In complete contrast to the landscape of Northern England, Richard and his family went on a summer holiday in 2002 to Northern Tuscany, famous for its art and culture and instantly fell in love with this landscape of hilltop villages and mountains - like the Highlands of Scotland but with sunshine! They saw an apartment for sale in a newly renovated 500-year-old building which used to be an artist’s studio and decided to buy it. Luckily the offer was accepted and the purchase went through without any problems - although it does help when Richard’s partner Julie speaks fluent Italian!

The studio apartment, available to rent throughtout the year, is perfect for exploring Barga - nicknamed the most Scottish town in Italy, since many Italians emigrated to Glasgow at the turn of the last century to set up fish and chip shops and ice-cream businesses. There is even a Fish and Chip Festival every summer in Barga! Go to www.barganews.com for more info on Barga.

FOR A DOWNLOADABLE LEAFLET OF THE APARTMENT, WITH PHOTOS AND PRICES, PLEASE EMAIL RICHARD