Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
An inspired hideaway located in a medieval village in the area of Villafranca and Bagnone. Located at the foot of the village the property benefits from some of the most spectacular views in the area. Originally the property was a typical farmers cottage yet through recent restoration the interior has been transformed into a unique designer property. A wealth of charm and original features blend perfectly with the comforts of modern living and style.
A particular quality of this house is the ‘spa concept’ bathroom, previously the old wine cellar. The stone vaulted ceilings combine with candles create an intimate and romantic atmosphere. Featuring a retro style bath, double showers and hand basins and a ‘relax zone’ around the open fireplace. The adjacent master bedroom features vaulted ceiling and door outside to the old borgo.
The living room is a stylish and perfect place to either relax or dine. Equipped with LCD TV and satellite. Many original features were preserved during the restoration including the old farmers fireplace now incorporated into the new kitchen. From the living room there is a galley kitchen with all the essential equipment including washing machine. Featuring comfortable furnishings including sofa bed for 2 people and Italian designer light fittings.
The property is decorated in tones of beige and white that combine with the soft grey of the stone floors. Bleached wooden beams to give the room a light contemporary feel without loosing its character. The second bedroom is located on the gallery above the living room with small shower room. Doors lead to a terrace from the main room wich can also be accessed from the old street . A garden provides an open area to take in the sun and of course the views. Other equipment includes all linens and towels, hairdryer, large fridge freezer, iron.
A perfect place for travellers looking for something special as alternative to the traditional Tuscan farmhouse.
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/11960
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
Villafranca Bagnone and Filetto
Villafranca acts primarily as a convenient town on the main valley road to Pontremoli. Although initially as you drive through it seems to lack elegance, most of the old centre is hidden behind the main road. It is has some notable restaurants and local amenities including banks and supermarkets and hosts a weekly street market.
The nearby medieval village of Filetto, is a delightful , totally symmetrical, square walled village with a tower a each corner. Almost every street is linked by overhead stone passages or bridges. Originally a defensive structure, it is now quite cosy with cats snoozing in corners and village women sitting on the steps sewing and catching up on the village gossip.
Filetto has two piazzas overlooked by the palaces. Gathered at the centre of a wide lowland and a dense forest of chestnut trees, the centre of this small settlement represents a precious jewel of Byzantine architecture, historically recorded as a military garrison with angular towers, structures still clearly identifiable today in this village.
The Ariberti palace overlooking the church square seems to return to its ancient splendour in the month of August when it opens its large doors to play host to exhibitions and antiques organized when Filetto hosts its annual medieval festival. This colourful and traditional festival includes processions in costume accompanied by drums and trumpets, displays of archery, traditional flag throwing and open air theatre. All the streets are decorated and appear untouched by time. Long banqueting tables are laid to enjoy ancient and traditional recipes.
Bagnone is a large attractive village of Renaissance palaces, wide streets and cool shady arcades with many little bars, cafès and restaurants. A honeycomb of village houses, arches and passageways leads down to tiny gardens and the picturesque river bank and waterfalls below the lively squares of Bagnone. The town has a rich past under the rule of the Malaspina family, then passed to the Florentines and became a Ligurian republic in 1796. The various influences of these diverse rulers can be seen throughout Bagnone.
The 15th Century heart of Bagnone, the Castello di Bagnone, is clustered on a hillside above the village with a cylindrical tower and a fine 15th century bell tower. From Bagnone it is easy to reach Castiglione di Terziere. The castle of this historic village is now restored to new life with respectful architectural and great attention to detail by the humanist Loris Jacopo Bonomi who is ready to welcome visitors with warm hospitality. The castle holds an extraordinary library dedicated to the history of the Florentines and Lunigiana as well as Italian literature and dominates the village with ancient stone houses spread out below.
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 information 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, Sleeps maximum of 4
Other:
Please check with with the owner regarding linen and towels.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, BBQ
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
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NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion. For bookings for all other dates, please enquire. Rate: 500/wk For the remaining weeks of July/August, rate is 695/wk.
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 and credit card ( transaction charges apply ). Cleaning and low season heating charges apply.
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/11960
Contact details for home 11960
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Darren Chester
Tel:
+39 0187 421219
Mobile:
+39 33888 57292
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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