OFF ON OUR TRAVELS IN SEARCH OF......

'THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LAKE IN EUROPE'

When somewhere is described as 'The most beautiful lake in Europe', how can one resist putting it high on a travel wishlist?

Lake Orta (or Lago d'Orta) as the Italians call it, is the smallest of Northern Italy's 'Italian lakes' and is a near neighbour to Lake Maggiore in the West and is in the beautiful Piedmont region.

Lesser known, even to many Italians, Lake Orta was so named in the 16th Century, but was previously called Lago di San Giulio, after Saint Julius (4th Century) who was patron saint in the region.  Measuring just 8.3 miles long X 1.6 miles wide, with the magical small central 'island' of Isola San Giulio set in the middle.

After a rather early start (yawn!) Mr. W and I flew to Milan where it was an easy 45 minute hire car drive to San Giulio, the picture perfect small town on a peninsula projecting from the east shore of the lake.  After checking in quickly to our little hotel, lunch was our priority, so we headed around the corner to the pretty central square overlooking the water.

It was hard to believe that just a few hours earlier we had left home, and here we were sitting overlooking the most stunning lakeside view, eating a platter of delicious local Piedmont cheeses and cold meats, and sipping a glass of equally delicious local white wine.  My idea of heaven!

Beautiful mainly 17C houses line the shores of the lake, many with their charming boathouses and terraces.  

 San Giulio is a haven of pretty cobbled back streets with beautiful architecture to admire.....

Pretty courtyards...

...and romantic balconies aplenty!

A trip to San Guilio would not be complete without making the effort to make the steep climb up to 'Sacro Monte di San Francesco'....

The view alone out to Isola San Giulio is worth the climb...

...before finding Sacro Monte, an amazing collection of 20 small chapels dedicated to the life of Saint Frances.

Some chapels simple and modest, and others boasting spectacular frescoes....

Back to the water's edge, a boat trip out to Isola San Giulio was a must.  Just a few minutes across the water to this tiny island, which is home to the spectacular Basilica di San Giulio and an old seminary built in the 1840's which is home to an enclosed order of Benedictine nuns.  A request for 'quiet' while walking around the buildings and cobbled alleyways, added to the beautiful and mystical atmosphere of this holy place.

Back over to San Giulio main land, beautiful walks around the lake are perfect for 'dream house' spotting! (oh and also for walking off all the delicious pasta dishes too...)

I rather liked this beauty, right on the water's edge....just imagine taking breakfast on that balcony each morning? Sigh....

...and hopping on to your speed boat to head out for lunch across the lake?

There are a number of hotels to stay at around the lake, but for our little two day break, we stayed in a charming b&b called 'Al Dom' which felt more like a boutique hotel.  Owned and run by the charming 'Massimo' who spent five years painstakingly restoring the property a few years ago.  Original features restored throughout and lovely attention to detail.  Its lake front position was wonderful, with access to a pretty garden with sun loungers taking in the spectacular views.

A simple but stylish interior, filled with charming antique pieces....

Doors leading to a pretty outdoor courtyard garden at the back....

...with access to a private lake front garden too.  Just perfect!

Such a pretty room and this stunning view to wake up to!  The breakfasts too were just wonderful, so I would highly recommend!

These are just a few highlights of our short but sweet stay on lovely Orta.  Really very uncrowded compared to the neighbouring Lakes and unspoilt by tourism.  A truly magical place.

Only three days away, but it felt like a longer holiday!  

If you enjoy beautiful scenery,  pretty architecture, art, history, walking and good food and wine, then a visit is a must!

***

Wishing you all a lovely weekend,

Sophia xxx

A VERY SPECIAL PLACE....

VAL D'AOSTA SKI REGION

If someone was to ask me where my 'Spiritual Home' is, it would certainly have to be the mountains, and more specifically, the Alps.  Clean air, raw natural beauty, and mother nature at its finest.

Each year, Mr. W and I have the greatest pleasure of spending a whole week with our brood in this snowy paradise, which now they are young adults who have left home, is particularly special.  With the addition of the eldest two's other halves and a great friend of our youngest son, we are an enthusiastic party of eight who love our skiing and partying alike!

We have skied in many places over the years, but for the last few years (and no doubt for many years to come hopefully) our hearts have settled on the lovely unspoilt resort of Champoluc in Italy.  Nestled in the Aosta Valley with the magnificent Val da Ousta ski area to enjoy, it's an absolute gem.  What makes our visits so particularly special, is a magical little hotel called 'Frantze'.  

Positioned up in the mountains, high above the village, it is reached only on skis, by foot or on scadoo.  Owned by the lovely Francesca and her wonderful family, whose warmth and hospitality is beyond touching.  Each year greeting us as family and taking care of our every need.  

