Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
This superb contemporary barn conversion is located in a small village in the area of Fivizzano. with superb views of the surrounding hills and mountains in the distance. The house was originally an old barn typical of the region used to store and dry chestnuts to produce floor, a base for many local specialities. The property was completed during April 2006 and now offers a comfortable retreat with a wealth of charm and style.
Accommodation comprises 2 floors, painted in muted tones of sage and beige to accentuate the decor style. To the rear there is a private garden and courtyard with furniture for dining and enjoying the sun. The courtyard features a hand crafted barbeque console
To the ground floor there is a bright and spacious living area furnished with 2 armchairs, sofa bed for 2 people and a log fire place for the cooler seasons. Fitted with Lcd Television with Satellite system. Double doors open to the rear garden. The kitchen dining area is well equipped with all the necessary utensils for the keen chef. Adjacent to the living area is a shower room
The first floor provides the sleeping areas. Romantic double bedrooms with open beamed ceilings and full length doors that frame the views. A shower room with ‘design’ suite, featuring hand crafted vanity unit with contemporary hand basin.
A stylish and contemporary retreat for travellers looking for something special as alternative to the traditional Tuscan farmhouse.
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/11959
The Tuscany region
The word Tuscany conjures images of olive groves and vineyards, fine food and wine, romantic farmhouses lined with cypress trees and of course the sun set over Florence. Tourists are drawn every year by these beautiful images they see in glossy magazines, travel guides and through film and TV. Many visitors can be forgiven for thinking that Chianti, Siena and Florence encompass all Tuscany has to offer, however this is not so, and although these areas are enchanting there is much more to discover.
Lunigiana offers a truly unspoilt corner of Tuscany and an inspired destination for the Italian traveller. The most Northern tip which borders the colourful Gulf of the Poets. The nearby Versilia coast overflows with sea side charm and is within easy reach the impressive city of Lucca, rich with Italian architecture and culture. In order to really understand Tuscany it is essential to experience its many contrasts and only then will you discover its true spirit.
Lunigiana is a quiet corner of Tuscany where traditions are strong, hospitality generous and the pace of life relaxed. Defined by the Appenine mountain range to the east (often referred to as the ‘back bone of Italy’), the world famous Carrara marble Apuane mountains to the south and the Ligurian Riviera to the west. For city dwellers, an ideal place to relax and get away from the more widely travelled destinations and an escape from the rush of modern life. Often called the ‘land of the moon’ or ‘land of a hundred castles’.
Wherever you look in Lunigiana, magical outlines of castles and fortified villages can be seen. Most of these were built by the Malaspina family to defend the strategic position of this ancient land. Today many have been restored to their former glory, while others remain romantic ruins. Relax, unwind and explore this breathtaking countryside.
Scattered with enchanting hillside villages, lush green hillsides covered in olive groves, leading to the foothills of the mountains with hidden meadows in flower, chestnut woods and eventually shady pine forests. A meeting point for various types of plants of the Mediterranean and even alpine regions. Paths lead through narrow village streets with stone houses rendered beautiful with simplicity. For walkers this is a paradise offering some of the most dramatic landscape in Tuscany.
All the seasons of Lunigiana have their own special character. During spring the hillsides overflow with wild flowers, trees awaken in blossom and fields blaze with poppies. During summer the temperature rises offering a superb climate that remains comfortable where the cool air from the mountains and the warm fresh air from the sea meet. Towns and villages liven with the chatter from the piazza bars, whether it be elderly men playing cards, young people parading the latest Italian fashions or tourists enjoying an aperitivo.
The season also hosts many medieval events where village streets are lit by candle light to enhance the atmosphere of live performances, street entertainers dress in costume and cantinas open selling local handicrafts. In the Autumn there is the important ritual of the chestnut harvest, together with the hunt for porcini - the most highly prized variety of Italian mushroom. Against the soft autumn light the hillsides turn from green to the most amazing colours of aubergine and amber.
