The following information has been added
by the owner of this property:
Lunigiana is unknown to the crowds, yet close to Florence, Pisa and the Cinque Terra. In this sunlit land of chestnut covered hills crowned by medieval villages, you will enjoy the very best of Italy - wonderful landscapes, good food and a warm Italian welcome. In the northern corner of Tuscany, an unspoilt area of breathtaking natural beauty, the region is set between the Apennine mountains and the Mediterranean sea. Lunigiana links the Gulf of Poets (where Shelley drowned, Byron swam and D. H. Lawrence meditated on his next book) and the coastal province of Liguria. The region is dominated by the mountains of the Parco Alpi Apuane, from where Michelangelo choose the marble for his statues. The marble quarries are 45 minutes by car and are open to visitors. There are countless natural curiosities, such as the caves near Equi Terme, site of thermal sulphur baths. Cinque Terra is comprised of five extremely picturesque fishing villages. We recommend you take the boat from Lerici or La Spezia to enjoy this trip to the utmost.
For those who want to immerse themselves in Italian culture there are many places to visit; Genoa is a 1hr drive and well worth a visit. Florence is 1.5hrs drive or you can take the train from Villafranca. Lucca is a delightful city and is a 1hr drive away, where you can hire a bike and pedal around the city walls. If you enjoy opera then Parma or Genoa are both 1hr away.
The local area is scattered with castles built by the Malaspina family, and the Brunella fortress of Aulla houses the Lunigiana Museum of Natural History. Lunigiana is a veritable paradise for walkers, painters, photographers, and those who enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Throughout the year, village ‘sagras‘, ‘festas’ and other celebrations are worth a visit.
In the autumn there is the ritual of the chestnut harvest together with the hunt for porcini - the most highly prized variety of Italian mushroom.
In winter the sun still shines and the sky is often blue, and with the winter comes skiing! There are three local ski resorts including Ceretto and Zum-Zeri within easy travelling distance.
There is an excellent open air Olympic size swimming pool in Villafranca with high diving board, water fountains, children's pools and a large lawned picnic area, naturally shaded by chestnut trees and equipped with BBQ's. This facility is 10 minutes drive from the house and was completely refurbished during 2003. As the pool is open air, it is only open during the summer months.
" Ranch La Collina", is the local equestrian centre, just 15 minutes drive away. There really is no better way to explore and discover this spectacular landscape than from the back of a horse. Lunigiana is one of the most untouched rural areas in the whole of Italy, with a wide choice of woodland, mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, streams and medieval hamlets. A truly unforgettable experience! Alternatively you can hire quad bikes to explore the old tracks and trails. There is a tennis club in Villafranca with indoor and outdoor courts. The nearest ski resort is a 1hr drive away. The nearest golf course is at Lerici (45mins). Mountain and forest walks are right outside your door. The high meadows are abundant with flowers and heavy with their perfume. Parma is 1hr away for the nearest Serie A football team.
Please click/mouse over on thumbnails above to view image
Felicita means ‘happiness’ in Italian and is the right name for this house. The idyllic 360-degree view of the surrounding hills and mountains from the roof terrace makes you feel that you never want to be anywhere else! Tuck yourselves away in this totally unspoilt corner of Italy for a romantic holiday or honeymoon; escape and unwind in total comfort and tranquillity, with all the modern facilities you would expect. Its really hard to believe you’re staying in a 16th century house! In the tiny medieval village of Irola di Sotto, just walk 150 metres from your car, passing under charming vaulted passageways, turning the corner by the Madonna, past ancient portals to the edge of the village before arriving at the discreet entrance.
Notes on price:
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
The rental includes bed linen and towels (for use in the house). Electricity and gas are also included, but if booking is in the winter months a charge of £50 per week will be levied for logs.
The front door opens into a fully equipped kitchen/ dining room dish washer, cooker, microwave, fridge, kettle, toaster, Iron
Living Rooms:
Dining seating for 4, Lounge seating for 4, Log fire, DVD player, TV, CD player
Cleaning/towels/linen/maid Service:
Linen and towels provided.
