LOCAL AREA
The Area
The village itself is small and traditionally Italian. There is nothing here but fresh air, peace and quiet and fantastic views, which have not changed for many hundreds of years. It really feels as if time has stood still here, and it is truly a great place to unwind and relax. There are lovely walks to the rear of the house and a natural mountain spring where you can help yourself to fresh cold water.
There are however, banks, shops, and restaurants in Bagni di Lucca, which is about 10 minutes drive away. There is also an Olympic sized open-air swimming pool here together with a children’s pool and diving pool, plus tennis courts nearby.
Deservedly called "land of princes and poets", this town, the largest mountain commune in Italy with a great number of hamlets, is situated in the valleys of the rivers Serchio and Lima, surrounded by green hills covered with ancient forests of chestnut trees. Scattered in the area are a number of elegant 19th century mansions, surrounded by rich gardens. Poets and musicians used these as a romantic retreat and source of inspiration, while royalty and princes found a refuge from the turmoil of busy European capitals. Bagni is where Lord Byron used to stay during his ‘Grand Tour’ travels around Europe.
During the summer months there are many fiestas with music, food and wine in the area. Bagni di Lucca also has its own spa baths, which the veteran Roman soldiers used to use. The area is also close to some beautiful places to visit, such as Barga and the beautiful walled city of Lucca.
Further Afield
The house is also very well located if you wish to travel further to places such as the Italian Riviera or Florence. Both of these are just over an hour away. The amazing Cinque Terra is also well worth a visit, and is only a couple of hours away.
There are lovely walks to the rear of the house and a natural mountain spring where you can help yourself to fresh cold water. Should you choose to book, in order for you to get the best out of your holiday, we will be happy to give general advice in relation to places to visit and things to do in the region. There is even an open-air opera within an hour’s drive, where Puccini used to perform. His operas are regularly performed in a fabulous outdoor lakeside arena, which is now an ongoing tribute to his work.
Every summer there are also a series of open-air rock and pop concerts in nearby Lucca with some of the biggest names in the world performing in a small intimate piazza. This is thoroughly recommended. During recent years the highlights include Simply Red, Moby, Lenny Kravitz, Anastacia and Robbie Williams, amongst others.