Interview with Phyllis and Peter
How did you meet?
We met New Year’s Eve of 1975 at a mutual friend’s home in New York City. I thought Peter was trouble but probably great fun for a fling! He was attracted to my easy-going and candid style and thought I was a challenge. At the time he was Andres Segovia’s manager – the famous Spanish classical guitarist – and also was launching his first international tour of the Trinidad Folk Group to Italy.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Phyllis is a psychoanalyst/psychologist in private practice in New York City. Peter produces and tours performing arts around the world such as Porgy and Bess, Chorus Line, La Scala Ballet and West Side Story, among others. He has brought most major ballet and modern dance companies to the Italian festivals such as Spoleto and Nervi, including the American Ballet Theater, Alvin Alley, San Francisco Ballet, Feld Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, and more. In the summer of 2007 he brought Liza Minnelli to Taormina in Sicily.
If you had to describe your relationship with each other to an outsider, what movie actor would you be?
Peter is like the great French actor Alain Delon: charming, suave, and passionate. He has a European- Hungarian background. In fact, his great grandmother was a Countess.
Phyllis is more of a Barbra Streisand character: feisty, impetuous, dynamic, stylish and candid.
How did you find your villa?
After 25 years of working in Italy - along with mastering the Italian language - we thought that this would be an ideal “empty nest” project. We always wandered the antique markets in Europe, such as the Marche aux Puces in Paris, and were frustrated that we had to limit our purchases to small items. This was our big opportunity!
This Villa was the last of about 37 properties we saw. When we arrived, we were both in awe of the views and the expansive living room with windows on 3 sides. Most of the other homes we saw had small rooms and windows that could not be expanded because the Italians are very strict about changing the nature of an original structure. We were enchanted with the winding bucolic road leading to the villa but at the same time pleased that it was only 20 minutes from Florence. (The first trip we drove into Florence and back to calculate the time without the agent because it seemed too good to be true!)
We went to contract August of 2001. After 9/11, our friends thought we were crazy to pursue this plan. Even so, we decided to move ahead with the project despite our initial reluctance to fly so frequently.
What drove you to buy and renovate a villa in Italy?
We had spent a lot of time at the Cote d’Azur(French Riviera) and the Hamptons on Long Island and were continually disappointed that both areas had become overpopulated, congested and impossible to navigate. Restaurants had to be booked weeks in advance. This is not the case in Florence, though is does get crowded in the summers.
What do you love most about your home and living in Italy?
We cherish the tranquility, authentic beauty and harmony that Italian life fosters.
How often do you visit?
We generally visit once each season for several weeks, perhaps spending more weeks in the summer. Each season is beautiful in it’s own way. Even winter, although not warm, is enchanting.
You must have lots of new “friends” now that you own a villa outside of Florence. How do you cope with house guests?
We insist that each guest have their own car so they can be independent. Also, my therapeutic skills are helpful in avoiding potential difficult situations!
So far, with the exception of one incident, it has worked well. This couple had promised to rent a car and then canceled it and became dependent on the other guests, adding to everyone’s stress level.
What are you favorite “secret” things to do while in residence?
This may sound funny, but we love to watch all the European news channels and plant olive trees! We also enjoy cooking with our friends.
Off property, we love going to the antiques market in Arezzo and the food markets in Florence such as St. Ambrogia and Mercato Centrale.
How do you manage a property from afar? Is your staff the key?
Well, in a word, email has been a blessing in managing all the details of our home and rentals. Of course my house manager has evolved into a very responsible manager/chef and works well with the other staff. This is a critical piece and not easy to maintain.
Does your family visit the villa a lot?
Our family usually joins us for Christmas and a few weeks in the summer when it works with their demanding schedules. Our younger daughter spent a year in Italy, is fluent in Italian and is now a specialist in modern art at Sotheby’s in NYC where she handles bids in Italian!
What is your favorite room in the villa?
Our favorite room is the living/dining room which has fantastic light and panoramic views. It is wonderful for entertaining and/or just sitting by the grand fireplace cuddled up with a good book. In the summer, of course, the favorite “room” becomes sitting under the outdoor pergola for relaxing and dining.
If you only had 3 hours in Florence, how would you spend it?
We’d visit the lesser-known Bargello, a wonderful museum and have a long lunch at Cibreo Café after visiting the Mercato Centrale. At Cibreo, we’d enjoy their aspic pomodoro, peshe crudo and dark chocolate cake. We’d end the time with a drive up to Villa San Michele for a drink or espresso and look over the beautiful views of the city.
What do you like most about the setting of your villa?
Villa Fiori is special because it is located so close to Florence and yet is completely rural. The road winding up to the villa is totally untouched by modernity. The villa has wonderful panoramic views of rolling hills and a fabulous infinity pool.
What is your favorite dish to cook while in residence?
A grilled dorado or bronzino (both fish) served with coarse salt and wonderful olive oil. Our house manager/chef makes a memorable risotto fruite de mare (seafood risotto.) Italy gives you such an appreciation for simple foods as simple pleasure.
How does Florence compare to New York?
Florence is relaxed, with a relatively small group of interconnected friends who often socialize together at each others homes. In contrast, New York is frenetic with so much to do that everything is scheduled weeks ahead of time and more socializing is in public places such as charitable receptions or small group dinners in a restaurant. We love the contrast!
