I am delighted to be back at Casa Debbio. Filippo has done a wonderful job of taking care of the house and garden in our absence over summer.
On my first morning I awoke to mist covering the village below.
It soon cleared to become a glorious sunny day.
On the second morning a golden light appeared, highlighting the beginning of autumn colour.
The garden is beginning to fade after the summer, but it still looks great. The geraniums are still thriving.
There are a few tomatoes left on the vines.
We have some kiwi fruit.
The quince tree has produced quite a bit of fruit.
The pink roses at the back of the house are still growing.
Wild goats and deer have chewed off all the roses in front of the house.
Wisteria is growing well over our pergola. It should provide plenty of shade by next summer.
I can’t get enough of the views from Casa Debbio.
Soon I will start pruning the 300 lavender plants and several other things that need a trim.
Casa Debbio will be available for rent next year. Please share with anyone who might like to spend some time in the glorious mountains of northern Tuscany. I would like to see someone enjoy a couple of months at the house and experience an authentic Italian village.
Just 100 people live in Vergemoli. It is a pretty village with well kept houses and gardens. There are few foreign visitors, but in summer lots of families return to houses which have been in the family for generations to enjoy the wonderful weather and take part in the summer parties and celebrations. Our guests are invited to join in and are welcomed into this delightful little community.
You should be so proud of yourself with what you’ve done with Casa Debbie in just a few years… everything looks beautiful I’m thrilled for you that you are back at your home in Italy. I’m loving all the photos
By: Margie Miklas on September 25, 2018
at 6:57 pm
We are very happy with the progress at Casa Debbio. The garden is the result of a lot of work. Filippo has been a wonderful help. We could not do without him.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 25, 2018
at 7:00 pm
I can’t get enough of the views either. Your photos are just beautiful. Welcome back to your Italian home.
By: Laura Harwood on September 25, 2018
at 6:58 pm
It is great to be back. I love to get up early and wander among the plants and take in the delightful fragrances.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 25, 2018
at 7:01 pm
Beautiful Debra!!!
By: thirdeyemom on September 25, 2018
at 7:54 pm
It is a little slice of heaven up here.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 26, 2018
at 6:09 am
I know I say this a lot but I don’t know how you can bear to leave! Absolutely gorgeous.
By: kathy on September 25, 2018
at 8:46 pm
I have trained myself to walk away, but it is always in my thoughts.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 26, 2018
at 6:10 am
Looks gorgeous Deb. You can now enjoy all that hard work –
By: Elizabeth Litzow on September 25, 2018
at 9:24 pm
There is some work ahead with the pruning. I start this morning.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 26, 2018
at 6:11 am
From someone living on the Gold Coast… you are certainly living my dream. Best of both worlds Australia and Italy 💗 Thank you for sharing and letting me live through you…
By: Sonia on September 25, 2018
at 9:48 pm
I grew up at the Gold Coast. As I am driving up the mountain I often wonder how this came to be. I love my split life.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 26, 2018
at 6:11 am
Dear Debra, it is really so wonderful to witness the transformations that have occurred in your little paradise. I have been reading about your exploits for several years now and it has been so much fun to see the work you’ve done and the seasonal shifts. I know some day I will spend some time at Casa Debbio. Can you tell me if one did rent it for several months, how many people does it accommodate and where would I look for your rates
Kudos to you and your gardener,
Derin Gemignani
By: Derin Gemignani on September 25, 2018
at 10:11 pm
Casa Debbio sleeps 6 in 3 double bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Email me any time for details.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 26, 2018
at 6:12 am
Brings back wonderful memories Deb.
By: Christine & Douglas Collins on September 25, 2018
at 11:40 pm
It looks different from when you were here, but still lovely.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 26, 2018
at 6:13 am
Simply stunning! You have created such a special place.
By: paninigirl on September 25, 2018
at 11:42 pm
Thank you, we love it here.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 26, 2018
at 6:14 am
Oh Debbie it looks exquisite… you should feel very proud of your outstanding achievement with the house and garden … Enjoy your few weeks of toil in the peace of that amazing countryside!!! Jx
By: Jan Williams on September 26, 2018
at 12:21 am
I am about to head out with my shears to cut the lavender….all good.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 26, 2018
at 6:14 am
Such a beautiful garden, Debra. I’m not at all surprised that you are happy to be back there. Lovely photos. 😍
By: anotherday2paradise on September 26, 2018
at 2:09 am
There is a strong wind blowing here today. I think it will blow some leaves away.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 26, 2018
at 6:15 am
What a fantastic place! Le fotografie sono bellissime, di solito! The photographs are beautiful, as usual!
By: stellalucentellc on September 26, 2018
at 3:10 am
Thank you. It is easy to take pretty photos here.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 26, 2018
at 6:16 am
It is all looking very stunning, not just the flowers but the fruit as well. Congratulations. i would love to see it some time and swap notes. I can’t wait till we get back and seeing your photos has made the longing stronger.
By: Kathryn Beckingsale on September 26, 2018
at 4:23 am
Perhaps next spring you will come.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 26, 2018
at 6:16 am
The garden is looking beautiful Deb. We are so looking forward to seeing it again.
By: Kerry & Jim on September 26, 2018
at 6:20 am
Not long now.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 26, 2018
at 9:20 am
oh dear Debra, your garden is great now, so beautiful, fascinated me all your photographs. Thank you, Love, nia
By: niasunset on September 26, 2018
at 7:24 am
Thank you Nia, we love our garden.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 26, 2018
at 9:21 am
Your garden is absolutely gorgeous!! – a real credit to your artistic nature and Phillipe’s expertise in keeping it beautiful. We’d love to visit Vergemoli and Bagni di Lucca next year, if possible. Not sure when yet. Continue enjoying your idyllic surroundings, Deb!
By: Sandra Hoopmann on September 26, 2018
at 9:11 am
The garden is lovely and Filippo has done a great job over the summer. We could not do without him.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 26, 2018
at 9:22 am
Good to hear that you have safely arrived to enjoy autumn in Bagni di Lucca, my favourite season! The garden looks great. Enjoy it!
By: Mulino Dominillo on September 26, 2018
at 11:08 am
I am now pruning the lavender. Some of the plants are still looking good and the flowers are still attracting bees, so I will leave those until later.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 3, 2018
at 10:53 am
The garden looks so pretty with all the colourful flowers. Enjoy autumn!
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on September 29, 2018
at 12:44 pm
Autumn is a lovely time to be here. I like the chestnut festivals.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 3, 2018
at 10:53 am
What a gorgeous place! Such a lovely contrast to Australia.
By: Eat, drink and be Kerry on October 3, 2018
at 8:11 am
My life here is completely different from my Brisbane life. I love both.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 3, 2018
at 10:54 am