It's hard to describe what it feels like to arrive at the property, see the house and the view, hear the church bells chime every 30 minutes. Though we had plans to day trip all over the area, we could not resist spending the first day just relaxing, cooking and enjoying the wonderful atmosphere.
The property is very private, with views across a small valley to a village with the church. There are two very cozy outdoor dining areas, and multiple places to sit and just enjoy the sunset, with a glass of wine. Mornings are peaceful as well, with the sun lighting up the village while you drink coffee in the dining room or outside.
All rooms are very clean, and comfortable, with the master having its own outdoor deck facing the same view as the rest of the house. Two bedrooms have en suite baths, one with a full, very large, bathtub.
There are two large dining rooms on either side of the spacious kitchen, each seating 8, but the larger of the two outdoor spaces could accommodate everyone outside, too. The kitchen has everything you would need, except there is no oven. We did not miss it. There IS a brick oven outside in a small patio area, but I would not know how to use it well, anyway.
Unlike other properties listed, this is actually the entire house and all the grounds surrounding it, and is a fantastic value. It has been in Catarina's family for generations (the daughter of the owner we met), and there are family touches throughout the home, making it a very pleasant and intimate stay.
There is a working fireplace in the living room, and yes, an indoor heated pool that is wonderful for soaking after a long day walking Florence (45 minutes East), Lucca (15 minutes west - DO NOT MISS) and Pisa (45 minutes West). An hours train ride will get you to the Cinque Terre, which will be a highlight of any trip, and you can spend days wandering the rest of Tuscany which stretches southward from the area. Despite being so quiet and private, the A11 freeway is 10-15 minutes south, making this villa a great central place from which to explore all of northern Italy. (Rome is still only two hours away, by driving or taking the train, to Florence, then the high speed rail.)
Other notes: Grocery is ten minutes in Pescia, or Lucca. Road to house is unpaved, and may surprise you the first time. Keep going!! :) (You will be met and guided to the house the first time for check in) Say hi to the burros on the property - they love carrots.
