Montepulciano on my Mind...

View from Montepulciano, Italy
It's that time of year in New England. Indian Summer days coming to an end - and still months away from the bright, white snow-scape of winter. Outside is your typical, dreary November day - drizzling rain, gray sky, damp cold. More than the chill in my bones, it affects my mood and sends my mind wandering to a possible escape. Whether immediate or in the future, I start thinking of where I'd rather be. One of the places I consider Heaven on Earth is Tuscany. Spring in Italy, or perhaps summer. I start plotting. I choose Montepulciano (more authentic than Florence or Siena) and check out the local rental properties. I must have a friend somewhere willing to split a week's rent with me! I've narrowed it down to two villas. I'm almost there!

Magic In The Woods

For a cool 3 million plus, you could be hunkering down for the impending winter in this enchanting estate in the country. Located in Lyme, Connecticut, it features 6 bedrooms & 3 full/2 half baths. It includes a circa 1787 reconstructed Cape & Hay Barn with Gallery & Guest House that create it's own little compound around a central boxwood garden, all on 23 acres. What's that? You've just won the lottery? You can find the realtor HERE!
* It's been on the market for 563 days...sounds negotiable!

Dining Room


Living Room

Library

Conservatory

Guest House

Gallery



FOR MORE ANTIQUE REAL ESTATE...

Indian Summer in Connecticut...

...when the days feel like they're standing still. The sun warm on your skin, made all the more precious knowing this particular glorious weekend could be the last until spring.
My mother is very ill at the moment. An unsuccessful cancer surgery - she is presently in ICU at a local hospital and my days are filled with work, kids, doctors & the hospital. Needing a reprieve, my husband and I head out to the Berkshires of Northwestern Connecticut. Just a simple road trip, jumping on Route 44 and heading west. Indian Summer was in all it's glory.

View of Woodbridge Lake in Goshen, Connecticut

Along route 44...

And into Collinsville, Connecticut - an old mill town.

Overlooking Collinsville from Village Cemetery
Another favorite cemetery of mine...






Like it? It's FOR SALE in New Hartford, Connecticut.

Demarchelier @ le petit palais

Patrick Demarchelier, at his Petit Palais Exhibition
Hanging in Paris this weekend? Can't find anything to do? No, I didn't think so. BUT! On the off chance you're soon to be visiting the City of Light, there is a once in a lifetime exhibition at Le Petit Palais. "Patrick Demarchelier: A Passionate Journey". The work of the world renowned fashion photographer is on exhibit through January 4th. Born in Paris and and raised in Normandy, Demarchelier came to New York City in 1975. He didn't speak a word of English but with camera in hand soon made a name for himself working first for Harper's Bazaar and eventually Conde Nast - the home of Vogue magazine. I had the good fortune to work with him back in the 80s. He was a charming man, always with a glint in his eye and a wry smile that made it seem he was up to something. I would love to have the opportunity to see his exhibition but alas, my private jet is in the shop. You can join me though and do the next best thing. Get yourself a pain au chocolat and a cup of cafe creme and check out his website!
Le Petit Palais, Paris, France

Linda Evangelista

Tom Cruise

Madonna

Leonardo Dicaprio

Out-takes from the Exhibition

Scarlett Johansson

If I had a body like this, I'd be swinging from a tree too!

Paul Newman

Princess Diana
"It's never too late to be who you might have been." --George Eliot