Casella Farmhouse

Available for weekly rental from 450euro/wk
Mike Hunter & Elma Alexander
+44 (0)131 667 1767
dr.m.j.hunter@gmail.com

Our traditional stone-built farmhouse dating from about 1700, but carefully restored in the 1970s, is beautifully situated in our 3 terraced acres of olives, fruit trees and chestnuts, with stunning views of seven of the medieval hill villages of the Pesciatina Svizzera ('Little Switzerland') in Northern Tuscany.

This is our second home, where we spend some months each year. You too can enjoy the same peace and relaxation. For walkers, the hilltown of Vellano, and its bars and restaurants, are 25 minutes up the old mule track. But the lively market town of Pescia, dating from the 12th century, is only 8km away by road: your own transport is essential and be prepared for 1.6km of private single-track road shared with immediate neighbours.

The accommodation comprises: traditional kitchen (chestnut beams, open fire, double stainless-steel sink, fridges, stainless-steel cooker with 5 gas rings and electric oven); dining room with original terracotta floor, stereo, games, small reference library, telephone (outgoing calls charged at cost); sitting room with 2 sofas, Morso 'Squirrel' wood-stove, Swiss-style picture windows, TV and video. The downstairs bathroom has shower, basin, WC and bidet. Upstairs there are 2 double/twin bedrooms, an additional three-quarter traditional bed on the gallery above the dining room; spacious bathroom with bath/shower, basin, WC and bidet; walk-in wardrobe. Outside, the loggia, a roofed terrace, is perfect for eating out in the summer. There is a working pizza oven. The laundry room downstairs has an automatic washing machine and the oil-fired boiler for hot water and central heating. Clean bed linen and towels are provided for your arrival.

Midway between Florence and Pisa, Pescia has excellent rail and autostrada links. Airports at Pisa and Florence are about 1 hour by car (detailed directions provided on booking). Visits to Florence are most easily made by the hourly train service from Pescia. The beaches near Viareggio, the marble quarries at Massa/Carrara and the charming coastal villages of the Cinque Terra are all within easy driving distance. Siena, perhaps the most beautiful city in Italy, is about an hour and a half by autostrada, but a detour to San Gimigniano is recommended, making it a full day's outing. .