VILLA SOGNO
Near Lucca, Tuscany
Sleeps 12 (5 king-bedded rooms, 1 twin-bedded room, all with marble en suite bathrooms); air-conditioned; pool; staff; wide-screen satellite TV, stroll to the village
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Sogno is a perfect dream of a seventeenth century Italian villa, located in a tiny village in a valley just outside the wonderful small Tuscan city of Lucca. The area is beloved for its varied natural settings and for the simple elegance of Lucca itself. This historic town is surrounded by a wall which now serves as a delightful promenade offering views of the city within and the mountains all around.

Lucca is an eminently walkable city which is untroubled by traffic, since the town center is closed to private automobiles apart from those of local residents. Bicycling is a another wonderful way to explore the town. Among local attractions are Lucca's opera house, marvelous shops and restaurants and a museum honoring native son, Giacomo Puccini.

Day trips are easily undertaken to the seaside (including the magical Cinqueterre), to the nearby mountain range known as the Garfagnana, to shopping outlets, or to Florence, Pisa, Siena or all the Tuscan hill towns.

At the end of a lane of stately cypresses sits Villa Sogno, surrounded by extensive gardens and enclosed within a stone wall. According to seventeenth century custom, the ground floor is simple and rustic, while the stately piano nobile, or "noble floor" is located just above.

Ground floor:

• marvelous Tuscan country kitchen
• spacious dining room
• laundry facilities
• powder room

Second floor (noble floor):

• large formal living room
• 2 bedroom suites each with king bed and marble bathroom with bathtub and separate shower.
• 1 suite with king bed and bathroom marble bathroom with shower
• modern office / study with computer and Internet

Third floor:

• large living room furnished with a wide-screen satellite TV
• 2 bedroom suites each with king bed and marble bathroom each with bathtub and separate shower
• 1 bedroom with 2 twin beds and a marble bathroom with bathtub and separate shower
• library

Villa Sogno's owner has marvelous sense of taste and a strong connection to local history, which are evident in every detail of the villa's decor. Tthe villa is fully air-conditioned and centrally heated and provided with modern conveniences including satellite TV, a computer with Internet connection, a stereo CD player and a security alarm. On the lovely garden grounds, planted with lime and olive trees, oaks, magnolias and rose bushes, is a large Romanic swimming pool. Nearby sits a bougainvillea-covered pergola, perfect for outdoor dining.

2012 Prices