The Pool, Estate & Utility Costs:
Grassed paths from both patios lead up to the 12x6m infinity swimming pool with stunning views across the plain of Lucca to the Pisan mountains, distant Pisa and (on a clear day) the mountains of Elba (some 100 miles away). The facilities include a children's paddling pool, terracotta patio, paved sun terrace and grassed shaded terrace with sun-loungers, bench, wooden tables and chairs. The pool is protected by fencing (1.2m high), hedges, walls and gates. La Casa Padronale is also protected by a fence. Enjoy some 25 acres of woodlands, olive grove and disused vineyard, with traditional terracing and pathways. Utility costs: NB we recharge the full cost of utilities (expensive in Italy). With its modern under-floor heating and solar energy system, with sun Il Fienile can be a very 'green' property. For summer there is air-conditioning, but do not be surprised at the electricity bill, especially if doors or windows are left open. We also supply fans - cheaper!
San Macario, Lucca & Puccini:
San Macario's upper village is distinctive: set in a nature reserve, its bell-tower overlooks a stunningly beautiful part of north-west Tuscany, beneath the Apuan Alps and close to the Garfagnana National Park. Shops in the lower village include a grocery store, several bakeries and a drive-kms-for-his-meat butcher. Two large supermarkets (Co-op and Pam) are within a further 5 minutes drive. San Macario is 10 minutes drive from Lucca and 14 miles from Pisa (its famous tower and airport visible in the distance). Direct flights to Pisa from the US (New York - Delta), UK, Ireland and many other European airports. Florence Airport is also easily within an hour. Pisa is well known, and Lucca is a unique medieval walled city overflowing with history, culture and charm - also Puccini's birthplace. July & August see the open air Puccini Opera Festival at nearby Torre del Lago, close to the fashionable Versilia coast - sunny, sandy beaches served by bars & restaurants aplenty. A must..
Rural Tuscany - Important Note:
Il Fienile is approached by a unmetalled driveway (approx 800m) past a seasonal waterfall, first through woodlands, then olive groves. Cars with very low clearance are inadvisable, but our guests have generally used hire cars (normally suitable). We deliberately leave the drive a bit rough, but always maintain it in a condition in which the owner can gain access in his low-clearance Mercedes. Severe storms have been known to cause the driveway to become blocked or eroded until our staff have had reasonable time to clear it. The house is a Tuscan farmhouse, not an urban hotel. It is normal in the area occasionally to experience water and power shortages. The bottom line: if you are an out and out city dweller, happiest in urban surroundings and not used to country life (and roads!), this is not the holiday for you - unless you want something completely different, and are prepared to approach our rural (but pleasurable) lifestyle in the right spirit: on holiday!
Golf:
Il Fienile is especially suited to golfers. The house is owned by the editor/photographer of the acclaimed Pocket Guide to Golf Courses series, written with NZ tour pro and course designer Greg Turner, who is a regular guest here. We are extremely well-connected within the Italian golf world, and can arrange tailor-made golf or golf and culture holidays, from a self-catering basis right through to a tour hosted by Greg Turner or other golf playing/course design/photography professionals, as suits the interests of the party. We organise golf+culture tours of Tuscany: there are 7 courses within 1 hour of Il Fienile, including Versilia (revised by JM Olazabal) on the coast, the famous Ugolino (Italian Open venue) outside Florence and the stunning setting of Poggio dei Medici, north of Florence. Our disused vineyard is used as a practice fairway and by the two teaching professionals on our staff. Discover the underestimated charm of Italian golf, and see the culture of Tuscany - all in one go!
Other Activities:
November olive harvest holidays; April wild asparagus gourmet breaks; Any time: cookery art and film-making holidays
Learn more about this holiday rental at the owner's website:
