In the coming months, I am fortunate to have two different groups of guests who have booked a full month at the Clocktower Cottage in Duras. I’ve never even been able to do that. It’s[…]

When we were in Castiglione d’Orcia in July, our neighbors Lido and Tosca came over several times to bring us plums from their backyard tree. After eating about 30 of them fresh, I realized I[…]

I usually don’t participate in Black Friday, but this year I still have a few spring weeks left at Casa Castigliana so I’m offering a discount if you book a week or two between now[…]

I’m not exactly sure what Saint Martin is famous for, but I can tell you that he is quite famous in France and his feast day–November 11–is a great time to be there. I will[…]

Rainy days always bring out my wistful side. Today I am thinking about rainy weather in places I have visited in the past. Joe always says that one of his favorite days ever in Italy[…]

When I was in Duras in September I bought way too much stuff to fit in my small carryon bag. I can’t leave France without multiple jars of mustard, salt and definitely cosmetics. I didn’t[…]

I’ve just returned from a peaceful and pleasantly stress-free week at the Clocktower Cottage in Duras. My goals were simple: to spend a week wandering the village lanes, eating simple dinners curated from outdoor market[…]

It’s been a long time since we’ve been to Castiglione d’Orcia. Family health issues have prevented us from travelling in 2018, but the travel drought will soon be over and my wanderlust will soon be[…]

Here is this summer’s schedule for the night markets each Thursday evening in Duras. There are several summer weeks still available including the week of Aug 11-18, which would allow you to experience the Monday[…]

This photo epitomizes the friendly, happy spirit that drew us to Castiglione d’Orcia. Here, our current renters have met the locals at Le Rocche. Not only were they invited to sit and hang out with[…]