Why We Love Italy

Benvenuto !

We’re your hosts, Wendy Loten and Walt Cudlip and we love Italy. For many years, mother and son worked together producing television programming that took us to many beautiful places around the world, but the one that captivated our hearts was Tuscany. There’s something you feel when you’re here; it’s a way of living that feeds your soul. If you’ve been to any part of this beautiful country it’s a case of ‘If you know, you know’. If you have always dreamt of visiting all we can say is don’t put it off any longer!

Wendy first encountered this quieter part of Tuscany while staying in a villa with a group of friends and met a local family with a 600-year history in oil and wine production. It left a lasting impression, and she maintained the connection. Going back on another visit with Walt, a firm friendship took root over delicious food, a lot of wine and the most seductive views.

Both of us have spent holidays here exploring the history, art, architecture, and culture in the usual tourist hot spots and the ‘off the beaten path’ places too. Those are many of the reasons why we love Italy. The richness of it all isn’t available to us anywhere else. With no real need to be tied to where we were living (Canada and Australia), the idea of “could we find somewhere to buy so we can have that feeling all the time?” came up. The search for property began.

Finding That Dream Home

By happenstance we chanced upon something in this area. Full of character, charm and elegance it was too big for just two people. That’s when Walt had the idea of creating somewhere that people who share our interest in what makes Italy an amazing place to visit could come and experience it at a more relaxed, human pace. 

How best to describe why we bought this manorial villa? It provides a place that delivers joy and balance, not only for us, but also for our visitors. You feel at home, can sip coffee in the garden in the sunshine, hear the church bells ringing, dine under the olive trees, and live like a local instead of a tourist. The pace of life here is slower, less stressful; your soul can breathe, your batteries can recharge. You cannot underestimate the impact that waking up, not to the noise of modernity, but to nature, has on your well-being. 

Discovering The Magic of Italian Life

Our pleasure is to open the doors and welcome you to learn to paint, explore wineries, take lessons to cook like an Italian, wander through centuries-old towns and villages, find peace and tranquillity in historic gardens, or just laze through an afternoon until the church bells signal it’s time for apericena, that incredibly sensible and civilised Italian tradition of a refreshing drink and little bites that help you bridge lunch and dinner.

Outside the city of Arezzo, but close enough for convenience, the property provides plenty of space for formal gardens, a modest vineyard, more than 180+ olive trees and our own kitchen garden. There’s room to be together, to find a quiet corner by oneself, to wander the local lanes, to experience the meaning of  la dolce far niente.

Your Tuscany Holiday Starts Here

Through our local friends we learnt more about the deep history and traditions of this part of Tuscany. Several weeks driving around the little villages, eating in the restaurants, being awestruck by the views and friendliness of the people worked its magic. That cemented our decision, and the plan to set up an all-inclusive property where guests can have those ‘dream holidays’ was born. Having you step inside our house is like welcoming family for a visit. We have adventures and experiences waiting for you to enjoy.

We Love Italy, you will too.

Something we learnt was that slowing down delivers rewards. Sit at a bar for a morning caffè and observe the many little dramas unfolding before you. Linger with an artwork in a small museum and appreciate the details. Take your time over a meal and savour each bite, sip the wine and talk. Enjoy being in the moment. What you’ll discover is a much richer experience.