Book launch, Buying and Restoring in Tuscany

Posted on September 3, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

David Collins has written part 2 of Buying and Restoring in Tuscany, an excellent guide for those looking to buy in this gorgeous part of the world.

There will be a book launch on September 8th in Lucca at Lucca Libri, Viale Regina Margherita 113. (Near the train station) It will begin at 5pm with an aperitivo. Come along to meet the author and hear all about the book.

Here is what to expect from the new book…

The second volume of this poular guide provides the reader with priceless information about searching for, and buying and restoring a property in Tuscany. It is packed with valuable tips and precious advice difficult to find elsewhere and is based on practical day-to-day experience of the author.

David shows us how to conduct a negotiation the “Italian way” or to quickly recognise a dwelling in disguise. The role and responsibility of the Italian notary is unveiled for the Anglo-Saxon world. We learn about the essential steps in managing a restoration project whilst revealing several tips.

He explains how earthquakes can affect older properties and unravels the complex laws in a simple and plain way for everyone to understand. The section on swimming pools makes you want to immediately go for a refreshing dip. The chapter on arches is both fascinating and insightful or the way he throws a sense of humour on malfunctioning septic tanks and suggestions for fixes.

David “the philosopher” reflects on why people move to Tuscany in the first place and how some end up living a full and wholesome life whilst others live in a bubble. Many essential taxation matters are revealed and the book wraps up with a very useful checklist of questions that everyone must have when viewing a property.

David has managed to provide us with a wealth of information deriving from his unsurpassed experience of working and living in Tuscany. This book is an absolute must before you depart on the Italian journey!

For those not able to attend the launch the book is available on Amazon.

http://www.ourtoscana.com

Dressing up

Posted on August 31, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Last weekend in Bagni di Lucca was the wonderful event, Shelley a Bagni di Lucca…la poesia e il ballo.

The event was attended by people in costumes of the period when the poet Shelley visited Bagni di Lucca. A crowd gathered at Villa Web and walked to various sites in the area. The photos below were taken by Rita Gualtieri.

There was a dance at the casino in Ponte a Serraglio in the evening.

Look at the Facebook pages of Marco Pistolozzi, Valerio Ceccarelli and Rita Gualtieri for some wonderful photos of the well dressed characters.

I think the enthusiasm the partipants bring to these events is great. I wish I had been there.

Family

Posted on August 26, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

I often get comments on the blog and emails from people who have a connection with Bagni di Lucca. It is amazing the number of people all over the world who have ancestors who come from the area. It is a tiny place, but thousands of people have left Bagni di Lucca over the last couple of centuries and made new lives in far flung corners of the world.

Many people are keen to find out more about their Bagni di Lucca families. Ann Barsi, whose own family moved to USA, will be able to help some of those. She is holding an event on 11th September at Trattoria Santina in San Cassiano di Controne called “You know my Great-grandparents?”

She has carefully researched the church records of San Cassiano and will explain how the registers for the years 1600-1939 have been digitally imaged and then turned into family trees.

Here is an image of 4 baptisms from 1664/5.

This is the family group sheet for Giovanni Fabbri, born 20th October 1665.

If your ancestors are from San Cassiano di Controne there will be time to check the church’s database to see your family tree.

You will need to bring names and dates of your ancestors who were born before 1930. Many family trees go back 13 generations from today.

I’m sure it will be a fascinating evening.

“You know my Great-grandparents? (Conosci I miei Trisnonni?)

Trattoria Santina

San Cassiano di Controne

11th September, 20.30 – 22.00

Ann previously completed the same research for the parish of Pieve di Controne and is currently working on the Monti di Villa parish.

Events in Bagni di Lucca

Posted on August 21, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Summer events continue…

The first one celebrates Percy Shelley, the British poet who spent time in Bagni di Lucca with his friend Lord Byron.

On 1st September there will be a concert in the English Cemetery where the renovation of tombs and monuments continues.

Talk to the people at the information centre in La Villa for more information.

Chestnut forest

Posted on August 6, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

At the end of winter I visited the enchanted chestnut forest on the outskirts of Montefegatesi. See the post HERE. It looked stunning even then and I couldn’t wait to return in spring to see it green and lush.

The road into forest is delightful in spring with wild flowers lining the road.

There are a few reminders of the days when chestnuts were farmed seriously. It must have been a hard life, but the beautiful workplace would have helped the workers get through the day.

