Plunged in the green and luscious hills of Lucca and surrounded with spotless views, the villa (300 sq. m) and its gardens appear fabulously crafted out of the pages of Burnett's "Secret Garden", matching the best of Tuscany with the charm and taste of a British Art Collector. It' s conveniently situated to allow easy access to Lucca, Pietrasanta, Pisa, Forte dei Marmi, Carrara, The Apennines, and Florence, so one can combine peace and rest with culture, or outdoor action with shopping. Primarily built in medieval times as the parish house next to the church, the property has been rebuilt as a lovely country family house.
Carefully planned to reflect with its flora variety different seasons of the year, the garden offers plenty of paths for pleasant walks (plot size is about 20 000 sq. m). Every corner, every turn, keeps a new surprise view of the house or of the valley below. Stream, and fish ponds, tree house, rose garden, olive grove, cypress archway, private swimming pool, and for those who like to play, a croquet set, a ping pong and even a football ground. The pool is ideally integrated in the landscape and is designed to be in a setting to grant complete privacy and peace from the rest of the house.
Depending on the hours of day and the sun light, the house offers various spaces to relax or enjoy the company of friends and family. This allows everyone to find their spot and to have their own privacy. Or to enjoy a meal alfresco in the favourite spot.
The house is in absolute harmony with the garden. Surrounded by doors that open towards the outside, creating a flow of fresh air between the rooms. Every corner of the house demonstrates the owner’s passion for art, including the Art historian library, pick up your book and put it back in the same place, please.
The villa includes two terraces, a patio, a kitchen, a dining room, a living room, two fireplaces, a library/TV lounge, and a utility room. The kitchen opens onto the patio terrace where one can enjoy most meals in the fresh air. The kitchen is fully equipped including a dishwasher and 2 ovens. It is simple and cozy, well organized for lovers of cooking. It features a table for 4 frequently used for coffee breaks and snacks during the day. Inside the house there is a main central family dining area that can seat up to 12 guests. The TV-room is equipped with Sky TV as well as Wi-Fi internet throughout most of the house.
The villa sleeps 10 guests and offers 3 double bedrooms, 4 single beds in the attic and 3 bathrooms, two are en-suite (two with bathtub and one with shower) plus 1 guest bathroom (basin and WC). Bedroom 1 with bathroom en-suite boasts great view from the private terrace facing the Tuscan panorama. Bedroom 2 (possibility of 2 twin beds) has en-suite shower room with an artistic unique view on the ancient church of San Lorenzo. The bedroom is decorated with ancient fabrics on the wall.
Bedroom 3 with bathroom is located on the first level. This bedroom (possibility of 2 twin beds) greets the first sun rays, facing east and listening to the gentle flow of water in the stream. The attic offers 4 beds and air conditioning, with the window on the ancient church. This bedroom is perfect for teenagers. The owner has installed smoke detectors in the bedrooms.
The villa is situated in the village of Orbicciano, 15 minutes from of the city of Lucca, just off the main road SP1 between Lucca and Camaiore, that is part of the ancient Via Francigena, the old pilgrim route linking Canterbury to Jerusalem. Its central setting in the hills allows to reach key touristic locations, discover old towns, enjoy the seaside, as well as a walk in the mountains, or the white caves of Carrara. Local newsagents, coffee bars, supermarkets, deli, restaurants, pizzeria, a pharmacy, are all within 5 minute drive, so there is no need to go into the main town. A bus stop is just next to the house with a bur departing to Lucca 4 times daily. Taxi service can be organised.
