Casa Niki

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House |3 bedrooms |Sleeps 5

Camaiore in Tuscany

From £720 per week

7 nights minimum stay

Changeover Saturday

4 out of 5

2 reviews | Write a review

Key info  Beach or lakeside relaxation, balcony/terrace, car advised, private garden, no pets allowed

About the home

This 3 BR house, in the popular Camaiore area, overlooks the Versilian Riviera, with sweeping views from all bedrooms and spacious terrace. Only 15 minutes to the beach. Fully modernised, with terra cotta floors and chestnut beams retaining the Tuscan local character.

We rented this home from its last owners, an artist and his art historian wife, in the early 90s, and bought it from them the next year, we were so taken with the wonderful view and location, as well as the excellent accessibility. When looking for property, we saw so many isolated homes, with long dusty driveways, and tenuous water supplies! Not so this house, in the heart of a lively village! The property was originally a farmhouse, and its traditional thick stone and stucco walls keep it cool in the summer as well as noise insulated. Its location high on a ridge catches the cooling sea breezes.

The house is adjacent to the tiny village piazza, with our fenced private garden to the one side. A vine covered pergola shields the house from view from the adjacent homes, and it sits high over the road leading into the village, with uninterrupted views to the west. The interior has been fully modernised, with antiqued terra cotta tile floors, light white stucco interior walls, an eat-in designer kitchen, central heating, ceiling fans in all bedrooms. The original chestnut beams are retained in parts of the ground floor, and the home has kept its local character, while offering all comforts.

The house has two comfortable double bedrooms (with closets and dresser space), and one single bedroom, on the upper level, all with views, suitable for a family or two couples. A full bath is on the second floor, and a second bathroom, with large tiled shower, is located on the first floor. The living room has two big cream sofas, a traditional fireplace, Turkish carpet, and a well stocked library of books and guides, plus radio and ipod player. The heart of the house is the large kitchen, which is fitted out with granite counters and cabinets, and a traditional farmhouse table for meals. The kitchen opens on to the large paved terrace, with teak outdoor furniture seating 8, and really spectacular views over the coast of la Spezia, Italian riviera, and mountains. It is a perfect place to sit to watch the sunset and watch life pass by. The light changing over the distant Ligurian hills, and the foothills, is magnificent, as you can see in the photographs. A small but private garden has loungers, amidst lavender,rosemary, sage and thyme, and there is a shady fig, and plum trees. Virginia creeper and jasmine climb over the pergolas, and geraniums line the terrace in planters and pots.

The location is really wonderful for visiting Western and central Tuscan towns: Pisa, Florence, Pistoia, Lucca, Carrara are within an hour, the beach is 15 minutes, and the countryside and mountains are spectacular. A wonderful base for sightseeing, hiking or relaxing. Plus, dozens of restaurants within a few minutes drive!

Facilities

Further details indoors:
The kitchen is equipped with fridge freezer, DW, gas/electric stove, toaster and electric oven, granite counter tops, basic supplies, cook books. Elegant tiled bathrooms and shower. Can also make up beds as one double, 3 singles. More interior photos available at owner's web site (see below).
There are powder blue aluminium shutters with adjustable louvers, and built in mosquito screens which allow the breezes in and keep bugs out. There are electric ceiling fans for every bedroom and floor mounted fans for the other living spaces.
An extra refrigerator, washing machine and dryer are located in the basement utility room.

Further details outdoors:
Free parking in village square, adjacent to rear of house. A restaurant/bar with an amazing view of the mountains and valley is located 50 m from the home, two grocery stores are located in village, which sell fresh and frozen produce, fruit, vegetables, breads, excellent delicatessen produce such as prosciutto, olives, mozzarella and local cheeses, traditional ice-creams, wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. Catholic church in village. Charming walks around village abound with lovely views. Camaiore, the nearest town, is just 10 minutes from village, with ATM, internet point and mobile top ups, supermarket, wine warehouse, pastry shop, delicatessens with local produce including prosciutto, home made pasta, and many boutiques, museums, churches, bars and restaurants. Village is on bus line to Viareggio, with connection to train station. Eurostar stops at Viareggio on way to Rome! Regular antiques markets are held at weekends in nearby towns. Weekly markets are a great source of local foods and discount goods.
There is no pool on the property: a communal swimming pool (covered) is just down the road in Camaiore, and there are numerous outdoor club pools (eg Bagno King) on the Lido di Camaiore.

Further details

* Changeover dates generally Sat to Sat, but check other availability.
* Check out/in times 11am/4pm.
* Additional nights may be available on pro-rated basis.
* Downpayment (10%) required on booking. Security deposit required. Lease agreement.
* Payment accepted by cheque or bank draft in UK or US currency.

Conditions

No smoking. For long term rentals, rates will be discounted but utilities will be additional, please contact owner for specific questions.

