Painting Holidays with Bettina Schroeder

Lost high in the foothills of the Apuan Alps, this 12th-century hamlet, acquired and restored by world-famous sculptress Fiore de Henriquez, is where she lived and worked for her last 40 years. Today it is a shrine to her life and art and is dedicated to advancing creative expression.

Though many of the 20th century's most powerful and influential clamoured to sit for her (including John F Kennedy and Britain's Queen Mother), there is nothing pretentious about Peralta, whose appeal is in its rugged architectural and decorative character, and its intimate, bohemian, other-worldly charm.

Henriquez' spirit pervades Peralta just as her work adorns every space and just as the air is fragrant with rose.

As is only to be expected of an artist's retreat, Peralta has a wealth of subjects to paint:- unsurpassable views over the Camaiore National Park to the craggy Tuscan coast and beyond, abundant shrubs made heavy with bloom, medieval dwellings with ochre-slated roofs, and sculptures ensconced among paths and yards.

Moreover, within 10 miles is Renaissance Pietrasanta, originally built to a checkerboard plan in the classical Grecian 'golden proportion' - just one of three locations we will visit.

For non-painters, enchanting forested hills surround, offering a choice of either leisurely or strenuous alpine walks.

And with such gems as Florence, Pisa and Lucca close at hand, Fiore de Henriquez' beloved Peralta is...

...Undiscovered Tuscany's Best-Kept Secret?

Most painting holidays run every year, so ask Bettina about future dates if you need to.