Lucca holiday farmhouse accommodation, Gugliano with walking, balcony/terrace, internet access, rural retreat, TV, DVD

Print this pageE-mail to friendShare / Post this

A Corte (farmhouse)

Home description

A Corte is a beautiful, restored property of Roman origin near the hamlet of Gugliano. The house is encircled lawns and by olive groves, vineyards, fruit trees, chestnut woods, mountain streams and offers the most unimaginable tranquillity to those seeking total relaxation.

However, the lively town of Lucca, a 15 minute drive by car, offers everything one could wish for, whether it is fine dining, shopping, sight-seeing or cycling around the ancient walls during the 'passegiata' at sunset. The house is well situated for visiting Florence or Siena, the seaside resorts and the beautiful mountain region of Garfagnana.

The A Corte Farmhouse is set in 30 acres of its own land which is used for the production of wine & olive oil. From the 3 large terraces and swimming pool, one can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and hear the distant sound of church choirs and bells from over the valley.
There is a well-maintained garden and a lovely pool which enjoys sun throughout the day.

The house & pool in view from village hill	house and surrounding estate
private swimming pool, sun terrace within beautiful olive tree setting	side view of pool with terrace over-looking vineyard & olive trees to distant hills

To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/59384

The Tuscany region

Lucca, the former capital of Tuscany is a real gem with so much to see and the surrounding countryside is stunning. The whole area is full of history with the local towns having Roman names.
The house has a large reference library to assist you with your travels and Michael, who has lived in the area for over 20 years, has great knowledge of the areas, restaurants, beaches, walks etc

Lucca / Gugliano area

The area benefits from a range of wonderful local restaurants from Michelin starred to simple trattorias and pizzerias.
Lucca is nearby and is a beautiful walled city, which is the birthplace of Puccini. The city is pedestrianised, which is fantastic for cycling and walking.
The countryside north of Lucca is breathtaking with many palazzos, spas and vineyards to visit in the area. Florence, Pisa and the beaches are all within a short distance.
In the summer there are many musical events: Puccini opera at Torre del Lago, whilst in Lucca, during July, several of the world’s best musicians play in the amphitheatre. There are also several jazz festivals.
Fungi and truffles are some of the local specialties and olive oil from the region is one of the best. The surrounding area is full of good restaurants, trattorias and pizzerias to suit all budgets and serving wonderful Tuscan dishes
One hour’s drive north from the house is the lovely ski resort of Abetone. This was voted one of the best 10 small ski resorts in the world. This is a very popular resort with very good facilities.
This wonderful location, a wildlife paradise, can be seen using Google Earth.

Local activities: Swimming, tennis, walking, cycling, fishing, horse riding, mountain biking & skiing

The area is wonderful for people 'foodies' with great restaurants, vineyards, markets.
The beaches are good with the Cinque terra a great day out on a boat to 5 beaches.
Wildlife enthusiasts can see Porcupine, red squirrels, pine martins, wild boar, badgers etc. Eagles, beaeaters, shrikes, golden oriels, hoopoes are often seen.
The Grotto and a walk in the Gorge in the Garfagna is a good day out, with wonderful views.
Shopping is great with all the designer shops and designer discount stores near Florence.
Art & architect lovers will have many places to visit. Grosetto and Pienza are beautiful unspoilt towns

How to get there

Pisa Airport has very good transport with British Airways, Easy Jet, Ryanair etc all regularly using the airport to many destinations in Britain and Europe.
Pisa Airport is 40km (45 mins - 1hour)
All car hire companies available
Lucca, and Lucca railway/ train station is 15km away (20 mins)
All car hire available
Ponte A Moriano Station is 5km away (10 mins)
Other airports at Genoa, Florence, Bologna, Forli can also be used, but are further from the house
Local bus to Lucca 1 km away

Activities near Lucca

Facilities

Further details indoors:
The property has been sympathetically restored retaining original beamed ceilings and antique cotto floors. The interior is comfortable and stylish benefiting from central heating, dishwasher, washing machine, fully well equipped kitchen and satellite TV, unlimited Wi-Fi broadband internet access, exterior and pool lighting, mosquito blinds, plus antique furniture, paintings and photographs.
The house is set on 3 floors. The ground floor has a kitchen and dining room with sofa with both having traditional Tuscan chestnut doors onto the east terrace. There is also a toilet & shower room with washing machine.
The first floor has a comfortable sitting room/ games room which is exceptionally well equipped for families who enjoy books and board games, plus satellite TV, DVD, Hi-Fi, Wi-Fi. It has all the traditional original features- cotto tiles, original fireplace, chestnut beams. There is also a large airy twin bedroom (100cm wide beds) with comfortable traditional iron beds. Both rooms have lovely views over the country estate.
Upstairs there are a further 3 bedrooms - a double bedroom, 2 twins bedroom with traditional beds, chestnut armoires and original features including chestnut beams. There is also a spacious shower room with toilet and bidet
The house and pool is cleaned every Saturday morning and bed linen and bath towels provided (not pool towels)

