As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I s As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I share with you some pictures of mine at 9 months, 9 years, 19 years, 29 years  to today 39 years old of age. Looking back at each decade, I feel both ‘older’ and ‘younger’, I see the change in my features, the change in my way of life, the change in my personality and the experience itched on my face. I am grateful for the life I have lived thus far and excited for the life I am yet to live. 
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

2026 - 39, (Home, England), I am ready for this final year before my 40s but also ready for this next decade. 
2016 - 29, (Oslo, Norway), this decade was about self discovery and building the life I dreamt about. The life that I am super proud of and truly grateful to be living. This decade, I built my financial life and in later years choose to heal from the trauma gained in the last decade and now I feel well equipped for the future. 
2006 - 19, (Glasgow, Scotland), I thought I was grown (look at the cheekbones 🤣🤣) and ready for the world, chiiiild was I wrong, let’s just say, I am still resolving the trauma the decade brought me but I am grateful because I met my best friends and made decisions for the future I wanted to have. (Spoiler alert - I did better than I dreamed). 
1996 - 9, (Home, Zambia) this was my birthday but my little sister insisted she had to be the one in the middle. The only way we knew whose birthday it was, was by standing in the middle but this year I remember baby sister crying her eyes out and refusing 🤨
1988 - 9 months, (Chililabombwe, Zambia) although my mother looks tired and traumatised😟, I know I was loved and happy. 
#happybirthday #happybirthday❤️ #newera #39
Attended #ascotraces for the second year running a Attended #ascotraces for the second year running and I am glad to have experienced the ‘Village enclosure’ this year, whilst I loved ‘Windsor enclosure’ last year, it’s not for me. Next year, I want Queen Anne’s enclosure. 💕 #girlsdayout #girlslikeus #ascotfashion
How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰 #hertripsabroad #bla How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰

#hertripsabroad #blackgirlstraveltoo #maldives #neverstopexploring #welltravelled
Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london because why not. My feet still hurt from the thought of how much walking we did, the fact that we walked from #bigben to #buckinghampalace is still fresh on my mind. 

#neverstopexploring
🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 So much happened and 🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 

So much happened and yet I can’t find the words.
It has been an amazing week here, definitely recom It has been an amazing week here, definitely recommend @iberostar in Agadir. 
#neverstopexploring #wanderlust #welltravelled #lifeofadventure #hertripsabroad
I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most rela I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most relaxing and fulfilling time of my life. Sometimes taking it slow and living in the moment is what the soul needs. 🥰🥰🥰
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 #hertripsabroad #solotravel #solotravelingisfun 
#blackgirlstraveltoo
I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after no I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after not visiting for almost 8years. 📍

#qatar #doha #qatarphotoinstagram  #solo travel #travelbug bestvacations igtravel travelpic travelblog beautifuldestinations tlpicks instatravel roamtheplanet traveldeeper travelgram travelinspo wanderlust instapassport exploretheworld travelpics travelmore passionpassport travelawesome lonelyplanet travelblogger travelphotography traveltheworld worldtraveler
Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the ye Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the year.
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A July Dreamer

A Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Hotel Review · February 24, 2018

Casale Amati – La Marchesa

Casale Amati is a country house holiday rental property, a family run business in Italy. Located in the Tuscany region of Ortonovo this idyllic rental home is every bit a home away from home. Casale Amati has three houses under one roof and La Marchesa is the first. It can accommodate 6 people plus a baby and costs €125 per house per day in winter months.

Casale Amati - La Marchesa

Disclosure: Our stay at Casale Amati was in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and images shared are our own.

La Marchesa once upon a time a summer home for Marchioness Eloisa Ingolotti. The house is an old historical oil mill and has retained most of its original structure. What stands out from the minute you enter Casale Amati houses is the uniqueness of the property. The family has utilised the features of the old oil mill to make it cozy and very homely.

Casale Amati – La Marchesa

Each home including La Marchesa has its own entrance and a shared garden. To access La Marchesa you have three options, via the garden, main entrance or via La Macine. Entering via the main entrance of this house leads you up the stair to the first door on the left. Immediately upon entering is the kids bedroom where the famous author stayed three nights. Then up the stairs on the right is the kitchen, straight through is another master bedroom on the right. Passing the bedroom leads you to the large living room area and off it is the second master bedroom.

Casale Amati - La Marchesa

The design of the entire house is impecaable, having retained the original features has enhanced its beauty. Throughout the house there is pieces that capture your attention, pieces that make it homely. One of my favourite things about La Marchesa is not only the expansive living room but the furnace. Its been yonkers since the last time I had to light fire in a furnace. I was totally hooked on making the fire every day during our stay and it’s one thing I will miss.

