12 Mar 2015
POSARA, Italy — Nestled in this small, sun-drenched village in the heart of bucolic Lunigiana in northern Tuscany, is The Watermill at Posara, for unforgettable, fun-filled vacations that focus on artistic learning and pampering in vividly picturesque, unspoiled surroundings.
Lovingly restored by proprietors and generous hosts Bill and Lois Breckon, who preserved the inn's centerpiece 17th-century watermill and buildings, this historic family home immerses visitors in the true Italian lifestyle-as-classroom. Travelers are drawn to this idyllic, sun-filled and secluded destination to partake in world-class instruction in painting, creative writing, knitting and Italian language. They are nurtured and looked after by the Breckons' don't-lift-a-finger hospitality and mouthwatering, authentic culinary experiences. Freshly cooked fare reveals a modern twist on the delicious amalgam of the area's traditional cucina (Tuscan, Ligurian and Emilian cooking), each dish infused with locally sourced ingredients, many from the Mill's garden.
The Watermill's inspiring, all-inclusive learning vacations express Tuscany's artistic legacy, legendary for its pastoral landscapes, history and influence on high culture. Guests share enthusiasm for the course instruction — their passion fueled by a roster of talented teachers from around the world — and detach from stressful routines in an oasis where they can relax, reflect and regenerate. In particular, singles and women travelers always feel safe and cared for, as do non-participating companions of guests who can take part in The Watermill's extensive roster of optional activities…there is plenty to do while the other half paints, writes, knits or learns Italian.
Delectable, Authentic Fare
The Watermill's cuisine — as much a lure as its courses — puts locally sourced ingredients center stage, of which many are freshly picked from onsite gardens. Lois Breckon mesmerizes guests with her gorgonzola soufflés and amaretto mousse ice-cream, iconic Tuscan dishes like porchetta and the amazing torta di cioccolato from Capri, made with ground almonds instead of flour. Her kitchen partner— local Italian grandmother Mirella Musetti — produces delectable classic Italian and pasta dishes such as tagliatelle ai funghi porcini with wild mushrooms from the hills, and zucchini fritti, fresh from her garden, cut into strips and fried in the lightest batter. Their recipes are cherished takeaways by many guests who want to revive memories of The Watermill back home.
Property Highlights
Stylishly designed, well-furnished accommodations feature extremely comfortable beds, original artwork and captivating artefacts. Four have en suite shower rooms; two others can be part of two self-contained apartments, each for two people sharing, and the other three bedrooms have shared bathrooms. Rooms are situated around The Watermill's courtyard, each featuring views of the River Rosaro, the gardens or the mountains. Leisurely breakfasts and delicious evening meals are enjoyed in the sunny courtyard dining room, or guests can venture to nearby restaurants if they wish to further explore local cuisine and wines. Around the property are myriad charming locations for relaxation and contemplation; public areas such as terraces and a sitting room, walled and riverside gardens, vine verandah, winding rose pergola, millstream and riverbank beckon guests with tables and chairs to savor the pastoral stunning ambiance.
The extraordinary value of these all-inclusive, artistic weeks is palpable, as guests need only arrive at Pisa airport, and The Watermill covers everything from that point on through their entire stay, to their return to Pisa airport a week later. Rates start at approximately $2,050 USD / £1,345 per person, based on double occupancy, and $2,170 USD / £1,435 single occupancy, which include the following:
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Tuition for creative courses with renowned instructors
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Seven nights' accommodations
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All meals including wine at The Watermill and several local restaurants (a truly extraordinary provision) including pre-dinner aperitifs and after-dinner liqueurs
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Local transportation to neighborhood restaurants, ground transfers to/from Pisa Airport, excursions to private monasteries, castles, the walled-city of Lucca or the World Heritage fishing villages of the Cinque Terre
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Non-participating companions of Watermill guests will receive $300 USD / £200 discount for the week.
