I have been in Italy since January and it is almost time to go home to Brisbane. Leaving Italy is always difficult and leaving the newly completed Casa Debbio is heart breaking.
Monday night was my last there and as well as cleaning the house from top to bottom, feasting on cherries from our laden tree and watering the new grass one more time, I wandered about taking photos.
The house is completely finished inside. Come for a walk with me from the top floor down.
Second floor.
Ground floor kitchen and living room.
The bad weather meant we didn’t get as much done in the garden as we would have liked, but there has been progress. We have grass beside the house, our flowers are growing (much to the delight of the bees) cherries are ripe, figs are on the way as well as hazelnuts and our vegetable garden.
The barbecue is working.
Our frog fountain is working and his little mate is not far away.
There was a storm nearby last night which left everything sparkling in the soft light.
There was even a little rainbow. What a fitting end to my Casa Debbio stay. We have our first booking for the season. Rosi, Adriano, Filippo and Modesta will be taking care of the house until I come back in October…can’t wait.
Casa Debbio is available for rent. Contact me at debrakolkka@gmail.com if you would like a peaceful mountain retreat for your next holiday.
It all looks beautiful Debbie! I can imagine the peace and quiet you feel when you are there – the mountains really bring you back to yourself. Congratulations!
By: Shona Nunan & Michael Cartwright on June 25, 2013
at 3:51 pm
I love being up there…it is so quiet and peaceful and so very beautiful.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 25, 2013
at 7:59 pm
Great photos Drebra. You have been very industrious with the path building and getting everything looking pretty well perfect. Love the new path from the BBQ to the well. Your guests should be suitably impressed.
By: Jim & Kerry on June 25, 2013
at 4:05 pm
I am pleased with the results, but I can’t wait to get back in October and plant more fruit trees and bulbs for next spring.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 25, 2013
at 8:00 pm
The pictures are beautiful. You must be sad to leave. You have done wonders with the landscaping. Safe trip back to Oz.
By: Pam Proctor on June 25, 2013
at 4:13 pm
I hate to leave, but at least I know I will be back soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 25, 2013
at 8:01 pm
How beautiful Debra, your own little piece of paradise, thank you for sharing 🙂
By: Andrea Waterhouse on June 25, 2013
at 4:20 pm
It is gorgeous up there in Vergemoli. It is a gorgeous village with the nicest people.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 25, 2013
at 8:02 pm
What a beautiful cozy house!!
By: Jennifer Avventura on June 25, 2013
at 4:44 pm
It is a lovely house to live in…I will miss it.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 25, 2013
at 8:02 pm
Gosh time flies. It’s hard to believe that you arrived there in January … it only seems like a couple of months ago. The house looks absolutely lovely as does the garden. Bon Voyage!
By: Just Add Attitude on June 25, 2013
at 4:46 pm
I can’t believe I have been here more than 5 months. Time goes too quickly.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 25, 2013
at 8:03 pm
It really lookks gorgeous, Debra. You put so much effort into it, but it shows! Congratulations!
PS I can see the clock….
By: mulino dominillo on June 25, 2013
at 4:52 pm
The clock fits perfectly in the house…thank you!
By: Debra Kolkka on June 25, 2013
at 8:03 pm
This is a huge credit to both you and Jim and the team who worked on the house. You have magnificent style Deb and have carried out this rebuild in the most authentic and stylish way. Well incannot wait to see it. Though this year I am in Patis and Croatia so will just rely on your blogs. Travel home safe and I will see you late July. Di
By: Dianne Cant on June 25, 2013
at 6:14 pm
I am happy with the way the house has turned out…2 years of work by a lot of people.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 25, 2013
at 8:04 pm
The house is positively beautiful. You must be feeling so proud of your labor of love. Safe travels back to Brisbane. I know Bagni di Lucca will miss you. I saw the glowing article about you in the local paper. Hope our paths cross one day. We will be arriving in a few weeks.
Best wishes for now!
By: dianepk on June 25, 2013
at 7:35 pm
Thank you. Perhaps we will meet later in the year. I will be back in October.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 25, 2013
at 8:05 pm
I know the feeling you must have, every time we leave our house in Tasmania after adding our touches, working on the garden it is heart wrenching and we cannot wait to return also. Why am I not surprised to see the green umbrella in the garden, all looks wonderful Deb and look forward to seeing you soon, we arrived back yesterday.