Another thing that stood out to me wasn’t only the amazing antiques nicely displayed around the house. It was the family touches too, pictures of grandparents, of the kids as young adults and more. We truly felt at home, the living room was our favourite place to gather and chat or watch a movie.

Casale Amati - La Marchesa

Good to know information

Whenever I visit a new place, I love the idea of sharing what I think you should know about the place. Especially with hotels and house rentals, people need to know what they should and shouldn’t bring. Plus general information about the place can help someone planning a trip.

  • Kitchen – fully furnished with plates and other necessary utensils and bins and bin bags. Whilst there is no dish washer, the marble encrusted sink is amazing to do dishes in. There is a modern gas stove, microwave but no ordinary kitchen kettle. What you will find are traditional ones for brewing coffee which my family loved. Other appliances include a large fridge freezer to keep your foods nice and fresh.
  • Bathroom – no tub only shower cubicle which honestly was the best thing ever for me. In the bathroom and discretely hidden is the washing machine which came in handy. Towels are provided but you should bring your own toiletries except tissue paper.

We loved the Bedrooms

There are three bedrooms; 2 masters and 1 kids room. 1 master bedroom has baby cribs but is large enough to cater for traveling cots if you brought your own. Iron and ironing boards are provided plus plenty of storage for your clothes. The beds are double sized except for the kids which are two singles, very comfortable and warm. We love the covers on the beds very stylish and the pillows were excellent in my humble opinion.

Day 2 of our stay at @casaleamati holiday home rentals has been lovely. We woke up really early, caught a bus outside the rental house to Carrara €1.40 one way. .. .. .. Of the three house rentals we utilise two which has been incredible. The bathroom is the cutest ever, I love the colour and the decor, can’t get enough of this bathroom. … … … #homedecor #homeswayfromhome #holidayhome #houserentals ##travelawesome #travelblogging #traveldiary #travelgram #travellife #travelphoto #travelphotography #travelpics #traveltheworld

A post shared by Miranda-Anosa #UKTravelblogger (@ajulydreamer) on Feb 23, 2018 at 11:05am PST

The entire house is stone tiled which means it can get pretty cold at night, I recommend bringing slippers with you. We didn’t but had socks and were fine with just having them on. Because the rooms are very spacious, it takes a minute to heat up so a cardigan is recommended in winter months. All in all we have enjoyed our stay at Casale Amati, the family’s hospitality was second to none.


Indirizzo Via Figliola 27 – Casano di Ortonovo (SP) – Italy
P.I. 01322750454.
Reception aperta 24 ore su 24.
Check in ore 16.00 – 19.00.
Check out ore 10.00.
Info al +39 339 35 74 870 e al +39 328 29 75 919.

Website: https://www.casaleamati.com/en/

In: Hotel Review

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Comments

  1. Riah Tarango says

    March 3, 2018 at 3:33 pm

    Sounds like such a wonderful place to stay! I absolutely love Italy.

    Marriah Tarango
    Tarango Visual Studio

    Reply
  2. Khushboo Wase says

    March 3, 2018 at 9:33 am

    Wow this place looks nice and amazing.. Would love to stay there

    Reply
  3. Ingrid Rizzolo says

    March 2, 2018 at 2:34 pm

    La Marchesa seems like a nice place to visit it looks rustic comfortable and homely. It has character blended in with a understated dignity to it

    Reply
  4. Holly H says

    March 2, 2018 at 10:14 am

    Oh wow, what a house! It sounds and looks beautiful. Definitely a treat to stay there!

    Reply
  5. Blair Villanueva says

    March 2, 2018 at 6:24 am

    This whole house for your own disposal?! Omg dear, youvare living in cloud 9 🙂
    I like your place, and the bedroom.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      March 2, 2018 at 8:45 am

      We had two houses to our selves but I ended up with one all to myself and loved it

  6. Laura Dove says

    March 1, 2018 at 11:09 pm

    Oh what a gorgeous place to stay! I really want to visit Italy this year!

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      March 2, 2018 at 8:56 am

      It sure is an incredible place and I can not recommend it enough

  7. TeeShares says

    March 1, 2018 at 6:37 pm

    Wow, photos of your rental home are just beautiful. Love the decor.. Great tips too!

