Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Casa al Colle is set within a deeply rural area of rolling hills dotted with olive trees, woods and small vineyards. The house been constructed from a hay barn of 1663, the owners’ house next door being the original farmhouse. The main part of the barn would have contained hay with the animals housed below.
The pool is set above the house on the side away from the owner's house. It is for the private use of visitors and is undoubtedly the main focus of a holiday there. Loungers, sun umbrellas and children's blow up toys are provided and the view is stupendous. Apart from the pool, there are country walks both directly from the house and, for keen walkers, a short drive away in the Apuan Alps. Medieval Lucca is only 8 kms away.
The house
Looking towards end of pool
Living room
House from the side
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/34499
The Tuscany region
Tuscany is a large and varied region of Italy. It is best known as the home of Florence (Firenze in Italian) where the renaissance of art and sculpture began in the 15th Century. Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo both came from Florence. Galileo who proved that the earth goes round the sun also came from Tuscany. He was a native of Pisa and did experiments from the top of the world famous leaning tower.
Lucca is the provincial capital of this part of Tuscany. It is a medieval city on a plain and is still completely surrounded by its 16th Century walls. It has rightly become a noted tourist destination. The rolling hills around Lucca are famous for olive oil and wine production.
Lucca / Piana di Lucca area
The Moriano district just to the north and west of Lucca is an agricultural area of small hamlets and farmsteads that date back to Roman times. It still provides much of the fruit and vegetable sold in the shops and markets of Lucca and the surrounding villages. Casa al Colle is in Santo Stefano di Moriano just 1 km away from the main village of Ponte a Moriano. The rolling hills surrounding the house have the typically ‘Tuscan’ feel of the Colline Lucchese and are dotted with cypress trees and olive trees which produce the world famous Lucca olive oil. Further to the north, the hills turn into the peaks and heights of the Apuan Alps while to the west lies the coastal plain and the sea.
How to get there
The nearest airport is Pisa, served all year round by Ryan Air and BA and in high season by several budget airlines. Also good train connections. The is a good choice of car hire companies directly from the airport
Sofabeds (1), Single beds (3), Double beds (2), Cots (1), Dining seating for 10, Lounge seating for 8, Sleeps maximum of 9
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Private outdoor pool (unheated), Private garden, BBQ
Access:
Secure parking
Further details indoors: Visitors enter the house from the side (as shown in the photos) directly into the living room which has a central wood-burning fireplace. Beyond the fireplace is a comfortable sitting area with bathroom (with tub) off and then the kitchen area, well equipped.
Upstairs are the 3 bedrooms, one double, one with bunk beds and the third containing a double bed and a comfortable fold down bed making it in effect a twin bedroom or a room for a couple and a child. The second bathroom, (with shower) is also upstairs. Downstairs again the sofa unfolds into a double bed. Altogether the house is ideal for 6 people with 9 being possible. A cot for a baby with bedding is also provided.
Further details outdoors: From the kitchen another door leads directly onto a lawn with gazebo for eating out. This is an excellent area for children to play or for taking morning tea or coffee. Up the slope is the barbecue area and further up again is the truly superb swimming pool with a view stretching down across the valley. The lawn, gazebo and pool area is private, not overlooked and for visitors’ use only – apart from Nina, the owners’ soft natured dog who quickly becomes a firm favourite with visiting children.
Further details
The owner of Casa al Colle is a good cook and offers traditional Tuscan meals on request. For mid-season holidays she offers guided walks through the woods and meadows to collect herbs for making local dishes. Reasonable prices paid directly.
Eating: Local restaurants a short drive away, otherwise Lucca or home cooking (see above) Massage: The owner has a dedicated massage room and offers this as a service. Culture: Museums, churches, theatre, opera in Lucca Walking: Locally along paths or further afield Wine: The wine route is nearby Distances: Lucca 8kms, Florence 76kms, Pisa 28kms.
Conditions
150 Euro security deposit paid on arrival
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Low Season
12 Oct 08
19 Apr 09
550£ 550
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
19 Apr 09
5 Jul 09
885£ 885
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
5 Jul 09
6 Sep 09
995£ 995
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
6 Sep 09
11 Oct 09
885£ 885
0-
0-
1 Week
31
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Payment by sterling (GBP) cheque or by bank transfer
Summer cooling and Winter heating paid directly to the owner according to use
Guestbook
'Everything has been wonderful! These 14 days have been great ... the area is so nice, the restaurants are so nice ... the view is just amazing,' Isabella, Rasmus and family, Denmark, July 2006
'The time here was wonderful. The very big pool and the view is Tuscany at its best,' Karin, Julian and Stefanie May 2006
'A wonderful week in a wonderful part of the world. The villa was really nice - the pool and the setting lovely too ... I'll certainly recommend Clevedons Travel to friends / colleagues.' Richard Wilcock, West Lothian 2008
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/34499
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/34499
Contact details for home 34499
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Elisabeth Bond
Tel:
+44 (0)20 7278 0672
Be aware of time-zones
Languages:
Contact Notes: Email and land line
Advertiser joined: 20 Jan 2005 This property added: 1 Aug 2007
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