Spectacular Pool Villa near Lucca with Herb Garden

Villa Gufo is a paradise of tranquillity. Immersed in verdant olive groves and lush, rolling hills this beautiful property offers spectacular views south to the ancient city walls and medieval towers of Lucca and westwards to the mountain ranges by the sea. From the moment you arrive you will feel at ease, enveloped in nature and the bucolic Tuscan countryside. The Villa’s historic stucco façade exudes character and charm while timber beam ceilings and vaulted stone arches hark back to its distant origins and rustic heritage. A stretch of manicured lawn and vibrant flower beds leads down from the panoramic veranda through a scented herb garden and then on to the private infinity swimming pool. Beyond lies your own private tennis court. Glorious walks abound from your front door leading to hilltop views of high mountain ranges and glimpses of the glistening Mediterranean. Explore nearby ancient churches and the well-preserved medieval hamlets around, once a resting point for weary pilgrims travelling the Via Francigena, the famous pilgrim route that connected Northern Europe to Rome and then on to the Holy Land. Shuttered windows open up to reveal the garden below and in the distance the medieval silhouette of Lucca. An outdoor marble dining table for 10 sits under the rampant wisteria covered veranda and enjoys a breath-taking view down the Freddana valley, ideal for al fresco dining on those balmy evenings and conveniently located right next to the kitchen. Settle into a comfortable chair on the gazebo for cocktails or stretch out by the pool and uncork and enjoy a bottle of one of the region’s many excellent wines. The wonderful traditional Tuscan country kitchen crowned by a grand old dining table is a great way to enjoy meals together, a place where many memories of happy times spent with loved ones are formed. It’s the perfect venue to try your hand at Italian cooking, maybe to take in some local cooking classes? A 15 mins drive brings you to Lucca—a medieval gem of a town famed for its fortified city walls, historic architecture and monuments as well of course for its wine production. Its narrow streets and splendid squares are filled with intriguing shops, enticing cafes and great restaurants. Take a bicycle ride on the battlements or set aside a few hours to tour a local vineyard and taste your way to a new favourite wine. On a day trip away from your rural retreat, stroll along the sandy beaches or take a swim in the warm waters on the bustling Versillian Riviera just 25 mins away; it’s a unique Italian seaside experience with bathing establishments stretching for miles along the sandy shores from vibrant Viareggio to sophisticated Forte dei Marmi. Florence, Pisa, Siena, Volterra, San Gimignano, Montecatini Terme, the fishing villages of the Cinque Terre, the spectacular mountains of the Garfagnana and many other highlights are all within easy reach. Please note that for the last two kilometres access to the house is on a largely unpaved, winding road, typical of the Tuscan countryside. It is not recommended for sports cars or cars with very low chassis. There is a bakery 6 minutes down the hill, and a supermarket, pharmacy and ATM cashpoint 10 minutes away in San Martino in Freddana. We are sorry but no children under 6 are allowed at this property. LAYOUT: Ground Floor: spacious kitchen and dining room; laundry room and storage; living room; Tv room. All these rooms open on a covered verandah with outdoor dining room and living area. First Floor: entrance hall and small living room; master bedroom with en-suite bathroom with bath and separate walk-in shower (this bedroom is air-conditioned); 2 twin bedrooms sharing a bathroom (bath and shower) Second Floor: double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with bath and separate walk-in shower (this bedroom is air-conditioned) and study room, tv (local stations only); double bedroom with en-suite bathroom (walk-in shower). Important Notes: the rental of Villa Gufo consists of the main villa. The owners have the use of the self-contained hayloft and garage located at the back of the property but are very rarely there if at all between April and October. (parking area for maximum 2/3 cars) Pool size 5 m. x 12 m. – tennis court – smart tv – washing machine – dryer – fireplace not open Pets are not allowed Included in the rental price: Final Cleaning Towels and linens Electricity Gas Water Internet Wifi High chair (upon request at booking) Babycot (upon request at booking) Not included in the rental price: Tourist tax: mandatory and required by the local municipality, where applicable. Midstay and/or weekly cleaning and change of towels and linens Baby cot’s linens