About Lucca:
The whole area is rich in historic and cultural interest. The cottage lies approximately 15 kms. north of the ancient walled city of Lucca. It is a charming and beautiful city, with its priceless art treasures, narrow cobbled streets flanked by imposing palazzos, secluded squares, gardens and Romanesque churches. Whilst retaining all the elements of its age and history one finds sophisticated shops and restaurants. On the third weekend of every month there is a fantastic antiques fair which lasts for 2 days Throughout the summer months there are various classical and contemporary music festivals (last year included Eric Clapton). On top of the medieval walls which enclose Lucca are wide and shady tree lined avenues. Here the locals and tourists alike, stroll, cycle & walk their dogs. There are grassy ramparts ideal for relaxing after sight seeing or you can hire bikes and ride around the 4 kilometers of wall. A great way to see the city from up high.
About the area:
Florence is within easy reach, under an hour by car from Lucca on the motorway. Alternativly, there are frequent train and bus connections. Excursions can be made to Siena and San Gimigniano, both about 2 hours drive. Near at hand are Barga, famous for its summer opera festival, Bagni di Lucca, a favourite spa resort for the Victorian poets and which has an excellent open air swimming pool filled with water from the spa. The fashionable coastal resort of Viareggio with its golden sandy beaches is 30 kms from the cottage. Every year the famous Puccini opera festival takes place in the open air overlooking the lake at Torre del Lago. For winter visitors, the ski resort of Abetone is only a 60 kilometer drive away. An easy drive for a days skiing.
About Il Castagno:
The cottage 'Il Castagno' (Italian for chestnut) is situated in woodland (mainly chestnut - thus the name). It is accessed via a private road 300 metres from the small hillside road that leads from the village of Partigliano. Further up the hillside (2 min) is a very good restaurant called Guzzanello. The house is built into the mountainside in a truly peaceful place, totally unspoilt and commanding superb views across the valley into Celle di Puccini the birthplace of the composer Puccini and further to the snow capped mountains of the Apuan Alps. Il Castagno was recently featured in an ITV programme about interesting houses to consider purchasing in Tuscany.
