The Villa today:
Within the 13th century stone arches, the 17th century stone angles and the brick window frames, lie every creature comfort of modern living. During the recent renovation the family has added: central heating, excellent plumbing and electricity, fully equipped bathroom and kitchens, satellite TV and modern household appliances.
The Villa is ideal for rest and relaxation, By day the classical garden is an perfect place to relax with areas of sunshine or shade. Sitting on the lowest level of the terraced garden, the swimming pool is set apart from the house and overlooks the whole valley. For the more competitive, there is a ping pong table too or the possibility of walking 5 kilometres to the top of the hill where the views are wonderful. Eat out on balmy evenings:there is a barbecue and a panorama below of fairy lights - if you are lucky the owls will serenade you.
The Town of Lucca:
Originally built in Roman Times, Lucca (population 90,000) came into prominance in the 13th Century and has a rich historical and artistic heritage. Piazza San Michele, Lucca’s main square, was where Julius Caesar, Pompey and Crassus met in 60 BC to form the first triumvirate. The Roman Amphitheatre - once the scene of gladiatorial combat - is now a magnificent piazza, surrounded by medieval buildings. Within the unbroken 16th century ramparts that protect this untarnished jewel, the city is a maze of tiny streets littered with marble fronted Romanesque churches, mediæval houses and Renaissance palaces.(If you hire a bicycle you can cycle round Lucca on the top of the walls). Via Fillungo, Lucca's main artery is a bustling, pedestrian-only street with scores of elegant shops. Some of its restaurants and belle epoque cafes were frequented by famous native sons like composers Luigi Boccherini and Giacomo Pucini.
Amenities and Excursions:
The villa is well placed for a number of day trips by bus, train or car. Both Pisa and the popular seaside resort of Viareggio are 45 minutes away by car. Florence is an hour away by bus, train, or car. Distances from the villa: Lucca 15 km / 9 miles, Pisa 40 km / 25 miles, Viareggio 45 km / 28 miles, Florence 80 km / 50 miles, Sienna 140 km / 87 miles, Milan 320 km / 200 miles, Rome 360 km / 220 miles.
There is a Golf Course and Tennis Courts near Lucca (30 minutes away).
SHOPS: there is a large supermarket 20 mins down the road; a butcher, grocer and greengrocer only 15 mins away and a small village shop that sells all basics in an unspoilt medieval village less than half a mile away (ask the caretakers for the opening hours).
RESTAURANTS: there are many to choose from in Lucca and others close by. The nearest are a family restaurant serving generous portions about 1 km away, or a pizzeria within 10 minutes walk; the finest, in nearby Ponte a Moriano, has a Michelin star.
marks the location of the property in Piana di Lucca
