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Handmade in Lucca: Your Guide to Discovering Lucca’s Artists & Artisans
Discover the artisans of Lucca, from painters and ceramicists to leatherworkers and chocolatiers. Explore how their timeless craftsmanship brings history, tradition, and heart into every home.
Ashley Campolattaro
Sep 2910 min read


Buon Rientro: Finding Flow in September
In Italy, rientro means “the return.” After August’s long pause when much of the country seems to collectively exhale for Ferragosto (August 15, a national holiday marking the peak of summer vacation), I’ve always loved how unapologetic Italians are during this time. Businesses just hang signs: chiuso. Often times for more than a week. That would never fly in the U.S. Imagine the outrage if your favorite restaurant was just closed for a week's vacation.
Ashley Campolattaro
Sep 124 min read


Let Them Feel at Home in Lucca: Warm Welcomes & Soft Landings
Many of our guests arrive jetlagged and exhausted, having navigated flight delays, missed connections, and the general chaos of travel.
Ashley Campolattaro
Mar 153 min read


The Weight of Holding Memories
The weight of our memories, both literal and figurative, is something I wrestle with. What do we keep? What do we pass down?
Ashley Campolattaro
Feb 119 min read


Winter in Lucca Centro Storico: Staying Cozy and Comfortable
Keeping warm in a historic home like Casa Campolattaro does require some thoughtful planning - especially since gas and electricity costs
Ashley Campolattaro
Jan 155 min read


For Our Guests: A Map of Lucca
We have marked this map with some of our favorite spots, points of interest, restaurants, and more. From cozy trattorias serving up...
Ashley Campolattaro
Dec 30, 20241 min read


Behind the Scenes: Filming Our House Hunters International Episode in Lucca, Italy
The crew made our experience especially enjoyable and worthwhile.
Ashley Campolattaro
Nov 27, 202412 min read


We've Been Keeping a Secret!
When we earnestly began our search for a place to buy in Italy, we impulsively sent an email to House Hunters International...
Ashley Campolattaro
Nov 22, 20245 min read


Lessons Learned in the Stewardship of our Historic Home in Italy
Our recent quest for the perfect antique lion doorknockers was a reminder of the unique considerations that come with a home like this...
Ashley Campolattaro
Nov 9, 20245 min read


Exploring Lucca with Littles
Traveling to Lucca with kids? Discover tips for a fun, relaxed family trip that embraces spontaneity and Italy's charming pace!
Ashley Campolattaro
Oct 31, 202411 min read


A Home in Italy, Not Just an Investment
We received a message from Alicia, a reporter for Fortune Magazine, asking if we’d be willing to speak with her for a story...
Ashley Campolattaro
Oct 1, 20244 min read


Why Lucca is the Perfect Fit for Us
Several friends have asked us how we came to decide on Lucca out of all the places in Italy, and the answer goes back to our shared vision.
Ashley Campolattaro
Sep 24, 20247 min read


Why Your Hairdryer Might Short Circuit Your Italian Vacation!
The electricity in Italy runs on a different voltage—230V compared to the 120V used in the US. This means that your US hairdryer could turn
Ashley Campolattaro
Sep 16, 20243 min read


Inside Italian Home Features & Quirks
During our search for a home in Lucca Centro Storico, we found features and quirks that stand in sharp contrast to our experiences in the US
Ashley Campolattaro
Aug 16, 20249 min read


Trash Talking Lucca
Lucca has a highly effective, albeit sometimes confusing, recycling system. Our "Cheat Sheet" helps make it less overwhelming for guests.
Ashley Campolattaro
Aug 12, 20244 min read


Keeping Cool: Italian Summers and AC
Italian summers can be blisteringly hot, and dealing with the heat is an art that locals have mastered over centuries.
Ashley Campolattaro
Jun 13, 20245 min read


Investing in La Dolce Vita: Navigating House Hunting in Italy
Some hidden secrets of buying a home in Italy, from realtor quirks to cultural nuances.
Ashley Campolattaro
Jun 6, 20247 min read


Balancing Tourism and Responsibility: Renting Our Slice of Tuscan Heaven
As we signed the papers for our apartment in Lucca, a sense of responsibility crept in. The idea of leaving our home sitting empty from near
Ashley Campolattaro
May 28, 20244 min read


More Than Decor: Furnishing our Home from 5k Miles Abroad
Furnishing our Lucca home from afar turned into an adventure thanks to Tutto Torna Antiques. We gained beautiful antiques and new friendship
Ashley Campolattaro
May 17, 20244 min read


Part IV - Pasta, Prosecco, and Property: Practicality and Passion
While we approached Lucca with cautious optimism, we were also mentally prepared for the possibility of not feeling a connection let alone f
Ashley Campolattaro
May 14, 20245 min read
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