Lucca holiday apartment rental, Fucecchio with shared pool, walking, rural retreat

Print this pageE-mail to FriendAdd to Facebook

LA SCUOLA (apartment)

Home description

LA SCUOLA is a characteristic old schoolhouse, recently renovated and tastefully fitted out in complete harmony with the beautiful surrounding countryside. Situated in a peaceful and panoramic location, immersed in the green hills of the Parco delle Cerbaie and in the Padule di Fucecchio (unique area where even storks come to nest), it boasts its own large private park. It is located in the heart of Tuscany, with the art cities of Pisa, Lucca, Siena, Firenze within easy reach and many lesser know treasures still to be explored nearby.
There is a beautiful swimming pool, situated in our own characteristic olive grove, complete with sun terrace with gazebo and well equipped barbeque. The apartment is furnished according to the Tuscan traditions and provided with additional table and chairs to enable you to dine al fresco. Private parking. In Fucecchio and the immediate surroundings one can find typical restaurants, pizzerie, wineries, characteristic shops, shopping centres, sports grounds (tennis, golf, horse-back riding facilities).

The house seen from outside the property	Swimming pool
The property

To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/39011

The Tuscany region

Tuscany harbours the classic landscapes of Italy, familiar from Renaissance paintings and TV travel shows alike, and its medieval hill-towns, rows of slender cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves, and artfully sited villas and farmhouses have long held an irresistible attraction.
Tuscany is the essence of Italy in many ways. The national language evolved from the Tuscan dialect, a supremacy ensured by Dante, Petrarch and Boccaccio. But what makes this area pivotal to the culture of Italy and all of Europe is the Renaissance (this name, "rebirth" of the arts, was coined by Tuscan Giorgio Vasari in the sixteenth century) which fostered painting, sculpture and architecture that comprise an intrinsic part of a Tuscan tour. Florence was the most active centre of the Renaissance, flourishing principally through the all-powerful patronage of the Medici dynasty. Every eminent artistic figure from Giotto onwards – Masaccio, Brunelleschi, Alberti, Donatello, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo – is represented here, in an unrivalled gathering of churches, galleries and museums.
Siena is one of the great medieval cities of Europe, almost perfectly preserved, and with superb works of art in its religious and secular buildings. Its beautiful Campo – the central, scallop-shaped market square – is the scene, too, of Tuscany's one unmissable festival, the Palio. Other major cities, Pisa and Lucca, provide convenient entry points to the region, either by air (via Pisa's airport) or along the coastal rail route from Genoa.
Tucked away to the west and south of Siena are dozens of small hill-towns that epitomize the region. San Gimignano is the best-known, and is worth visiting as much for its spectacular array of frescoes as for its much-photographed bristle of medieval tower-houses. Montepulciano, Pienza and Cortona are each superbly located and dripping with atmosphere, but the best candidates for a Tuscan hill-town escape are little-mentioned places such as Volterra, Massa Maríttima or Pitigliano, in each of which tourism has yet to undermine local character.
Tuscany's climate is one of the most hospitable in the world year-round.
The nicest time to visit, in terms of the weather and lack of crowds, is April to late June, when the weather is fantastic - it's not too hot, it's not too rainy and there won't be as many other travelers. Or if you'd like to wander around the towns and cities in the brisk fall with the colourful foliage, the autumn months will be ideal for your trip.The landscape is beautiful at this time, so that's an added bonus. If you're planning to swim, however, hot and dry summer months of July and August will be perfect for you.
Winter months are usually the least busy. It can get cold, but you can still enjoy a trip here during this time.

