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Il Castellino sits above Lucca with a commanding view of the valley below and mountains beyond. This "Small Castle" is really an ancient house that once served as a way station for pilgrims that travelled between Pisa and Firenze back in the days when sturdy folk traveled by foot and cart. And it has the feeling of these old times with its low timber ceilings, small comfortable rooms and a Stratford Upon Avon kind of ambience. Today it is still the only house on the low hill side, and the owner, a man with a friendly smile and eye for visual (those Italians!) is an art and antique dealer. Who benefits from this? You do. The place is done with great style, excellent renovations, beautiful gardens and comfortable home feeling while surrounded by antiquity.
Old thick walls support these enormous oak beams, chiseled stone and terra cotta roof and floors mix with the collection of antiques to produce an atmosphere one would not soon forget. Particularly fabulous old kitchen and really nice pergola for al fresco dining. All materials used are local - marble from Carrara, tiles from old Tuscan fire houses, granite, wood...it is all affacinate (charming). The pool is an above ground. NOTE - large vans, small buses can nt make it up the narrow gravel drive, last 100 feet. Minivans and cars are okay. Outstanding Points: Wonderful history and fabulous interiors. Great views too. Price is more than a bargain.
Perfect for: Couples or small family.
The Details:
Ground Floor at Garden Entrance: Double bedroom and full bath with shower and small laundry room.
Ground Floor at Back Entrance: Living room, kitchen/dining room, full bathroom with shower.
First Floor: 1 master double bedroom, 1 smaller double bedroom and 1 twin bedroom. There is also another full bath with shower and another bathroom with WC. Master double is fabulous (that's why we call it a master), second double and twin bedroom - all are very comfortable.
Services, Features, Amenities:
ACentral Heating
Fireplace,
Al Fresco Dining,
Washing Machine,
Dishwasher,
Grill / BBQ,
Private Pool (above ground),
Private Parking,
Refridgerator,
Satellite TV,
Outdoor Furniture,
Detached,
Oven
Weekly Rate Per Seasons
Low Season (May, October): 2557€ / WEEK
Mid Season (June, September): 2935€ / WEEK
High Season (July, August): 3300€ / WEEK
Rates include our Lucca Concierge.
Additional costs payable on the spot:
Security deposit: 600€, Final Cleaning: included (and cleaning on Saturday for longer stays), Heat: 130 euro per week, Electricity: included, Telephone: metered and payable when used, Maid: 10€ / hour.
*Reservations are always Saturday to Saturday, except for the lowest season when it is flexible. Rates are current and based on when the majority of the week is within the price range stated above. All of our rentals include linens and towels. One set per reservation unless otherwise stated. Request for change/cleaning may incur a charge.
What Guests Have To Say
Nice place, perfect size for us (4) and although it has a remote feel to it - gravel road and forests - it is very close to Lucca, which was the magnet for dinner and shopping for us.
-- Frank, NY, 2005
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Just east and north of Pisa through the mountain is the intriguing walled city of Lucca. The walls are the most substantial of all of Italy. Where most walled cities erected high and thin walls some 1 - 2 meters thick, Lucca created a massive moat and walls of some 20 meters thick. Large enough that it now serves as a wonderful promenade for the village people. This is a must - be in Lucca at the time of the "passeggiata" 5:00 - 7:00pm. The town strolls leisurely around the city on top of the wall and along the historic street that encircles the oval piazza anfiteatro, once the location of an oval Roman amphitheater. Julius Ceaser is said to have walked this passeggiata in 85 BC. "Passeggiate" is a delightful Italian custom. All towns and villages have one and allow the informed traveler, to rub elbows with the locals.
Touring Ideas:
Trattoria Miati (highly recommended) 2 km.
Lucca 5 km
Carrara 40 km
Florence 60 km
Viareggio 20 km
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