ANDREA BOCELLI & HIS WIFE VERONICA BERTI OPEN THE DOORS TO THEIR NEW HOME IN THE TUSCAN HILLS

SHARING A MAGICAL FAMILY CHRISTMAS, WORLD-FAMOUS TENOR

- NANA BOTTAZZI

Music is the voice of the soul and helps us to pray, to love ourselves and the world. So says the great maestro Andrea Bocelli, whose own voice, together with those of his son Matteo and young daughter Virginia, plays a major part in this festive season's soundtrack, with their new album, A Family Christmas.

Andrea got New York's festivities off to a great start in December. After lighting up the Empire State Building in blue and white to celebrate the latest programme from his charitable foundation, he electrified a packed Madison Square Garden with his glorious tenor.

Now, the Bocellis are preparing to spend the holidays as befits a great Italian family - back home in Tuscany, the land where their passions and traditions are rooted. There, Andrea and his dynamic wife Veronica - the force that keeps everything moving forward, both personally and professionally have built a gorgeous new house.

Situated on a hilltop and surrounded by gardens and orchards, Pian delle Vigne has endless views over the vineyards of their nearby wine estate. Its traditional architecture blends into the landscape, while the interiors are welcoming but uncluttered, accented with major works of art.

As Christmas approaches, strings of golden lights add sparkle, and the aroma of good food wafts through the rooms, with artisanal Antoniazzi panettone adding a delicious seasonal note. This is a space that has been purpose-designed for happy family times, as the Bocellis explain.