Italian home retreat in the mountains - Via Borgo

We have a four bedroom house in the beautiful mountain region of the Garfagnana, just 35 minutes from Lucca. The house has been fully modernised whilst retaining the original rustic features of exposed chestnut beams, wood burning stoves, and terrocotta tiles throughout. Nestled in the mountains of Tuscany in a medieval village called Cardoso, it is rustic, rural and full of charm.

There are 4 spacious bedrooms, one large family bathroom ( bath, basin, bidet, toilet and wood burning stove) and an additional lavatory along the landing. The master bedroom is situated at the top of the house and has an en-suite shower (shower, toilet, basin and bidet), with an additional two 'z' beds available. There is a room at the top of the house, currently used as a yoga studio, but could be used as the 5th bedroom. Every room is finished to a high standard and cosy wood burning stoves are featured throughout. The ground floor, the heart of the house is a perfect blend of old and new - the modern kitchen locally handcrafted with large sociable dining area leads through a 13th Century stone arch (the original gate to the village) into a comfortable lounge featuring the exposed hillside rock of Cardoso. Television, CD and DVD player provided. There is also a utility room with washing machine, ironing board and travel cot, and garden loungers.

The house is south facing with a private terraced garden allowing you to enjoy the stunning views all day. The private garden is well established and maintained. It has three terraces - the top tearrace is shaded by a wisteria pergola for outside dining and the lower terrace provides you with the space for sunbathing or games and activities. The house is spacious and comfortable with a 'home from home' feel. There are plenty of books, CDs, DVDs and local information for you to enjoy. The house is the ideal place for a relaxing retreat and base from which to trek the many Tuscan trails. Nearby paths offer great woodland walks.

About the location

Cardoso is perched on a hill above the Valle del Serchio 400 metres above sea-level and is an excellent base to explore Tuscany.

Cardoso is removed from the hustle and bustle of valley life and is a quiet village with two bars and two shops. Just outside the village, there is a wealth of restaurants and bars where you can taste the local food and wine at very reasonable prices. There is also a local taxi service available.

Just below Cardoso lies Fornaci di Barga, a town with good shopping and commercial facilities and a train station that has direct service to both Lucca and Pisa. The local town of Gallicano has athletic facilities including a new swimming pool and closeby Bagni di Lucca is famous for it's lido and spas. There is a large supermarket 10 minutes drive away.

You can take a trip to the beautiful walled city of Lucca, 35 minutes away by car. Hire a bike and cycle round the walls. Explore the shops, climb the Torre di Guinigi for wonderful views and stroll around the narrow streets. In the summer Lucca offers some amazing open-air concerts in the Piazza Napoleone.

Visit the romantic city of Floence, one hour and forty-five minutes away.
Climb up the Leaning Tower of Pisa, only one hour from Cardoso.

Have a day at the beach at Viareggio or Forte dei Marmi, 50 minutes by car.
Bagni di Lucca, the local spa town offers many pamper treatments - Byron and Shelley used to indulge! Buy local produce at one of the weekly markets in nearby Castelnuovo, Ghivizzano and Fornaci. Visit the Pinocchio Park in Collodi, home to the author - ideal for kids. Visit Barga for festivals, jazz or theatre.

During the winter, Abetone is the ideal ski - resort just 45 minutes away.

Conditions of exchange

Facilities

Nearby