If one’s heart turned to stone,  I could only hope it was Croatian Limestone.  Something that might have been sad would instead be incredibly beautiful.  Here in Croatia, limestone is in abundance, from the most laid back island, to those likely to be featured in Life Styles of the Rich and Famous, nary a foot falls without landing on this hard, bleached ivory stone.  Well suited to the seaside climate, the stone’s durability allowed for structures built during the reign of Rome, when their quarries could be found lining the coastal waterfront.

Bol . Brac . Historic Center . Croatia

Brac – pronounced BRATCH produced the stone that the Town of Split was built with in the 4th Century BC.  The limestone doesn’t just hang around Europe either.  The columns of the Whitehouse in Washington DC are made of Croatian Limestone, and Battery Park in NYC features statues made of it.

Mondavo . Hvar . Croatia

It’s the small stone cottages, and restaurants tucked into the hillside that I find particularly appealing.  It’s elegant, and cozy all at the same time.  It feels historic and modern, clean and dusty.  While I appreciate the polished version, it’s in its honed form for which my heart is aflutter.  I want to hand select my slabs, wrap a pallet, reserve my spot on a cargo ship, and await it’s arrival back in Boston.

I think I will hunt for a condo that needs a kitchen renovation.  Honed countertop, Zebra Wood veneer kitchen cabinets, 4 x 4 honed limestone floor, Venetian Plaster backsplash.  I can see it so clearly in my mind’s eye…can you?

Love in bloom . Hear Wedding . Banj Les Bains

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