The loggia at Villa Rosalena

The view from the bedrooms and loggia

Charming historic villa overlooking the elegant, unspoiled Tuscan spa town of Bagni di Lucca, the choice of princes, artists and poets through the ages. Villa Rosalena is a comfortable, relaxing place in a beautiful setting. A 15ft circular pool is ideal for cooling down in summer months. Stunning views from the arched loggia and outside terraces along to the medieval stone bridge and of the chestnut clad mountains. Tea and coffee facilities, fridge, DVDs, novels, guidebooks and maps are provided for guests to enjoy.
There are many good restaurants, pizzerias, bars and ice creams parlours within walking distance. Within the town the thermal spa offers pampering, there's a thermal open air public pool, tennis club, small theatre and local markets, all within walking distance of Villa Rosalena.The area is ideal for visiting ancient hill villages, gentle walks, trekking, mountain biking, horse riding, the river for fishing, swimming and paddling and the town has good public transport.

Circular pool

Room with a view at Villa Rosalena

 

Prices Currency Conversion

 

Notes on prices
Discount for a full week stay eg: Double room for 530 euro.

Changeover day
Any day. Rooms available on a nightly basis. Rooms are available from 2.30pm. Check out by 11.30am. Please let us know your likely arrival time so we can keep a look out for you and help with luggage.

Accommodation

 

Notes on accommodation
Breakfast served in the breakfast room. Tea and coffee making facilities and well stocked fridge are available in the guest lounge. DVD, CDs, novels, guidebooks, maps etc. are available for guests use. Central heating throughout, and log fire in the lounge in winter. Fans and ironing board available on request. Laundry service, for small fee per washing machine load. Children very welcome - please be aware of the steps up to the villa, and that the gardens are terraced.

Accessibility
Access to Villa Rosalena is up a slope and quite a few steps.

Outside
The gardens are terraced and provide places to sit and relax in either sun or shade. The pool is a 15ft circular above ground type, not deep but ideal to cool down or splash about in summer.

Coast/Beach
The Versilia coast is within easy driving distance, 48 km to Viareggio,(also by train), a large seaside resort, with appealing art nouveau seafront, elegant avenues, pine groves and plenty of sand. It offers the typical Italian beach 'Bagno' facilities or nearby is Torre del Lago which has free public beach areas. Further along the coast is Forte dei Marmi, where the glamourous go, set against the backdrop of the marble quarries of the Apuan Alps.

Skiing
Abetone, the main winter sports resort for Tuscany, is 40 minutes drive (38km). At 1400 metres and set in an enchanting forest. Ski runs are available in 4 valleys, with numerous ski facilities including 1 cable car, 2 cabinways, 9 chairlifts, 15 ski lifts, 37 ski slopes, 2 cross country slopes and 5 ski schools.

Travel
Nearest airport: Pisa, approx. 50 minute drive.
By train: Railway station in Bagni di Lucca, 1 km from Villa Rosalena.(free pick up) Trains from Pisa and Lucca.
Car hire useful but not essential, good public transport- buses and trains. Plenty to do/see within walking distance of Villa Rosalena.

Distances
Tourist information office - 3 minutes walk.
Nearest restaurants/bars/shops/post office - 5 minutes walk.
Thermal Spa complex - a steep 10 minute walk.
More restaurant/shops/banks etc, also open air pool - 20 minutes walk.
Lucca - 24km (25 minutes drive/train).
Pisa 48km (45minutes drive/train).
Florence 98km (hour & a half drive/train).

Further details
There are many good restaurants in Bagni di Lucca, offering Tuscan food and wine at very reasonable prices. The town is unusually rich in history and architecture for its size, reflecting the elegance of the bygone era, when everyone who was anyone came to Bagni di Lucca for its mild climate, renowned thermal springs and hospitality. The townspeople are well used to welcoming foreign visitors, with many speaking some English. The spa still offers treatments and pampering packages. The towns' open air public swimming pool also uses the thermal waters. There is a tennis club by the river.
The surrounding countryside is excellent for all kinds of walking, from a gentle stroll to mountain hiking. The nature reserve of the spectacular Orrido di Botri canyon is nearby, also the Garfagnana mountains, Apuane Alps and underground show caves of Grotta del Vento. It is usually possible to arrange horse riding, canoeing and other outdoor activities.
There are many enchanting hill villages to explore within the Comune of Bagni di Lucca, with typical stone houses, cobbled streets and panoramic views across the hills and mountain and down onto the Lima valley.
The city of Lucca, Puccini's birthplace, is only 24 km away, with its medieval and renaissance palazzos and grand piazzas preserved within its intact C.16th walls and ramparts. A walk or cycle/tandem ride around on top of the walls is a highlight for many visitors. There are always concerts on here, classical and pop, and an important antiques market each month. Around Lucca are many historic Villas and gardens open to the public.
The medieval hill town of Barga, with its steep cobbled streets is only 19km away, and hosts jazz and opera festivals in summer. Parco di Pinocchio, celebrating Pinocchio in statues and mosaic is 25km.
The leaning tower and field of miracles in Pisa can easily be visited, 3/4 of hour(48km) or for a slightly longer day trip Florence is about an hour and a half by car, 2 hours by train (98km).

Booking notes
To book, please email or call owner - details below. A deposit of one/two nights is usually required, depending on length of stay. Remainder to be paid on arrival or departure.
Payments preferred by cash. Credit cards only through Paypal. Please give at least 14 days notice of cancellation, or deposit may be forfeit.

Guest comments
Alex & Nicola Scotland Sept 2008.
Thanks for your marvellous hospitality. A magical location, fantastic attention to detail and just the best cooking we sampled in Italy! Without a doubt our best stopover on the trip.

Furqan & Asiyah Dubai July 2008
It has been like a home away from home. Enjoyed everything from the ‘surprise’ morning breakfast to the cosy rooms, breathtaking views and unmatched hospitality.

Rebecca & Robert UK June 2008
We have had a truly fabulous holiday. Villa Rosalena is a perfect base and has been restored with love. The same attention to detail is clear in your wonderful hospitality. Stunning views, stunning bedroom, stunning breakfasts!

Kathy & Lou, Florida, USA. May 2008
We were so very impressed with the kindness and hospitality of Rod and Caroline from our very first contact. Villa Rosalena was the perfect beginning for our Italian vacation. We loved the area and the magnificent views, but it was the warmth of the hosts that made it special.

House swap
House swap considered within Europe, outside of main summer season.

For booking and further information

 

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This advertiser joined Owners Direct in June 2007,
and has advertised this property with us since June 2007.

Property Ref IT1435
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