A Family Gateway to Italy
Funday 01/05/2025 – 03/05/2025
This week, my time at the Château was intentionally shortened not because the work had slowed (it never does), but because I joined my family for a short and meaningful vacation in Genoa, Italy. They had planned this getaway in advance and encouraged me to take the time to rest and reconnect. Saying yes felt like a small but important act of self-care. Life at the Château is vibrant, fast-paced and full of creative demands, so stepping away for a few days gave me the space to breathe, reflect and ground myself in connections beyond my professional world.
Genoa proved to be the ideal destination to do just that. Visiting the Royal Palace Museum, where the first king of Italy once lived, I was surrounded by opulence, history, and layered architectural detail. Exploring cathedrals and classical paintings gave me a renewed appreciation for how space and art can work together to communicate stories across generations.
The harmony between legacy and beauty in these places reminded me of the work I do at the Château, where preserving heritage while introducing modern comfort is always a delicate, intentional process.
What struck me even more deeply was how Italian culture expresses itself far beyond architecture. It’s present in the intricate patterns on tiles and fabrics, in the warmth of the people, in the musicality of the language and in the way meals become moments of gathering and joy. Sitting at long family lunches, sharing pasta dishes and stories, I felt enveloped by the richness of it all.
Every gelato flavour, hand gesture, and ornate ceiling told a story one that blended history, family, and identity. Experiencing this alongside my own family added another layer of meaning. It wasn’t just a holiday, it was a shared cultural immersion that brought us closer and reminded me of the simple beauty in togetherness.
Our time in Cinque Terre added a lighter, more relaxed dimension to the trip. Wandering through the vibrant coastal villages, indulging in Italian food and gelato, and absorbing the natural beauty of each landscape left me both physically restored and visually inspired. Although our itinerary was full, the trip was deeply energising. It reminded me that rest doesn’t have to mean inactivity it can come through wonder, movement, and joy.
As I return to the Château, I do so with a renewed mindset, grateful for the short escape, inspired by the beauty I encountered and ready to dive back into upcoming projects. With the new residency group arriving and preparations underway for the Clews family visit, I feel energised and focused. Most of all, I’m thankful to my family for encouraging me to take this time. Their presence made everything more meaningful, and their support continues to be one of my greatest sources of strength.