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Villa, private pool in village, restaurants, pizza oven, free organic produce

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Pool
Pool
Fantastic view of the village from the 2nd outdoor dining table
Shaded outside table
Well equipped kitchen diner overlooking the pool

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5120 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
    Pool
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Fireplace
    Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
Castiglione di Garfagnana, Tuscany
  • Duomo
    7 min drive
  • Apuan Alps
    9 min drive
  • Parco Avventura Selva del Buffardello
    14 min drive
  • La Spezia (QLP-Sarzana-Luni)
    111 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Villa, private pool in village, restaurants, pizza oven, free organic produce

"Friends of Tuscany Ltd." manage all aspects of your villa booking with tailored information to get the most from your holiday. We can help to arrange a shopping delivery service, home made meal on arrival, wine tours, children’s activities, wild swimming spots, festivals, events, and restaurant recommendations based on our personal knowledge of the area built up over 30 years.

With spacious rooms and a private pool, this is a good opportunity to experience a summer holiday in one of the loveliest villages in Tuscany. Casa Massimo is set just above the medieval walled village of Castiglione. There is a view of the ancient Castello from the edge of the beautiful garden.

Castiglione is one of the main villages of the spectacularly beautiful area known as the Garfagnana, arguably the most beautiful part of all Tuscany. Castiglione is one of the 100 most beautiful villages in Italy, and is renowned as a centre of musical excellence.

The property has a private garden and 9 metre private pool for the sole use of the guests. Entered through a wide hallway, there are 2 large bedrooms, one of which sleeps 3, and a large living room off the hall. The kitchen is well equipped and the owner gives his guests produce from his land. The bathroom is tiled with a walk in shower.

The garden has mature plants and is shaded in areas by fine trees. There is a 9 m private swimming pool with a depth of 1.4 m and steps. Also in the garden there is a traditional Italian wood fired oven, for pizza and other cook-in nights.

The owner Massimo has a cantina next to the house. His hospitality is excellent. He makes his own wine and fine preserves, oil and cheeses and is very generous with his produce. Guests will arrive to a 'welcome hamper' of fresh organic produce

Garfagnana: Garfagnana is 'Hidden Tuscany' at its best. With its stunning scenery it is the best area in Tuscany for walking and outdoor activities. We have close ties with an outdoor activities company who offer many international class adventures.

Castelnuovo, the nearby market town, has many restaurants, cafes, bars, supermarkets and all other types of shops. There is a tourist information office and a weekly market selling a wide variety of fashion, household goods, flowers, fruit and vegetables.

There is a restaurant and bar within a minutes walk from the villa. An excellent shop/bar, where you can buy decent wine on draft and excellent local produce, is 5 minutes walk

We can help arrange mountain biking, hill walking, horse riding, gorge walking and cooking classes which are all available locally.
Friends of Tuscany give detailed local information and recommendations.

Property manager

Friends of Tuscany Ltd
Premier Host

Languages

English, Italian

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children welcome

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Pool closed October to May (can be negotiated)
Cost of heating, if required, is due to the owner
Tourist tax of €1 per day per person is due to the owner on arrival

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed GBP 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Castiglione di Garfagnana

Located in Castiglione di Garfagnana, this villa is in a rural area and in the mountains. Ethnographic Museum Don Luigi Pellegrini and Museum of Upper Garfagnana are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Parco Avventura Selva del Buffardello and Parco Levigliese. Parco del Levigliese and Pietro Pellegrini Botanical Garden are also worth visiting. Fishing and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and ecotours nearby.
Map
Castiglione di Garfagnana, Tuscany

What's nearby

  • Apuan Alps - 9 min drive
  • Sanctuary of San Pellegrino in Alpe - 18 min drive
  • Santuario Mariano Eremo di Calomini - 25 min drive
  • Forte dei Marmi Beach - 55 min drive
  • Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park - 65 min drive

Getting around

  • Castelnuovo di Garfagnana Station - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Il Pozzo - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Ristorante Pizzeria Il Triti - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Albergo Ristorante Il Grotto - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪La Rocca - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Teatro Alfieri - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Villa, private pool in village, restaurants, pizza oven, free organic produce have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Villa, private pool in village, restaurants, pizza oven, free organic produce pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Villa, private pool in village, restaurants, pizza oven, free organic produce?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Villa, private pool in village, restaurants, pizza oven, free organic produce?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Villa, private pool in village, restaurants, pizza oven, free organic produce located?

