My wife's family is in Australia and we have friends dotted around the globe, so we spend many months a year staying in other people's homes. This has given us considerable insight into what works in making a functioning home and what doesn't. This, combined with my wife's considerable talent as an interior designer, especially in relation to colours, and my perfectionism has enabled us to create homes that are calm and welcoming- places where people feel relaxed.

We were confirmed francophiles until we discovered Italy about 15 years ago and since then we have not looked back. The Tuscans are such happy and welcoming people, with a zest for life, especially really fresh, natural food and their sense of humour is superb. We manage about 3 months per year in Tuscany and love every momen