Lucca / Fucecchio area

We are located in an ideal place. Quiet yet just “a stone’s throw” from Tuscany’s most popular tourist attractions. In less than one hour you can be on the beach, in Florence, on the leaning tower, on the walls of Lucca, playing golf, riding a horse, at the zoo with your children or at Pinocchio's! Maps of different trails suitable for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts available. You can go on foot (nordic walking), by bike, even by car.
Thankfully, the local area is not a mass tourist destination (yet). In most of the restaurants in the immediate surroundings it is unlikely that you might find a menu in English, so you are advised to carry a phrase book unless you speak Italian. People in general will be friendly and try to help even if you don't speak a common language.

How to get there

By airplane:
Both Pisa and Florence Perètola airports are less than 50 kms. www.Easyjet.com , www.Ryanair.com and www.jet2.com fly from Belfast, Bristol, Bournemouth, Doncaster Sheffield, East Midlands, Edimburgh, Glasgow Prestwick, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, London Gatwick, London Stanstead, Manchester and Newcastle to Pisa.
Several car hire companies are available at Pisa Airport. To get a cheaper deal, book a car via the airline you’re flying with, or with a car hire company before you leave home.
By train:
The 18-hour journay to Florence costs about £ 210. Please bear in mind that going via Paris on Eurostar you (and your luggage) will arrive at Gare du Nord and depart at Gare de Lyon. www.eurostar.com www.raileurope.co.uk www.trainseurope.co.uk .
By car (driving from the UK takes approx 13 hours actual driving time. Great for loading up with olive oil and wine!!!):
choose among the standard ferry links Dover-Calais, Newhaven-Dieppe or the Channel Tunnel with Eurotunnel. Routes may vay but the Alpine one through Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, down to Strasbourg and then through Switzerland and Gottardo tunnel could be a cheap option as German motorways are generally toll-free. You have to pay the Carnet for swiss motorways, but it still works out as the fastest and cheapest route. From Milan head down to Bologna and then across to Florence or cut across to La Spezia.
www.eurotunnel.com www.poferries.com www.seafrance.com transmancheferriers.com
Fully detailed directions will be given on booking confirmation.
43° 45′ 58″ N, 10° 47′ 23″ E

Activities near Lucca

Facilities

Further details indoors:
The beds will be made ready for your arrival, and there will be towels put out for you. We do not provide pool towels so you need to take your owns with you. Fresh bed linens and towels will be given on Saturday morning if you stay for more than one week, while mid-week linen change costs 8 euro per person.
Microwave, Toaster, Kettle, Iron, Hairdryer, Tv set and DVD player, Highchair and Baby Bed available for rent.
Wash and dry service availale outside the property. To be paid on spot.
You will find some photographic Tuscan art books in your apartment.
NEW! Little English books library for our guests!

Further details outdoors:
Our apartment is lovely but our guest also enjoy spending time outdoors. The shared garden is large enough to relax and furnished to have a lovely dining al fresco. Our breathtaking shared pool is in an unique position. The BBQ is in a lovely little house, provided with a fridge, so that you can cook outdoor but still under a roof. Two sunchairs, a table and a sunshade await you next to the pool. There is also a solarium terrace next to the house.

Further details

We are not allowed to provide any food or beverage, but we will be happy to give you all the possible information of what's going on around us, such as food festivals and exibitions, and provide with some maps of towns (like Florence and Lucca). We will also very happy to get further information should you be interested in something in particular if you let us know.
Swimming pool is usually available from June to September.
Garden may be shared with other guests of the property, but it is large enough for everybody.
English-speaking owner is on hand to answer any questions, a mobile phone number will be given so that you can text (money saved) for questions or ring for emergencies. The owner lives nearby, so don't worry!

