The ideal location for a restful vacation surrounded by nature, close to the numerous festivals and cultural activities Tuscany has to offer. The prices quoted on this site are for renting both houses together, for further details on prices and availability of each of the two houses see our web site boschitoscana.eu. Located in the Tuscan hills at an elevation of 350 metres lie our two spacious, free-standing eco-friendly homes 'Ai Boschi', nestled against the edge of the forest and surrounded by olive terraces. The houses are located 15 km north-west of Lucca, about one hour away from the coast, Pisa and Florence. Hikers, bikers and ramblers can enjoy the beauties of the Garfagnana. Winter sports enthusiasts can head to Abetone, a little more than an hour’s drive away, and hit the slopes. The area is dotted with medieval villages, presenting ample opportunities for day trips. Lots of choices and possibilities!
The swimming pool (8 x 4 metres saltwater), located about 60 metres from the two houses, high on the hillside, offers a stunning view over the village of Valdottavo in the valley and the surrounding hills. Enjoy an evening dip with your choice of romantic or disco lighting, as the mood strikes. A magical place at any time of day.
The Houses
La Casa (6 guests)
La Casa is a fully renovated, over 100 year-old charming stone farmhouse surrounded by olive trees. The thick outer walls – measuring over 40 cm – keep the house cool in the summer and cosy in the winter.
The interior is furnished in a comfortable, pleasant style and has all modern conveniences. The living/dining area (26 m2) features original chestnut beam and terracotta ceilings. Three French windows open out onto the south and west-facing terraces surrounding the house, edged by olive trees. The large teak outdoor table with six chairs is located under a large sun shade. In the late afternoon, you can sit in the shade of the olive trees. The terrace extends sideways (south-west) into a lounge corner with parasol. A wonderful place to enjoy your meals with family and friends, read a book or simply sit back and enjoy the lovely view of the village and the surrounding hillsides.
The dining room leads up into the new, fully-equipped modern kitchen fitted with an induction stove, convection oven and dishwasher (among other things). The ground floor features a bathroom with shower, washbasin and toilet, a large pantry, washing machine and spacious entrance hall.
On the top floor, there are two spacious south-facing bedrooms (one double, one twin) with a wonderful view. The third bedroom is a large double with French windows opening onto a private south-west facing terrace. All bedrooms have wardrobes and all windows and outside doors are fitted with insect screens. Inside or outdoor shutters are fitted throughout. This floor has a bathroom with shower, toilet, bidet and a double washbasin, as well as a separate toilet with washbasin.
The tiled terraces, olive trees, the swimming pool a scant 50 metres away, offer numerous shaded hideaways or spots to bask in the sunshine, depending on your mood. La Casa also features a permanent exhibition of original artwork (paintings, still life studies and prints) by Italian artist Maurizio Bentivegna, available for purchase as mementos of your stay in Casa Boschi and Tuscany.
Il Fienile (4 guests)
The upper floor of the fienile used to be a hay loft, with the barn for the animals taking up the lower floor. The Fienile has been entirely rebuilt with the original materials – the hay loft has been converted into the living room.
Downstairs are two bedrooms; a large bedroom with a double bed, a south-facing window and a door to the outside towards the east. Window and door are fitted with insect screens and shutters. The second bedroom is smaller and has twin beds and windows facing south and west, again fitted with insect screens and shutters. Both bedrooms adjoin the bathroom which features a shower, double washbasin and toilet.
The open stairwell leads up into the large, bright living room (37 m2) with windows on three sides. The views over the valley are breathtaking. The traditional 'mandolato' (an open framework of flat bricks that allowed the hay to air dry) remains intact. The high, slanted ceilings with chestnut beams reveal the building's original purpose. The living room features a dining and seating area.
Behind the living room is the addition built to house the kitchen, wardrobe and a toilet. Due to the uneven terrain, this area is set slightly lower. Two steps (1m80 wide) take you down into the spacious, modern kitchen, equipped with an induction stove, convection oven and dishwasher. There is also a table with four chairs.
The kitchen leads out onto the large, south-east facing terrace, a wonderful place to enjoy breakfast in the shade in the morning, and absorb the tranquility and sounds of the woods in the evening.
