Not literally. But for my latest manuscript, I’ve spent hours pouring over every picture and bit of information I can find about Janow Podlaski Stud in eastern Poland. Isn’t it beautiful?

I’m pretty sure I’ve dreamed about it every night for a month.

In 1817, Tsar Alexander commissioned Janow Stud to supply the cavalry and stock for the nation. Years later, it would become the most famous producer of purebred Arabian and half-Arabians in the country.

But the history of Janow is full of turmoil and invasion. In World War I, the horses were evacuated to Russia and never seen again. In 1939, the invading Russians took with them some of the finest “spoils of war” and Janow lost some of its most valuable Arabian blood.

But Janow’s history is one of survival and resilience. Today, they still produce some of the best Arabian horses in the world. They host the Pride of Poland auction each year and the horses fetch astounding prices.

As far as novel settings, this is by far my favorite. Wouldn’t you want to spend a day of your imagination lost in these images?

Janow is now at the top of my list for places I want to visit before I die. Has a location or place ever intrigued you so strongly?