Florence in the spring

Warm days in the hills

As I write this rain is pelting down outside. No better time then, than to tell you about a very special trip to Umbria happening this spring. Bland Badger is a creative retreat hosted by photographer, Charlotte Bland and jeweller, Ros Badger (hence the name). Guests are invited to stay at a beautiful old manor in the Umbrian hills, and over the course of the week take part in all sorts of creative activities like wildflower pressing with JamJar Flowers, landscape painting en plein air with artist Lucy Kent and an insiders’ tour of Florence with author Christobel Kent.

I went on Bland Badger’s autumn retreat a few years’ ago and it has stayed with me as one of the happiest weeks - I went alone and came back with 15 friends, full of new energy. Homemade Italian meals, unlimited evening spritzes, swimming in the pool, walks in the hills and coffee beside the kitchen fire are all included. I’ll keep this short rather than banging on about how brilliant it is - and instead fill this post with Charlotte’s beautiful images that will transport you to the warmth of Umbria in the spring.

If you’d like to join the Spring Retreat 26th April - 3rd May 2025, Bland Badger are very kindly offering 10% off to subscribers of The Gimlet Eye, using the code GIMLETEYE at checkout. Find full details about the retreat here.

The wisteria will be out at Villa Pia, on the border between Tuscany and Umbria

Forage for wildflowers in the hedgerows with florist, Amy Fielding of JamJar Flowers

Throw open the windows and look out over the rolling hills

Coffee by the kitchen fire, drinks and homemade Italian meals are included

Find full details about the retreat here. Until next time…