In Winter, whilst it would be difficult to sunbathe, the sun still shines and the skies are often blue despite the dip in temperature, and with the winter comes skiing. There are three locations for this: Prato Spila high above the Taverone valley, Zum-Zeri in the western part of the Lunigiana and the third centre at Cerreto. Whilst these areas could not be described as professional resorts they still offer enjoyable days skiing for all levels of ability.
Seasonal festivals are held in the villages throughout the year to celebrate the harvests, with simple recipes evolved through the centuries. Long tables are laid for locals and visitors to enjoy the local recipes made lovingly by the villagers. In reality every one helps out, a real traditional affair the sort of thing seen on advertisement for olive oil!
The Lunigianese people offer a warm welcome to new faces whether it be in mere curiosity or in the joy that people choose to visit their valley. Each village has its own unique character and sounds. The bells of the cattle in the nearby meadows, the shout of the bread man arriving, the ladies catching up on the local gossip and of course the chime of the bell tower. People live in complete harmony where the simple things are important, content in the quiet knowledge that life is good here!
Influences from Liguria and Emilia Romagna combine with the traditions of Lunigiana and blend throughout the architecture, warm, generous hospitality and unique cuisine. The nearby ‘Gulf of the Poets’ sometimes referred to as the ‘Lunigianese Coast’ has attracted many writers, artists and film makers over the years. The quietly cosmopolitan coastline still retains its authenticity and charm. The lively and colourful waterfronts, picturesque fishing villages and hidden coves with turquoise waters are a delight to discover. Excellent road and rail links give easy access to many famous tourist centres.
For those with a craving for the famous ham, Parma is approximately an hour north of the region or should you wish to visit Florence it can be reached within an hour and a half by car. If you prefer an escape from driving then the train service is a cost effective and efficient way to explore the region. The airports of Pisa and Genova are about an hours drive away with other more northern airports worthy of consideration, all emphasising the regions superb location.
If you have a passion for Italy, and a desire to explore the less beaten tracks, then Lunigiana will not fail to impress. The only real way to appreciate all that Lunigiana has to offer is to see it with your own eyes. We are sure that after your visit , this will be a place you find difficult to forget.
Lunigiana area
Fivizzano, an aristocratic town in the east of Lunigiana that experienced a wealth of prosperity under the Medici family of Florence. After the domain of the Malaspina it became part of the Florentine Republic. Fivizzano is a bustling and attractive market town full of elegant Renaissance palaces and with a distinct air of pride in itself.
The young people of Fivvizano are prominent in the movement to revive their folk traditions and they participate in colourful flag waving performances, dancing and mock duels. They travel all over Tuscany giving demonstrations. A notable mention is the Piazza Medicea, an elegant piazza with a central fountain. The principal cafè offers some of the best pastries available for those with a sweet tooth.
The town also has a musical heritage attracting international performers during its annual folk music festival. The nearby enchanting castle of Verrucula, is a completely fortified settlement on the banks of the river which has been superbly restored. Little red roofed houses and narrow medieval streets cluster around the fortified square keep. Geraniums spill from window boxes and gardens are full of courgettes, beans and tomatoes planted right down to the river’s edge.
The castle is thought to date back to the 11th century together with its peaceful church with arched loggia and can be visited at certain periods during the year. Travelling further up the valley, Cerreto offers a range of activities including biking, walking and fishing also operating as a small yet popular ski resort during the winter with a range of shops, bars and hotels.
Licciana Nardi In this region you can admire castles, parish churches, tower houses, hamlets and fortified control walls of the Malaspina family, all dating back to the same period. The old street is rich in decorated portals, picturesque facades decorated with window boxes overflowing with colour. An 11th Century fortified town with much of the ancient town wall still visible and narrow passageways running through immensely thick walls in to the village.
