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This 12th century castle in the ‘green heart’ of Italy is transforming into an exclusive luxury resort

The Castle of Antognolla, a 12th-century fortress in Umbria, Italy's "green heart," is undergoing a remarkable transformation into Six Senses Antognolla, a luxury resort set to open in late 2026. This historic estate, once a Benedictine monastery and later a noble stronghold, will feature a 71-key hotel, a 3,000-square-meter wellness center, and 17 bespoke residences nestled amid olive groves, vineyards, and cypress trees.The site’s crown jewel is an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., aiming to rival Spain and Portugal's premier golf destinations. Complementing the natural beauty, recent discoveries within the castle include ancient paintings dating back over 1,000 years, highlighting its rich historical significance.The resort will celebrate Umbria's cultural and culinary heritage with its own vineyards, truffle hunting experiences, and workshops on wine fermentation. Guests can also enjoy cooking classes and savor rustic local flavors at Ristorante La Boiola. Beyond the estate, Umbria offers medieval towns, the picturesque Lake Piediluco, and Europe’s tallest man-made waterfall, Marmore Falls.The resort, shown here in a rendering, is set to open in late 2026. Antogolla GolfWith its blend of history, luxury, and natural splendor, Six Senses Antognolla aims to establish itself as a premier European destination for travelers seeking gastronomy, culture, and serene landscapes.

2024-11-20 09:00

Marble bust bought for $6 and used as doorstop could sell for more than $3 million

A sculpture purchased for only £5 and used as a doorstop could soon be worth over £2.5 million after receiving approval for sale from a Scottish court. The “Bouchardon Bust,” created in the early 18th century by French sculptor Edmé Bouchardon, depicts politician John Gordon, a local figure in Invergordon’s history. The bust was acquired by Invergordon Town Council in 1930, intended for public display to honor Gordon as “the founder of Invergordon.” However, the sculpture was misplaced over the years and eventually found in 1998 being used to keep a shed door open in an industrial park. Recognizing its artistic and historical value, the Highland Council later loaned it to notable institutions, including the Louvre in Paris in 2016 and the Getty Museum in Los Angeles the following year.The Highland Council recently reported that an unidentified private overseas buyer contacted Sotheby’s with a substantial offer exceeding £2.5 million. The buyer proposed to fund a museum-quality replica of the bust for local display, allowing Invergordon residents to appreciate the piece’s historical significance. A public consultation earlier this year led the council to recommend the sale, and after approval from Tain Sheriff Court, the legal procedure known as the Waverley Criteria is likely to be enacted, assessing if the bust qualifies as a “national treasure” restricted from export. Although the auction details remain unconfirmed, the bust’s history and rediscovery echo other notable finds, such as a meteorite used as a doorstop at Central Michigan University, which sold in 2018 for $75,000.

2024-11-17 09:00

Why Australian zoo is asking Sydney residents to catch deadly funnel-web spiders

The Australian Reptile Park in New South Wales is urging Sydney residents to overcome their fear of deadly funnel-web spiders and collect them, along with their egg sacs, to aid in the production of life-saving antivenom. Funnel-web spiders, particularly the species around Sydney, are known for their potent venom, which was fatal to 13 people before the introduction of antivenom in 1981. Since then, no deaths have occurred. The park, the sole producer of funnel-web spider antivenom, emphasizes the importance of public assistance during breeding season, which begins in November. Each vial of antivenom requires venom from approximately 150 spiders. Spider keeper Emma Teni advises using a long spoon to carefully scoop the spider and its egg sac into a jar without damaging the sac, which contains 150-200 spiderlings. Collected spiders can be dropped off at designated locations or directly at the park. Survivors of funnel-web bites, such as Nicole Webber and Karen Wright, have expressed gratitude for the antivenom program, sharing how it saved their lives and urging others to support the initiative by safely capturing spiders.

2024-11-21 09:00

Dream of performing on stage-KC, Shi Kailing

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This 12th century castle in the ‘green heart’ of Italy is transforming into an exclusive luxury resort

Marble bust bought for $6 and used as doorstop could sell for more than $3 million

Why Australian zoo is asking Sydney residents to catch deadly funnel-web spiders