|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Santa Caterina is a classic Italian villa located in Fauglia, a hilly countryside province of Pisa where the noble families from Pisa had their country villas and estate. Very similar to Lucca. The villa which is located on an enormous parcel of land (18 hectares) has an interesting story to it. The villa dates back to 1800 or so. It was acquired by the grandfather of the present owners, a friendly young couple who live in Pisa and occasionally on the farmhouse on the property during weekends and summer.
The territory of Fauglia, has traces of pre-Roman settlements….The Etruscans no doubt. There is a story that a well carved bust stood on top of the main gate since the beginnings of the villa itself. There it sat for centuries and no one knew how the bust got there. One day an expert of antiques passed this way and saw the bust, and asked permission to examine it. The result was determining that the bust was an Etruscan sculpture dating back to the 2° century B.C. The present owners removed it and put it in the owner's house in a special niche. We would have too. Amazing it was never stolen.
The owner lives on the property occasionally and shares the pool, and tennis court. Close to the farmhouse there is the house of the guardian of the property - they have an independent gate. He is a tennis pro and can provide instructions.
Perfect for: Family or couples.
The Details:
Ground floor: An entrance into a large central living room which opens on to the front lawn via French doors. One TV sitting room with fire place, and another sitting room with CD, stereo and such. Dining room with a table sitting 10- 12 people and the room opens to the back portico via French door. The kitchen is in traditional country style yet has all the gadgets you need (gas stove, electric oven, dishwasher, fridge- freezer etc.) opening on the portico for dining al fresco. There is also a WC.
First floor (sleeps 8): This floor is in classic villa style, a central salon flanked by bedrooms and bathrooms on two sides. On the right side one double bedroom opening on the first floor terrace and a twin bedroom, opening on the terrace. There is a bathroom with tub and telephone shower between the two bedrooms. Same on the left side – one double bedroom opening on the first floor terrace and a twin bedroom, opening on the terrace. There is a bathroom with tub and handle shower between the two bedrooms.
Services, Features, Amenities:
Al Fresco Dining, CD Player, Dishwasher, Fireplace, Full Maid Service, Local TV, Private Parking, Pool, Tennis Court, Refridgerator, Outdoor Furniture, Washing Machine, W/C(s) as well as full bathrooms
Weekly Rate Per Seasons*
Low Season (January 5 to April 5, November to December 13): 2375€ / WEEK
Mid Season (October, and April 5 through May 24, Christmas / New Years): 3290€ / WEEK
High Season (June through September): 3895€ / WEEK
Rates include our Lucca Concierge.
Additional costs payable on the spot:
Security deposit: 600€, Final Cleaning: included, Heat: 200€ / week, Gas: included. Electricity: included, Telephone: metered and payable, Maid: included for 3 hours per day / 6 days a week and 10€ / hour after that, Chef: possible. Pool and tennis court occasionally used be owners. No pets.
*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
The villa is located on so much land that you can explore it everyday. It is close to the Pisa Airport and a very easy drive into Florence.
Every room had a lovely view. On one side of the villa, you could see the little town of Fauglia in the distance.
The best part about the villa was the incredibly wonderful gardner, Renzo. He did everything for us and made us feel like his own family. He is the perfect Italian and we were sorry to leave him.
-- Betty, NH, 2004
The beautiful villa had everything we could need. It's a great home for a family to enjoy.
Giovanni and Alessandra were very helpful and hospitable people. Alessandra was patient with our requests and seemed to enjoy having us there.
-- Frank, FL, 2005
This was my second time to Santa Caterina, and found it exactly as I left it - stylish, clean, spacious and well cared for. The owner take this in a professional manner, and yet you have the quiet of Tuscany - historic Tuscany to enjoy. So much for such a good price. Love it!
-- Skip, VA, 2006
|
|
|
|
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:
Lucca 35 km
Florence 90 km
Viareggio 20 km
Pisa and airport 20 km
|
|
|
|
