A Tuscan Adventure: Castello Di Potentino: The Restoration of a Castle

When Charlotte Horton and her family of British bohemians discovered an abandoned Tuscan castle, little did they know that they would transform it into a vibrant, modern locale. Nestled in the rugged terrain of Mount Amiata, Castello di Potentino was a dilapidated mess: roofs had collapsed and there was no plumbing or electricity. Following the arduous process of purchasing it from 24 different owners, they set to work renovating the 11th-century structure.

In this enthralling account of ravamping the castello into a contemporary ode to Italian tradition, photographs by the late British fashion photographer Michael Woolley showcase the property, while Charlotte’s text dives into the renovation and life at Potentino. From a dramatic vaulted entrance hall to a starry ceiling mural, the interiors are bound to delight. Readers also learn about technical details, such as recycling materials, painting, and bureaucratic paperwork. A chapter dedicated to the land–complete with a vineyard and olive groves–displays Charlotte’s philosophy of self-sufficiency. This book is a must-have for those interested in Italian architecture and the Tuscan lifestyle, or anyone with the dream of restoring a castle in Tuscany.