Al Castello

This traditional farmhouse is part of an old hamlet, originally occupied by farmers and now completely restored. It is situated in a beautiful position in the hills north of Lucca called Pieve Santo Stefano, south-facing and renowned for its magnificent views. The house we have for rent here is the most beautiful in the hamlet, being detached, and therefore totally independent from the other houses. It has been faithfully restored, respecting the ancient character of the original farmhouse, but at the same time adding to the quality and comfort with new furnishings and equipment. An example of this successful combination of old and new is the very well-equipped kitchen, which opens to a terrace, ideal for “al fresco” dining, while enjoying breathtaking landscapes. Within the garden, in a superb position there is a beautiful, panoramic swimming pool.

First Floor:

• Bedroom 1: Sleeps 2, Double bedroom
• Bedroom 2: Sleeps 2, Double bedroom
• Bedroom 3: Sleeps 2, Twin bedroom
• 1 Bathroom with 2 showers
• 1 Bathroom with bath

Features & Amenities

• Satellite TV
• VCR
• DVD player
• Stereo / CD player
• Washing machine
• BBQ
• Telephone
• Fireplace

Outdoor Features

• Al fresco dining
• Swimming pool (10 x 5 m) – unheated
  • Pool depth – 1 / 2.50 m
  • NOT fenced
  • Access to pool – Stairs
  • Distance from Pool to House – 20 m
  • 4 x Loungers
  • 4 x Sun chairs
  • Pool towels – Yes
  • 3 Umbrellas

Staff & Services

• Maid service is included 2 hours a day, 3 days a weekly

Villa Policies

• No Pets Allowed
• Non-Smoking Villa
• A refundable security deposit of €1000 will be required in cash or traveler’s checks upon arrival at the villa
• ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES - Clients must arrive between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. and leave before 10 a.m. on the day of departure.
• SWIMMING POOLS - Swimming pools are not open all year. If your rental period is outside the period May 30th to October 3rd, please check with us that the pool can be opened. Swimming pools are not enclosed with fences and there are no lifeguards. Clients’ use of the swimming pool is at their own risk.
• HEATING - Heating is available at an additional charge of 50 Euro per day and must be paid directly on the spot to the owner or his/her representative before departing. Please note that heating in Italy, when not subject to restrictions by the local Government, is more expensive compared to other countries. If you look for a property in low season, make sure to ask for an estimate of the heating cost. You may be asked a supplementary deposit for heating expenses.
• WATER AND ELECTRICITY - Please note that most of the properties that we offer are not the typical purpose-built Mediterranean holiday villas. Most are converted farmhouses or former manor houses, full of character and history. Water shortages do occur; please use it sparingly during the summer months. At the same time, Italy is probably one of the few countries in the world where the government has introduced a system of electricity limitators to contain the national consumption. This means you must be careful when using more than one appliance at once because the limitator will shut the electricity off.
• INTERNET CONNECTION - Many of our properties have an internet connection. From our experience, when a connection is interrupted due to technical reasons beyond our control, it is unfortunately very difficult, despite our efforts, to receive immediate assistance from some of the internet providers operating in Italy. We therefore strongly suggest that those who need to access their emails should bring their own BlackBerry, or a similar portable device. Please note that in any case we cannot accept responsibility for lack of these services.

Getting There Transfers are available LOW SLUNG CARS - VANS - MINIBUSES - Most of our houses are located in the countryside. Some of them can be accessed only by unsealed roads and driveways. We therefore advise people intending to take a sports or low-slung car on holiday, to check with us first whether the access to the property allows for such a car. We advise against the use of vans and minibuses. Please always check with us, at the time of booking, if you are planning to use this type of vehicle when staying at one of our properties.

Location:

• Monte S.Quirico (nearest village with shops/post office) – 5 KM
• Lucca – 7 KM
• Lucca motorway exit – 9 KM
• Pisa – 30 KM
• Florence – 70 KM
• Beaches - 25 KM

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Kitchen Appliances

• Kettle
• Microwave
• Coffee machine (filter)
• Pimmer
• Toaster
• Dishwasher

Miscellaneous

• Baby cot linen - Yes
• 2 x Fans
• Mosquito nets in the bedrooms