Villa Incantevole

A Tranquil Place of Natural and Historic Beauty

This villa for rent in Tuscany was rescued from ruin and carefully restored by a noted preservationist, transforming hundreds of years of history into a resort-like holiday home. Surrounded by the historic and natural beauty of the region with gorgeous views from every room, this is an immersive and atmospheric Tuscan escape.

Dating back over 500 years, this villa for rent in Tuscany is located in the hills above Massarosa close to the seaside resort of Viareggio. A former peasant's farmhouse, the property had been abandoned for many years and was in a state of ruin with nothing but the original stone walls still standing. The house was likely built in stages hundreds of years apart with current restorations beginning in 1995.

Noted Tuscan preservationist and architect Stefano Lazzarini was enlisted for the task and worked closely with local stonemasons and artisans, using as much of the original material as possible, including original bricks and roof tiles.

Laid out over three stories, the oldest part of the house is the present-day living room and dining room, (where the animals were once housed) with a small cantina and a very large, fully-equipped semi-professional kitchen. The second floor, contains a bedroom suite that includes an office area (with a kitchenette,) and a den/studio with hide-a-bed and a library. The second master bedroom suite has a sitting area with every window affording outstanding views of the sea, Lake Massacioucculi, the 11th-century village church and the surrounding countryside. 

The third master bedroom suite encompasses the entire third floor and is equipped with a sitting room and fireplace, and a full bath. This room offers the most spectacular views, overlooking the Mediterranean, the lake and the entire countryside.

Furnished with period antiques from the area, each suite has its own private terrace with stunning views. There is also an additional one bedroom cottage on the property that sleeps two.

The extended covered portico in the front of the house has ample space for lounging and dining al fresco, while the pool area is the perfect place to have a barbecue or dine in the shade under the wisteria covered pergola.

The property's 500-year-old olive trees are harvested every year and bottled into the proprietors private label olive oil.

Surrounded by rambling gardens and stunning landscapes, this is a tranquil place of natural and historic beauty.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Optional housekeeping, cook and grocery stocking services available. Wifi throughout, satellite TV, laundry facilities. 

AROUND

Close to Lucca in the northern reaches of Tuscany, the small village of Pieve A Elici is the perfect base from which to explore the region. The house overlooks Viareggio, Tuscany's largest seaside resort as well as the evocative Lake Massaciuccoli, the picturesque town of Massarosa, and the surrounding foothills which lead north to the vast marble caves of Cararra. 

The charming seaside town of Forte dei Marmi with it's beautiful beaches is within a half hour and the medieval walled city of Lucca is within twenty minutes. The leaning tower of Pisa can be seen from the house and is just 30 minutes' drive. 

The town is also conveniently located for day trips to Florence, Pisa, the Cinque Terre, Portofino, Santa Margherita, Siena, Volterra, San Gimignano, Montalcino, Montepulciano and Pienza and the lesser-known but equally beautiful Ligurian seaside villages north of Tuscany.

Close by are excellent local markets and historic trails that lead you through nature paths and hillside villages.

LOCATION

Pieve A Elici, Tuscany, Italy. Nearest Airport: Pisa International (30 mins), Florence International (50 mins)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall