It emerged out of the haze above us like a mystical castle, its tower etched against the skyline beckoning us to brave the steep, twisting road to find out what it was.
There wasn’t a soul around as Margo, Kathy and I crept tentatively up the unmarked gravel road somewhere high above the wineries of Barolo, Italy. We kept our eyes peeled for ferocious dogs that might be lurking behind a crumbling stone wall ready to pounce on unwanted interlopers.
Thankfully no such beasts appeared so we breathed sighs of relief and continued on our way up to this clearly abandoned and oh-so-enchanting castle, villa, or manor house.
We crossed the ivy-covered and rosemary bordered bridge to the locked metal doors and I peered in a rusty hole to see what I could see.
How I longed to unbolt that door and walk down that tunnel to the courtyard beyond. I wanted to adopt this place, restore the missing windows, tidy up the overgrown gardens, and soften the brick rooms with cozy rugs and overstuffed, comfy furniture.
At last I tore myself away from such dreams and stood on the bridge in awe of the stunning view. A few moments earlier we’d been down in the valley watching folks fill a bright yellow hot air balloon, and there it was! Soaring cheerily over hillsides lined with vineyards.
The building was fronted by wildly prolific brambles and massive fig trees, as well as a tiny vegetable and flower garden tended carefully by someone. Perhaps little Italian elves. 🙂
I wouldn’t mind picking weeds so much if I had this view to look up at. 🙂
All too soon we tore ourselves away from our discovery and headed back down the hill, wondering what this place had been, who had lived there, and what stories those walls held.
What do you think this place was? 🙂
Gorgeous photos. Takes me back to my own summer holiday.
Thank you, Sarah! 🙂 I’m so glad it brought back such good memories for you. 🙂
So pretty! It’s fun to imagine what it must have looked like way back when.
Isn’t it beautiful, Christine? 🙂 It must’ve been so gorgeous all tidied up and bustling with people. 🙂
What a fabulous find Krista.
I was so excited, Barbara! 🙂 It still makes me smile when I think of it. 🙂
Oh how stunning!!! Thank you for these photos and your commentary…I think I literally sighed out loud.
Love you!
Oh, that makes me so happy, dear Rain! I love you too! XO
Fabulous photos of a stunning old villa- a great find. Let’s hope that if it’s ever restored, it’s done with sympathy.
I hope the very same thing, Jenny. I hope it’s someone who treasures it. 🙂
How cool! And what beautiful photos! I so wish I was there with you…
Thank you, Jessica – I’m so glad you like them. Wouldn’t we have the best time taking pics all over Italy together?! Next time for sure!!! Wish you were here.
I dream that this place was once home to a great landlord who opened his doors to the travel weary. He could oversee his land as far as the eye could see. He came upon some hard times and his descendants now live in the former cottage next door and tend the vegetable gardens and dream of days gone by:D
I LOVE that dream, Val!! 🙂 Absolutely perfect. 🙂
Oh, how lovely…well, and gorgeous! Italy is such an incredible place. How I wish I was there to share with all of you, but thanks for taking me along “virtually” 🙂
I wish you were here too, dear Tuula! I’m so glad you like the pics. 🙂
A manor house maybe and what a fantastic renovation project it would make, a dream of a building.
I think it would be SO fun too, Linda! 🙂 So much work but so enjoyable. 🙂
It does not get much more romantic than the Italian countryside. The photos are beautiful. I have no idea what the place was but, it was incredibly beautiful.
Have a great Italian tour.
Velva
Thank you so much, Velva – it’s been a wonderful trip so far and I’m enjoying every moment. 🙂
A retreat for wealthy vineyard owners, perhaps? Looks lovely whatever it was!
Ahhh, very good possibility, Andrea. 🙂 I hope somebody adopts it soon. 🙂
INCREDIBLE. KRISTA YOU AMAZE ME. i”M EXCITED TO EXPLORE WITH YOU SOMEDAY SOON. LOVE YA!
Thank you SO much, dear Robin! Nothing would make me happier than traveling with you RIGHT NOW! 🙂 Love you too!
Krista, these photos took my breath away. Simple lovely!
I’m so happy to hear that, Barbara. 🙂
Why must it be abandoned? I could live there with my Italian villa master and hot air balloon collection.
I think that is the best idea, Jamie. A hot air balloon collection and you just seem to go hand in hand. 🙂
I have no idea what it was but it is beautiful. Glad you’re having fun!
What city town was the castle located in? Gorgeous pictures, breathtaking! Thanks for sharing them! I love your site!
It was above Alba in the Piedmont, Captiva. 🙂 So glad you like the pictures too! 🙂