Situated in the mountains, this villa is 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from Pontecosi Lake and within 6 miles (10 km) of Ariostesca Castle and Duomo. Archaeological Museum and Apuan Alps are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 30 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 35 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Nadine and Jeff B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
True Tuscany
Our family of three adult children and their parents gathered together at Massimo’s to celebrate each other and our Italian adventure. What a treat to venture into a true Tuscan community. We ate their food, drank their wine and enjoyed their true friendliness and hospitality. Massimo welcomed us on the first night with a table full of fun, laughter and food. His kindness continued throughout the week of our stay. You could not ask for a more genuine and generous host. He also respected our private times even though he lived above us. We certainly hope to return to this Tuscan treasure!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Simon A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property, very friendly owner
Beautiful property in a lovely town in the Tuscan hills. Excellent value and a lovely stay. The host, Massimo is generous, friendly and considerate
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Greg W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous holiday
This was our 2nd time staying here. The villa is fantastic, the location is beautiful so close to the village and with amazing view. Outdoor features, like the pool, barbeque, garden, off-road parking, etc are all brilliant. And the host, Massimo is wonderful, so friendly, welcoming and convivial.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Uwe K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Super
It was really a great vacation. We felt super comfortable. The house has a typical Italian flair, the pool was always clean and in top condition. The exceptionally helpful landlord Massimo made the stay a successful holiday with his hospitable manner. We can also recommend the Bar Alimentario, where you can have an excellent breakfast with a typical Italian dish coming and going. The staff at Alimentario is very friendly and welcoming. Uwe & Paula Uli & Uwe
Stayed 12 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Friedrich G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
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Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rutger B., Enschede

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect stay
Prachtige villa op een prachtige locatie. Gelegen op loop afstand van een sfeervol klein dorpje. Hier zijn alle basis voorzieningen verkrijgbaar. Op 10 minuten rijden is er een supermarkt en de grotere plaats met heel veel goede restaurants. Het huis is stijlvol en de tuin prachtig. Waarbij vooral het zwembad veel indruk maakt. De eigenaar en property manager zijn zeer vriendelijk en reageren beide erg snel op vragen en verzoeken. Dit huis is echt een aanrader.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Navita R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Idyllic 2 week stay
Spacious, clean and well appointed villa with the great big benefits of a pool, shaded floral garden and great views from the driveway. We loved our two weeks here and would definitely consider returning. Castiglione village (a few mins walk away) is small but perfect and has a couple of restaurants and the bar for apperitivo / gelato. More amenities and dining options are available in neighbouring towns just 10 mins drive away. Il Pozzo lives up to the advertising and recommendations for a lovely dinner. We had read reviews of Massimo’s hospitality but we’re still very pleasantly surprised at his kindness and generosity: red wine, Prosecco, fresh produce and ice creams for the kids throughout the stay. He gives you full privacy but is always close if you need help or to offer you a drink on your way in or out! Despite not speaking English we had some good chats with him, thanks to our broken Italian and good old Google. We had some wonderful day trips to the beautiful Vagli sotti, Pisa, beach at Forte dei Marmi and canyoning - all recommendations in the information provided by Friends of Tuscany after booking. Definitely recommend the cooking class at home with Francesca. In short, go ahead and book. You won’t be disappointed!!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Johan Stulien R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unforgettabel week at Casa Massimo
We had a fantastic week at Casa Massimo. Helpful and wonderful host/manager. Great place/location of the property. Really nice garden and outdoor pool. We had a rental car the whole week, which is recommended to get around visiting places. All in all, a great experience. 10/10!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Murielle D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Un petit paradis
Merci à Massimo pour son accueil, cela restera une soirée mémorable ! La maison et surtout les extérieurs sont très agréables. La piscine est grande et régulièrement entretenue par Massimo, c'est un vrai plus. Le village est à quelques minutes à pied avec tout le nécessaire : petite épicerie, dépôt de pain, bar, restaurant. La région est très belle et le village fait un bon point de départ pour la découvrir.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sehr zu empfehlen
Sehr herzliche und zuvorkommende Vermieter, sehr schöne ruhige Gegend, unmittelbar nahe des Dorfes, wo man alles Notwendige für den täglichen Bedarf bekommt.
Stayed 21 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Danyal S., London

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A great place to stay in the north of Tuscany
This is a fantastic location in the Northern part of Tuscany, with valleys to climb to mountain passes and tiny village in magnificent scenery. The local village has a post office, greengrocers, and small food shop as well as a bar, and a restaurant. I think the property description undersells the location - I was unfamiliar with Tuscany, and having spent a week in Florence, we were looking for a place in the Tuscan countryside. Perhaps most visitors already know what they are getting, but it was a lovely part of the world to be in, on the lower slops of the mountains above the valley below, with national parks close to hand. The house, is the self contained ground floor of a larger house, with sole use of the swimming pool and garden. The pool is a proper solid dug in pool and good for decent short lengths of swimming. We were in the pool to cool off most days, after coming in from exploration. The house itself has everything you could need. After coming from a modern flat renovation in Florence the previous week, it was nice to come to a place that had clearly been a home. It was the house that Massimo, the owner, grew up in and lives annexed to. Massimo is a kind host - available to sort out the minor issues - push to set the washing machine, and then pull the dial to operate! If your Italian is better than mine, you’ll find a great conversation partner and equally, we were undisturbed and he will leave you to get on with things. A wonderful local host, I think. In conclusion, a great place to stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Susanne L., Ebringen

