Castle-Inspired Dining Room

Resources

Ontario Wallcoverings, Revetements Muraux Concord

The gorgeous ceiling panels in this dining room were courtesy of Ontario Wallcoverings, Revetements Muraux Concord.

Decorative Panels and Cornice moldings for Walls and Ceilings Retro Art products are made from a lightweight, easy to handle, fireproof material which can be cut using household scissors for ease of installation. Retro Art products are easily painted, are durable and affordable. They have a style to suit every personality and every room in the house. Designs are exacting copies of Victorian originals popular over one hundred years ago.

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Baron Francesco Ricasoli

Special thanks to Baron Francesco Ricasoli for granting us an interview and warmly inviting The Painted House into his enchanting castle, Castello di Brolio

The Brolio Castle, home of the Ricasoli family since 1141, is one of the main landmarks of the Chianti country. The castle stands in a strategic position where the hills of Chianti unfold toward the plain of Siena. It is surrounded by a beautiful park including a picturesque Italian garden. It's massive walls date back to the Renaissance and look out over what is perhaps the most spectacular view of the Chianti region. Brolio belongs to times gone by. It's evocative charm and detached peace awaken fantasy in both young and old.

Chianti Wine, like other Tuscan wines, has been produced since Etruscan times. Chianti wine experienced a major decline at the end of the 18th century, as did Italy itself but enjoyed a resurgence due largely to the efforts of Bettino Ricasoli. As a deeply religious, serious newlywed living in Florence, he was overcome by jealousy at a winter ball when his bride danced a little too closely with another young man. He promptly moved his bride Anna and himself to the isolated Castello di Brolio in what is now south Siena, where no Ricasoli had lived for many years. He rebuilt the manor as a permanent home, replanted the vineyards and experimented with different varieties and combinations of grapes. The Brolio vintage 1841 became the standard for today's best Chianti and the "Brolio Ricasoli" label is one of the most prestigious. Today the region of Chianti stretches from Firenze and east down through Siena, with its regions meandering along ridges and valleys.

Hotel Place d'Armes

Guests of the Painted House stay at the Hotel Place d'Armes.