Variety:
Lunigiana is the name of a wonderful area in the northern tip of Tuscany. For many it's an undiscovered treasure. It consists of rolling, wooded hills valleys and spectacular mountains. This is rural Italy at it's most un spoiled best. The people are very welcoming and love it if you try and speak some Italian. Restaurants serve distinctive local specialities at reasonable prices. Of course if you love wine you could not come to a better country! It's a locals area locals prices.
There is lots to explore; many fascinating hill towns, churches and castles. Sea and mountains are a short drive away and Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Siena and irresistible San Gimignano are easily visited.
Likewise the beautiful port of La Spezia is close by with ferries to various locations. The coastline and villages of Cinque Terre are fabulous, just check out any guide book to feel reassured that you will find this a great location whether as a first time visitor to Italy or a long time lover of the country
Italy & Utilities & Things:
If you are a regular visitor to Italy you will know all about the Italian way of life! Sometimes water and electricity does fail or fluctuate, not something we are used to in England. Usually things come back to normal in a short while.Likewise the odd problem may crop up at the Mill such as squirrals in the roof or you may break something. Luckily I have someone local that I can rely on, Carla Mori and her family live in Bardine and take care of the Mill and look after our guests beyond the call of duty. They can be relied upon in an emergency. I have a close friend nearby who is scottish Carla and her Family will contact my friend if language were to be an issue. The whole area is filled with places to eat. Carla runs a bar on the main road between Romwtta and Fivvizzano opposite the olympic sized swimming pool. It's a good place to stop for coffee and croissant. The river runs along the boundary and just a few yards down river you can swim. Very welcome in the heat of summer.
Access:
As the Mill is away from the tourist areas you do need a car. If you are not driving down from Britain then there are plenty of hire firms at both Pisa and Genoa airport.
Full instuctions will be provided including sat nav directions. The last part of the journey is down an unmade road and across a ford. Whilst bumpy it is passable and means that you get virtually no passing traffic! Rain fall in recent years has been very low. meaning that the Mill has been accessable at all times of the year.Obviously we can't make guarantees but there is alternative access; a steep road suitable for off-road vehicles (tempting if you want to try out your 4-wheel drive!), another used by farmers' tractors and a footpath up to the village. If you love to walk there are spectacular walks at every turn. If you want to sample local public transport buses run through the the village hourly going to Fivizzano ans Sarzarna. Trains can be caught in Rometta or Sarzana timetables on the internet
Other Activities:
Slightly further away there is boating
marks the location of the property in Massa Carrara Area
