On The Trail Of Celebrities In Italy
Celebrities who own Villas in Italy
Celebrities enjoy relaxing in Italy just as much as everyone else and there are many who own villas within the country. For example, George Clooney has lived on Lake Como since 2002, where he owns owns an 18th Century Palatial villa known as Villa Oleandra which is located in Bellaggio, a hamlet of approximately 900 people. if you are in the area you will often seen many of George's VIP friends. He did once think of selling up when he found that he was being advertised as a tourist attraction.
If you are a fan of the rock star Sting, you will find his 16th Century villa in Il Palagio set in the Chianti region, about 30 km from Florence. He has lived there for over 15 years and has taken to organic farming on his 300 hectare estate where he produces wine, olive oil, honey and many other genuine products. Of course, as with almost any celebrity, his family enjoys a private swimming pool and a private jet which they hop on at Florence airport.
Also, for music lovers many famous musicians, you may recognise, also have farming properties in Italy, for example Sicily boasts: Simple Mind's Jim Kerr and Simply Red's lead singer Mick Hucknall who have vineyards, respectively, on Etna and in Taormina.
The celebrated author Frances Mayes, who gained the key to the town of Cortona for her popular book Under the Tuscan Sun, which attracted a great number of American tourist also has a house in Cortona, Bramasole, the setting of her book A film based on the book was also made later but didn't quite have the same success as the book.
Italy is also a very popular country for celebrities to take an enjoyable, well-earned holiday.
Rihanna took a break from her world tour in Italy, relaxing on a yacht along the beautiful coast.
Political celebrity David Cameron, rime Minister of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland has taken his holidays in the Tuscan province of Arezzo at the Villa Petrolo. Prince Charles and the late Lady Diana spent lots of time with friends in Florence and both Prince Charles and the Queen mother made an unofficial visit to Cortona.
Not only the countryside is popular but also the magnificent ski and sea resorts that attract many famous people.
Celebrities who have spent their holidays in Italy, whether touring the country or relaxing in an exclusive villa include Jamie Oliver, who loves travelling the country searching for recipe inspiration; Helen Mirren, who owns a 500-year old castle near Tiggiano, Brad Pitt, who owns a villa near his friend George Clooney and Woody Allen who owns a palazzo on the Grand Canal in Venice.
If you are in the Tuscany area you may also catch a peek at Debi Mazar and her Italian husband who have a home there. Richard Branson and Michael Schumacher, like George, settled on Lake Como. If you are looking to spot a favourite celebrity in Italy, you just might just be lucky!!