. It is getting easier by the minute to travel from the UK to Italy as the British government eases the regulations: as from 4 October there will be no need for our vaccinated guests returning to the UK to have a pre-Covid test, nor an expensive PCR test in the UK on Day Two of their return. Although we have managed very well in organising inexpensive pre-departure tests for our guests at Continue Reading
Spare our self-deprecating British blushes, but that’s what I call a testimonial!
We Brits become a little embarrassed with fulsome praise, so we went a little pink around the ears reading Kristina Fransson’s comments on Tripadvisor about her painting holiday with us last week. But we are secretly very pleased, of course. Kristina, from Sweden, was on Mike Willdridge’s watercolour course.She says: “A taste of paradise. Everything was great! I can describe it as a real paradise Continue Reading
A generous gesture
When Kaoutar Okbani, our effervescent waitress/housekeeper, admired the painting above by Watermill guest Mike Meyer, he had no hesitation in making a gift of it to her. A very generous gesture by Mike and one much appreciated by Kaoutar and the rest of the Watermill team. Thank you very much indeed, Mike. It was another example of the warm atmosphere we enjoyed during Mike Willdridge’s Continue Reading
At last! Italy no longer requires quarantine for travellers from the UK. Breakaway to a Watermill creative course
At last! People coming from the UK will no longer have to quarantine when they arrive in Italy if they are fully vaccinated and can show a negative COVID test. That was the good news announced at the weekend by the Italian government – and it’s fantastic news for our guests planning to come on our remaining creative courses here at the Watermill this year because it means that they will be able Continue Reading
Arrivederci to Randy’s painting group
Watermill painting tutor Randy Hale sent a charming Facebook note to all the participants on his course this week, together with an atmospheric photograph (above) of the archway to the Watermill walled garden. Randy writes: “I just wanted to thank all of you for making this week so enjoyable and full of new memories to cherish! What fun we’ve all had. And a BIG thanks to Lois and Continue Reading
Settling in nicely on our first painting course for ages
We are having a wonderful time on our first painting course at the Watermill for ages, with our guests enjoying enthusiastic tuition from tutor Randy Hale, walks in the glorious countryside and delicious food prepared by Lois and our Italian cook Arianna. Our thanks also to painting guest Grace McKee, whose Facebook montage beow captures the ambiance of the Watermill. We still have some Continue Reading
Watermill Patreon patrons receive regular perks. See what you’ve been missing! A delicious Italian-flavoured ice cream that is simple to make
Today Lois Breckon shows us how to make a wonderful Amaretto mousse cream: another favourite of our Watermill guests and just the thing to round off a summery meal. Lois says: “It’s a creamy, almond-y ice cream based on a recipe by St Delia. It's not only deliciously Italian but a delight to make because there's no stirring during the freezing stage.” You can view the video by clicking Continue Reading
The etiquette of Italian mask-wearing: more power to your elbow
We Italians (both Lois and I have dual British and Italian nationality) are a sociable lot. So, we are all very pleased that covid restrictions no longer curtail our lives, especially the most important things, like taking coffee, aperitivi, dining and chatting with friends. The wonderful rhythms of Italian life have mostly returned to normal. That is not say that we are not socially Continue Reading
A barrel of wine, some bread and melons. The beginnings of one of the greatest-ever works of architecture
Here is an entry from the1420 expense accounts of the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, the office of works of the cathedral in Florence: ′′At 7 August: 3 lire, 9 soldi, 4 denari for a barrel of vermiglio wine and a flask of trebiano and bread and melons for a collation made on the morning the wall of the cupola began to be built." Thanks to the matter-of-fact entry of the bookkeepers, we know Continue Reading
Watermill Patreon patrons receive regular perks. See what you’ve been missing! Part Two: Italian gestures
Today Francesca La Sala shows us some popular hand gestures which will have you communicating with the natives in no time flat! As you probably know we have created a community of convivial like-minded people who have become Watermill patrons. There are lots of bonuses when you join. Patrons receive regular exclusive videos keeping them up to date on all our activities and on top tips Continue Reading