Gallicano holiday farmhouse: Fiattone

Set on a Tuscan hillside amid olive groves and grape vines you will find Fucci, a truly wonderful farmhouse with spectacular views.

We stayed at the beautiful Fucchi for a week in August 08. We took our 4 year old daughter and the grandparents - ample room as the farmhouse sleeps 8 comfortably. The views are breathtaking and this idyllic house certainly gave us the peace we were in search of.

Graham provides detailed directions to get you from Pisa airport to Fucci, so not to worry. Reaching our destination was half the excitement, and even though we arrived when it was pitch dark, uncertain of where we were, that first morning when we opened our shutters made us all a little speechless…even our 4 year old!

The farmhouse was well equipped to a very high standard. Graham and family have clearly taken time to ensure that all guests’ needs are met. It really is a “home from home” and we didn’t want for anything at all. The terrace was perfect for alfresco dining and barbeques in early evening were just ideal.

The pool is a great size and overlooks the hills, and with sunshine all day long – was godsend for our daughter who wanted to spend most of her holiday in it (another bonus was the selection of inflatables available).

A supermarket and local towns (Lucca, Barga, Gallicano and La Barca) are easily reachable and great for exploring and eating out. There is plenty to do if you really want to do it! This place is really a ‘getaway from it all’ kind of holiday. It is truly nature at its best and has a completely peaceful atmosphere. .

Thanks for making it such an easy holiday – it will be just too hard to keep away.

Amita and Raj, London

We stayed in the house with friends, who have children the same age ranging from 1-4 years old. The weather was beautiful and, despite our fears, CBeebies was never mentioned once - the children spent all day long outdoors, mainly in the pool, which was clean and we were pleased to discover an array of inflatible toys and a childrens' water slide which kept the children entertained for hours. The shade of the loggia was great respite during the heat of the day and we used the outdoor table and chairs all the time. The views from the house over the Serchio valley and the Apuane alps are really stunning. We were able to read some of the books in the well stocked library of novels but there were also plenty of books on the local area. There was a great games barn, but the games on offer, snooker, table tennis and tablefootball, appealed to the adults rather than the children in our party.

The house was clean and well-equipped and had a very homely feel to it. The bedroom windows had shutters, which kept the rooms cool when closed during the day.

There is lots to do in the surrounding area. There is a little village at the top of the hill, but its horse has long since bolted! Lucca is only about 45 mins away, but closer to home Barga is a beautiful little town with a Scottish connection only 10 mins away. We were amazed to see an al fresco ceilidh there one night! There is also Castelnuovo with all the facilities of a county town only 15 mins distant. There is also the lure of Apuane alps tantalising close, but inevitably we spent a lot of time at the municipal playparks (which are great) but I could see that there would be lots to explore.

Overall, it was a really peaceful and relaxing holiday and I would strongly recommend this house as a holiday destination. Graham was a pleasure to deal with throughout. I loved having no TV, internet, blackberry etc and spending all day with family and friends and, after the children had gone to bed, chatting and playing cards and sampling some of the lovely local viniculture! Multo grazia.

Views that take your breath away, a beautiful, stylish villa that has complete privacy and all you could ask for in homely, tasteful comforts. The wisteria covered terrace and the pool area is a perfect space and was where we spent most of our time. Eating meals at the large table on the terrace and sipping a cold beer whilst taking in the panoramic splendour, reminds you that life doesn't get much better than this! We had sunny weather everyday, really enjoyed Lucca and had great meals Osteria Baralla. Liked the buzz and architecture of Viareggio beach town and thought the Grotto Del Vinto caves well worth the James Bond drive through the mountains! The play park at Castelneuvo is a shady heaven. I would highly recommend this holiday - if you do nothing else but enjoy the special atmosphere of a very unique place.