Conditions

A 25% deposit is due when booking. Balance to be paid 45 days prior arrival.
Breakages deposit of 150.00 euro required.
Sorry, pets are not allowed. Anyway, please ask. Off season, should you be the only guest on the property, we might consider allowing you to bring a well behaved pet ( 10.00 euro per day cleaning price to be paid on spot).
According to Italian law, smoking is allowed out door and indoor. You will find at least one ashtray in the apartment. There is no need that we explain the risks of passive smoking. We noticed that most of our guests are aware of that and prefere not to smoke inside the house.
Both elderly (+80) and very young children (1 year) have been our guests with mutual satisfaction.
EC travellers are strongly advised to remember to bring form ER111. For British citizens this has been replaced by the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from a main Post Office. These documents will enables them to use the health service facilities, which are very good in Tuscany. Also, under Italian law you must carry your licence, insurance and registration document with you at all times while driving.
We do remind our guests that they will need to buy travel insurance to cover any medical treatment while away, luggage lost in transit, theft and transport delays.
UK consulate: Lungarno Corsini, 2 Florence 055 284 133
USA consulate: Lungarno Vespucci, 38 Florence 055 239 8276

Rental rates

Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Carnival	5 Jan 08	22 Mar 08	360£  283	6350	6350	3 Nights
Easter Egg	22 Mar 08	29 Mar 08	480£  378	8365	8365	3 Nights
Fragrant Garden	29 Mar 08	3 May 08	360£  283	6350	6350	3 Nights
May Roses	3 May 08	31 May 08	420£  331	7257	7257	3 Nights
Summer Start	31 May 08	28 Jun 08	480£  378	8365	8365	3 Nights
Summer Splash	28 Jun 08	30 Aug 08	600£  472	0-	0-	1 Week
September Grapes	30 Aug 08	27 Sep 08	480£  378	8365	8365	3 Nights
St. Martin's Summer	27 Sep 08	11 Oct 08	420£  331	7257	7257	3 Nights
Autumn Leaves	11 Oct 08	20 Dec 08	360£  283	6350	6350	3 Nights
Babbo Natale	20 Dec 08	3 Jan 09	480£  378	8365	8365	3 Nights
Carnival	3 Jan 09	12 Apr 09	360£  283	6350	6350	3 Nights
Easter Egg	12 Apr 09	19 Apr 09	480£  378	8365	8365	3 Nights
Fragrant Garden	19 Apr 09	3 May 09	360£  283	6350	6350	3 Nights
May Roses	3 May 09	31 May 09	420£  331	7257	7257	3 Nights
Summer start	31 May 09	28 Jun 09	480£  378	8365	8365	3 Nights
Summer Splash	28 Jun 09	30 Aug 09	660£  520	0-	0-	1 Week
September Grapes	30 Aug 09	4 Oct 09	480£  378	8365	8365	3 Nights
St. Martin's Summer	4 Oct 09	18 Oct 09	420£  331	7257	7257	3 Nights
Autumn Leaves	18 Oct 09	20 Dec 09	360£  283	6350	6350	3 Nights
Babbo Natale	20 Dec 09	10 Jan 10	480£  378	8365	8365	3 Nights

The owner's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Cleaning costs per booking: euro 35.00
Hire of TV set per week: euro 30.00
Hire of DVD player per week: euro 10.00
Hire of microwave oven per week: euro 20.00
Hire of highchair per week: euro 15.00
Hire of cot (linen included) per week: euro 30.00
Refundable euro 150.00 security deposit required cash on arrival.
We can accept bank transfer payments in Euros only. Payments accepted also through credit card (plus 3% credit card charge).
The above mentioned rates are divided according to the season. If the minimum rental stay is 7 days, arrival and departure dates must be on Saturday. When the minimum rental stay is less than 7 days, then arrival and departure dates can be flexible (on any week day). If so, the price per night is mentioned under the column "nightly rate".
All extra charges are not included in the rental price and must be paid on site at your departure to the owner or to his/her representative.
Breakages are charged.
Any glass in pool,or other foreign material requiring special cleaning will be charged for.