'Frantze le Rascard' was originally built in 1721 and the family have in recent years, lovingly and sympathetically restored this wonderful former mountain farm and hunting lodge.  Now a charming and very comfortable nine bedroom hotel, but without losing any of the original history and character of its past.

Sadly I have no photographs of the cosy bedrooms and interiors, or the charming warm dining room which is built in to the rock face or of the maginificent four course dinners prepared for us by 'Auntie' Antonella in the kitchen and served by the lovely 'Nona' Simonetta and her assistant Maddy, but I'm sure you get the picture of this very lovely and personal place.

Above is one of the unconverted outbuildings, left untouched for decades since someone once lived and worked here....if only those walls could talk?

How beautiful is this little heart shaped window in our bedroom?  Leading the eye towards the magnificent view down the valley.

The food in this region of Italy is second to none...although I think it's probably fair to say that it's probably near impossible to get a bad meal anywhere in Italy!

Lovingly hand made pasta dishes and as you can see, the most incredible charcuterie and cheese boards.  All beautiful quality local mountain cheeses and air dried meats from the Aosta Valley.

With my 'Snow girls"

We were blessed with amazing snow and blue skies and sunshine....

Special time with our family...

OUR BROOD

...and wonderful memories.

Do you have a special place you call your 'Spiritual Home'? 

 I would love to hear!

A WEEK OF SPECIAL FAMILY TIME IN BEAUTIFUL PUGLIA....

A little over a week ago now, we returned from our visit to the beautiful region of Puglia in Italy.  I had not visited this area before, but had heard such wonderful things about how unspoilt and uncrowded it was compared to other regions.  

Puglia, in the 'heel' of southern Italy, is known for its whitewashed hill towns, many with the most beautiful Baroque architecture.  The surrounding countryside with centuries old farmland growing an abundance of fruit and vegetables, olives and grape vines.  There are also hundreds of miles of stunning coastline.  

Our home for the week was in a beautiful architect designed villa with attached restored historic 'Trulli' which is typical of the area we were in, just outside the delightful town of Martina Franca.  Alberobello and the surrounding Itria Valley nearby is particularly famous for these sand stone or often whitewashed conicular roofed houses, which reminded me of our lovely oast houses here in Kent.

Set amongst olive groves on quiet dry stone edged lane within peaceful countryside, our interesting home away from home for the week, was the perfect place to switch off and relax 'en famille'.  With our three 'grown up' children having left home now, it was a particular treat to get to spend special time with them away from their busy London lives.

Some evenings, but usually lunch was spent exploring Martina Franca's beautiful marble streets, and array of wonderful little family owned restaurants...

...and most evenings at our beautiful villa, where we could all relax and have fun.  The only sound to be heard was of the grasshoppers in the olive groves, our music playing without disturbing a soul, and much chat and laughter and the clinking of glasses!

We are all true foodies in our family, so the lure of the wonderful local markets was irresistible.  Fabulous fresh produce and seafood to take back with us for dinner in the evenings.   Puglia is particularly renowned for its amazing tomatoes and burrata cheese, which we ate in abundance!

We are very spoilt to have a 'Professional Chef' in the family! Thank you to my lovely daughter Georgie for all the delicious dishes you prepared....

...also to my lovely boys who too are very keen and accomplished cooks, and took great command over the bar-b-q and fantastic outside kitchen!

Holidays really are an opportunity to have the time to get creative and prepare uncomplicated but delicious food, especially when it is outside and in such relaxed and beautiful surroundings.   Having said that, Mr. W and I got very little look in on that front, and just sat back and enjoyed the pleasure of being cooked for!

High on our list of favourite places in the region was 'Lecce', just an hour's drive south.  Described as 'Florence of the South' for its numerous examples of baroque architecture, the uncrowded streets brought a beautiful suprise around every corner.  Ending with a fabulous lunch in one of the many fantastic little restaurants tucked down these gorgeous historic streets.

Another amazing place of interest was 'Alberobello' near Bari.  Although a little touristy and busier compared to other areas, we are glad we visited just to see the extraordinary array of 'Trulli' buildings which have made this small town a Unesco World Heritage site since 1996.

 

A day on the coast at a relaxed little beach bar and seafood restaurant, with swimming off the rocks, was truly magical.  

Our last night came around far too soon, as with any happy holiday....

As Mr. W and I reflected on our happy week, we felt very blessed to have spent such a special time with our brood.   

Puglia lived up to all expectations.  As well as the beautiful unspoilt countryside, coast and historic towns, the people were just lovely....so warm, friendly and welcoming and with an appreciation of the important things in life, which is all about family, good food, and life's simple pleasures.... and I couldn't agree more! 

***

Sophia xx

PS.  For a daily dose interiors, gardens, food, travel and lifestyle, follow me on Instagram @sophiahomelifestyle