Property and local area description
Country House with Spectacular Views
Set high in the hills above Pescia, a mediaeval town between Lucca and Florence, Casa Libra is a renovated 18th century stone house with small annexe and pool set in 16 hectares of pine trees. The house is on four floors and, with the separate annexe, will accommodate up to 10 people comfortably, with a total of five bedrooms and four bathrooms, large living room and kitchen/dining room which opens up onto a covered terrace with further dining facilities, and the saline swimming pool.A short road leads up to double gates, inside which is a paved parking area in front of the house. The swimming pool is set on raised ground to take advantage of the magnificent views. The gardens, which surround the house, are planted in various distinct styles. Beyond the gardens are the pine, cypress and other indigenous trees of the area, which stretch as far as the eye can see.
House and Guest House
THE MAIN HOUSE The house is over 200 years old, and has been completely renovated, retaining all of its features, and restored with local materials with the addition of all modern conveniences. The furniture is a comfortable mix of periods and styles, which meld to create a real home.In the main house, there are 2 double bedrooms (with a king sized bed in each room) and 2 twin bedrooms (two single beds in each room), 3 bathrooms, a kitchen/dining room and living room. There is also a travel cot for babies or very young children.
GROUND FLOOR The spacious entrance hall leads to the kitchen/dining room, which has a double ceiling height. There is a double bedroom with a king-size bed. This room also has a sitting area, featuring the original fireplace, decorated with a crest and a tv connected to english programming and dvd player are provided. A large bathroom has a walk-in shower, basin, bidet and W.C.The kitchen/dining room has a vaulted, double-height ceiling, and country style with open shelves and marble work surfaces. It is equipped with Smeg appliances: a range cooker, large fridge/freezer, and dishwasher. The dining table, crockery and cutlery will accommodate 12 people. A glass door leads to a paved covered terrace for outside dining and shady lunches. It is lit for evening entertaining.
Stairs lead down to... THE CANTINA Now one large living room extending the length and breadth of the house, this was originally the wine cellar. The exposed stone walls have been completely renovated, and the glass double doors open onto the rear garden, and the feature fireplace is again embellished with a stone crest. It is equipped with ample seating, including a sofa bed (only suitable for occasional use). A portable stereo system, and satellite television with video player and football table. There is a small library of books, videos, board games, nintendo and games etc for guests enjoyment.
FIRST FLOOR The first floor has two twin-bedded rooms, with typical wrought iron beds. The full bathroom has a traditional roll-top bath overlooking magnificent views, basin, bidet and W.C.
THE ATTIC A large double bedroom with king-sized bed, and a large study/dressing area is in the renovated attic. The bathroom with walk-in shower, basin and W.C. has some areas with low beams. Windows to front and rear give spectacular views over the valley.
THE ANNEXE A small detached stone house, which is only let with the main house, and is ideal for teenagers, nannies, and even grannies. Entering from the covered terrace with dining table, there is a living room with sofa, fridge, kettle etc. The staircase leads to a galleried sleeping area with a double bed. The bathroom has shower, basin, W.C., and the washing machine.
OUTSIDE. The Gardens provide both sun and shade and are well lit for evening enterntaining. There is a large covered terrace off the kitchen with a dining table and chairs to seat 12 people. A barbeque. The pool is equiped with sunloungers parasols and a pergola and mobile fridge and is open usually from June to Septemeber.
The Area
Casa Libra is located between Lucca and Florence, only around 45 minutes by car from Florence or Pisa airport. Centrally situated, the delights of Tuscany are within an hour's drive of the house. The coastal resorts of Viareggio and Forte de Marmi, the monuments of Florence and Pisa are all less than 50 kilometres. Whether the children wish to visit Collodi and the Pinocchio Park, or you wish to visit the markets in Florence, the Designer outlet centres or the spas of Montecatini Terme ... .all is possible.Conveniently situated for both Pisa airport and Florence airport, either can be reached within an hour. Both are international airports with direct flights from most countries of Europe and good connecting flights with Rome and Milan for those traveling from the rest of the world. The nearest train station is Pescia, from which you can take a local train to Florence, Lucca and Viareggio among other towns. The nearest villages of San Quirico and Aramo are small communities in mediaeval villages with narrow streets more suited to the pedestrian than the car. Next to the house is a small holding with chickens, doves and dogs. Small restaurants proliferate in the hills, where local delicacies such as wild boar and truffles are incorporated into the cuisine. The bakery is about five minutes by car from the house as is the Post Office and general store. Pescia is about five kilometres away and provides the usual amenities such as supermarkets, bars, a hospital, etc. There is an Irish pub, a disco, gourmet restaurants, local cafes and ice cream shops. The weekly market in the main square offers everything from fruit and vegetables, to underwear and CD's. Once a year, Pescia holds its own Palio, an archery contest between the local communities; the streets are decorated, and the participants dress in medieval costume and parade through the town.Just outside Pescia is the town of Montecatini Terme, famous for its spas and waters. Its Roman baths have been the retreat for many a European monarch. To the southwest is Montecarlo (Italy, not Monaco!), a small village famous for its wines; to the west is Collodi, famous for being the 'birthplace' of Pinocchio. Just a bit further afield is the walled town of Lucca that holds annual concerts in its squares, Barga with its opera seasons, and Pistoia with its Jazz Festival. To the north is Abatone, a winter ski resort with great snowboard runs. Whatever your interests, this part of Tuscany has it all.