About this property
If you are dreaming of an old Tuscan villa, set amongst olive groves and woodland, beautifully renovated with charm and style and close to one of the region’s most exquisite towns, you may well adore Villa Aquila, close to the walled town of Lucca.
Imagine rustic interiors with elegant touches, Tuscan feasts enjoyed under the Venetian chandelier, pretty bedrooms with terracotta floors and a roll top bath positioned perfectly by a picture-book window. There is certainly a romantic ambience at this 17th century villa that has been restored so sensitively and lovingly by its current owners.
Relax outdoors surrounded by summer flowers and aromas of rosemary and lavender, enjoy a coffee with a view under the poolside pergola and listen to the trickling of the fountain as you dine al-fresco in the courtyard. There is even a consecrated Catholic chapel – this could be the perfect spot for an intimate wedding.
You will feel well looked after too – a welcome buffet is prepared for the evening of your arrival and you may be fortunate enough to stay when fresh seasonal vegetables can be brought to you from the garden. There is maid service each day and the villa concierge can be called to assist in any way from restaurant reservations to booking guided tours.
There is of course so much to see and do in this wonderful part of Italy. Start off in Lucca, a jewel of Tuscany with its historic walls and Renaissance architecture – you will yearn to return again and again. Pisa is also close by for a fantastic day out or head to Florence to be inspired by the city’s artistic heritage.
As well as rolling olive groves and vineyards, idyllic Tuscan villages and Etruscan towns, the beaches of Viareggio are also close by or drive further north towards the sensational Golfo dei Poeti and the world-famous Cinque Terre National Park.
After a day out exploring, return to your villa, once owned by one of Tuscany’s most noble families, and be immersed in the Tuscan scenery around you with walking trails, woodland, natural springs and olive trees all on the doorstep of this fine holiday abode.
Set in northern Tuscany, just 12km south of Lucca, Villa Aquila is set in over 100 acres of wonderful grounds featuring olive trees, fields and woodland with perfect walks and biking trails right on your doorstep.
There is a small village just over a kilometre away with a local bar and grocery shop or find the nearest supermarket about a five-minute drive away.
Other than the beautiful setting, the great advantage of Villa Aquila’s location is its proximity to the idyllic town of Lucca, a true hidden gem which is often overshadowed by Pisa and Florence. Its city walls are fantastic for cycling or walking with enchanting views into the historic centre. Head inside the old town to explore its narrow lanes, coming across gorgeous squares, towers and palazzi, pretty shops and wonderful places for a coffee and gelato or an exquisite Tuscan meal. As well as visiting the impressive duomo, you can also climb Torre Guinigi with its trees at the very top! Also look out for the antiques market that takes place every month.
Pisa is also close by and is worthy of your time, not just because of its world-famous leaning tower but also its charming ambience by the riverside with its vibrant restaurants and beautiful buildings. Florence is just over an hour away with all its galleries and artistic treasures – guided tours can be arranged to make the most of your time in this magical city. You could even travel to Florence by train from nearby Pontedera.
Some of the villages and towns dotted across northern Tuscany should also be on your to-do list such as the gorgeous hilltop village of Collodi, home to Pinocchio’s creator, or Vinci, where you can visit the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. Spa-lovers should head to Montecatini Terme for its spas, boutiques and historic beauty.
San Miniato is known as one of Tuscany’s most beautiful villages or head further south, driving through rolling Tuscan countryside, to spend time in Volterra or even San Gimignano, both just over an hour away.
Private tours can also be arranged if you would like to visit some of Tuscany’s finest vineyards, of which there are so many across the region.
Not forgetting the sea with Viareggio easily reached, fantastic for families with blue-flag beaches and a wealth of summer activities. For a more romantic coastal spot, drive further north to the mesmerising Golfo dei Poeti, about an hour away, an area which inspired both Shelley and Byron in the 19th century or visit the Cinque Terre National Park, a unesco World Heritage site loved by visitors from across the world.
Accommodation
Villa Interiors (480m2)
Ground Floor
- Living room with fireplace, sofas and TV. Doors lead to garden
- Dining room with table for 12 guests
- Kitchen-diner, fully-equipped including oven, stove, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, ice-maker, espresso/coffee machine and table for 8 guests. Doors lead to courtyard for al-fresco dining
- Bedroom with twin beds (can be made into double) and en suite bathroom with shower (bathroom has French doors leading to garden)
- Laundry room
- Guest WC
First Floor
- Sitting room
- Bedroom with double bed, pool view and en suite bathroom with bath and shower
- 3 x bedrooms with twin beds (can be made into king-size double) and garden view
- 2 x bathrooms with bath, shower and two sinks
- Bedroom with double bed and courtyard/fountain view
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (12x6m, depth: 1.5-2.5m) open approximately May to October
- Poolside pergola, sun beds and parasols
- Outdoor shower
- Courtyard for al-fresco dining with fountain
- Barbecue and wood-burning oven
- Shaded al-fresco lounge area
- Garden (3000m2)
- Private consecrated Catholic chapel
- Parking (up to 5 cars)
- Bikes (x4)
- Vegetable garden
- Vast grounds (olive groves, vineyards, natural spring, woodland)
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning (bedrooms only)
- Heating
- Working fireplace
- Satellite TV
- DVD player
- Bikes (x4)
- Safe
- Hairdryers
- Washing machine and dryer