The Threads

In the quiet hills of Puglia, I wrote my first book, The Threads of Becoming, in a restored stone home that became both sanctuary and muse. That house is no longer mine — but its stillness taught me how space can hold a season of life. Now, I’m bringing that same spirit to a new chapter: the restoration of a historic palazzo near the Adriatic. It will be part home, part living work of art — a place for beauty, rest, and inspiration. This is the story of creating through transition, and of learning to let go while building something new.

Design, like writing, begins within. Over years of moving between cities and countries, I’ve learned that the most meaningful spaces — like the most resonant stories — are layered with emotion, memory, and personality. Whether restoring a centuries-old masseria or crafting my memoir, The Threads of Becoming, my process starts with how we want to feel, not what we want to buy. In this post, I share the parallels between storytelling and design, and the principles that turn both into something lasting.

When I founded The Hill House Group, my vision was never just about homes — it was about creating spaces that tell a story. Blending historic architecture with modern comfort, and Italian charm with global perspective, I’ve built a design-forward business that thrives between continents. Whether you're dreaming of a vacation rental in Puglia or launching a creative venture abroad, this post shares six key lessons I’ve learned about turning passion into a purposeful, profitable business — all while designing with heart.