Guestbook

We had a marvelous time at La Scuola. After your warm welcome and a dip in the swimming pool we quickly felt at home. For us, from Holland, every sunny morning was a welcome surprise. Every day the children jumped into their swimsuits and went swimming in your great pool. We took our books and joined them. In the afternoon we often sat in front of the house till diner. In the evening we amazed ourselves on the wonderful view.
From La Scuola it was only a short trip to Lucca, Pisa, Firenze and other beautiful places. We loved the sites, the food, the shops and of course the ice cream.
Tirziana, we will never forget your help when our car broke down. Nothing was a problem for you and your family. Please thank your mother again for driving me to the shops, and your brother who took me to the garage and patiently translated everything for me. The pizza you recommended to us was the best we ever tasted.
We are still convinced that the photographs on your internet site, don’t do La Scuola justice. Oh how we miss Italy!
Best regards,
Neftha, José, Eva en Luca Helderop

The brand new accommodation with the use of classical materials was in one word perfect. The swimming pool, with the astonishing view over the Tuscan hills, was like a big refreshing present. It was kept clean like we’ve never seen before. In the big garden we even could get lost. During the night we used the garden to count the “ stella cadente”. Our Dutch neighbours had never seen them before.
We also could admire the magnificent, historical and cultural cities in the close neighbourhood. We also lost our hearts in the smaller towns.
We are definitely not the first and the last family who wants to make only positive publicity for the most nice location, one can imagine.
Eric, Hilde, Pauline en Thomas, Graulus – Hooylaerts, Bruges, Belgium

למטיילים הישראליים שלום
זה עתה חזרנו מחופשה חלומית בטוסקנה. לגבי המסלולים בודאי שהכנתם שעורי בית. אך הייתי רוצה להמליץ לכם על יחידת נופש מקסימה הקרוייה:
LA SCUOLA
זהי פינת חמד החבוייה בעיירה פסטורלית וקטנטנה בשם טורה. המקום קסום. לאחר חיפושים הגענו למקום וגילינו מבנה חדש, נקי, מרווח. גולת הכותרת בעלת בית צעירה וחמודה שעמדה לרשותנו בכל דבר שחפצנו (כולל השארת הודעות בחדר על ארועים תרבותיים בעיירות השכנות שאינם עולים כסף
המיקום נוח ליציאה לכוונים שונים.
מומלץ מאד.
ד"ר אסתר יסעור

This property was in an excellent area from which to venture for day visits to most of the larger cities in Toscana. Easy to get to grocery store and banking facilities, as well as train station for visiting Firenze. Quiet neighborhood with nice views.
Mrs. Doty WV USA

Tiziana,
I wish to advise that we thoroughly enjoyed our lovely holiday in your wonderful country. In particular we loved Tuscany and especially our accommodation in Fucecchio, The pool is really nice and the facilities are excellent. The nature is beautiful and reminds me of my childhood and the lovely summers we had when, the weather was good in Ireland. Nowadays it seems to always rain in Ireland.. I liked the experience so much that I do hope to return for some breaks in the future.
I have told many of my staff about the experience and many are keen to visit.
Thanks again for a really nice holiday. My family sends their regards.
Kind Regards
Dermot Scanlon

Availability notes

To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/39011

Contact owner

To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/39011

Contact details for home 39011 Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:	Tiziana Fierli
Fax:	+39 0571 261722
Mobile:	+39 335 7459285
Be aware of time-zones
Languages:
Contact Notes: E-mail 24/7
Advertiser joined: 15 Oct 2007 This property added: 15 Oct 2007

Your Name
Your E-mail
Telephone
Dates	JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec   to   JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Guests	Adults       Children
Message
Where did you find us?	--Please select--Search EngineWord of MouthNewspaperMagazineRyanair Seat BackExhibitionForum / Other WebsitePrevious BookingRightmoveOther
Receive newsletter (info) Receive copy of enquiry
Use of this form is restricted to genuine enquiries about renting this property. Unsolicited commercial marketing is strictly prohibited.

Other homes from this owner
LA SCUOLA in Lucca, Italy	LA SCUOLA in Lucca, Italy	Villa Maura (LA SCUOLA) in Lucca, Italy