Tim and Annie Lyth have been inviting us to spend time with them in their house in Todi for some time now and this April we finally booked the flights to Rome and went over to spend a few days with them both. Whilst at Carshalton College together Saboohi and I heard all about the renovation work that Tim and Annie were carrying out on the house. It was fairly basic and tired when they purchased it but with the use of local architects and artisans they have taken the little house through a remarkable renaissance and now it is truly a beautiful home. The hill top village of Todi is stunning and architecturally very beautiful. Most homes benefit from breathtaking views due to their elevated positions and Tim and Annie’s house is no exception. see it at: http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/italy/it4573.htm
There was an art festival on in Todi during the few days we were there. Annie and I both found a painting each which we wanted to buy. My idea was to purchase the painting as a 50th Birthday present and to ask family and friends to donate money towards it instead of buying individual presents. I had seen a painting in Laigueglia that I had thought of buying (back in February) but it was priced at 2800 euros so it was too expensive. The painting in Todi was by an Italian Artist called Stefano Puleo. He has a Gaugin painting style, bold colours and cartoon style faces (see photo). This painting was of a group of women in a cafe. Quite alluring and sexy in dress but what attracted me was the bold colours. It is a screen print (limited to 99) which has then been hand finished by the artist. The price for my painting was 1000 euros and Annie’s was 2800 euros. Of course we sent in our secret weapon to negotiate on our behalf – Saboohi. Even working in a foreign language Saboohi is an accomplished negotiator and she finally secured the sale for us at 2800 euros for the 2 paintings! Well done Saboohi.
On the Friday (Good Friday) we went to Assisi for the day. I haven’t visited Assisi since I toured Italy with my friend Karen Grainger back in 1981 but there was little change. We visited the basilica (which has been restored since it was partly demolished by an earthquake in the 90s) and we also visited Santa Clara. When I visited Assisi last time her charred body was on display in the church with a nun sitting by the side of her, keeping constant vigil. Today however her remains have been moved and she is no longer on display.
Tim and Anni also took us to visit a remarkable village that is perched on top of a small peak that has a valley all around it, called Bagnoreggio. When you see it for the first time it takes your breath away it is so unusual. You have to cross a small suspension bridge to get into the village and the only vehicles that can cross the bridge are the little 3 wheeled vehicles, that you find over on the continent. It is a really magical place and yet many Italians have never heard of it it seems.
A gorgeous and memorable few days. Thanks Tim and Annie.
