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Knitting and La Bella Vita

La Bella Vita means 'The Good Life' in Italian and that's just what you'll be savouring when you take a wonderfully relaxing and inspiring week-long knitting holiday in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. You will work on projects with our top tutors and enjoy being pampered by the outstanding Watermill hospitality.

You'll also be knitting at a privately owned ex-monastery and in the grounds of a fabulous hill-top restaurant. You will be treated to an all-day excursion to the delightful fishing villages of the Cinque Terre or the beautiful Italian city of Lucca and enjoy a morning's ramblings through the market at the nearby walled medieval town of Fivizzano.

You will have the perfect opportunity to make new friends in the company of like-minded people learning new techniques and tips from our tutors... and enjoying unspoilt Italy and, of course, fantastic food and wine.

Your hosts at the watermill, Italy

We would love you to join us.

Your hosts at the wtaermill in Tuscany

Lois and Bill Breckon

 

Testimonials from our two 2023 knitting holidays


This was a return visit and, as on previous visits, it didn’t disappoint (apart from the weather). The course itself, which was led by Georgia Farrell, had just the right balance of tuition, support and free knitting time. Most days there was something special to do such as a visit to the local market in Fivizzano, or lunch in a delightful small walled hill town, or a visit to Cinque Terre.

The Watermill itself is a haven of peace and calm. The food is amazing, the rooms are beautiful and immaculately clean and who doesn’t love apéritivi time, not to mention post-dinner digestivi? Lois, Bill and Karsten and their team are brilliant hosts. Can’t wait to go back again next year. AW


Spending a week every year since 2017 at The Watermill has been such a pleasure and something to always look forward to. Bill, Lois and Karsten are such wonderful hosts! I've joined several knitting courses and one Italian language course which were all great fun and relaxing. And the food, especially on the days that Lois is cooking, is just something else to look forward to ! The rooms are lovely and all have air-conditioning. The places we visit each year remain spectacular even after so many times, they are well worth it. A secluded, relaxing holiday LM


Just had a lovely time on a knitting week at the Watermill. A lovely place with good food and company, you are made to feel very welcome . Even heavy rain can't spoil it! Food allergy catered for with no fuss. SU


Testimonials from our 2022 knitting holidays


It was truly delightful in every way. Our room was spacious and spotlessly clean, with a view of gardens and the river. So blissfully quiet at night! I loved that there are so many places to gather or steal off by oneself if space is needed. The meals were amazing; delicious, plentiful and varied. What a treat to have cocktails before dinner every evening and digestivi after. I'm having to adjust to "real life" now that I'm home! The outings that we were taken on were also interesting, beautiful and efficiently executed. Lois and Bill were the perfect hosts and their assistant Karsten was always at the ready if anything was needed. Finally, we had so much fun meeting new friends and laughing more than we have in ages. It was a great experience and we recommend it highly! LR


Just returned from wonderful first visit to the Watermill for a fabulous week of knitting with Louisa Harding. Perfect in every way - in fact I have just booked again for next year. Lois and Bill were ideal hosts, my room delightful and the food and wine were excellent. SL


After 3 years of delays due to Covid 19, I was able to reserve a week long knitting workshop hosted by Debbie Abrahams at the Watermill. This venue is so beautiful and the hosts, Lois and Bill Breckon so welcoming. Not only was Debbie’s workshop more than I could hope for, but The Watermill so exceeded my expectations.

My sister and I enjoyed a beautiful room with en suite bathroom. We were lulled to sleep by the sound of the rushing stream outside our room and awakened by the sweet sound of lovely birdsong. While the resort is air conditioned, it was not needed.

All meals are provided and the food was 5 stars. There were several planned excursions offered including the local market day in Fivizzano, an excursion to Cinque Terre or Lucca, and a lovely morning of knitting at a monastery followed by a luscious lunch in the nearby gardens. S O’R


Missing the Watermill and all the fabulous friendships made during our knitting week. Lois and Bill are fabulous hosts! Lovely accommodations and the food was fantastic. Looking forward to returning! PK


Bring your partner or friend!

Why not bring your friend or partner? They don’t have to participate in the course, but they will be able to enjoy the wonderful hospitality of the mill and, whenever they want, to come out with you to our beautiful locations.

We also offer a range of Alternative activities for partners on all our creative courses, as well as a generous £GBP 250 discount if they share a room with you.


Cool and green at the watermill in Tusacny Italy

You'll be Cool and Green at the Watermill

Solar-powered air-conditioning will keep you cool and environmentally friendly. For more information, please visit our Cool and Green page