Living in an Artist’s Loft in RomeBy Madelyn Miller
I recently stayed at a wonderful loft bed and breakfast that is owned by an artist, and it was like visiting a creative friend who had invited me into her home. When I walked into Barbara Reale’s home, I felt like I was in a contemporary museum. Her artwork is everywhere, and her colorful style is reflected in her furnishing choices.
She showed me the recent issue of VOGUE Taiwan, a country she has never been to. Yet a store in Taipei is named after her, Barbara Reale, because she selects and buys all the Italian clothes for them.
Here is how Barbara describes her place:
Girasolereale B&B is located in south Rome to the Blue Village, residential area near EUR, exactly to the 15 Km of the Viale Cristoforo Colombo in front of the Natural Reserve of Malafede WWF, twenty minutes by car from the Fiumicino¹s Airport, 20' from the beach, 15' from italian fashion outlet and 35' from the center.
On request, extra services are available: Personal Trainer, shiatzu massage and normal massage in the b&b, Beauty center, Art Therapy, pick up to and from airport, babysitter, light dinner.” The price is a bargain by Rome standards and includes breakfast.
Barbara also does web design (this girl has a lot of energy) and is very computer savy. By the time you read this, they will probably have wi-fi. Next time I go back, I want to go shopping with Barbara. She gave me some great tips about markets. And she is near the outlets. It all adds up to a perfect place to stay. www.girasolereale.com Best Way to Get to ItalyUS's seventh-largest airline, serving 181 communities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. US Airways, US Airways Shuttle and the US Airways Express partner carriers operate approximately 3,400 flights per day. For more information on US Airways flight schedules and fares, visit US Airways online at Best Way to Get Around in ItalyRailEurope offers a Trenitalia Pass network which covers 16,000 km (10,000 miles) running daily through beautiful landscapes to connect big cities and small towns, all famous for their art and history. The trains are comfortable and quick and easy to navigate. I got to Turm directory from Venice in about three hours, it took just a little longer to get from Turm to Milan.
WHERE TO EAT: L’Olimpo is a rooftop restaurant above Ber…….with a fabulous view of Rome. Enjoy a wonderful panorama over the town from a very central location Sina Hotels GREAT GUIDEBOOKS: The Complete Idiot's Guide To Italian History And Culture Italy Fodor's 04 Italy Rick Steves Italy 2004 Berlitz Pocket Guide Italy SPEAK LIKE AN ITALIAN: The Pocket Idiot's Guide To Italian Rick Steve’s Italian Phrasebook And Dictionary BERLITZ Surviving in Italian BERLITZ Shopping in Italian EAT LIKE AN ITALIAN: How to Pronounce French, German and Italian Wine Names Langenscheidt's Pocket Menu Reader Italy Europe's Top Restaurants 2004 TASTE ITALIAN FOOD AT HOME: Rick Steve's Rome 2004 Shopping In Rome Insight Guide Instant Rome Access Rome Insight Fleximap Rome Wear your favorite city on a scarf! Tasaram's 100% silk Map Scarves feature detailed street plans of London, Paris, Rome, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. with more cities coming soon. BERLITZ City Guidemap ITALIAN LITERATURE TO GET YOU IN THE MOOD: Casa Rosa John Paul II Behind Locked Doors Dances With Luigi Under The Southern Sun Venice Against The Sea COOKBOOK TO TEMPT YOUR PALATE: |
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Rome is a city of artists. Just imagine what it would be like to live like one.
Two matching couches—one red, one orange, are covered with carefully selected pillows. A mannequin wears a dress by one of Italy’s most famous designers Roberto Cavalli, and it co-ordinates with the colors in the couches. Barbara told me when she ordered the couches, they kept asking her if she was really sure she wanted two matching couches in different colors. Barbara is very sure of what she does, and her style works wonderfully well.
Her handsome husband Marco made a pasta dinner with truffle sauce. We talked so long, I did not even get to “my” loft until very late. It is actually a suite with a living area, bedroom, kitchenette, and a slanted ceiling bedroom. There is a small enclosed porch off the kitchen. You could easily stay here for awhile, as there is even a washing machine in the loft. Best part is Barbara’s touch is everywhere—the silverware is in an interesting pot, the mirrors on the bedroom wall, and of course, the art.
Girasolereale b&b - Rome, member of bedandbreakfast.com: 
Girasolereale b&b is a villa surrounded from a big garden, to the inside of which, the guests could find lodging in one of the suites.
There is a separate entrance so you can have total privacy, but Barbara and her husband Marco (who will happily drive you into the center of Rome each day when he goes to his store) are so much fun to be with you will feel like they are your new friends. Both Marco and Barbara speak excellent English.