Restored Farmhouse on Edge of Village
Terraced Garden with Breathtaking Mountain Views
Sleeps 4/5 (3 Bedrooms)
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Set among terraces at 500 metres and reached by a narrow tarmac road, this newly restored farmhouse commands breathtaking mountain views. A shop in the next village supplies basic provisions - just a few minutes by car or a pleasant walk. Bagni di Lucca, with restaurants, outdoor swimming pool and thermal spa, is a 15 minute drive. The walled city of Lucca is 40 minutes and the small ski resort of Abetone under an hour. There are large sunny patios back and front (sunloungers and garden furniture provided) and a wild terraced garden of about 2 acres. The interior is typically Tuscan, with tiled floors, whitewashed walls and exposed chestnut and terracotta ceilings. Well equipped and comfortably furnished, the thick stone walls keep it cool in summer, while central heating and woodburning stove create a cosy haven in winter. The house provides an excellent base at any season for exploring the surroundings by car or on foot, and many beautiful walks start from the door.
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| Rental Period | Per Night | Per Week | Per Month | Min. Stay (Nights) |
| 1 September 2011 - 31 October 2011 | £395 | - | ||
| 1 November 2011 - 31 March 2012 | £355 | - | ||
| 1 April 2012 - 30 June 2012 | £415 | - | ||
| 1 July 2012 - 31 August 2012 | £515 | - | ||
| 1 September 2012 - 31 October 2012 | £415 | - | ||
| 1 November 2012 - 31 March 2013 | £355 | - |
Notes on prices
Prices shown are for the property per week in UK pounds. We can sometimes accommodate lettings of less than a week depending on season and availability but the nightly rate is 10% greater than the weekly rate.
Changeover day
Changeover day is flexible except in June, July and August when we operate a Saturday changeover. Arrival time is normally between 4 and 6pm, departure by 10am.
Accommodation
| Bedrooms: | Bedroom 1 with double bed. Bedroom 2 with double bed, leading to small. Bedroom 3 with single bed. |
| Bathrooms: | Upstairs bathroom with enclosed corner shower, vanity unit with washbasin, bidet and WC. |
| Kitchen: | Large kitchen with fitted chestnut units, corner gas hob and electric oven, microwave, two built-in fridges (one with icebox), marble worktop with double drainer sink. Open doorways to dining room and utility room and back door to rear patio. |
| Utility Room: | Washing machine, folding clothes dryer, iron and ironing board, portable gas heater. |
| Living Rooms: | Dining room: blue painted expanding table and six chairs and matching sideboard. Sitting room: South facing with beautiful views. Glazed door to front patio. Sofa and 2 armchairs, side tables, woodburning stove, DVD, radio, CD player. |
| Cleaning/towels/ linen/maid service: |
Towels and bed linen are included and changed weekly. Cleaning before and after visit only. |
| Amenities/Facilities: | hob/stove oven fridge/freezer fridge microwave washing machine iron/ironing board central heating barbecue |
| Location Type: |
Notes on accommodation
Parking in front of house. Central heating (gas fired boiler), woodburning stove. Mains electricity and water. Drainage to septic tank. Might not be suitable for very young children because of steep terrain. Swimming towels are not provided.
Accessibility
May not be suitable for visitors with impaired mobility because of irregular terrain. Toilet and all sleeping accommodation are upstairs and the stairs are open tread.
Outside
Large patios at front and rear of property with panoramic views. Sunny even in winter, but some shade always available. Expanding teak table with large parasol and 6 teak chairs, 4 sunloungers, deckchairs, barbecue. Wild terraced garden of two acres (partly wooded). Parking in front of house.
Coast/Beach
The sandy Mediterranean beaches of Viareggio and Massa Maritima are about 75 minutes by car.
Skiing
Abetone (1300 metres), a small ski resort with ski schools, equipment hire, and a number of ski lifts is less than an hour away by car.
Travel
Flights to Pisa (Ryanair) from Stansted: 2 hour flight.
The house is a 1hr 20min drive from the airport.
Ryanair also fly to Genoa, a 2hr 30 min drive to the house.
Car hire is essential to get the most out of your stay.
There is a railway station at Bagni di Lucca (Fornoli) convenient for visits to Florence (goes to city centre).
Distances
Bagni di Lucca and Ponte a Seraglio with shops, banks, restaurants and twice weekly markets are 7km. Barga, a mediaeval walled town with summer music festival and beautiful 11th century cathedral, 15km. Lucca, 'city of art', has cultural events, antique markets and many fine shops, 25 km. Abetone ski resort, 35km. Pisa, with its leaning tower, 'Campo Santo' and riverside palaces, 45km.
Florence 70km.
Further details
The Garfagnana and Val di Lima are little known areas of Tuscany and still relatively unspoilt. The people are friendly and tourism is low key. Separated from the sea by the Apuan Alps and lying in the foothills of the Appennines, the region's scenery is wild and beautiful deer, wild boar and porcupine are plentiful - you may glimpse them on your travels and if you're lucky, in the garden. The landscape is dotted with mountain villages, each with its own charm. Longoio is one such village and at 500 metres escapes the worst of the summer heat. The area is ideal for walking at all levels, especially in spring and autumn. Escorted riding can be found near Bagni di Lucca, river bathing is possible in a number of places and caves can be visited at Grotto di Vento.
Booking notes
£100 deposit to confirm the booking.
Full payment 8 weeks before arrival date.
Cash deposit of £100 to be made at time of checking in, returnable after the property has been inspected prior to departure. All other payments by sterling cheque or bank transfer. For booking and additional information please contact the owners.
Guest comments
"We had a wonderful time at your farmhouse. It was everything you advertised it to be and more!"
"We have never felt so at home whilst on holiday... The farmhouse is perfect in a perfect setting."
"Would have been content to laze around in this beautiful house - the best we have ever holidayed in."
"A truly wonderful holiday in your house... Hope to come back next year..."
"It was glorious, with such great views... Our favorite 'activity' was just to be at the house..."
House swap
House swap considered especially in other areas of Italy.
Owner profile
About the owner
Ken is a retired doctor and practicing psychoanalyst, Alice a retired RGN. We enjoy foreign travel but prefer independent holidays in quiet and interesting locations. We enjoy meeting people from different cultures and the moments of connection that transcend language barriers. We love beautiful and unspoiled scenery and closeness to nature is part of what we look for when we go away. As we've got older, we've enjoyed the feeling of making a home from home, while using the materials and idiom of the local culture. We enjoy the feeling of returning to these domains and renewing the friendships we've made.
Year purchased: 2001
For booking and further information
Property Ref IT255
Alice Banks and Kenneth Wright
Tel. (UK) + 44 (0)1473 828 976 (any time)
Mob: (UK) + 44 (0)7989 535 254
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This advertiser joined Owners Direct in February 2005,
and has advertised this property with us since March 2005.
Property Ref IT255
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