La Macchietta

Perched on top of a hill between Lucca and the Camaiore coast, near the town of Castagnori, this property offers lovely views over vineyards, olive groves and chestnut woods. The house, built at the beginning of the 1900’s, has higher ceilings and larger windows than classical farmhouses and still maintains some of the features of its origins as the local “bottega” (general store). It is a particularly bright house with two separate areas for communal living. There is a living/book room on the ground floor and a large kitchen/dining/ living room on the lower ground floor with direct access to the terrace facing the valley and equipped for al fresco dining. The owners have just completed a major restoration adding modern comforts while preserving the original terracotta floors and beamed ceilings. They have also furnished the house with personal pieces reflecting their international background. In particular, the African connection gives the house a special touch reflected in some of the decorative items. Its location is ideal for visitors seeking a quiet base from which to explore the region. The swimming pool is located in a very panoramic position, overlooking the valley.

Bedroom / Bathroom Description

Ground Floor:

• Bedroom 1: Sleeps 2, Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom

First Floor:

• Bedroom 2: Sleeps 2, Double bedroom
• Bedroom 3: Sleeps 2, Twin bedroom with cast iron poster beds
• Bedroom 4: Sleeps 1, Single bedroom
• 1 Complete bathroom
• 1 Complete shower room

Features & Amenities

• TV
• DVD player
• Stereo / CD player
• BBQ
• Washer / Dryer
• Fireplace
• Telephone

Outdoor Features

• Al fresco dining
• Swimming pool (12 x 4 m) – unheated
  • Pool depth – 1.00 m
  • NOT fenced
  • Access to pool – Steps
  • Distance from Pool to House – 20 m
  • 6 x Loungers
  • 4 x Sun chairs
  • Pool towels – Not included

Staff & Services

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

Villa Policies

• No Pets Allowed
• Non-Smoking Villa
• A refundable security deposit of €800 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 costs are not included in the price 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 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.

• Nearest Major Airport – Pisa Galileo Galilei – approx. 36 KM

Location:

• S.Martino in Freddana (nearest village with shops, bank and post office) – 6 KM
• Lucca – 15 KM
• Beaches - 28 KM

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Kitchen Appliances

• Kettle
• Mixer
• Coffee machine (filter + mocha)
• Immersion blende
• Toaster
• Dishwasher

Miscellaneous

• 1 Baby cot
• Baby cot linen – Yes
• 1 High chair
• 3 x Fans