The trees are the stars on this drive, or even better, walk.

I’m sure the forest is a cool sanctuary in the heat of the summer.

I look forward to my autumn visit when I return later this year.

More events for Bagni di Lucca

Posted on July 31, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Summer is a busy time in Bagni di Lucca. Here are some more events coming up.

Sunday 5th is a busy day with 2 events.

The inauguration of a photographic exhibition of immigtation stories will be at the Oratorio della Madonna del Rosario in Casabasciana. This is one I would love to see. The exhibition will be there until 19th August.

I love sbandieratori! I wish I could be in Brandeglio to see the flag throwers. Let’s hope it is a fine day on Sunday.

…and another in San Cassiano di Controne.

This is a list I found with lots of upcoming events…something for everyone.

This is a list of events in Casabasciana.

Outdoor cinema seems to be popular this summer. I’m sure these events will be well attended.

The pool opens

Posted on July 28, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

The beautiful pool in Bagni di Lucca was opened to much celebration. Thank you Rosi for taking photos and sharing the event with us.

It would not be an Italian celebration without food.

The pool is in the most magnificent setting with views across the mountains and has all the style of a 1950s movie. It is great that the renovations have enabled it to be open for at least some of the summer season.

Here are some more photos of the gorgeous pool taken by Elizabeth Nelson…a big fan of the pool.

Opening hours…9.00 – 19.00

Entrance fee…€8.00

After 15.30…€6.50

Phone…334 2171150

What’s happening in Bagni di Lucca

Posted on July 22, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

There is always something happening in Bagni di Lucca. It isn’t always easy to find out where and when they are happening.

Here are some events coming up.

There are outdoor movie nights in Cafaggio, Fornoli. The next one is on 26th July. The movie will be Wonder, with Julia Roberts.

Rifugio Fiori in Pieve di Monti di Villa is also having movie showings. Roman Holiday is showing 26th July.

There is a concert at Villa Web on 27th July.

There is a gastronomic walk in Montefegatesi on Sunday 5th August, beginning at 12.00.

Also in Montefegatesi, on Tuesday 14th August will be Apericena in the piazza in Montefegatesi at 7.00pm. Look on Facebook on the Montefegatesi Official Page for more information.

Best of all, the beautiful pool in La Villa should be open on 28th July for one month. It has been undergoing extensive renovations and will come back better than ever. It will close again at the end of August for more work.

This is an old photo. I look forward to seeing the new pool.

If you have an event coming up in Bagni di Lucca please email me at debrakolkka@gmail.com and I will put it on Bella Bagni di Lucca to help spread the word.

Rifugio Fiori

Posted on July 19, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Rifugio Fiori in Pieve di Monti di Villa has new operators and things are looking good. We went for Sunday lunch shortly after they opened.

It was a little cool to sit outside.

So we found a spot in the cosy room.

The building used to be a school.

Antipasti was pasta fritta with prosciutto.

Our first course was pasta with ragu.

Next was delicious veal and fried vegetables.

There was an excellent chocolate cake and torta della nonna.

It is great to see that Rifugio Fiori is continuing to serve delicious meals. Pieve di Monte di Villa is lucky to have this great asset.

www.rifugiofiori.it

Phone…371 3916108

info@rifugiofiori.it

Yoga lessons at Bar Italia

Posted on July 11, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

The newly renovated Bar Italia in Ponte a Serraglio is now home to yoga lessons held by Heather Newmarch.

Heather is a qualified personal trainer, yoga instructor (Hatha and Ashtanga), qualified in sports nutrition and is a Reiki Master. She specialises in rehabilitation after injuries. She owned and ran a gym in the U.K. before moving to Bagni di Lucca. She enjoys helping people reach their health and fitness goals.

Heather says that yoga is great for flexibility, strength, stress relief and general wellbeing. She prefers to teach small groups to enable personal attention and to allow freedom of movement.

Yoga classes are held in the large room above the bar every Tuesday and Thursday at 9.00am and each session is one hour. Yoga mats are provided. All levels are catered for and beginners are welcome.

After classes people are welcome to stay on and socialise at the bar and enjoy a coffee or tea. I would certainly add one of Annalisa’s delicious pastries or sandwiches.

Please contact Heather at heather@newmarch.co if you wish to enquire about lessons. Each lesson costs €10.

Bella Bagni di Lucca

A beautiful village in Tuscany

Author Archives: Debra Kolkka