VILLA CARDINALE, ON THE BUONVISI ESTATE
Near Lucca, Tuscany
Sleeps 9+3 in 5 bedrooms/5 bathrooms, air-conditioned, with private pool, jacuzzi — STAFF FAVORITE!
What guests say about this property: "The location is perfect and the hosts are the nicest people you'll ever meet. They will help you with any plans you are making, they will invite you into their own home, cook you dinner and share their wine." — CH, Las Vegas, NV
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Villa Cardinale is part of the 344-acre Buonvisi estate, set among the vineyards and orchards of a typical Tuscan farm. This splended, newly converted house dates from the 1600's. It was built for a Cardinal, the villa's original residence, and is set high on a hill, overlooking the estate, with a beautiful view of Lucca and the surrounding landscape. Nature lovers will enjoy the walking trails on the estate and in the local hills, as well as the nearby Cinqueterre. Pisa, Florence, Siena, Volterra and many other charming Tuscan hill towns are within easy driving distance. Lucca, with its amiable small-town atmosphere and distinctive galleries and restaurants, is just four kilometers away. Tennis facilities and a small golf course are nearby; a restaurant and coffee bar (with bus stop) are about one kilometer from the villa.

Three stories provide spacious and comfortable living space. Rooms throughout the villa have traditional terracotta floors and are elegantly furnished with family antiques (although beds and mattresses are new).

Guests staying at Villa Cardinale will need a car, even if you plan to use public transportation for some of your daytrips. The villa is set high on a hill; although the driveway is paved, it is narrow not appropriate for a van.

Ground floor:

• Kitchen with white Carrara marble countertops, dishwasher, stone sink, breakfast table, traditional brick oven and modern stove and oven
• Dining room with wood-beamed ceilings and partly exposed stone walls
• 1 single bedroom with a trundle bed for 1 extra person
• 1 bathroom with shower
• 1 queen bedroom suite (next to the pergola), en suite bathroom with shower; handicapped accessible

Second floor:

• Living room with fireplace (originally the Cardinal's study)
• Master bedroom with king-sized bed, corner fireplace and beautiful view from unique arched windows
• Four steps down to master bathroom with shower and Jacuzzi tub

Third floor:

• 1 queen bedroom, en suite bath
• 1 twin bedroom
• small studio with futon bed
• 1 bathroom (shower over tub)

Residents of the twin bedroom must pass through the studio to reach the bathroom.

Outdoors is a large salt-water pool and covered al fresco dining area, set amongst Luccan olive groves. A vigorous hike further up the hill leads to a wonderful family country restaurant. Four mountain bikes are at guests' disposal, and the owners generously offer use of their own "cabina" for one or more days at a nearby private beach where there are warm showers and changing rooms with lockers.

Villa Cardinale is centrally air-conditioned. Amenities include washing machine, satellite TV telephone, DVD player, highspeed Internet access, and safe.

The owners, who live on the estate, will welcome you with incomparable hospitality. This is a splendid villa and an opportunity to meet a wonderful Italian family that speaks English.

For large groups, Villa Buonvisi and Villa del Barbaro are located on the same estate.