Kicking Off March With A Little Italy

Vacation week was cut short because I guess I took my own advice and had a wee break. I have a really slick new design from Antonino Cardillo coming up this month (soon!) and some other neat items planned. First though, I had planned to show at least something vacation centered from Italy. Why, well I’m just a little Italy obsessed. I’ve always wanted to go visit – see the amazing historical designs and landscape. My sister went once and she noted that yes, it’s right up my alley – and she’d know.

Now, I recently found out that a fellow b5media blogger is headed off to Italy soon. Am I jealous? Well a little a lot. I could let that part of me flow and be mean but, taking the high road, I decided to find some good places for her to stay instead. I’m quite sure she has some places to stay planned already, but just in case those plans fall through, there is always the offbeat and unique lodging of Italy to choose from.

The lovely and full of old school charm, Villa Belsito in Avetrana with a view of the sea (sigh):

I really like this rental in Tuscany. It looks not so unique at the start but it’s actually a restoration of an ancient tower. Coolness! Vineyards, gardens, and relaxation galore.

Here’s an interesting, yet slightly scary looking place to stay – notice how it’s almost crushed into the side of the mountain. Odd stuff:

Listen to this description, pay close attention to the “Guido” part. It sounds like something out of a fairy story.

“Il Convento is a unique and unusual property occupying the entire upper floor of a Xth century monastery, the “Badia di Santa Maria Olearia”. The house is a separate building next to the abbey and comprises the caretaker’s quarters on the lower floor, and the monastery complex itself, now owned by Italy’s Ministry of Culture. Guido the caretaker, will be delighted to provide you with a private tour of the Badia, with its medieval frescos, monks’ catacombs and chapel.”

If I went a traveling, just where might I stay? Well somewhere fit for a princess of course:

This little castle at the Tuscany and Lazio border is so great. Handmade brick floors, external stonework. antique furniture and paintings, surrounded by sunflower fields, sloping olive groves and vineyards. Can you see me there? I can. How about, can you see yourself there? Some wine, some sunsets, ahhhh.

Many more pictures of my delightful castle here.

To learn more about renting any of the properties above, for your own wonderful Italy vacation, simply click on the picture.

There, I’ve done my part to help out all the people lucky enough to actually be heading to Italy – hopefully my karma will remember this.  Where would you go on your dream vacation?