Villa Monte Pisano

The villa

Nestled below Monte Pisano, just 6km from beautiful Lucca, this historic villa enjoys a stunning setting in elegant Italian gardens surrounded by olive groves and pine forests, just a short walk from restaurants and a village.

With the estate dating as far back as the 10th century, you can feel the sense of history around you with its enchanting atmosphere and old - fashioned yet decadent style. Downstairs find the opulent salone with its grand fireplace, an impressive dining room for feasting under the chandeliers as well as a charming billiards room with French doors leading out to the lovely loggia and gardens. Set up romantic al - fresco meals on warm summer evenings surrounded by the ornate gardens with the background sounds of birdsong and trickling fountains.

Upstairs, guest rooms each with air - conditioning and their own en suite bathroom, can be found across the top two floors. Step outside and wander around the picturesque walled gardens, admiring the peaceful water features and century - old trees. Come across the former lemonaia , now an impressive gym, as well as the lovely swimming pool surrounded by old stone walls, hedges, roses and relaxing sun loungers.

Set on a large estate featuring three other villas, guests can use the shared tennis court and hire bikes for local exploring. Make the most of the high - end services on offer such as daily breakfast, freshly prepared meals and on - site concierge to book wine - tastings, guided tours or excursions.

After all, there is so much to see in this alluring part of northern Tuscany. Start off in Lucca, a gorgeous town showcasing some of Italy’s finest medieval and Renaissance architecture, then travel to Pisa and Florence for more spectacular days out.

Other idyllic villages and towns to visit include Collodi, Montecatini Terme, San Miniato and Empoli, or spend the day at the beach with Viareggio within half an hour. There are even more incredible sights along the Ligurian coast heading north towards La Spezia and beyond, with the breathtaking scenery of Cinque Terre around ninety minutes away.

Not to mention the fine walking opportunities around Monte Pisano itself where you can admire spectacular views of this captivating and magnificent region.

6km south of Lucca, in the picturesque foothills of Monte Pisano, this elegant villa enjoys a fantastic location close to northern Tuscany’s beautiful villages, towns and cities.

A small village is within walking distance, just 2km away, and there are a couple of good restaurants serving regional cuisine even closer.

It’s such a privilege to be so close to the wonderful town of Lucca, a ten - minute drive away. Walk or cycle around its historic walls, discovering picnic spots and play areas, then wander into its splendid centre to marvel at some of Italy’s finest medieval and Renaissance architecture. There are many superb dining opportunities as well as charming cafes, pretty shops and enchanting piazzas - you will want to return again and again to soak up its delightful atmosphere.

Of course, both Pisa (16km) and Florence (84km) are both close by for a day out or two, seeing the sights of both famous cities and visiting galleries, boutiques and yet more excellent restaurants. Lucca train station has departures to Pisa (30 minutes) or Florence (1hr 20 minutes) if you prefer not to drive, or the owners can arrange private drivers and/or guided tours.

Other gems of northern Tuscany include Collodi (24km), the home to the author of Pinocchio, and Vinci (48km), birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, both lovely places to spend time in idyllic surroundings. The spa - town of Montecatini Terme (36km) is another great day out whether visiting one if its inviting spas or exploring boutique shops, all whilst admiring its exquisite architecture. Take the town’s historic funicular up to the hilltop village of Montecatini Alto and be amazed by the stunning views over the spa - town and beyond.

The Tuscan coast is also within easy reach with the popular resorts of Viareggio (30km) and Forte dei Marmi (40km) close by where you will find blue - flagged beaches, lidos and watersports as well as a vibrant summer atmosphere. To appreciate even more striking scenery, drive north towards the Golfo dei Poeti in Liguria, as far as La Spezia (80km), the gateway to the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site visited by tourists from across the world.

Lovers of outdoor activities and sport will also not be disappointed. The estate features a shared tennis court/football field that guests can use (with a charge to hire rackets and balls), there is horse - riding within a short drive as well as fishing and watersports along the coast. Bike rental can be arranged by the estate’s owners whilst keen walkers can follow various trails through the Monte Pisano landscapes.

Those yearning for more extreme sports should look out for river rafting, canyoning and kayaking around Garfagnana, around an hour north of Lucca.