Doesn’t this picture just capture the atmosphere of a Watermill painting course? Three of our guests on Ruth Korch’s week a month or so ago, enjoying each other’s company at aperitivi time on the vine verandah, sampling the house cocktail as young musicians, seated under the rose pergola, are ready to entertain them before the bell rings for another delicious dinner. Our thanks to Lynne Lundy, Continue Reading

  Yesterday, I showed you some early-morning pictures as the sun began to rise above the hills beyond the walled garden. Today, thanks to Watermill guest Lynne Lundy, I can show you some dramatic pictures at the other end of the day, as the sun began to set beyond the courtyard terrace. Lynne, who helped to organise Ruth Korch’s journalling week a month or so ago, has sent us a host of Continue Reading

I am an early riser and this was the sight across the courtyard and through the walled garden this morning round about 6 o'clock. As the sun rises, you can still see the fairy lights twinkling to celebrate my daughter Lydia's birthday a week or so ago. (I think we will leave them up as they look so pretty in the evening light, as well as augmenting the dawn.) We are gearing up for the second Continue Reading

Recent talk about marble-moving (it seems that the Elgin Marbles might be on their way back to Greece), set me wondering whether another famous piece of marble, Michelangelo’s David, might also be moved, taken away from its current position at the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio in the centre of Florence. [Okay, yes, I know that the statue outside the Palazzo Vecchio is a replica and that the Continue Reading

You know we are always delighted when Watermill painting holiday guests send us pictures that they have completed after their week-long stay with us. It proves that memories of a Watermill holiday linger on – and on. The latest guest to send us a couple of pictures is Caroline Mizen, who was on Carl March’s painting course last July. Thank you very much for sharing them with us, Continue Reading

Yes, you only have until the end of August to take advantage of our generous ‘2023 creative courses at 2022 prices’ discount offer. Come and join us and find out why so many people think these are the best creative holidays ever. Make your reservation before 31 August to be inspired and save money. More details in our August newsletter, which you can read by clicking here. There are also Continue Reading

Yes, it is a rollcall of delight: details of all our international Watermill creative tutors – painting, writing, knitting and Italian language – are now up on the 2023 Watermill website. You will find trusted tutors who are returning having had amazing feedback for their inspirational teaching in previous years, together with a group of exciting new tutors from all over the world. You can read Continue Reading

Our guests on Carl March’s painting week went slightly potty yesterday at the weekly market in the nearby walled mediaeval town of Fivizzano. Leastways, they couldn’t resist the stall selling local ceramic bowls. Quite a few of them bought quite a few of the colourfully patterned bowls, which we, incidentally, use to serve the ‘nibbles’ for our evening aperitivi. Rachel Priest, who took the Continue Reading

Caroline Mixen, one of our guests on Carl March’s painting holiday this week, has kindly set up a WhatsApp group to share pictures taken of the Watermill and its beautiful surroundings during their creative seven days. And judging by today’s contribution from fellow guest Valerie Watkins, we are in for a treat. Her photograph is of one of those extraordinary swallowtail butterflies enjoying the Continue Reading