By: Roz MacAllan on June 25, 2013
at 8:50 pm
The umbrella had to be green! I hate to leave but I am also looking forward to some Brisbane time. I will be back next week.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 25, 2013
at 9:00 pm
Deb, such a beautiful home in the mountains you’ve built. It’s been an honour to follow the process from start to finish. Have a good trip home (but I bet you can’t wait until October!).. xx
By: Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial on June 25, 2013
at 9:12 pm
I am looking forward to being back in Australia. I have been away for a long time, but yes, I am already planning my next trip to BdL.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 26, 2013
at 4:26 am
Just beautiful, all your hard work has paid off. Welcome home, see you soon.
By: Kirsi sade on June 25, 2013
at 9:19 pm
I am really happy with the house. I remember when it was just a pile of rocks.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 26, 2013
at 4:27 am
It takes my breath away. Just gorgeous
By: aussiegirl0905 on June 25, 2013
at 9:40 pm
You will have to visit when you come to Italy next time.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 26, 2013
at 4:27 am
Looks lovely Deb
By: Liz Litzow on June 26, 2013
at 12:28 am
It has come up well hasn’t it?
By: Debra Kolkka on June 26, 2013
at 4:28 am
I can vouch for that BBQ working….. Its a ripper and works like a dream. Pitty someone forgot to bring me the leftover pork sausages the following days. Worse even that the home made terramasu was chucked away! But you guys have a most ovely home there. That is for sure!
By: paul on June 26, 2013
at 1:34 am
You were the first to use the barbecue and I don’t have a photo of you standing in the rain with your umbrella. I can see you are never going to forgive me for the sausages and tiramisu. I promise you more when you come back.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 26, 2013
at 4:29 am
Debra, your house is stunning!
By: Diane C on June 26, 2013
at 2:44 am
Thank you, it has been a lot of work by a lot of people.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 26, 2013
at 4:29 am
Wow amazing Debra you should pat yourself on the back.. Looks very invitIng great retreat for when you get back. Take care x x
By: Anonymous on June 26, 2013
at 6:30 am
It is a beautiful, quiet mountain retreat…very difficult to leave.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 26, 2013
at 12:19 pm
What a beautiful house and what lovely photos. Wild horses wouldn’t drag me away from a place like that!
By: Francis on June 26, 2013
at 7:30 am
I love my life in Australia too, or I could never leave.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 26, 2013
at 12:20 pm
You have an amazing beautiful house Debra. What a huge achievement. This must be the hardest goodbye for quite a while. I am thinking of you. Safe trip back. xx
By: janinevasta on June 26, 2013
at 8:19 am
It was very difficult for me to close the chestnut doors for the last time, but I will be back soon enough. I hope you can come to stay with me in the house one day.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 26, 2013
at 12:21 pm
That’s an invitation too wonderful to contemplate. I will do my best! See you in Melbourne soon I hope.
By: janinevasta on June 30, 2013
at 4:38 am
so beautiful… Thank you dear, love, nia
By: niasunset on June 26, 2013
at 10:14 am
We love it up there in the mountains.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 26, 2013
at 12:22 pm
Fabulous job on the house! Congratulations and good luck with it as a rental. Safe journey back to Brisbane!
By: Frank on June 26, 2013
at 10:44 am
I’m sure others will love Casa Debbio as much as I do.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 26, 2013
at 12:23 pm
So much to like, where to start, but I love the frogs, they must make you smile.
By: Jan on June 26, 2013
at 12:15 pm
Wasn’t I lucky to find 2 such lovely frogs??
By: Debra Kolkka on June 26, 2013
at 12:24 pm
congratulation Debra, it is a wonderful place
By: ilario3155 on June 26, 2013
at 12:20 pm
When I come back you must come and I will cook lunch for you for a change.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 26, 2013
at 12:25 pm
Reblogged this on Casa Debbio – our house in Tuscany.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 26, 2013
at 3:29 pm
BELLA ITALIA……..you have done GOOD!
By: La Contessa on June 26, 2013
at 4:05 pm
Grazie!
By: Debra Kolkka on June 26, 2013
at 9:10 pm
I’d never be able to tear myself away!!!
