When we returned from our first trip to Italy, we couldn’t help sharing our experiences and our fascination with this wonderful country. Our friends’ daughter was starting to think about her future wedding and the seed was set for a Tuscan location. Of course, we made it quite clear that we would be attending, what better excuse for a return visit? Nevertheless, we were very excited and honoured to receive the invitation, not only to the wedding, but to stay for a week in a villa with the bridal party and other guests. After our two nights in Lucca, we collected the hire car and drove the ten kilometres to Villa Boccella.

It sounds simple but we had great difficulty finding the entrance gate and, finally asking directions from a local, we were the last of the party to arrive.

There are six properties on the estate and our accommodation was to be in the two limonaie where, originally, lemon trees in pots were moved to in winter to avoid damage from the frosts. Limonaia Grande is the larger of the two

and became the hub of activity with its fabulous kitchen

and dining room,

perfect for a wedding feast.

The enticing sofas in the sitting room

were bathed in the light flooding through the French windows.

The ample bookshelves were well stocked and quirky ornaments adorned every surface.

There were two options for al fresco dining, one with barbecue and pizza oven

and the other overlooking the swimming pool.

Across an orchard of peaches, plums, figs and cherries, Limonaia Piccola faced Limonaia Grande and was equally as opulent as her big sister.

The large windows downstairs captured the light no matter what the time of day.

Our upstairs bedroom was gorgeous

with a magnificent view across the orchard to the mountains beyond.

Between the two limonaie, we could see the 17^th century main villa in all her glory

and a glimpse of Boccellina, the original gatehouse to the estate.

For outdoor relaxation there were several settings to choose from.

The rose covered pergolas were in full bloom.

Terracotta planters scattered colour around the garden

and the orchard still held some surprises.

A pair of blackbirds were lucky to have such a beautiful home.

As well as our wonderful memories, we have a special gift to remind us of our time at Villa Boccella. The bride & groom had commissioned an artist in Darwin to create an illustration of Limonaia Grande as a memento for the guests.

Thank you all for an unforgettable week.