Further details outdoors:
The property is superb for outdoor living as it enjoys sunshine from dawn to dusk. The gardens provide perfect areas for relaxation and for children to play. The house is surrounded by 3 large terraces. The east terrace is accessed from both the kitchen and dining room. A pergola of climbing jasmine, wisteria, and passion fruit provides dappled shade. There are views through the olive trees to the pool. Lighting above the large stone table allows for 'al fresco' dining for all the family.
The large terracotta tiled south terrace is a 'sun worshippers' dream. It also benefits from a dining table & benches, plus outdoor lighting.
The west terrace enjoys a well established garden of lavender, roses, mimosa and fig trees. All terraces have fabulous views across the vineyards and valley.
The area is organic and a wildlife enthusiasts dream with many rare species of animals and birds. In the spring and summer the area is full of wildflowers.
The pool has a solar heated exterior shower, a tiled terrace/ grass with sun beds/ deck chairs surrounding the pool
Casa A Corte has appeared in the TV programme 'A House in Tuscany' and in several magazines.

Local Tuscan cook available on request. Italian cooking lessons can be arranged in the village with an English speaking chef.

Conditions

Minimum booking is 1 week (Saturday - Saturday). Out of season we are more flexible with the house available for 10 days etc.
A 50% deposit is required for securing booking using Bank draft

Rental rates

Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Winter	2 Nov 08	5 Apr 09	1295£ 1,126	0-	0-	1 Week
easter	5 Apr 09	19 Apr 09	1650£ 1,435	0-	0-	1 Week
spring	19 Apr 09	10 May 09	1750£ 1,522	0-	0-	1 Week
late spring	10 May 09	31 May 09	1900£ 1,652	0-	0-	1 Week
summer	31 May 09	28 Jun 09	2350£ 2,043	0-	0-	1 Week
peak summer	28 Jun 09	30 Aug 09	2950£ 2,565	0-	0-	1 Week
late summer	30 Aug 09	13 Sep 09	2250£ 1,957	0-	0-	1 Week
early autumn	13 Sep 09	4 Oct 09	1750£ 1,522	0-	0-	1 Week
autumn	4 Oct 09	1 Nov 09	1450£ 1,261	0-	0-	1 Week
winter	1 Nov 09	19 Dec 09	1£ 1	0-	0-	1 Week

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

To secure the property a 50% deposit must be paid, with the remainder paid on arrival at the property. Payment by Bankers Draft

Bath towels/ bed linen included, plus Saturday morning cleaning

Christmas week 20- 3 Jan 2009 will be Euro 1,650.00

Guestbook

A Corte has given our family 5 wonderful holidays since 1999. It is such a beautiful tranquil location and we really appreciate it being a family home with books, games and a very well equipped kitchen. This year we helped the farmer harvest the grapes, the children loved it! We made several tripped to the beaches, Florence, Lucca and really appreciated your recommendations for local restaurants. The views are as spectacular as ever. This year we did more walking which was fabulous. We hope to see you in 2005. Simon L

We celebrated our wedding anniversary at A Corte with our family and friends and had a wonderful Tuscan meal organised by the owner. Our request was for a seafood and vegetarian menu consisting of several courses. It was a truly memorable evening. Christine

July 2008.
You have another family as part of your (no doubt) large fan club. Having you, 5 minutes up the road, and such a welcoming friendly and helpful presence was a true delight and added so much to our Italian Holiday.
Thanks again, Michael, we truly appreciated everything, and you are fortunate to have such a wonderful spot to represent, as well.
All the best - The Burchettes, New York

Availability

See below for next 6 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Contact owner

To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/59384

Contact details for home 59384 Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:	Michael Ringrose
Tel:	+39 0583 353 125
Be aware of time-zones
Languages:
Contact Notes: E-mail
Advertiser joined: 16 May 2008 This property added: 16 May 2008

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.