Ideal for large groups & celebrations including weddings, and peacefully located, this beautifully converted monastery built in the 1400s and the newer detached barn are et in the most wonderful position, in the heart of a v. sleepy & peaceful tiny hamlet/village with privacy, peace, mountain views & 15 hectares of land - olive groves, chestnut woods etc.
Together (and both included in the price) the properties accommodate
Monastery: 14 + 12, - 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 5 kitchen/living rooms.
Barn: 8 +4n - split into 2 apartments with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & a living/kitchen/diner each .
This villa gives privacy for groups within groups, but plenty of space to eat together both inside & out, & an industrial size kitchen for when you all wish to eat together . This a cook's paradise with wonderfully equipped indoor & outdoor kitchens.
The apartments are finished with chestnut beamed ceilings, cotto floors, fireplaces & original stone staircases.
Outside there is a beautiful walled courtyard with original flagstones & enormous original arch. The courtyard has an outdoor wood oven, grill, hob, & large electric oven perfect for all types of al fresco cooking. We can arrange for a chef for you too.
The pool of 13m x 6m overlooks the ancient village, with the valley & mountains beyond giving a real sense of relaxation.
Each unit boasts its own private living/kitchen/diner, with good quality sofa bed, hob, combination microwave, grill, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, sat tv & dvd player. Some have their own ovens too. Each has a fireplace/wood burner.
The accommodation is arranged as follows:
Monastery
Ground floor:
Enter via large arched wooden doorway.
Apt 1 - on the right - kitchen/living diner, 2 double bedrooms , shower room.
Apt 2 - on the left - kitchen/living diner, double bedroom, shower room
First floor:
Apt 3- on the left - kitchen/living diner, double bedroom with en-suite shower room.
Apt 4 - On the right to kitchen/living/dining room, private terrace with great views, double bedroom, shower room.
Apt 5 - Apt 4 connects to studio style apt double bedroom with independent access if required, via a large terrace.
Second floor:
Apt 6 - Set up above the others with a romantic terrace leading from both living area & bedroom. Double bedroom, shower room, living/kitchen/diner.
New house:
Converted barn close to the pool area consists of:
Ground floor -2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living/kitchen/diner & terrace
First floor - 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living/kitchen-diner & terrace .
Communal area:
Dining for up to 50 people, living area with comfy seating & projector screen
Industrial size kitchen with 6 ring hob, hotplate, small friers, large oven, fridge/freezer, chest freezer, tall drinks fridge, industrial dishwasher, coffee machine. All equipped with cooking pots & pans, cutlery, crockery & glassware to save using those in apartments.
Outside:
4 private terraces,
Terrace with ping pong area.
Courtyard with original flagstones & Tuscan arch.
Wood burning pizza/bread oven, grills, large electric oven, enormous BBQ, hob & sink. I-pod dock, speakers & lighting.
Grassed garden area with large umbrellas providing shade & an arched area ideal for weddings/ceremonies.
15 hectares of private land with olive groves, chestnut woods etc.
Vegetable garden - pick your own!
Chestnut woods with 3 donkeys - fenced off of course,
Pool 13m x 6m with amazing views over countryside,
Laundry room
Ping pong
NB - pricing correct for up to 25 guests for larger groups please enquire.
A little about the area:
Costola is situated on the 'sunny side' of the Garfagnana valley in an area which has retained Old Worlde charm.
Despite the quiet & dramatic location, the Villa is only a 2 min drive to a local bar/shop, post office & pharmacy & 5 min drive from a Pizzeria, & 5 mins from a restaurant too.
Other driving distances:
10 mins -market town of Castelnuovo - shops, bars, restaurants, train station, vibrant weekly market .
15 min - Barga - beautiful mediaeval town, - Cathedral, good restaurants, music, art, regular market.
50 mins - Walled mediaeval city of Lucca - cycle around the walls, meander in shady narrow streets, people watch in the piazzas, designer shop, climb towers! Summer festival with big named performers, & nightly opera recitals.
40 mins - Wind Caves ,Canyoning park, with waterfall jumping.
80 mins - Versilian coast reached either via Lucca or more spectacularly by mountain pass.
25 mins - local Fortress, with stunning views & interactive activities for the children. Buffardello tree climbing & zip wire park (ideal for both adults and children of all ages with a variety of runs) picnic and BBQ areas.
40 mins- Vagli lake(with its hidden village submerged by the water)
15 mins - Pontecosi lake
The real beauty of this area is the dramatic mountain scenery, the hundreds of hilltop villages to explore, endless picnicking spots, and the pure peace of a non touristy holiday!
