Italian Dream

 

Yann and I are visiting our close friends Laurie and Willie in Southern Italy. I was here in February and, like my last visit I fell in love again, so much so that I begged Yann to come with me this time to see, to feel what I hold dear. Within five minutes or less after being here, he felt the same attraction, and tugged on his heart. And it wasn't just the pasta because anyone who knows Yann knows how he loves pasta.

Italy is a region brimming with enchantment and charm, where time seems to be forgotten. Its sunlit landscapes, old beauty, and charming hilltop villages beckon me to travel down one more path, one more road, one more hidden corner... Among its bounty lie old farmhouses tucked away in the countryside, waiting to be discovered by those with dreams of living here longer than a holiday.

For me, the thought of owning a farmhouse is a pleasure-filled dream. The allure lies in its ability to transport me to a different era, where simplicity reigns, where the rural community takes center stage with its abundant nature; it reminds me of my childhood where roots held us close.

 

One of the most intriguing aspects of these old farmhouses is their inexpensiveness. In contrast to the soaring property prices where we live, these rural gems offer a chance for ownership at a fraction of the cost. They present a golden opportunity for those seeking an affordable investment or a home away from home. Add that to the sacredness of all that is good and real; it is hard to look away.

As I wander along the one-lane roads and rolling hills, the sensation of being far from home fades insignificantly. The countryside, with its absence of publicity and consumer attractions, the soft sweet air sings an unmistakable song that makes me feel like this is paradise. Imagine you can hear birdsong while driving. Plus, the incredible warmth and hospitality of the locals further reinforce this sense of belonging, making it easy to imagine a life intertwined with this land.

 

Every farmhouse tells a story, its ancient walls whispering secrets of generations gone by. They bear witness to the toil and fortitude of those who worked the land, nurturing it with their sweat, desire, and love. Olive groves stretch as far as the eye can see, their gnarled trunks standing as testaments of years of cultivation. Vineyard promise of hearty wines, where gatherings with family and friends fill long tables under the jasmine-filled terraces, and the summer evenings are lit by moonlight and laughter. And as the sun sets, beyond the fields, its rays paint the sky in hues of gold and orange; I can't help but feel a profound connection to something beyond myself. The dream of living in Italy conjures up a feeling far from the ordinary, a chance to forge a deep bond with a foreign and familiar land. 

 

The dream of owning an old farmhouse here goes beyond the physical possession of a property; it's an immersion into a way of life. It's about embracing the slow-paced rhythm of the countryside, where time is measured by the changing seasons and the ripening fruits. It's about finding solace in the simplicity of everyday tasks and the beauty of nature... It is my childhood remembered and reawakened.

Will we buy something here? Hum, I don't know... it is a dream delicious and ripe, and that alone is a gift I am thankful to have in my heart.

Thank you, Laurie, for inviting us and sharing your world.

 

Comments

[Jeanne]

Beautiful I hope your dreams of an Italian farm house come true
Ciao Bella

[Bette Lee Collins]

Dear Corey, was
You must see the Liam Neeson Film, called Made in Italy.....it matches the photos you sent...
Bette Lee, Red Bluff, CA

[Ed Schnurbusch]

Replace "Italy" with "France" and your description sounds just the way you used to describe living in your current location. I see a new remodel project in your future.

[carol]

I see an Italian farmhouse in your future…:)

[Franki]

"If the shoe fits,buy it!" Anonymous

[Nikki]

My husband and I have just retired after 40+ years of farming in Canada..reading your beautiful post has me dreaming of a new sun kissed agrarian chapter in Italy! I say for for it with gusto Corey, while you are still young!

[Jennifer Phillipps]

What a blissful time and place you seem to have found yourselves in....go on buy a lovely old building and use your magical skills to revive it! Cheers Jennie, NZ

[Julie underwood-dewey]

The first and last picture looks so similar to parts of California- just beautiful.

[Kathy]

Oh, Corey!
It so beautiful! I totally understand the allure and the excitement of a beautiful dream.
Thanks for sharing it with us.
With love from one dreamer to another…
💕

[Chico Sue]

The love you feel for Italy is evident in the way you are caressing it with your poetic description and beautiful photographs. It would be hard not to love Italy, especially the countryside.

[Liana]

What a beautiful dream. I hope it comes true! I can relate to the beautiful simplicity that is so magical.

[Rebecca / PNW]

It’s not rice fields, but it’s pretty rich.
Hello Corey, I’m rarely visiting your blog but this is wonderful.
I love how you articulate so beautifully what you sense in this place. Now I want to go there. Even more, I want you and Yann to move there if that’s what your hearts are telling you.

[marilyn]

Oh, a farm house to renovate! What a delicious dream.