When Charlotte Horton and her family of British bohemians discovered an abandoned Tuscan castle, little did they know that they would transform it into a vibrant, modern locale. Nestled in the rugged terrain of Mount Amiata, Castello di Potentino was a dilapidated mess: roofs had collapsed and there was no plumbing or electricity. Following the arduous process of purchasing it from 22 different owners, they set to work renovating the eleventh-century structure.

In this enthralling account of revamping the castello into a contemporary ode to Italian tradition, photographs by the late British fashion photographer Michael Woolley showcase the property, while Horton’s text dives into the renovation and life at Potentino. From a dramatic vaulted entrance hall to a starry ceiling mural, the interiors are bound to delight. Readers also learn about technical details, such as recycling materials and painting. A chapter dedicated to the land – complete with a vineyard and olive groves – displays Horton’s philosophy of self-sufficiency. This book is a must-have for those interested in Italian architecture and the Tuscan lifestyle, or anyone with the dream of restoring a tower in Tuscany.

About the Author

Charlotte Horton has been living at and restoring Potentino since 2000. She worked for Vogue magazine, Secker and Warburg Publishing House, and as a freelance journalist.

About the Photographer

Michael Woolley was a British photographer who taught at the Kingston School of Art’s prestigious Fashion Design BA course.