In the Piazza del Municipo the imposing 16th Century castle dominates the square and is joined to the graceful baroque church by a small bridge spanning the entrance to the village. A autumn festival noteworthy of a mention is the chestnut fair held during October. The main street is decorated with chestnut branches, mock medieval shops fronts, old cantinas that open as rustic watering holes and the main piazzas feature large open fires for roasting this important ingredient. The local residents dress up in costume for the event to enhance the atmosphere. You may also see the odd donkey strolling through the village.
Towering over Licciana Nardi is Bastia, a good base for walking, with high meadows and wonderful views out to the Ligurian coast. Bastia is built around the castle of which is now privately owned. Monti is another village near Licciana Nardi, again a fortified village with a charming castle. The castle has been well restored and today is used as a summer residence by a surviving member of the Malaspina family.
Below the old village, the new part of the town is developing and although not particularly historic, offers a good selection of local amenities. The Comune of Licciana Nardi encompasses many medieval hillside hamlets, protected as historic centres and most of which are very much alive today. Tavernelle from the road may seem quite bland on the surface however it is necessary to stop and walk into the old centre to understand the charm of this settlement. Once an important trade route leading from Parma, Tavernelle was a popular stopping point, bustling with Locande and guest houses.
Taponecco and Varano are picturesque examples of ’borgo’ villages with narrow cobbled lanes and stone houses connected by arches and passageways. Villagers are very welcoming of new faces and go about their daily routine as if nothing has changed for centuries. Mostly these are farming communities however in recent years they have attracted buyers from Milan and other parts of Europe looking for a unique and unspoilt place to spend their holidays. Many houses have been restored to strict regulations to preserve the heritage of these villages.
In contrast to Lunigiana, the Ligurian coast is so very close in distance but in many ways a world apart. La Spezia , Lerici, Tellaro and Fiascherino
A short drive from Lungiana takes you to the Gulf of the Poets where you can wander the bustling old streets of La Spezia with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, enjoy a drink in its many bars and of course explore the extensive range of shops. Relax in one of the many seafood restaurants at Lerici and watch the sunset from the harbour. Once a small fishing village and now a popular resort, sitting on the edge of a bay, with the beach overlooked by pastel coloured houses.
The castle was built by the Pisans and then passed to the Genovese and was apparently carved out of the cliff face. It now houses the museum of Geopalaeontology created after the discovery of prehistoric remains in the area. The museum includes a virtual reality section and an earthquake simulation room. Lerici is a town that offers the natural beauty of its architecture, picturesque bays, historical monuments and a variety of tourist services. Today, it is alive as an exclusive tourist destination and retains much of its historic past, so loved by many famous poets and writers of contemporary literature.
Regular ferries operate from Lerici to Portovenere and the Cinque Terre (an option worth considering as parking in La Spezia and Portovenere can be difficult in the summer). From Lerici the surrounding countryside is characterised by green hills and lush vegetation, rocky coves small sandy inlets. A little further south along the coast you will come across the charming villages of Fiascherino and Tellaro, the later being an ancient and evocative village presumably of Etruscan origin, with its picturesque houses, streets and particularly its harbour that has inspired many painters and poets. Often missed but well worth a visit. The coast features some superb seafood restaurants making this an excellent choice for a special evening.
Le Cinque Terre Over centuries, through constant work, man has managed to create this landscape, the only one of its kind in the world. Represented by the steep terraces sloping down to the sea, supported by dry stone walling, cleverly built without any kind of cement, they are cultivated as vineyards that almost touch the waves. The Cinque Terre, recognised by Unesco Mankind’s World Heritage are today a National Park and protected Marine Area with the aim of protecting this great cultural heritage.
Without doubt, the best way to discover and enjoy the Cinque Terre is to visit on foot and walk the paths and the centuries old flights of steps, which up to a short time ago were the only connections between these five villages. The most famous path is the ‘Via dell’Amore’ or the ‘lovers lane’ that links Manorola to Riomaggiore which is cut out of the step cliffs overlooking the sea (15 min walk). High cliffs reaching down to the sea hide minute shingle beaches at Riomaggiore and Vernazza or tiny ports like that at Manarola where in the summer sunbathers mix with fishermen. Between Vernazza and Corniglia there is the romantic beach of Guvano, to be reached on foot. A larger sandy beach with facilities can be found at Monterosso.