By: jann on June 26, 2013
at 6:22 pm
It is with great difficulty that I have closed the house. I will be back in 3 months.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 26, 2013
at 9:11 pm
It’s absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations on your finished house! 😀
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on June 27, 2013
at 5:10 am
We are delighted with the result of lots of hard work.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 28, 2013
at 6:34 am
the house looks lovely pity i’m not in italy to be able to stay there. did your rug arrive or is that still coming. iwasn’t sure if it was in the house. safe trip back chris:)
By: chris toy on June 27, 2013
at 11:08 am
The rug will be waiting for me when I return in October.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 28, 2013
at 6:35 am
Casa Debbio is looking beautiful Debra. I can’t believe that not so long ago it was just a dream. Enjoy your visit to Brisbane!
By: jenny@atasteoftravel on June 27, 2013
at 12:00 pm
It is great to have the house finished and I am looking forward to some Brisbane time.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 28, 2013
at 6:35 am
What a lovely house and garden!
By: linneabylinneanilsson on June 27, 2013
at 1:03 pm
Thank you, it is a wonderful place to be.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 28, 2013
at 6:36 am
Simply stunning and I hope some day to see it in person. You have done such an amazing job!!!!
By: paninigirl on June 27, 2013
at 3:04 pm
I will take you up in October.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 28, 2013
at 6:36 am
Oh, it’s really beautiful, Debra. It would break my heart to have to leave so soon. You’ve done a great job. Glad to know you’ll be back again in only 3 months. 🙂
By: adinparadise on June 27, 2013
at 7:58 pm
I hated to leave the house just as it all came together, but I will be back soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 28, 2013
at 6:37 am
stunning Debra. What a beautiful house. (I did gasp a little at the size of the kitchen, a happy gasp.)
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on June 27, 2013
at 8:51 pm
It is a great kitchen to work in.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 28, 2013
at 6:38 am
This house is wonderful. Love Anita, Mike and Nicky
By: Anonymous on June 28, 2013
at 8:42 am
Thank you! I hope you will visit me here one day.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 29, 2013
at 7:19 pm
We will visit you one day, believe me. Have a safe trip home. Love Anita, Mike and Nicky
By: Anonymous on July 1, 2013
at 8:57 am
What a wonderful home you have created, so sad you have to leave, I would find it hard to leave such a beautiful place that is so close to many destinations I love. It is cold and rainy here in Queensland with more rain to come 🙁
By: twoblackdoggies on June 29, 2013
at 5:56 am
I can only leave because I know I will be returning soon…and I love my life in Brisbane too.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 29, 2013
at 7:19 pm
how you can leave this beautiful home in Italy you have created, must be heartbreaking. I love that you have chosen just red as your main flower display – and then all the frogs!! I am glad you can not see our collection of antique stone frogs which we had shipped here with the fountains and statues from the Garden in England – they are all sitting on one of our terraces, looking a bit sad – no garden, too hot, no grass, trees etc. Enjoy your time back in A. Carina
By: anyone4curryandotherthings on June 29, 2013
at 6:29 am
I wish I could see your frogs…I love them!
By: Debra Kolkka on June 29, 2013
at 7:20 pm
Every single shot is testament to the excellent job you have done with the house Debra! Would love to escape there someday 🙂
By: Madhu on July 2, 2013
at 1:31 pm
I love being in the house, even more than I expected.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 4, 2013
at 10:00 am
What a delightful place! It’s been so fun to watch it being built! I bet you will miss it dearly. When are you going back?
By: thirdeyemom on July 2, 2013
at 11:39 pm
I do miss being there. I will be back in a few months to continue working on the garden.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 4, 2013
at 10:01 am
[…] is the village we look at from the terrace of Casa Debbio. It always looks wonderful draped across a ridge in the Apuane mountains…whether it is […]
By: A trip to Trassilico | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on July 8, 2013
at 9:21 pm
Hi Debra,
I am new to Word Press. May I know how you create the photo gallery this way (with big and small photos) ?
Cynthia
By: Cynthia on July 11, 2013
at 9:51 am
Go to the WordPress helpline…they will be able to describe the process better than I can. It is quite simple if you have a good look when you hit the upload media button.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 11, 2013
at 10:04 am
When I originally commented I clicked the
“Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several e-mails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thank you!
By: Cairns Australia on July 23, 2013
at 12:39 am
I’m not sure how to remove this. Comments have stopped on this post anyway.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 23, 2013
at 12:51 am
[…] I think it would look great on the side wall at Casa Debbio. […]
By: I would like a family crest | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on November 13, 2013
at 1:06 pm
Beautiful, beautIful, beautiful…that’s all I can say!!!
By: Edi Inglis on November 1, 2015
at 4:25 pm