With captivating views of olive groves surrounding you, as well as being close to Lucca, Pisa and Florence, Casa Taffy is a delightful holiday home for family or friends wanting to experience this alluring part of northern Tuscany.
Dating back to the 17th century, this former farmhouse has been wonderfully restored by its hospitable owner who also produces high-quality extra virgin olive oil from olive trees dotted across the estate. Recently refurbished as well, the casa offers traditionally Tuscan yet stylish interiors alongside great modern comforts such as satellite TVs in each of the five bedrooms, four en suite bathrooms and air-conditioning throughout. Impressive fireplaces, fine furnishings and an abundance of original features add character and warmth to this inviting Tuscan home.
Many summer days will be spent dining al-fresco looking out towards the glorious landscapes around you, preparing feasts in the perfectly equipped summer kitchen and barbecue. The swimming pool is just as peaceful in its verdant setting with sun-loungers dotted around the pretty terrace.
Spend yet more time relaxing by visiting one of the nine spas in the beautiful town of Montecatini Terme, just 10km away, followed by lunch with a view in the medieval hilltop village of Montecatini Alto, reached from the town by an old-fashioned funicular. Other idyllic villages close by include Pinocchio’s Collodi, also home to an enchanting theme park for children, as well as Pescia and the birthplace of the great artist, Vinci.
Explore the city walls and exquisite heart of Lucca, spend time getting to know the real Pisa and travel to Florence for an unforgettable day in one of the most stunning cities of the world. Even the Tuscan beaches are within striking distance or cross the border into Liguria and the famous Cinque Terre National Park for another remarkable day out. That’s if you can bear to leave your rural idyll and the romantic surroundings of your charming Tuscan home.
Features:
Casa Interiors
Ground Floor
- Entrance hall
- Open-plan living and dining room (34m2) with fireplace and large dining table
- TV room with fireplace
- Kitchen, newly refurbished and well-equipped including dishwasher, fridge, freezer, oven, microwave, blender, toaster and coffee machine. Dining table and doors leading to garden
- Guest WC and laundry room
- Bedroom (23m2) with double bed (1.7x2m) and en suite shower room (fully accessible bedroom)
First Floor
- Bedroom (20m2) with double bed (1.6x2m), TV and en suite shower room
- Bedroom (22m2) with twin beds (0.85x1.9m), TV and en suite shower room
- 2-bedroom family suite (46m2). One bedroom with twin beds (0.85x1.9m) and fireplace, leading through to second bedroom with double bed (1.6x1.9m). En suite bathroom with jacuzzi bath and shower attachment
Outside Grounds
- Solar-heated swimming pool (12m x 6m, depth: 1.5m). Open approximately May to October and surrounded by fencing*
- Pool house with changing room, warm shower and WC (fully accessible shower room)
- Poolside pergola and sun loungers
- Al-fresco dining area
- Annexe with indoor summer kitchen and BBQ
- Garden lighting
- Outdoor fitness area
- Fenced gardens/grounds (slopes/unprotected drops in places)
- Parking
*The pool area has been made accessible for guests with mobility restrictions
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- Heating
- Fireplace
- TV and DVD player
- CD player
- Library with English books
- Table tennis
- Outdoor fitness area
- Hairdryer
- Mosquito nets
- Alarm system
- Video surveillance (can be switched off)
- Washing machine and dryer
Location:
In a beautiful part of northern Tuscany, perfectly located between Florence and Pisa and just half an hour from Lucca, Casa Taffy enjoys wonderful views of the Valdinievole towards the enchanting spa-town of Montecatini Terme.
You are surrounded by hills covered in olive trees so typical of this region. Indeed, the owner produces his own extra virgin olive oil using traditional methods, thus creating a high quality product. It’s around 4km to the local village which is made up of a collection of picturesque and historic hamlets as well as useful amenities in the main part such as restaurants, cafes, shops and a supermarket.
Montecatini Terme (10km) is a delightful town to visit with its historic fountains, impressive architecture and fashionable shops. There are nine thermal spas across the town which can be found in beautiful buildings and one of the reasons for the town’s popularity. The medieval village of Montecatini Alto is another place of beauty. Visit via the old-fashioned funicular – it’s a great spot for lunch and the views at the top are spectacular.
Lucca (30km) is also within easy driving distance or you could take the 30-minute train ride from the local station, about 4km away. It’s an enchanting town with gorgeous cobbled lanes, exquisite squares and of course the historic city walls, not to mention the wonderful shops, bars and restaurants.
Other local villages to explore include Vinci (28km), the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci and Collodi (12km), well-known for its associations with Pinocchio. Pescia (10km) is another gem with a great cathedral and the thermal springs at Monsummano Terme (12km) should also be on your list of possible places to visit.
Pisa (47km) can also be reached in around fifty minutes, a city with great charm and so many attractions, not just the leaning tower. Florence (58km), about an hour away by car, is also a perfect day trip with its art galleries, architecture and ambience.
After all that sight-seeing, spend the day relaxing on the beach along the Versilia coastline with resorts such as Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi under an hour away. The most adventurous could even drive as far as La Spezia (103km), the gateway to the famous Cinque Terre National Park and also close to the romantic seaside villages of the Golfo dei Poeti.
Terms & Conditions:
Security deposit?
€1000 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection.
Arrival time?
4pm - 7pm
Departure time?
By 10am
Energy costs included?
Air-conditioning/electricity is included up to €150 per week and after that it is an extra €0.50 per Kwh, payable locally in cash.
Heating costs included?
Extra cost based on consumption, payable locally in cash.
Linen & towels included?
Yes, including change on Wednesday and Saturday for stays of two weeks or more.
Pool towels included?
Yes, including change on Wednesday and Saturday for stays of two weeks or more.
Pool opening dates?
The pool is open approximately May to October. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.
Pool heating charge?
No. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. In this case, the solar panel system is only able to increase the water temperature slightly and is weather dependent. The water temperature can reach a maximum of 30C.
Pets welcome?
On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. If accepted, a pet supplement may apply (payable locally).
Changeover day?
Saturday.
Minimum stay?
7 nights.
Smoking Allowed?
Outdoors only.
Insurance?
Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, personal belongings, public liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay.
Internet access?
Wi-Fi internet access included.
End of stay cleaning included?
Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.
Tax?
Italian Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€5 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required).
Other Ts and Cs?
The pool is not fenced, so children should be supervised when outdoors.
Pets - allowed
Smoking - not allowed