Utility room:
Washing machine
Other:
Balcony / Terrace, BBQ
Sleeping capacity:
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4
Notes on accommodation: "Felicita" was completely restored during 2003 and we feel sure it will delight you. The front door opens into a fully equipped kitchen/ dining room, with beamed ceiling and Tuscan fireplace. Passing through a low doorway and down three steps brings you into the small hall. Open plan chestnut stairs lead up to the master bedroom, a light and airy room with a King size bed, antique furniture, original terracotta tiled floor part covered by a beautiful hand-made Nepalese rug. The spacious bathroom has a vaulted ceiling, large bath, shower and bidet. The sitting room is equipped with wood burning stove, comfortable furniture, TV/DVD/CD, complimentary DVD/CD library, and has another beautiful view. The second bedroom has 2 single beds, a view over lichen decorated roof tiles and mile after mile of mountains and valleys.
This is a delightful place to relax, enjoying the special life of a tiny village, with superb views and glorious sunsets. You can walk for miles in the surrounding countryside, or travel easily to the towns and cities of Tuscany.
A wonderful place to hide away and relax, spend a romantic holiday or honeymoon or use as your base for exploring one of the most civilised and beautiful places in the world. This property is our second home and we are sure that you will feel at home here too!
Ammenities/Facilities provided
barbecue
room fans
iron/ironing board
washing machine
microwave
games/books
dishwasher
fridge/freezer
cd player
television
radio
dvd player
oven
hairdryer
hob/stove
Etc.
Travel
Airport: Pisa: 100 km - Car is essential. BY AIR: Many of the low cost airlines fly into the airports local to where the house is situated. Our three local airports are: Pisa, Parma and Genoa all of which are just one hour drive away on good motorways. Airlines that fly into these airports are, www.ryanair.com also www.britishairways.com and www.easyjet.com
BY CAR: From France the Mediterranean coast motorway runs through Genoa and on down the coast to La Spezia, Pisa, and Rome. Aulla, the gateway to Lunigiana, lies just off the motorway that connects La Spezia with Parma and the Adriatic coast motorway, which runs northwest to Milan, Switzerland and Germany
Further details
Guestbook
Wade and Angela Shields (Honeymoon) Kansas USA
We have had a fabulous time over the past week...this has been a wonderful de-stresser...we would LOVE to come back!
Ruth, Jean and Jennifer Murphy Dublin Eire
...it is a very beautiful and deeply relaxing place to be in. Felicita with its stunning views and melodic birdsong has brought us back to a pace of life that is more condusive to living a longer and healthier life-Thank you.
Sue, Bill, Briony and Rory Knipe Staffordshire England
...we have 2 very young children and so have spent quite a lot of time at the beach and the pool in Villafranca...our best memory will be the village people who have made us feel so welcome, we were invited to the Irola Festival and it was a wonderful example of Italian life and hospitality.
David, Rachel, Hannah (10) and Matthew (8) Benzies Cornwall England
A superbly relaxing and restful 2 weeks in an idyllic spot. The villa had everything one would wish for in a ‘home from home’. The views from the roof terrace were to die for. … the family vote to choose ‘Felicita’ was certainly justified as we’ve all had a fantastic two weeks.
Jane and Colin Hullis and Mary Smith Suffolk England
Felicita exceeded all our expectations - the location, the décor and layout and especially the rooftop terrace with its spectacular views of the hills and valleys ...barbecued several times making the fire from wood we collected from the forest, then of course watched the glorious sunsets..
Dean & Nora Francis Illinois USA
Your home was just as it was described on the website and your directions perfect! The views of the valley are beautiful. We spent several evenings on the terrace watching the sun set and the lights from the neighbouring towns come alive.
Lisa & Jeremy Hardy Suffolk England
The week here has been a perfect end to our honeymoon...your house is so warm and inviting, as are the locals and most Italians we have come across. We are just trying to work out if we can manage another week next year!
David & Sonia Holmes Berkshire England
Thank you so much, we had a lovely holiday, your house is so pretty, the views are fantastic, and the peace and quiet was just what we needed.
Changeover day
Saturday
Golf
The nearest golf course is at Lerici (45mins).
Ski
The nearest ski resort is a 1hr drive away.
Accessibility
This three-story house with roof terraces is not suitable for young children, the 150m walk from the car steps and stairs make the house unsuitable for people of reduced mobility.
Outside
The roof terrace (accessed from an external stone staircase) is equipped with barbeque and furnished for sun bathing, eating outdoors or simply enjoying panoramic views of the mountains, which are snow capped during winter months. Next to the front door a small shaded balcony, which is particularly pleasant for a couple to breakfast during the hot summer months. A paradise for country lovers, at dawn and dusk it is possible to glimpse deer and even wild boar as they venture from cover in search of food, or watch golden eagles and other rare birds as they soar above the hills and down the valleys. We even supply the binoculars!