Vernazza, located at the mouth of the river, is naturally protected from the threat of the sea by a rocky cove and for centuries had been the only safe landing point in the Cinque Terre. Corniglia, the only village not on the sea, nestled on a hill surrounded by vineyards has a more ‘country’ appeal. Manarola and Riomaggiore cling to the rock face with their houses piled up in a multi coloured mosaic overlooking the sea and are the most typical and unspoilt villages of the five.
The Cinque Terre, apart from its landscape, is also famous for the DOC rated wines produced here. Only selected grapes, after drying in airy attics away from the damp and the sunlight, will be ready for the production of this famous sweet wine. The cuisine is handed down from ancient recipes with the herbs grown wild to enhance the basic flavours. The sea plays the major role with a wide range of fish, with the speciality being the anchovies of Monterosso. Although the Cinque Terre are becoming more attractive to tourists the area remains unspoilt and a visit should be included in the travellers itinerary for those visiting the region.
Portovenere
Named after Venus, Portovenere is one of the most romantic villages on the Ligurian coast with a cluster of narrow streets lined with pastel-coloured houses and is full of coastal charm. Today, recognised by UNESCO as part of the world cultural heritage, it has been said that Portovenere is the less ‘flash’ version of Portofino and yes, in many ways it is.
The moorings lend themselves to small fishing boats rather than luxury yachts and the drinks are less expensive however this is not to say you won’t catch a glimpse of a famous face. The front is lined with a host of seafood restaurants and bars while the narrow cobbled lanes behind comprise a multitude of small boutiques and shops selling local produce and gifts.
In the upper part of the village is the 12th Century church of San Lorenzo which preserves some remarkable works of art and on the hill facing out to the sea stands the small, black and white 13th Century church of San Pietro. From here, or from the 16th Century castle on the top of the cliffs, there are glorious views of the Cinque Terre and the small island of Palmaria which can be visited by boat from the harbour. The island is a splendid nature reserve, hosting many beaches and coastal rocks. A network of paths running across the island makes this a ramblers paradise. If this isn’t your thing then simply catch the boat to the island to enjoy a lovely romantic meal overlooking the port.
For more info on the area and places to visit please enquire.
How to get there
British Airways Gatwick : Pisa, Bologna Heathrow : Milan (Linate / Malpensa)
Sofabeds (1), Double beds (2), Dining seating for 6, Lounge seating for 4, Sleeps maximum of 6
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, BBQ
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
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2 Jun 08
30 Jun 08
865£ 865
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30 Jun 08
1 Sep 08
945£ 945
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1 Sep 08
29 Sep 08
865£ 865
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21
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion. For bookings for all other dates, please enquire.
Bookings restricted to Saturday arrivals during June July and August. Terms and conditions available on request. 25% deposit required to secure bookings with the remainder payable 6 weeks before arrival. Payment can be made by Bank transfer, Sterling or Euro Cheque an credit card ( transaction charges apply ). Additional cleaning and laundry charge
Administration charge Euro 50
Linens and towels provided. Representative available for assistance including organising Concierge services - Terms and conditions apply. Excludes heating in all cases.
Returnable damage deposit applies. We reserve the right to modify our prices prior to confirmation. Bookings are subject to acceptance of our terms and conditions.
Concierge service
Whether you would like a restaurant booking, activities or excursions organising, or just someone on hand who speaks Italian to offer assistance. The concierge service can share their knowledge of the area and offer you peace of mind during your stay in Tuscany. Please enquire for further information.
Availability notes
Please contact the owner to enquire about available dates.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/11959
Contact details for home 11959
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Darren Chester
Tel:
+39 0187 421219
Mobile:
+44 7711 681413
Be aware of time-zones
Languages:
Contact Notes: E mail
Advertiser joined: 22 Apr 2005 This property added: 22 May 2006
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