Farmhouse complex that was totally restored in 1998 and transformed into 4 beautiful apartments on a hilltop not far from Lucca. The stone farmhouse sits at 600 meters altitude and offers views over the surrounding countryside with chestnut forests, and steep wooded mountains. It is a little paradise from which one can hike all the mountain trails and visit the historical cities of central Tuscany. Gallicano with all facilities is at 10 kms, Lucca is at 50 kms, while Firenze and the seaside at Forte dei Marmi are an hour’s drive away. Worth a visit is also the famous cave called “Grotta del Vento”, unique in its speleological majesty.

The property is well served by a local asphalt road and it is bordered by fence with gate that operates with electronic key and internal com system connected to each apartment. As the farmhouse is built into the side of a hill, it is articulated on various levels and has a series of furnished terraces, a stone barbecue, and lawns with an above ground swimmingpool that measures 5 X 10m sq. Each apartment has its own private furnished terrace space and totally independent entrance. These terraces are equipped with beautiful rustic tables and benches, providing perfect places to enjoy one’s meals while gazing at the panorama.

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One of Italy’s best kept secrets Garfagnana can be found in Northwest Tuscany. Within easy reach of Tuscany’s more famous sites like Florence, Pisa and Lucca, Garfagnana offers some spectacular scenery and great local cuisine.

Nestling between the magnificent jagged ‘marble mountains’ of the Alpi Apuane and the beautiful rolling ‘spine of Italy’, the Apennines, it is truly an area of outstanding natural beauty with matchless hospitality.

Did you know that the Parco Alpi Apuane is where Michelangelo obtained the marble for some of his most famous works? Or that the National Park Orecchiella is still full of wolves, deer, bears and some excellent walks along the mountain ridges?

Driving through Garfagnana’s quiet roads you quickly discover that the little villages spread around the mountains are vibrantly full of local traditions and great cuisine. Mountain farming continues to this day and the locals are all passionate about their food. Be prepared for a lengthy discussion if you stop one of the villagers for advice on the local produce! Garfagnana’s cuisine brims with dishes containing local ingredients. Chestnuts and farro (a type of wheat) are often used in soups, whilst porcini mushrooms are a staple product in every kitchen. Wood burning ovens are abundant and people still prefer to make their own bread. In addition to the foodstuffs many people have their own little vineyard making their own wine and olive oil.

Want some excitement? From May until October the region comes alive with a whole host of events and festivals celebrating local traditions and religious ceremonies. Every village and town holds its own ‘sagra’ (feast), often open-aired, where you can enjoy their local dishes and wines alongside music and dancing! Everybody is welcome and to make sure you don’t forget to attend you’ll see posters advertising them wherever you go in Garfagnana.