A week-long course in a Tuscan villa


For anyone wanting to try their hand at restoration, under supervision. For anyone wanting to acquire more insight into the process of restoration work. For those people who already have some experience with restoration and want to spend a week asking 'practical questions'. But also for anyone who has never worked with tools. For private individuals, but also for companies or groups. In the following languages: Dutch, English, Italian and German.


Course in furniture restoration


Classes are held daily from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and from 3.30 p.m. - 6.30 p.m. The basic programme covers working on a piece of marquetry, which you can take home with you, French polished, at the end of the course. In addition, restoration techniques are explained theoretically every day, during the coffee break. A written overview of the procedures will be provided to accompany the theoretical explanation. If anyone wishes, they can also help restore Italian furniture from the villa.




Course in advanced furniture restoration


Those who already have some experience with restoration work, or have previously attended a course in Tuscany, can take part in the advanced course. This goes into a number of techniques in more detail, and you have the opportunity to bring along your own piece of furniture. When registering, please choose 'beginner' or 'advanced'.


Course in gilding

For those who want to become skilled in gilding, it is possible to spend a week learning gilding techniques. The aspects covered are: various layers of plaster, gilding with oil, gilding with glue. A lot of sample pieces are made and the student returns home with a magnificent gilded frame.


Partner programme


You can occupy the double room yourself, you can share a room with another student, but you can naturally also bring your partner along. There is an artist on hand, specially for the purpose, so that they too can spend their time in an inspiring way. This can involve: painting, sculpting, cooking or basket-weaving. Of course, it is also possible to spend the day completely as you choose while still making use of the facilities.

Reduction 2nd course

In case you bring in the 2nd coursetaker and you share the 2-bedroom, this 2nd coursetaker doesn't pay € 862 but only € 680.

Excursion to Florence


On the Wednesday, there is an excursion to Florence by coach. Accompanied by a Dutch (English/Italian) speaking guide, you visit 2 museums in the morning, followed by a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, the guide will show you round the centre, but you are also free to explore the city alone.




Groups or companies


If you want to travel to Tuscany with your party or firm, then the concept of the course RESTORATION IN TUSCANY is the ideal way to spend an active and well-organised week in a beautiful villa. The course can be offered in various languages, e.g. Dutch, English, Italian and German, but other languages are not excluded. There is also a wide range of course options: marquetry, wood carving, gilding, pietra dura, ceramic restoration, upholstering, book binding, drawing, painting, sculpture, statues in bronze, cookery. In addition, RESTORATION IN TUSCANY welcomes any requests for specific courses.


Your stay in the villa


The villa, originally a 15th century inn, is a surprising place to stay. Historically, there are close links with Lord Byron and Mary Shelley (the author of Frankenstein). Your stay in the villa will be made most comfortable by the staff, who provide you with breakfast, lunch, dinner and coffee, and also do the washing up for you. The villa has 10 double bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The rooms are furnished with antiques and have excellent beds. Besides that, there are 2 sitting rooms and a separate dining room. Within 100 meters, you will find the private pool, and within 1 km there is a tennis court which you can hire.


The meals

The staff will serve you a delicious breakfast, lunch is prepared by the Italian cook and, as far as dinner is concerned, the cook and her daughter come specially from the neighbouring village to the villa to prepare a wonderful meal for the students. If there are requests for special diets: no problem. The cook knows how to make even the most difficult diets taste good.


Costs