    Reply
  8. Kara says

    March 1, 2018 at 5:38 pm

    I looks like a beautiful place to stay and a great tip to bring slippers or socks

    Reply
  9. Nina Bosken says

    March 1, 2018 at 2:48 pm

    Outside of Rome and Naples, I really haven’t explored Italy. I definitely need to explore the country a lot more. It sounds like your had a nice and relaxing time away.

    Reply
  10. Zena's Suitcase says

    March 1, 2018 at 12:11 pm

    I really want to spend more time in Italy. This villa looks stunning. I love the beams on the ceiling and the authentic features. I’m on the other side of the fence though and prefer to have a bath for the kids

    Reply
  11. Lorna says

    March 1, 2018 at 11:22 am

    I went to Italy years ago. I want to take my family back at some point and I wouldn’t mind staying in this beautiful place!

    Reply
  12. Stella Kashmoney says

    March 1, 2018 at 10:52 am

    Wow so much space. I love the decor.

    Reply
  13. Marci Smith says

    March 1, 2018 at 9:21 am

    Everything about these places sounds amazing! It’s so important to me as a mom too see they think about a baby being comfortable in a crib and not just whatever the parents can bring!

    Reply
  14. Latoyia Dennis says

    March 1, 2018 at 4:47 am

    Wow! That place is ahhhmazing. I love the old feel and the tile…very nice. It sounds like rhe perfect getaway.

    Reply
  15. Tatanisha Worthey says

    February 28, 2018 at 10:56 pm

    I totally wouldn’t mind visiting Italy and staying here. It’s absolutely gorgeous and a perfect getaway.

    Reply
  16. Dee Jaye says

    March 1, 2018 at 2:38 am

    This place looks so darn cosy. I would love to spend a week or so here just chilling and relaxing!

    Reply
  17. Tatanisha Worthey says

    March 1, 2018 at 10:03 pm

    I totally wouldn’t mind visiting Italy and staying here. It’s absolutely gorgeous and a perfect getaway.

    Reply
  18. Tatanisha Worthey says

    March 1, 2018 at 6:02 pm

    I totally wouldn’t mind visiting Italy and staying here. It’s absolutely gorgeous and a perfect getaway.

    Reply
  19. Tatanisha Worthey says

    March 1, 2018 at 11:01 am

    I totally wouldn’t mind visiting Italy and staying here. It’s absolutely gorgeous and a perfect getaway.

    Reply
  20. Tatanisha Worthey says

    March 1, 2018 at 5:00 am

    I totally wouldn’t mind visiting Italy and staying here. It’s absolutely gorgeous and a perfect getaway.

    Reply
  21. Terri Ramsey Beavers says

    February 28, 2018 at 7:31 pm

    What a fun looking place to stay. I’ve found that I enjoy myself more when traveling when I stay at cozy places that have a homey feel, like this does.

    Reply
  22. mammasschool says

    February 28, 2018 at 6:08 pm

    This looks so beautiful. We had the opportunity to go to Tuscany for a wedding last summer but couldn’t make it and seeing everyone elses photos I really wished we had!

    Reply
  23. Dana Brillante-Peller says

    February 28, 2018 at 3:53 pm

    What a beauty! The place looks very cozy and inviting. I love the decor.

    Reply
  24. madamding says

    February 28, 2018 at 2:58 pm

    Oh I just love Italy. The accommodation is so homely and you can’t beat Italian hospitality.

    Reply
  25. Jessica Taylor says

    February 28, 2018 at 2:32 pm

    Oh wow! This looks like a home away from home! So beautiful and comfortable looking

    Reply
  26. themoneyshed says

    February 28, 2018 at 11:12 am

    What an amazing place! I can’t believe how high the quality looks for that accommodation!

    Reply
  27. Justine Robson says

    February 28, 2018 at 10:11 am

    What beautiful accommodation. It looks so homely. I really enjoy using holiday villas and homes, so will have to add these to the list.

    Reply
  28. Ida JT says

    February 28, 2018 at 8:31 am

    Creating your own meal while vacationing is a fun way to bond with each other. The place has a relaxing vibe with the country style decor.

    Reply
  29. strangedaze says

    February 28, 2018 at 5:44 am

    You have me missing Italy so very much. I hope to visit again! What a lovely place to stay.

    Reply
  30. Sara Welch says

    February 28, 2018 at 4:50 am

    That place has some really pretty decor! I would really like to visit sometime!

    Reply
  31. Debra Hawkins says

    February 28, 2018 at 4:14 am

    What a beautiful place to stay! I love finding houses and places to stay while I am on vacation. They are so much better than a hotel!

