Location
The casale stands in panoramic position at an altitude of about 430 meters on the hills around Lucca, just a few kilometers from the beaches of Versilia.
Its plan and the presence of an amphitheater demonstrate that Lucca was a Roman town; then, from the 5th century it was occupied by the Goths and the Byzantines and became one of the most important towns in the Longobard kingdom. Due to the presence of the so-called "Volto Santo" (Sacred Countenance, a relic representing Christ crucified), in the Middle Ages Lucca was a fundamental stop of the pilgrimage from northern Europe to Rome along the Via Francigena.
Lucca historic center is surrounded by walls built between the 15th and 17th century, which are considered the most well-preserved in Europe. Being rich in religious buildings, Lucca is also called the town of the hundred churches; the most important of them is certainly the Cathedral of San Martino. The town is also rich in Renaissance towers and palaces, including the celebrated Guinigi tower.
Apart from being an important Tuscan city of art, every year Lucca hosts "Lucca Comics and Games", an international festival devoted to comics, role-playing and board games and animation.
Description
The complex is surrounded by 40 hectares of olive groves and vineyards. In the estate lies also a pond. The buildings command the valley below and on clear days the walls of Lucca can be seen from the windows of the houses and from the garden.
A tennis club and a riding stable are a few kilometers from the casale. Lucca, Pisa, Florence, the beaches of Versilia, the picturesque villages of Garfagnana and other Tuscan tourist destinations are within easy driving distance.
The private swimming pool (6x12 m; depth: 1.40 m) that lies in the lawn that surrounds the buildings is partially fenced and equipped with deck chairs, sunshades, tables and chairs. In the garden are also the barbecue equipment and a wood-burning oven.
Accommodation
The complex composes of two buildings divided into three independent apartments featuring a portion of private garden furnished with table and chairs for having meals al fresco.
Cottage Gelsomino is a two-story building composed of a large living room with kitchenette and a single armchair bed, two twin bedrooms and a bathroom with bathtub and shower.
Apartment Calla composes of kitchen/small living room, three double bedrooms (one has air conditioning) and two bathrooms with shower. A supplementary single bed can be added in one of the bedrooms.
Apartment Narciso consists of kitchen/small living room with double sofa bed, a double bedroom and a bathroom with shower.
Facilities and Services
The casale comes with barbecue equipment, wood-burning oven, working fireplace, TV set, oven, fridge, freezer, iron and private car parking place.
Guests can purchase the olive oil, wine and honey produced in the estate.
Two restaurants are in Pieve Santo Stefano.
Cafés, a newsstand, a supermarket, petrol stations, a riding stable and a tennis club are 5 kilometers from the estate.
Shops and services of any kind are in Lucca (7 km).
