Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Enter the house through its ancient arched stone doorway to find yourself in the spacious living area with log burning stove and twin windows that give magnificent views over the Apuan alps. On this floor you will also find the large well equipped dining kitchen with seating for eight and a double bedroom with open fireplace and en-suite.
Take time to admire the original features such as chestnut beams, cotto floors and wooden shutters.
Going up the original stone staircase to the large sunny landing you will find a further three bedrooms - two doubles, one of which is en-suite, and a twin, and a large well appointed family bathroom with separate shower. Both double bedrooms have stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
A complete renovation of the house was completed in March 2008. Newly decorated throughout, the house is extremely spacious and airy with high ceilings and lime washed walls. It maintains its rustic charm whilst having the convenience of modern facilities such as central heating, en-suite bathrooms, dishwasher etc.
Misty view
Living area
From above Benabbio
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/60593
The Tuscany region
Tuscany has long been a favourite holiday destination with its historic cities such as Florence and Siena, stunning countryside, beautiful beach resorts and gastronomic reputation.
The village of Benabbio is situated in Northern Tuscany on the doorstep of the Apuan Alps. Within easy reach can be found the cities of Lucca (20 mins drive) and Barga (35 mins drive). Florence can be reached within 75 minutes.
Lucca - Garfagnana / Bagni di Lucca area
Lots and lots to see and do around the region.
The area around Benabbio attracts walkers and cyclists as well as those more interested in sampling the local wine and food!
Bagni di Lucca has more than restaurants to offer! Visit the thermal spas and take a tour of the grottoes. Treatments are also available such as massage and beauty therapies. The thermal pool is also open to the public.
Festivals in Bagni di Lucca run throughout the year in celebration of the many religious and gastronomical delights it has to offer, a selection of which include:
- October festivals for the chestnut, mushroom, and halloween the largest festival in Italy, - November Olive oil and the tractor festival - December brings Christmas markets and family festive fun days - February is Carnivale with the third largest in the world 1 hour away in Viareggio - May sees the stunning Azelea festival, many people come from all over the world to enjoy the flora - Summer brings the Fiat 500 rallies and music festivals Puccini, classical and modern.
For those who like walking there are many marked trails that enable you to explore the area and visit enroute the 25 traditional Tuscan villages that make up Bagni di Lucca. For those who want more adventurous walking explore Orrido di Bottri National Park with one of the deepest gorges in Italy. The area is also famous for its caves and caverns, and guided underground tours of these can be booked locally.
The closest city is Lucca which offers a range of shopping and activities within its beautiful medieval city walls. Lucca antique market is held on the third Sunday of every month in Piazza San Glusto and Piazza Antelminelli.
The Lucca Summer Music Fesival is fabulous. Concerts are held in Lucca throughout July in the evening. This year’s line-up includes Sheryl Crow, Chicago, Alicia Keys, and Leonard Cohen. Tickets can be booked at www.ticketone.it.
Abetone is the local ski resort approximately half an hours drive from Benabbio offering skiing and snowboarding facilities.
You can make your holiday as active and energetic or relaxed as you please. From swimming in the local river, fishing, or simply sampling the local cuisine, there is something for everyone.
How to get there
The village of Benabbio is easily accessible by road or by train. Low cost flights to Pisa (50 minutes drive) are available from the following UK airports with carriers such as Ryanair, Easyjet and Jet2.
- Bournemouth - Bristol - Coventry - Doncaster - Edinburgh - Glasgow - Liverpool - London (Stansted) - Manchester
Alternatively low cost flights to Florence (75 minutes drive) are available from London Gatwick.
The drive from the airport is an easy run North from Pisa (or West from Florence) on the motorway to the beautiful walled city of Lucca. From there a short drive North along the Serchio Valley takes you past the historic town of Borgo a Mozzano with the famous Devil's Bridge or Ponte del Diavolo and into the Spa town of Bagni di Lucca with its thermal spa, restaurants and bars.
Travel through Bagni di Lucca following signs for Abetone, a local ski resort. Just before leaving Bagni di Lucca you will see the right hand turn signposted for Benabbio. Prepare yourself for 3km of hairpin bends and stunning views of the Apuan Alps.
It is recommended that you hire a car from one of the many companies based at the airports. However it is possible to take the train direct from Pisa airport into Pisa Central from where there are a variety of options to travel to Bagni di Lucca. From here a bus or taxi will take you the short distance to Benabbio.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Pisa: 66 km
Railway:
Bagni di Lucca: 8 km
Ferry:
Livorno: 82 km
Activities near Lucca - Garfagnana
Sports: Tennis in town Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Cycling holidays
Single beds (2), Double beds (3), Dining seating for 8, Lounge seating for 8, Sleeps maximum of 8
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Further details indoors: The small frontage of the house that overlooks the church square belies the spacious accommodation that is on offer.
The house is unusually large for a property of this type, both in the number of rooms available and their size. For example, the living area is 45m sq.
Further details outdoors: Although small, Benabbio has everything required for day to day living with a small shop, tobacconists, bar/ restaurant and pizzeria (both of which we can personally recommend!).
During the summer months there is a small outdoor bar with tradional dancing area. Further afield, Bagni di Lucca offers many bars, restaurants, trattorias and pizzerias for different kinds of dining experiences according to your mood.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Summer 2008
9 Jun 08
29 Sep 08
480£ 480
0-
0-
1 Week
Autumn/Winter 2008
29 Sep 08
22 Dec 08
360£ 360
0-
0-
1 Week
Christmas/New Year 2008
22 Dec 08
5 Jan 09
480£ 480
0-
0-
1 Week
Winter/Spring 2009
5 Jan 09
6 Apr 09
360£ 360
0-
0-
1 Week
Easter 2009
6 Apr 09
20 Apr 09
480£ 480
0-
0-
1 Week
low season
20 Apr 09
2 May 09
360£ 360
0-
0-
1 Week
summer 2009
2 May 09
28 Sep 09
480£ 480
0-
0-
1 Week
61
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Guestbook
Thank you for such an amazing holiday house! We were spoiled with the fantastic views from all the many windows!! The house was so comfortable and spacious and had such a lovely feel to it. The village itself was charming and the local restaurant was to die for. I'd take a trip back for the vodka and radicchio risotto alone! The pizzeria also deserves a mention as their pizzas were soooooo tasty and fantastic value. We visited Florence, Lucca and Bagni di Lucca and loved them all. Would definitely come again. Lisa, thanks for all your help with directions and arrangements etc you were a great distant host! Fiona. UK
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/60593
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/60593
Contact details for home 60593
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Lisa Duncan
Mobile:
+44 (0)7917 457356
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Languages:
Contact Notes: Email or phone
Advertiser joined: 6 Jun 2008 This property added: 6 Jun 2008
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