce Brunello wine) and twenty 17th and 18th century farmhouses re-imagined as luxury Villas…the heart of the Estate, Il Borgo, is perched on one of the highest hilltops and has been thoughtfully restored to accommodate many of the Estate’s exceptional amenities including ~ 23 Suites and Guestrooms, a cooking school, two restaurants featuring seasonal menus and regional wine, a cozy bar, library, an organic Italian kitchen garden, a spectacular infinity pool, and the Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo with its breathtaking 1345 altar fresco by Pietro Lorenzetti…I hope you can take a minute out of your busy day to enjoy this Tuscan masterpiece…

photos from Castiglion del Bosco

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castello di mugnana

I happened upon The Castle of Mugnana, or Castello di Mugnana, while researching designers Francesca Garagnani and Carlo Ludovico Poccianti…this castle belongs to one of their clients! Located 16 km from Florence in a luscious landscape of olive trees and vineyards near Strada in Chianti, the castle is a family owned and operated bed and breakfast equipped with a swimming pool and gorgeous views of Tuscany…imagine sleeping in the 1000 year old tower or walking the grounds on a sunny afternoon…oh, and of course the local wine would be perfection! Enjoy!

photos from Castello di Mugnana

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15th century tuscan villa

Yesterday’s “painted garden” reminded me of this breathtaking home, a 15th century Tuscan villa owned by Leonardo and Maria Beatrice Ferragamo…it is one of my all time favorite spreads from Elle Decor (April 2005)…what I find most remarkable is the livability of this noble home…although grand in scale and lush with detail, it never feels “old”

Designers Francesca Garagnani and Carlo Ludovico Poccianti, who specialize in “historical renovations that combine sensitivity to the past with commonsense notions of contemporary comfort”, helped the Ferragamos realize their dream…Francesca allowed the carefully restored frescoes to influence the decoration and palette, a restrained but colorful combination of silks, linens and cottons…take for example the artfully extravagant double height ballroom (fourth picture) whose walls are adorned with Piranesian ruins set against a clear cerulean sky…she thoughtfully furnished this opulent room with modern sofas and ottomans upholstered in a vibrant blue silk velvet, and in the center of the room, a king-size cocktail table of smoky travertine…”it’s a Modernist accent that lets everyone know what century the Ferragamos are really living in” explains Francesca…what a magical counterpoint!

Please enjoy this home, brilliantly re-imagined for today’s living but with a deep respect for the past…

photos by Pieter Estersohn for Elle Decor, April 2005

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