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This is easily one of most favorite, and least requested properties. So many of you are missing out! Here you step into a J.R.R. Tolkien scene. Rivendell, the Elvin house in magic woods before the adventure begins. This story is set on a hill at the edge of a dark wood of chestnut and fertile hills of olive across a babbling brook. Originally a water mill dating back to 1576, La Stregaia is an extremely charming place. Perfectly renovated and furnished, it provides a deep rest away from the tourists ruts of Tuscany. Some would feel this remote, but it's not far from restaurats and shops. Just feels it. One of the magic potions. The kitchen you would associate with Cesare Casella, the famed Luccese chef, restauranteur and friend of the owner. Views from La Stregaia and its hilly perch are of green woods, fresh air and lush vegetation. Surrounding the villa is a terraced garden full of an impressive variety of flowers (owner's hobby), plants and aromatic herbs . This place is for those lovers of views, flowers, privacy and food..in short...just about all of us.
The owners and the caretaker live in two nice little independent houses on the property, with two "whippets" and 2-3 Cats. Italians love animals.
This
Perfect for: Couples.
The Details:
Lower level: Kitchen (fully equipped) in a traditional manner - great for cooks, dining room and a covered outdoor dining area that is amazing. Also laundry with washer on this floor.
Middle Floor: Very elegant entrance, a two part living room with access to the garden. One twin bedroom with two antique double beds and one bathroom with shower.
Top floor: Large living room with library and fireplace, master bedroom with canopied bed and bathroom ensuite. Second double bedroom and a bathroom with shower down hall.
Note: Some may think this is remote and the walk to the grocer is largely uphill. Still it's a great place. A perrenial favorite.
Services, Features, Amenities:
Central Heating,
Fireplace,
Pets Allowed,
Washing Machine,
Dishwasher,
Microwave,
Al Fresco Dining,
Pizza Oven,
Satellite TV,
Oven,
Stereo,
Ice box/Freezer,
Pergola,
Refridgerator,
Chef Can Be Arranged
Weekly Rate Per Seasons*
High Season (July through August): 5300€ / WEEK
Not available rest of the year.
Rates include our Lucca Concierge.
Additional costs payable on the spot:
Security deposit: 700€, Final Cleaning: included, Heat: metered and payable when used, Gas: included, Electricity: included, Telephone: metered and payable when used, Maid: 12.50€ / hour, Chef: possible via the owner (one of the best in Lucca) - cost is 35€/pax for meat; 45€/pax for fish; 9€/pax for breakfast
*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
Total privacy for three or even four couples.
I had hoped to be able to walk to a bakery. There wasn't anything to walk TO from La Stregaia, but the walks from the villa were fun (and good exercise - it's quite hilly country!) nonetheless. With this location we could easily get to Lucca to shop, si
La Stregaia is at the bottom of a valley, so the views from the villa are of the property itself - trees, olive trees, a little brook with a waterful, lots of roses....not too shabby!
Gracious, charming, helpful, friendly but not obtrusive, with FABULOUS taste! The two caretakers were also delightful and very, very helpful.
Far exceeded my expectations. I would unhesitatingly recommend it to anyone (at least anyone who didn't have to have a swimming pool). We had a delightful lunch one day at a restaurant in the hills above La Stregaia. I don't know the name, but it's ver
-- 2001
The Villa is so comfortable, you feel right at home. It was clean and beautiful. Love that there was plenty of towels available. Everything was TOP NOTCH.
The views are unbelievable. It was cold and rainy, and with the fireplace it was an amazing experience. I can't imagine how beautiful this would be in the spring, summer and fall.
The owners were very pleasant and we wish that we could have spent more time getting to know them.
-- 2002
Total privacy for three or even four couples.
The walks from the villa were fun (and good exercise - it's quite hilly country!). With this location we could easily get to Lucca to shop, sightsee, or for dinner; and we walked the Cinque Terra one day, which I highly recommend.
La Stregaia is at the bottom of a valley, so the views from the villa are of the property itself - trees, olive trees, a little brook with a waterful, lots of roses....not too shabby!
Gracious, charming, helpful, friendly but not obtrusive, with FABULOUS taste! The two caretakers were also delightful and very, very helpful.
Far exceeded my expectations. I would unhesitatingly recommend it to anyone (at least anyone who didn't have to have a swimming pool). The fresh-laid eggs were great!
Local Resuarants:
We had a delightful lunch one day at a restaurant in the hills above La Stregaia. I don't know the name, but it's very near La Vipore, which is reputedly even better.
-- Ann, CA, 2002
The home was quite comfortable
The location was very unique.
The view was of the forest and the old church above it. The villa location is set low into the property-not looking down across the valley... It was very beautiful and quiet
Gurdev was quite helpful with questions about the stove/oven and the washing machine.
Since we all love to cook - the kitchen and outdoor patios worked well for us.
Local Resuarants:
We so much enjoyed "Al Casone" in Monsagrati-on the main road just before you go up the hills to the villa
-- Hector, ID, 2003
The house was quite comfortable. The location is idyllic but nor for the faint of heart driver as the road down to the house is paved, but quite a witch back. Tight corners. Beautiful property with a stream running through it. The views nearby are fantastic.
Very nice and unobtrusive. Helpful with area restauerants, etc.
-- Ed, NJ, 2005
My second time to La Stregaia, and it is even more beautiful than the first visit.
-- Rick, PA, 2006
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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:
Supermarket 2 km
Local ristorante 2 km
Lucca 15 km
Pisa 20 km
Florence 60 km
Pietrasante 45 km
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