Yann and I are visiting our close friends Laurie and Willie in Southern Italy. I was here in February and, like my last visit I fell in love again, so much so that I begged Yann to come with me this time to see, to feel what I hold dear. Within five minutes or less after being here, he felt the same attraction, and tugged on his heart. And it wasn't just the pasta because anyone who knows Yann knows how he loves pasta.
Italy is a region brimming with enchantment and charm, where time seems to be forgotten. Its sunlit landscapes, old beauty, and charming hilltop villages beckon me to travel down one more path, one more road, one more hidden corner… Among its bounty lie old farmhouses tucked away in the countryside, waiting to be discovered by those with dreams of living here longer than a holiday.
For me, the thought of owning a farmhouse is a pleasure-filled dream. The allure lies in its ability to transport me to a different era, where simplicity reigns, where the rural community takes center stage with its abundant nature; it reminds me of my childhood where roots held us close.
One of the most intriguing aspects of these old farmhouses is their inexpensiveness. In contrast to the soaring property prices where we live, these rural gems offer a chance for ownership at a fraction of the cost. They present a golden opportunity for those seeking an affordable investment or a home away from home. Add that to the sacredness of all that is good and real; it is hard to look away.
As I wander along the one-lane roads and rolling hills, the sensation of being far from home fades insignificantly. The countryside, with its absence of publicity and consumer attractions, the soft sweet air sings an unmistakable song that makes me feel like this is paradise. Imagine you can hear birdsong while driving. Plus, the incredible warmth and hospitality of the locals further reinforce this sense of belonging, making it easy to imagine a life intertwined with this land.
Every farmhouse tells a story, its ancient walls whispering secrets of generations gone by. They bear witness to the toil and fortitude of those who worked the land, nurturing it with their sweat, desire, and love. Olive groves stretch as far as the eye can see, their gnarled trunks standing as testaments of years of cultivation. Vineyard promise of hearty wines, where gatherings with family and friends fill long tables under the jasmine-filled terraces, and the summer evenings are lit by moonlight and laughter. And as the sun sets, beyond the fields, its rays paint the sky in hues of gold and orange; I can't help but feel a profound connection to something beyond myself. The dream of living in Italy conjures up a feeling far from the ordinary, a chance to forge a deep bond with a foreign and familiar land.
The dream of owning an old farmhouse here goes beyond the physical possession of a property; it's an immersion into a way of life. It's about embracing the slow-paced rhythm of the countryside, where time is measured by the changing seasons and the ripening fruits. It's about finding solace in the simplicity of everyday tasks and the beauty of nature… It is my childhood remembered and reawakened.
Will we buy something here? Hum, I don't know… it is a dream delicious and ripe, and that alone is a gift I am thankful to have in my heart.
Thank you, Laurie, for inviting us and sharing your world.
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