An Italian interior: Villa Tigliano, near Florence

While away in Italy the past couple of weeks, I found a new magazine that I am crazy about, called Il Meglio di Ville Giardini. The houses and gardens featured (not to mention the photography) are just gorgeous. I'll be posting a few of my favorites inside the 2009 collector's issue I brought home. First up: this 13th century Italian residence, called Villa Tigliano, is located not far from Florence. I can hardly imagine living in a structure so ancient and I do wonder how they have kept it up over the years. I do love the authenticity of an interior that isn't made to look old, but just is.
Characteristic of Italian style, (especially in the countryside)
simple, sparsely-placed furnishings allow the old-world interior to be the main player. (photos by Adriano Brusaferri)

Mediterranean villa in Ponza: Silvia Fendi's home

I ran across these pages I've saved forever from an old Vogue. I absolutely love this sunny, elegant living room and the outdoor space. With light like that, this place could only be in the Mediterranean. Located on Ponza, a tiny island off the coast of Italy, this is the home of Silvia Fendi (one of many, probably). (photos: Francois Halard, Vogue 2002)