Sorry - no pets allowed Not suitable for children under 5 No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
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 attached on one side to two other homes, forming a short terrace, and backs on to the tiny village piazza, with our fenced private garden on the other 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 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, 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 a TV (local reception) and radio/tape 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, and fig, 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!
View of W side of house, which is facing the sea
View from terrace to West, Bay of la Spezia
Interior kitchen area
Terrace
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/3234
The Tuscany 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. You are not in the middle of nowhere, however! The area is a wonderful blend of tranquility in the villages and hills, and cosmoplitan culture in the valley and coastal towns, all within a short drive. Goats are still being herded high 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.
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, or 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. 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
- 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.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Pisa: 40 km
Railway:
Viareggio: 20 km
Activities near Camaiore
Sports: Tennis in town Watersports Waterpark Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive
Great for: Walking holidays Beach or lakeside relaxation Good nightlife City breaks
Sofabeds (1), Single beds (1), Double beds (2), Cots (1), Dining seating for 6, Lounge seating for 6, Sleeps maximum of 5
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private garden
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: Kitchen is equipped with fridge freezer, DW, gas/electric stove and electric oven, granite counter tops, basic supplies, cook books. Laundry room with washing machine. 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). Mosquito screens on windows keep out bugs! Electric ceiling fans for every bedroom and LR.
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, supermarket, wine warehouse, shopping, 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! There is no pool on the property: a communal swiming 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.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
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Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Sept - Oct
1 Sep 08
1 Nov 08
845£ 845
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1 Nov 08
18 Dec 08
555£ 555
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1 Week
18 Dec 08
12 Jan 09
800£ 800
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1 Week
12 Jan 09
1 Apr 09
605£ 605
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1 Week
1 Apr 09
1 Jun 09
755£ 755
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1 Week
1 Jun 09
31 Aug 09
905£ 905
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1 Week
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NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion. Longer term lower rates available off-season Ask about discount on bookings of more than 3 weeks. CHECK OUT TIME BEFORE 11am, CHECK IN TIME AFTER 4pm Refundable £150 or $/Euro equivalent security deposit required with final balance payment We can accept payments by cheque or bank transfer in GBP or Euros.
Detailed house guide, sightseeing and dining recommendations provided!
Guestbook
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)
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/3234
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/3234
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