Tuscany: Where did we source our furnishings?
This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot specifically for our place in Tuscany, to answer the question of “Tuscany: Where did we source our furnishings?”. It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where we answer tons of FAQ’s and give you lots of information to help you get the most out of your Tuscan stay with us.
At Woodfarm Barns & Barges, we understand that planning the perfect getaway involves many questions and uncertainties. To help you navigate through these and to ensure you have the best experience possible, we’ve launched our ‘You Ask, We Answer’ initiative. This approach isn’t just about promoting our Barns, Cottages and Barges; it’s about providing valuable information, solutions, and peace of mind to our prospective guests.
Anyway, this is the video, and the transcript is below it if you wish to go back over anything.
This is what I said…
Tuscany Treasures: Furnishing Casa Trebbio
Welcome to another glimpse into Casa Trebbio, our charming holiday home just outside Lucca, Tuscany. Today, I’m taking you on a tour of some of the unique furnishings we’ve chosen for the property, many of which were sourced from England. My aim was to bring a little bit of Woodfarm into the heart of Tuscany. Here’s how we’ve crafted the cosy and rustic feel of Casa Trebbio.
The First Piece: A Touch of Lucca
One of the first things I purchased for Casa Trebbio was a framed picture of the terracotta rooftops of Lucca, Tuscany. Oddly enough, I bought this even before I owned the house! It came from Hemingstone Frames in Stonham Aspal, Suffolk. David, my friend who runs the shop, has been an integral part of our journey in sourcing framed art, from this first purchase to numerous other pieces in the house.
Outdoor Furnishings: French Butcher’s Table and Pizza Oven
Let’s start outside on the terrace. The centrepiece is a magnificent table that originally came from a French butcher’s shop. I picked it up in Clara Bowe, near Woodfarm, and knew right away it would fit perfectly on the terrace. It’s a striking slab of granite set on an iron base, with intricate bulls’ heads carved into the metal—a real conversation starter. Complementing this, I created a table for our pizza oven and BBQ using old scaffolding boards and iron pub table bases, creating a sturdy and rustic feel for the outdoor space.
The Kitchen: A Blend of Suffolk and Tuscany
As we step into the kitchen, the first thing you’ll see is a big French dresser that I immediately knew would fit the space. I wanted to give the kitchen a rustic look, rather than go for built-in modern cabinetry. Another favourite piece is the Pine chest of drawers I found at auction in Suffolk. I turned this chest into a sink unit by cutting a hole in the top and installing a basin. It’s a perfect mix of functionality and style. And yes, you’ll even find Woodfarm fridge magnets here, sourced from Best Badges in Suffolk.
Dining Room Finds: The Auction Treasures
The dining room showcases more of our finds, starting with a beautiful oak dining table I bought in Clara Bowe at Laurel Farm, and some comfortable chairs that sat in storage for three years before being brought to Casa Trebbio. The dining room’s feature wall displays a framed black-and-white picture of Onderneming, drawn by my friend Sam back in Suffolk. This piece, too, was framed by David at Hemingstone Frames.
Personal Touches: Photos, Antiques, and Artisan Pieces
Around the house, you’ll find photographs by our long-time photographer, Carl Lamb, whose work brings a personal touch to each room. There’s also an antique corner unit I bought at an auction for just £16, and a gorgeous old oak settle that now resides in the lounge. Another standout piece is a slab of walnut, which I turned into a hanging storage solution in the bedroom. It’s a perfect blend of form and function, and I even did an entire video on this project!
Bringing it All Together
Whether it’s the antique furniture from Suffolk auctions, French flea market finds, or carefully selected artwork, the essence of Woodfarm is felt throughout Casa Trebbio. It’s a delightful mix of English charm and Tuscan style, creating a warm and welcoming environment for our guests.
We hope you enjoyed this little tour and found some inspiration for your own holiday home or interior projects. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more behind-the-scenes looks at Woodfarm and Casa Trebbio.
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