FRANTOIO
Near Lucca, Tuscany
Sleeps 8 in luxury in 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, fully air-conditioned, with pool
Map | Daytrip Ideas | More Photos

Lucca is a delightful small city surrounded by tree-topped medieval walls. Rich in history and culture, the area offers visitors a chance to visit some of Italy's finest villas and gardens, tucked among the surrounding hills. From here, all of Tuscany is within reach. Florence is an hour away by train or car. Pisa is just 30 minutes. A 40-minute drive brings you to the port of Lerici, where you can catch a boat for Portovenere and the five dramatic cliffside villages of the Cinqueterre, a World Heritage site. Visit the quarries of Carrara, where Michelangelo obtained his pure white marble, or the sculpture town of Pietrasanta. Join the throngs for the evening stroll through Forte dei Marmi on the Versilian Riviera, just 30 minutes away. Siena is a 90-minute drive; stop on the way at San Gimignano and Monteriggioni. Explore the hills of Chianti, or relax at a thermal spa. There are facilities for tennis, golf, and horseback riding nearby.

The village of Vorno is ten minutes from Lucca. In the village, you will find a small grocery store, as well as a restaurant, coffee bar, butcher, and bus stop.

Just outside of Vorno is Frantoio, originally built as an olive press. Today, still surrounded by beautiful terraced olive groves, Frantoio has been converted into a luxury villa, well appointed and tastefully decorated. Heating and air-conditioning allow for comfortable stays year round.

The main entrance of the house leads to a stunning living room with comfortable sofas and armchairs, a music system and satellite TV. A desk area has a computer, printer, fax, telephone, and Internet facilities. There is a fully equipped Tuscan kitchen on this level, as well as a breakfast room and one bathroom.

Upstairs are four sunny, spacious queen-bedded rooms, with beamed ceilings and original terracotta floors. Each has its own modern en-suite bath and shower facilities.

Outdoors you will find a swimming pool, illuminated at night, as well as table and chairs for al fresco dining, BBQ, and wonderful opportunities for woodland walks.

Frantoio comes with housekeeping services; a gardener looks after the grounds and swimming pool.