Photos

 

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View of W side of house, facing the sea

 

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Patio showing outdoor seating and shaded pergola

 

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VIew of house in the afternoon

 

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Pergola shaded terrace

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House rental accommodation in Camaiore

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The Tuscany / Lucca Province region

Western Tuscany is your destination, in the foothills of Apuan Alps, with lovely views of the coast and the sunset right from the house and its terrace. The area is a wonderful blend of tranquility in the villages and hills, and cosmopolitan culture in the valley and coastal towns, all within a short drive. Goats are still being herded high in the hills (and their cheese is sold at a premium in the local delicatessens) while Andrea Bocelli is singing Puccini nearby. People have returned to live in the traditional villages, which nestle in the mountains. The area is vibrant.
Lucca, the nearby provincial capital, is a wonderfully preserved mediaeval city, known for its olive oil and wine, produced in the low hills (Colline Lucchesi) in the countryside surrounding the city (APT can help you set up tours). The Italian Riviera nearby has sandy beaches extending for miles, with public beaches and dozens of clubs offering loungers, sun canopies, pools, restaurants and water sports. You'll be close to cultural centres in Pisa, sculpture and art in Pietrasanta, and can drive to Florence in less than 1 hour. And yet you are also within reach of the spectacular Carrara marble quarries, with glistening white marble on the 3000m peaks, visible from the beaches! Souvenir shops near the quarries offer unique marble chess sets, bowls and sculpture. You can hike in the Apuan Alps and see eagles soaring overhead, in wild places less than an hour's drive away. Drive across the Alps into the Garfagnana, and visit the incredible Cave of the Winds at Fornovolasco.
The Tuscan cuisine is marvelous, with hearty pastas, prosciutto, cheeses, grilled meats and game, and the people are unfailingly charming. The Forte dei Marmi market on Wednesdays is the best clothing market in the area, with designer shoes, cashmere, and clothing (and this elegant town has some wonderful clothing and design shops well worth a look). Local outdoor food markets are the best place to get fresh cheeses, barbecued chickens, fresh honey and just-picked local fruit and vegetables.
La Versiliana is the cultural centre of the Lido, with theater, ballet and concerts. Local antique markets are held regularly in Lucca and Camaiore. Pietrasanta is nearby, the haunt of famous and aspiring sculptors and established artists (such as Botero). You can sit in the same bar, overlooking the Piazza, where Michelangelo signed contracts, or visit foundries to see bronze sculptures being cast. Outdoor sculptures are frequently shown in the square and in the museum, a converted church. The city of Genoa is about 2 hrs away, with the historic centre, harbor and fabulous aquarium. The Cinque Terre towns are waiting to be explored, linked by ferry or train, their beaches and rocky covers with crystal clear waters: a great day trip. Altogether a wonderful place to spend a holiday, just relaxing on the beach or taking day trips, as much or as little activity as you want.

The Camaiore area

The village of Pedona is located on a hilltop to the south of Camaiore, an ancient Roman town in the valley leading to Lucca. The village, at 300m above sea level, was originally the site of a watchpost and mediaeval castle, long since gone, its stones used to construct the village homes perched along the ridge overlooking the coast, and the mountains to the North. The village is recommended as part of a scenic drive by the Versilia tourist board. There are pleasant walks around and above the village with spectacular views. An annual cycle race from Viareggio to Florence passes through every August with huge fanfare, and you can see the action from the terrace.
You can enjoy the Mardi Gras Carnival in VIareggio, St Lucia festival in September, Lucca, with crossbow and archery competitions, when the local people dress in traditional costume and appear to have stepped out of renaissance paintings! Rowing competitions are held on the Arno at Pisa. Visit the cathedral in Lucca, and cycle around the walls. Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Florence, and the Cinque Terre towns are an easy day trip. Drive into the Apuan alps and Garfagnana, stopping to see the Devil's Bridge, picnic in sweet chestnut groves in the nature reserves, hike on well marked trails. A large cave system is worth a visit (Grotto del Vento), or a picnic at Isola Santa, a tiny jewel like lake in the mountains.Try birdwatching and boat trips at Lago di Massacciucoli, Tuscany's second largest lake and also site of Roman baths. A large archaeological site is located at Luni, a short drive to the north, and additional artifacts are on display in the museum at la Spezia nearby. VIsit the pine forests and wildlife reserves on the coast. Puccini's villa is nearby, and the Puccini opera festival is held annually in August. Swimming and water sports are available on the Riviera beaches. Plenty of bars and nightclubs are located along the shore. Lucca, in addition to the attractions of the city, also has some wonderful villas with Italianate gardens well worth the visit. Regular antique markets are held in Lucca and surrounding towns. Collodi, the home of Pinnochio's creator, a short drive E from Lucca, has lovely ornate terraced gardens, a castle, and a quirky 60s theme park dedicated to the puppet.