    Reply
  32. Christina Beauchamp says

    February 28, 2018 at 3:15 am

    What a cute house! I love this idea for a visit to Tuscany.

    Reply
  33. Sarah Bailey says

    February 27, 2018 at 7:22 pm

    Oh now this looks like a lovely place to stay. It looks so spacious and as though you wouldn’t get all caught up in each others spaces, I love the look of the living area.

    Reply
  34. Food and Footprints foodnfootp says

    February 28, 2018 at 12:21 am

    Tuscany looks lovely! Hope to visit sometime. We like the rustic look of the place, as it has lots of character.

    Reply
  35. Jay Colby says

    February 28, 2018 at 12:11 am

    This looks like a great place to visit, I loved all the pictures you took! The house looks so spacious and cozy.

    Reply
  36. Tomi_C says

    February 27, 2018 at 10:59 pm

    The house looks so full of character. That’s what I love at staying at older places, the accommodations tend to be more spacious. Looks like you enjoyed your stay there.

    Reply
  37. Yuli Armstrong says

    February 27, 2018 at 10:56 pm

    Really love these kinds of posts! Thanks so much for sharing a glimpse of this place!

    Reply
  38. Kristi McAllister says

    February 27, 2018 at 10:41 pm

    I loved reading through this post, but I especially loved looking at the photos! I really love a house with a minimalist yet elegant decor and all of this just looked so cozy! Thanks for the honest review. I’d so travel there and stay!

    Reply
  39. Andrea Broom says

    February 27, 2018 at 10:23 pm

    This place looks so beautiful and it also seems like one of those houses from a movie, you know like in europe that we often see. it seems so cozy, i would love to stay there and explore, and write.

    Reply
  40. Amanda says

    February 27, 2018 at 9:25 pm

    What an absolutely beautiful rental! When traveling with our kids we prefer to rent homes instead of hotel rooms so we can spread out, cook some meals, and be a bit more comfortable.

    Reply
  41. Kristine Nicole Alessandra VA says

    February 27, 2018 at 8:34 pm

    Looks like a real neat place to stay. If I were traveling with my family, I’d rather rent a home than stay in a hotel. I will have to keep this place in mind if and when we get to Italy. Thanks for including address and contact number in the post. I will also recommend this to friends who will be visiting Italy this year.

    Reply
  42. Emily, Our house now a home says

    February 27, 2018 at 8:06 pm

    Wow, this looks like an amazing and cozy place to stay! That outdoor dining area in the garden looks like a dream space. I would spend all of my time out there.

    Reply
  43. -Joan Cajic says

    February 27, 2018 at 4:58 pm

    I honestly need a getaway like these, looks very homey and a great experience to have, love the design and architecture too. Great review.

    Reply
  44. Ali Rost says

    February 27, 2018 at 2:27 pm

    You simply cannot go wrong staying at a house this beautiful. I love that it’s filled with classic furniture mixed with the new. It’s really very spacious, perfect for families!

    Reply
  45. Leigh_theprimepursuit says

    February 27, 2018 at 1:33 pm

    Wow, what a great review! Miranda, we are neighbors as I am in Cheltenham….dreaming of taking a trip to Italy, I am so glad I found this review and your blog! I will be back to read more of your content. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  46. Kylee @ Kyleecooks.com says

    February 27, 2018 at 1:18 pm

    I’d so love to stay in such a sweet little house! I love reviews like this that tell me to bring slippers – super useful, and wouldn’t be in a brochure. Need to go travel now!!

    Reply
  47. valmg says

    February 27, 2018 at 1:16 pm

    I have never been to Italy and have always wanted to go, it’s on my travel bucket list. This sounds like it would be a great place for a family to stay, much more comfortable and private than a hotel room.

    Reply
  48. Amber says

    February 27, 2018 at 1:12 pm

    This looks like a charming house to stay. I think I’d be relaxed here. I prefer staying in houses to hotels when I travel.

    Reply
  49. Candy Kage says

    February 27, 2018 at 12:01 pm

    We love to stay in places like this. Had a lovely cottage in Ireland that reminds me of this one. Italy is next on our list.

    Reply
  50. Alli Smith says

    February 27, 2018 at 11:56 am

    I dream of staying in a place like this in the Tuscany region of Italy. I love all the old-world details and it looks so spacious and beautiful.

    Reply
  51. Robin Rue says

    February 27, 2018 at 11:13 am

    That sounds like a great place to stay. I love staying places with fully stocked kitchens like this.

    Reply

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