BRAMASOLE

     Under The Tuscan Sun : At Home In Italy

                                                                   - FRANCES MAYES

The reader is taken on a voyage through Mayes' experiences in Tuscany, from the villa's initial purchase to the rigorous repair process to the delights and difficulties of living abroad. The breathtaking beauty of the Tuscan landscape, the region's rich history and culture, and the kindness and generosity of the Italian people are all vividly described by Mayes throughout the book. Tuscany's distinctive beauty, culture, and culinary delights are perfectly captured in Mayes' writing. But the book is more than just a travelogue. It is also a story of personal transformation. 

As Mayes adjusts to life in Tuscany, she finds herself becoming more attuned to the rhythms of nature, more open to new experiences, and more appreciative of the simple pleasures of life. Mayes discovers how to slow down, enjoy the present, and embrace the beauty and depth of the world around her through her experiences in Tuscany.                

  BRAMARE: TO YEARN FOR AND A HOUSE

After several weeks of searching, they came across Bramasole, an old villa with beautiful views and potential for restoration. "A lovely old home that seemed to have sprouted out of the earth itself," Mayes writes of the villa. Mayes and Ed were entranced by its charm and character despite its deteriorated status. The negotiations with the real estate agent and the property's owner are then described by Mayes, along with the back and forth about the villa's price and condition. She details the contract-signing procedure as well as the numerous purchase-related costs, including as transfer taxes and notary fees. Mayes discusses her enthusiasm and apprehension about buying Bramasole throughout the chapter, as well as the difficulties that lie ahead in bringing the villa back to its previous splendour. She also considers the sense of adventure and opportunity that comes with taking such a big risk and altering one's entire course of life.