Restored Village House in undiscovered Tuscan with Panoramic views
Irola, Villafranca in Lunigiana, Massa Carrara Area, Tuscany, Italy, Europe
2 bedrooms, spacious bathroom, sleeps 4

The Property: 'Felicita' (sleeps 4) built 1685 was carefully renovated in 2003 making a wonderful place to relax, enjoy a romantic holiday or use as your base for exploring Tuscany. The front door opens into a fully equipped kitchen dinning room, with beamed ceiling and Tuscan fireplace. 3 steps lead down to the hall, Open plan chestnut stairs lead up to the master bedroom a light and airy room with double bed, antique furniture and original terracotta tiles. The spacious bathroom has a vaulted ceiling, large bath, shower and bidet. The sitting room has a wood burning stove, comfortable furniture and a beautiful view. The second bedroom has 2 single beds, a view over lichen decorated roof tiles and mile after mile of mountains and valleys. The roof terrace accessed by an external stone staircase is equipped with barbeque, furnished for sun bathing and eating outdoors or enjoying panoramic views of uncontaminated countryside and mountains. Please email for our web address 40 photos of the house and local area

Extra information: The house has a safe, towels and linen provided. In the kitchen, there is a 4 ring stove, clothes dryer, dish washer, fridge, grill, hob, microwave, oven. The living room has a fireplace. There is 1 bathroom. There are 2 bedrooms (1 double, 1 twin) and they sleep a maximum of 4 people. For entertainment there is an audio tape player, cd, radio, satellite or cable, stereo system: tv.

Outside, there is a balcony, barbecue, parking, terrace. Non smoking only, pets not allowed, unsuitable for elderly or infirm, wheelchair inaccessible.

Local activities include cycling, fishing, horse riding, mountaineering, swimming, tennis, walking.

This three-story house with roof terraces is not suitable for young children, the 150 meter walk from the car, steps and stairs make the house unsuitable for people with limited mobility.

Location: Irola is a little known panoramic and peaceful medieval hill village. Park in the piazza and walk through narrow medieval streets, soaking up hundreds of years of history and a delightful atmosphere. This little village exudes an air of peace and relaxation. Passing under archways, you wind your way down towards the house on streets paved with small sloping steps, laid for donkey's years ago. A small village of 50 houses still owned by the descendants of Irola. Some visit at weekends others for months at a time, and some return from around the world once every few years. You will find the villagers exceptionally friendly. Felicita is a paradise for country lovers, at dawn and dusk it is possible to glimpse deer and 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.

The region is scattered with castles built by the Malaspina family, the Brunella fortress of Aulla houses the Lunigiana Museum of natural History. Genoa; European capital of culture for 2004 is 1hr drive and well worth a visit. Florence is 1.5hrs drive or you can take the train from Villafranca. Lucca 1hr drive a delightful city; hire a bike and pedal around the city walls. Parma or Genoa are both 1hr away for the opera.

There are sandy beaches at Marinella and Marina di Massa. There is an excellent Open air Olympic size swimming pool in Villafranca (10min) with high diving board, water fountains and children's pools. If you prefer swimming in freshwater there are many freshwater rock pools, made by the fast flowing water from melting snow. 'Ranch La Collina' is the local equestrian centre (15 min) what better way to explore and discover this spectacular landscape than from the back of a horse? 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 1hrs drive. Nearest Golf coarse is at Lerici 45min. Botanical gardens 30min. Mountain and forest walks right outside your door. The high meadows are abundant with flowers and heavy with their perfume. Parma is 1hr away for the nearest Seria A football team.

Lunigiana unknown to the crowds, yet close to Florence, Pisa and the Cinque Terre, 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, the northern corner of Tuscany, an unspoiled area of breathtaking natural beauty 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 45min by car are open to visitors. There are countless natural curiosities such as the caves near Equi Terme, site of the thermal sulphur baths. Cinque Terra are five famous fishing villages, we recommend you take the boat from Lerici or La Spezi to fully appreciate this extremely picturesque area.

Travelling: The nearest international airports is Pisa and Genoa at 100 kilometres. The nearest beach is 28 kilometres. Nearest ferry port: La Spezia at 30 kilometres. The nearest railway station is Villafranca at 5 kilometres. Nearest motorway junction is Aulla at 10 kilometres. Car: is necessary

Rental Rates per property per week:

Notes to the rental rates:
No Extra Charges; Prices are inclusive of a quality welcome hamper, Linen and towels changed twice a week, final cleaning and heating. CHRISTMAS and EASTER are £475 / week arrival and departure days are flexible, extra days are charged pro rata. A returnable security deposit of £150 is required.
The welcome hamper consists of: 3 bottles of good local wine, 2 bottles of Proseco in the fridge, salami, Parma ham, a selection of cheese, olive oil, freshly made pasta, fruit, tomatoes, eggs, bread, salt, pepper, sugar, fresh coffee, fruit juice, mineral water, cereal, milk and fresh flowers. (A vegetarian option can be arranged on request).
If you wish to retreat to a wonderful little village in the mountains of Tuscany for a few months during the low season we can offer a significant price reduction
Changeover day: Saturday.

If you would like to contact the owner, Lynn & Bill Taylor, please click on the link.