For reservations or more information on The Watermill at Posara, visit http://www.watermill.net or contact the inn at (UK) +44 (0) 20 7193 6246. The Watermill also offers a special, three-day customized excursion to the beautiful city of Florence with licensed private tour guide Freya Middleton. This Florence Add-On includes room, breakfast, coach train tickets, ground transfers, two, four-hour sightseeing walking tours and more, for just $1,049 USD / £695.00. Venice and Rome, are also easily accessible by train or plane from Pisa, pre- or post-Watermill.
Artistic Learning Vacations — Summary & Schedule
A center of artistic excellence in a historic family home, The Watermill Posara facilitates highly memorable learning holidays in painting, writing, knitting and Italian language, where travelers with lifelong artistic bents can savor the real Italian lifestyle and personal care throughout their entire stay. Every program is relaxing, therapeutic and fun.
Gifted, highly skilled teachers instill their lessons with encouragement and inspiration to unleash each individual's creativity; each week features a different instructor and his/her specialized media.
May 9 – 16 Doranne Alden of Malta — watercolor
May 16 – 23 Sue Ford of England — watercolor, pastels, collage and mixed media plus acrylic
May 30 – June 6 Kevin Scully of England — watercolor, oils, pastels and other media
June 6 – 13 Sarah Yeoman of the U.S. — watercolor
June 13-20 Trevor Lingard of England — watercolor
June 20 – 27 Sandra Strohschein of the U.S. — watercolor
July 4 – 11 Sandra Iafrate of the U.S./Canada — acrylics and oils
Aug 15-22 Trevor Lingard of England — watercolor
Aug 22 – 29 Laraine Simpson of England— oils, pastels, watercolors
Aug 29 – Sept 5 Mike Willdridge of England — watercolor, drawing, pastels and acrylic
Sept 5 – 12
Sept 19 – 26 Carol Tippit Woolworth of the U.S. — oils and gouache
Sept 26 – Oct 3 Charles Slug of Australia — watercolor, acrylic and oils
Sept 30 – Oct 10 Keiko Tanabe of Japan — watercolor — a special 10-day painting program
Oct 10 – 17 Anne Kerr of England — watercolor and pastels
Creative Writing Holidays — 2015
Two writing courses will be offered, respectively, by prolific USA TODAY-bestselling author Sharon Kendrick, who has penned over 90 romantic novels for Harlequin, topping Waldenbooks list in the U.S. and Canada, and selling around the world; and Laurence Marks, the successful British sitcom writer and one-half of the writing duo Marks & Gran (Maurice Gran), who co-wrote some of the UK's classic television hits Birds of Feature, Shine on Harvey Moon, The New Statesman and Goodnight Sweetheart, as well as award-winning dramas and feature films.
May 2– 9 Sharon Kendrick of England — Writing Romance
May 16 – 23 Laurence Marks — TV Comedy and Drama Scriptwriting
The week-long knitting holiday encompasses hands-on instruction with globally renowned knitting specialist and designer Marie Wallin, who conducts her workshops in multiple settings — The Watermill, a privately-owned former monastery and on the grounds of a hilltop restaurant — to infuse her teaching with the serenity of the stunning Tuscan countryside. In her workshops, she enthusiastically yet patiently introduces guests to slip-stich color work and mosaic patterning, and the world of cabling. All yarn included; guests bring own knitting and cable needles.
May 23 - 30 Marie Wallin of England — Knitting and La Bella Via
August 8 – 15
Sept 12 - 19
Learn Italian immersed in one of the most beautiful, compelling regions of Italy, nestled between the Apuan Alps (where Michelangelo found his precious marble) and the majestic Apennines mountains. Under the direction of instructor Francesca La Sala of Langues Services, Florence's prestigious language school, guests experience a new level of immersion in the joyful countryside and culture of Lunigiana, meeting locals and conversing in Italian, to practice what they've learned.
April 25 – May 2 Francesca La Sala — Language Holiday Luginian
For reservations or more information, visit http://www.watermill.net or contact The Watermill at Posara at (UK) +44 (0) 20 7193 6246.
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Editor's Note: Additional high-res images are readily available upon request.
CONTACT: Bill Breckon bill@medialliance.net +44 (0)20 7193 6246
Bonnie Reuben bonnie@bonniereuben.com (310) 248-3852 (USA)
