A Tuscan Adventure

A Tuscan AdventureWhen Charlotte Horton and her family of British bohemians discovered an abandoned Tuscan castle, little did they know that they would transform it into a vibrant, modern locale. Nestled in the rugged terrain of Mount Amiata, Castello di Potentino was a dilapidated mess: roofs had collapsed and there was no plumbing or electricity. Following the arduous process of purchasing it from 22 different owners, they set to work renovating the eleventh century

When Charlotte Horton and her family of British bohemians discovered an abandoned Tuscan castle, little did they know that they would transform it into a vibrant, modern locale. Nestled in the rugged terrain of Mount Amiata, Castello di Potentino was a dilapidated mess: roofs had collapsed and there was no plumbing or electricity. Following the arduous process of purchasing it from 22 different owners, they set to work renovating the eleventh-century structure.

In this enthralling account of revamping the castello into a contemporary ode to Italian tradition, photographs by the late British fashion photographer Michael Woolley showcase the property, while Horton’s text dives into the renovation and life at Potentino. From a dramatic vaulted entrance hall to a starry ceiling mural, the interiors are bound to delight. Readers also learn about technical details, such as recycling materials and painting. A chapter dedicated to the land – complete with a vineyard and olive groves – displays Horton’s philosophy of self-sufficiency. This book is a must-have for those interested in Italian architecture and the Tuscan lifestyle, or anyone with the dream of restoring a tower in Tuscany.