How to get there

Casa Niki What's nearby: Attractions Restaurants Click map icons for more information

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- Only 40 minutes from Pisa airport (Ryanair, BA, and major carriers), 50 minutes from Florence airport, with excellent connections to major European cities. Also accessible from Milan (3.5hr). Car hire at all airports (e.g. Europcar, Budget, Hertz, Avis) with easy pick up and drop off at airport.
- 15 mins easy access to house from A11/12 Viareggio Nord motorway exit.
- Follow exit signs to Camaiore, heading E up valley, turn R at crossroad, follow road up the hill to Pedona. Detailed instructions, map, area guide, local restaurant recommendations provided on confirmation.

Activities near Camaiore

Reviews

Review: 1 to 2 of 2

06 Aug 2011

“Twelve heavenly stays at Casa Niki” You approach Pedona from the autostrada on the coast. You are coming to a very special place. Exit at Camaiore and at the junction marked Pedona you begin the spiral climb. After ten minutes you... more

02 Aug 2011

“The view is to die for, the village adorable, the restaurant (100 yards away) delicious, the house f” I have stayed in this house several times and have never been disappointed. It perches on the edge of a tiny medieval hill top village with a view of the rolling Tuscan hills and the blue Tyrrhenian sea. On a clear day you can see for over a hundred miles up the coast. The house itself is comfortable and clean - with everything you need for a family holiday. The kitchen is well appointed and there are two bathrooms. There is a little terraced garden with a productive fig tree, kitchen herbs and lavender - which accommodates washing and sun loungers for those who want to just lie down and read, and a large terrace with tables and chairs for breakfast al fresco and dining by the stars. The village itself is charming - medieval and car free - making it ideal for family walks before and after dinner. Our kids enjoyed racing round the village at night on their own (quietly of course!) - returning to the safety of the restaurant. The surrounding villages and towns (Camaiori, Pietrasanta and Lucca especially) are well worth a visit and the beach is only twenty minutes drive away. All in all - a great place for a holiday.

Review: 1 to 2 of 2

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Guestbook for Casa Niki

Your house is lovely and the views are stunning. I can't believe how many people cycle. And they chat to each other, they don't even seem puffed out!! They must be so fit. I felt very lazy. There are no negatives about your house or the village which is so lively I was very surprised. I will certainly recommend your home to my friends.

Just returned from a lovely 10 days in Pedona. Many thanks for allowing us access to your villa, both the property and the area were beautiful and a wonderful time was had by all. The weather was also very kind to us, and the information you provided proved to be invaluable on many occasions. Just what the doctor ordered.

Tuscany was as beautiful as we remembered and we liked Pedona very much. We shopped
locally in the village and found everyone to be friendly and helpful. Your house is very comfortable and well equipped and has a lovely feel to it. We found the information you had sent by email was extremely useful. (posted 6/2007)

We have just returned home to Edinburgh after our superb holiday in Italy. The house was wonderful and the garden and terrace fantastic. Once again, thank you, we had a really super time (July 2008)

Rental prices

Prices for group size 5
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
	11 Dec 11	8 Jan 12	1050£ 1050	0-	0-	1 Week
	8 Jan 12	1 Apr 12	720£ 720	0-	0-	2 Weeks
	1 Apr 12	1 Jul 12	925£ 925	0-	0-	1 Week
	1 Jul 12	2 Sep 12	1075£ 1075	0-	0-	1 Week
	2 Sep 12	1 Dec 12	935£ 935	0-	0-	1 Week

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

CHECK OUT TIME BEFORE 11am, CHECK IN TIME AFTER 4pm

£150 or $/Euro equivalent initial deposit required to secure rental.

Additional charge for use of phone (long distance) and clothes drier.

Security deposit of £500 or $/Euro required (refundable within 5 weeks of end of rental, less damages/additional charges) due at time of final payment.

Additional housekeeping services may be available on request at clients expense.

We can accept payments by cheque or bank transfer in GBP or Euros. Paypal accepted, added fees of 3.9% for payments made outside of USA.

Longer term lower rates available off-season.

Ask about discount on bookings of more than 3 weeks.

Detailed house guide, sightseeing and dining recommendations provided!

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Contact the owner

* Required fields Please check the following errors: First name * Last name * Email *   Did you mean ""? Yes / No Phone number Arrival date Departure date   Ignore calendar - enquire anway No. of adults No. of children Message * Email me special offers and holiday ideas T&Cs

7 years listed You are contacting Caroline Taylor Landline +1 203 457 0094 Mobile n/a Web Visit site Payment accepted PayPal accepted Languages spoken The owner is based in the United States and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2004. This house has received 2 reviews from previous guests.