Bound by the elements of nature, our two properties sit in a perfect location to savour the countryside, coast and history of this wonderful region. The houses, fully updated, sit on a beautiful hill called Cappella, just 8 kilometres (5 miles) northwest of Lucca.
Whether it's for a family holiday , a gathering of friends, cookery course , painting holidays or a yoga retreat or a conference of up to 22 people.
Lucca is located between Florence and the Mediterranean Sea, in the northwest of Tuscany and one of the most beautiful and charming towns in the region. It is also the only sizeable Tuscan town to completely retain its surrounding medieval walls. Most of the town, its piazzas, streets, and the original encircling wall, were laid out by the Romans. Its buildings, towers, gardens, and churches full of history. It's charming restaurants and shops full of local produce, await to be discovered on foot or by bike.
From the house, you can easily explore the countryside, Lucca (15 minutes), the Garfagnana region (30 minutes), Pisa (45 minutes), Versilia and Forte del Marmi 60 minutes Florence (75 minutes), the Cinque Terre (90 minutes) Siena and S.Gemigniano (120 minutes).
The drive up the hill on the winding, paved road is very scenic, as you pass olive groves, farmhouses, vineyards, cypress trees. Only the 12th century church lets you know you are nearing your destination at 220 metres.
Casa fiori - is run by a wonderful young polish couple - Karolina and Dawid. They both speak good English and make everyone feel most welcome.
Karolina has developed a real following for her cooking lessons, variety of good food served during people's stay , and together with her husband, great pizza and barbecue evenings. Dawid for his high levels of maintenace of the pool and gardens. The property sits on a hillside, with lovely gardens and many outdoor spaces to gather. This large farmhouse, sleeping 14/15 people, bringing together the colours, aesthetics and textures of a tuscan home, together with artifacts collected from travels round the world. The house itself rambles over four levels, like many original farmhouses, in an organic fashion. A wonderful place for gathering, celebrating, entertaining or simply relaxing with seven bedrooms and a huge 12 metre infinity pool, there are wonderful views from the house and pool, down the fertile valley to Lucca and beyond and towards Pisa and the coast. Around the pool there are plenty of sun loungers, as well as a relaxing shaded area , for people to congregate out of the sun. The pool itself has boulder stairs, and inlaid tile designs by an australian artist.
A huge entertaining room 15 x 5 metres, with fireplace, a two story ceiling height, a huge teak table seating up to 20 people, and a balcony/mezzanine encircling the second story. This is the main dining area for meals.
There is a small exterior building in the garden, which has been converted to an atmospheric seating/dining area with great views.
A large wood fired pizza oven and a gas barbecue make this a perfect alternative place for eating and drinking.
The living room is built straight into the stone of the hillside, with huge exposed boulders as part of the wall.There is a fireplace and large flat screen television with a choice of international channels.
Wifi Internet is in most common areas of the house and pool.
Solar panels provide a significant amount of the electricity used.
A solar tubes system provides around 60%-85% of the hot water.
We have our own chickens , vegetable garden and produce our own olive oil, limoncello and fig chutney.
Casa Castagno - Next door to Casa Fiori , is a delightful old farmhouse that can sleep 6 people in three bedrooms. but with it's own privacy, entertaining areas, large garden and private swimming pool surrounded by old chestnut trees which give Casa Castagno its name. It is a delightful old farmhouse set on a hill just above Casa Fiori.
The house has been converted to a high standard and provides modern comfort without losing any of its character. It is built on three floors with the main floor comprising a comfortable well furnished living room, a sizeable kitchen and dining area. There are three bedrooms on the top floor, two doubles and a single with a pull out bed. The main bedroom has its own bath, washbasin and WC. There is another bathroom with shower, washbasin and WC on the top floor. The bottom floor comprises a storeroom and a further bathroom with double bath, shower, wash basin and WC.
There is a verandah at the front and a patio at the back for dining in the open. The grounds comprise lawns, terraces, olive trees, a small wood, and of course a pool. It offers seclusion, spectacular views and is perfectly placed for sightseeing.
The two houses can be rented seperately or together.
Whether it's for a family holiday , a gathering of friends, cookery course , painting holiday, yoga retreat or a conference of up to 22 people.
The surrounding area is a joy to visit. There are walks to the top of the hill, Where it is possible to enjoy an organized picnic. (Photo) Another 90 / 120 minute walk can be arranged with a guide along the ridges adjoining the Cappella hillside. Situated deep in the hills is a typical local restaurant with grilled local meats and homemade pasta, overlooking the beautiful forest and trails.
The village of Cappella is at the bottom of the hill, and is reached by a winding road which passes through olive groves and vineyards. Cappella a tiny village with a shop, bar and post office. Depending on your fitness it takes 15 minutes to walk down and 25 minutes to walk back up.
Lucca (just 15 minutes away by car) is located between Florence and the Mediterranean Sea, in the northwest of Tuscany and one of the most beautiful and charming towns in the region. It is also the only sizeable Tuscan town to completely retain its surrounding medieval walls. Most of the town, its piazzas, streets, and the original encircling wall, were laid out by the Romans. Its buildings, towers, gardens, and churches are full of history. Its charming restaurants and shops full of local produce, await to be discovered on foot or by bike.
From the house, you can easily explore the countryside,the Garfagnana region (30 minutes), Pisa (45 minutes), Versilia and Forte del Marmi 60 minutes Florence (75 minutes), the Cinque Terre (90 minutes) Siena and S.Gemigniano (120 minutes).
contact: atyahowell@gmail.com
bu
