Rural Apartment on a Tuscan Organic Farm
- Mountainous
- Village / Rural
- Garden
- Swimming Pool
- Baby Equipment
- Log Fire
- Golf nearby
- Horse Riding
- Walking
- Courses Available
- Child Friendly
- Cook available
- Other rental properties on site
Once the cow stalls, this two bedroom apartment in Italy has been impeccably renovated, giving you a chance to stay at this organic Tuscan farm where you can hike in the surrounding area, try your hand at some local cookery, or wallow in the pool and admire the views of the Appenines.
The farm buildings have been beautifully converted yet have retained the traditional features, such as the chestnut beams, and the property fitted with smart modern appliances to make your stay a comfortable one. Local shops and restaurants are minutes away, seasonal produce is available and there is a resident chef who can prepare a candle-lit dinner on the terrace for you. The owners live at Lavacchio and are willing to offer advice on where to shop and what to see or are happy to respect your privacy and leave you to your own devices. The views of the Appenines are stunning, and the fully catered option will mean you eat like kings. Or to do it yourself, walking holidays and cookery courses are on offer. The walks, lasting from 5 to 8 hours, are all based in the Appenines or the Apuane Alps. Cookery courses include tuition, course notes, wine and dinner.
The hilltop town of Barga (8km) is well worth a visit as the summer brings a score of artists who exhibit their work in this "Citta d'Arte". Tennis courts and riding are both available here as well. The Grotta Del Vento (16km), a series of caves and vast galleries provide welcome respite from summer temperatures. For those in search of a winter break, Abetone and Mt. Cimone (60km) offer some fine skiing and snowboarding on a range of downhill pistes. The market town of Castelnuovo (8km) is the busy gateway to the Garfagnana national park. From here it is possible to hire mountain and road bikes in order to explore the dramatic scenery. The provincial capital, Lucca (38km) is a major draw and the hills around Lucca produce excellent wine and olive oil. Further afield you could visit Pisa (80km), Florence (100km) or the extraordinary 13 towers of San Gimignano (130km). The beaches of Viaregio are an hour's exhilirating drive through the mountains.
Getting There:
To get to this villa in Tuscany: Pisa Airport is well served by Ryanair, easyJet, BA and many other airlines. Flights are remarkably cheap if booked well in advance.
Nearest Airport:
Pisa 80km
Nearest Train Station:
Barga 4km
Nearest Beach:
1 hour drive
Car Hire:
Advised
Interior Details
The apartment on the ground floor of the reconstructed barn at Lavacchio is designed for space and comfort.The apartment is available with one or two bedrooms: each bedroom has twin beds (or enormous doubles) and antique furniture. The sitting room also has a sofa bed for extra guests. The small kitchen is sufficiently equipped for culinary adventures. There are spectacular views from every room. Cot and high chair are also provided for those with young children.
Exterior Details
The swimming pool is 12m x 6m with Roman steps at one end. It is 1.5 m deep throughout and is purified with a saline solution rather than chlorine. There is a fresh-water shower for rinsing after use. The pool is surrounded by stone paving and has a range of wooden sunloungers and chairs. The small poolhouse is equipped with plastic tumblers and wine glasses. Pool towels are provided in the accommodation. There is a variety of games: a full sized table tennis table, a badminton net and racquets and an area for boules. There is a small child's swing and lots of room to kick a ball or fly a kite. Board games and cards are provided in the accommodation.
Further Details
There is a range of walking trails through the chestnut woods, should you want to explore Lavacchio or saunter further afield to discover local villages. We can arrange a mountain guide to take you gorge walking in the Orrido Di Botri or trekking in the Apuanes. There is an abundance of wildlife around Lavacchio, from the eagles soaring above on the thermals to the lizards who scuttle around the dry stone walls. Deer can be glimpsed in the woods, badgers can be spotted stealing our potatoes and wild boar captured on camera at dusk. Evening meals, barbeques, pizza evenings and picnic lunches can be arranged on arrival. Fruit, vegetables, eggs and other seasonal produce can be bought at Lavacchio.
Conditions of Rental
Prices include: electricity, (* there will be a winter surcharge for gas), water, all linen, towels and pool towels and a welcome pack of local produce. In order to confirm your stay at Lavacchio, a deposit of 25% of the full payment (or full payment if booking within 8 weeks of departure) must be paid at the time of booking. This deposit is not refundable in the event of your cancellation or failure to pay on time.
