Up until the last couple of years even though I have been living and coming to Barga for over 14 years I didn’t really know very much about Villa Libano. Then I met Tom. Tom is a remarkable man who has the drive and vision to want to restore the Villa to its original status. When he has achieved this is will be the best venue in Barga.
But I have been astounded by the amount of support the Villa has received, Ricardo of the Osteria, Walter of Acchiappasogni, and Keane of barganews.com. The effort and difference these men and their team have made to the Villa. Ricardo not is not only a restaurateur but during the day worked tirelessly to repaint the back of the Villa, whilst a whole team of people have worked so hard to restore the ground floor and first floor areas. Complementi.
Of course this is a commercial venture and they are busy preparing the Villa for the opening of the Jazz Season this Friday and what a superb venue this is. Any of you who went to Eno Jazz last year (articles here) will know how successful the venue was to host this event. With the current level of work it will be even better this year as it continues to transform.
Then there are those helpers who have worked again tirelessly and enthusiastically without any commercial interest, just because they want to see this magnificent building returned to its original status. It is a statement to the kindness and generosity of many, Joe, Anne, David and Sharon to name but a few who give their time freely. What wonderful people you are.
The Villa has played a big part in our lives too recently and both Richard and I hold our hats off to Tom who has the vision and the passion to restore Villa Libano to its former glory. And what a wonderful way of pulling everyone together, she really is imparting some magic.
We’d been introduced to Tom ages ago and we’d heard about the project visiting the Villa a few times for Eno Jazz but our relationship with the Villa started when Tom let us hold Richard’s 60th Birthday party there, despite a few words of caution. I think my reputation, all be it a little distorted proceeded me!
The day before the party with the help of my friends we set about cleaning up the Villa and in particular the spaces we would be using, most of it was simple but the kitchen took a little longer but it wasn’t long before it was all ship shape and Bristol fashion, we were ready to rock.
The night was a roaring success with Ricardo of the Osteria doing the bar, I had decided to do a Merenda but I would make a good traditional English favorite, Curry. The night before was manic as I set about making three traditional curries, a Korma, nice and mild, a Madras slightly hotter and a Chicken Massala which was hot, I think I was a little over generous with the chili powder. So we did write a word of caution for this one.
It was a little difficult because I hadn’t asked anyone to RSVP, typical me great at the big stuff but the finite detail, well!. Thankfully I had some willing helpers Fiona, Joe and Linda, David and Anne whose help was invaluable. Thank you all. I reckon in total we had a hundred people and what a wonderful memorable evening it was both for Richard and I hope for all who attended.
At one stage I was a little worried as Gianluca the local veterinary, someone with all the animals I have is an extremely important person, was about to take a large spoonful of the really hot curry and despite my words of caution ate it, it was a quick rush to the bar for an iced cool beer. The after-kick was hot, although I am pleased to say it tasted great and the one curry that I thought would only be eaten as a dare was the most popular.
What a great night we had, Tom’s neighbor’s sons played in a Rock Band who brought music to the venue, they were great. The sad thing is we don’t know the name of the band but they were really good and off course it helped us not to upset the neighbors.
It was such a success that it got me thinking. I just love the venue and for many years I had been thinking of holding a Charity Ball, a Ballo di Beneficenza, but I had not found the perfect venue that was until now. As I sat there the Villa spoke to me, and I could see in an instance how it would all pan out although there have been a few changes the vision is pretty much as it came to me that night. How exciting.
Tom agreed that the ball could be held there and that night all fired up I wrote to my friend for sponsorship, I aimed high, nothing tried nothing gained. And then planning started in earnest but instrumental to the whole of my vision is the front of this building.
Which up until a few weeks ago was a jungle, when I went to help Tom clear up and remove some of the rose bushes he no longer wanted I knew what it was like to be that Prince in Sleeping Beauty. As the thorns of the roses embedded themselves in my clothes and any bare skin that dared show itself, at the end of the day I had nine wonderful rose bushes but also the scars of battle.
Even today as we have cleaned the terraces and are working our way down the cobbled road, there is so much to do, again Tom and Joe have worked tirelessly to help me realize my vision.
It will be a night for the ladies so make a date in your diaries it’s the 20th September 2014, the venue Villa Libano its called La Notte delle Principesse – The Night of the Princesses. Watch this space as things are finalized and I hope you will all help me bring a little bit of magic to Villa Libano.
For more information drop me an email carol.condurrouk@gmail.com
Also support Ricardo, Walter, Keane and Tom over the next few months as they too bring music and magic to Villa Libano. In supporting and me later in the year you will be supporting Villa Libano and helping Tom to ensure the Villa is the jewel in Barga’s crow
Article by Sensone