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Der Besitzer ist überaus zuvorkommend!
Wir wurden von Anfang an verwöhnt! Alles sehr sauber, der Kühlschrank gefüllt, Massimo ist sehr gastfreundlich und zuvorkommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jessica B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastisk vistelse
Vi hade en underbar semestervecka hos Casa Massimo. Som många andra skriver så är Massimo en fantastisk värd, oerhört välkomnande, genuin och generös vilket tillförde så mycket extra till upplevelsen. Boendet är väldigt rent, fräscht och mysigt och när vi kom välkomnades vi med en mängd olika matvaror i kylen plus vin kaffe och andra godsaker. Vi blev inbjudna till "Massimos cantina" flertalet gånger under vår vecka och fick smaka på Massimos egengjorda prosecco, vin och oliver m.m. Barnen fick glass och dricka. Så otroligt generöst! Vi fick också en hel del tips på utflykter i området vilket var värdefullt. Byn som boendet ligger i är väldigt vacker och charmig och det finns massor att upptäcka i närområdet. En dag gjorde vi en utflykt till Lago di Gramolazzo och kan varmt rekommendera att besöka denna vackra sjö som var underbar att bada i. På eftermiddagarna var det väldigt härligt att ha poolen att bada i och trädgården att koppla av i. Vi är oerhört nöjda med vår semester och kommer definitivt att komma tillbaka till Casa Massimo snart!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sandi B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Idyllic week in Tuscany
I chose this property first and foremost because of the host. The reviews of his welcoming and generous personality were stellar! Then the property was so perfect too: quiet, comfortable, a lovely pool, garden, steps to the walled village and piazza where we could get produce, or eat out. It felt completely magical. We were so happy there
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

kay d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Casa Massimo ein Traum für einen Urlaub in der nördlichen Toskana
Wir durften 12 Nächte in der Casa Massimo verbringen und wir waren total begeistert. Das gesamte Anwesen entspricht genau der Beschreibung alles war sauber und in einem sehr guten Zustand, der Pool ist einfach herrlich und top gepflegt. Der Ort ist auch sehr Sehenswert und bietet eigentlich alles was man für den täglichen Bedarf braucht. Supermärkte gibt es in ca 10 min. mit dem Auto. Aber das beste ist die Gastfreundschaft von Massimo. Am Ankunftstag war der Kühlschrank bereits mit allem gefüllt was man benötigt und noch darüber hinaus. Massimo hat uns des öfteren in seiner Cantine eingeladen wo wir Wein, Kaffee, Olivenöl, Wurst, Käse und vieles mehr alles aus eigener Produktion probieren konnten, wir hatten super viel Spaß. Auch am Tag der Abreise bekamen wir noch viele Geschenke mit. Wir hatte eine wunderschöne Zeit bei Massimo und wünschen Ihm und seiner Familie insbesondere Mama alles Gute und hoffen auf ein Wiedersehen.
Stayed 12 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

VincavK

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Authentic, clean, heartwarming hospitality
What a lovely place this is. The welcome was heartwarmingly hospitable. A surprisingly full fridge, reception by owner Massimo with his own wine in abundance, ice creams for the children. Our Italian got better with every glass of prosecco ;-) The rest of the week the owner played a modest role with a smile or a bowl of delicious fresh figs. The pool is lovely, clean and set in a lovely garden. The house is authentically furnished, which makes you feel right at home. And above all, everything is spotless. We slept well and enjoyed it. Highly recomended.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne H., London, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay at Massimo's house
High up in the hills right next to the mediaeval fortified village of Castiglione, this place is a delight. Owner Massimo's generosity knows no bounds - he supplied us with more superb produce than we could eat, including an endless supply of fresh funghi porcini, bottles of his excellent red wine, home made salami and vegetables. The pool and garden were perfect, it was calm and peaceful and we had plenty of space. This is the house where Massimo was born and he & his charming wife still live upstairs - on hand to help whenever necesssary. And it feels like a home, a lived-in, welcoming space with lovely old furniture and a workable kitchen. Lucca - a favourite haunt - is less than a hour's drive away with many other stunning towns and magnificent villas, parks and gardens nearby. It's sad that a couple of apartment blocks have been built on two sides of the garden effectively blocking the view over the village but a short stroll into the front garden reveals the castle and the old walls. Highly recommended for a stay in a relatively unknown but beautiful part of Tuscany.
Stayed 12 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Geoffrey L., Walton-On-Thames

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely peaceful place to stay
We had a lovely time staying here. The house was clean and had everything we needed. The house and garden were much larger than we thought from the photos, brilliant! Our three children really enjoyed playing in the pool and in the gardens which are pretty and well kept. Castiglione is very quaint and lovely to wander around, we enjoyed walking out after dinner to have a gelato and enjoy the mountain views. This is a beautiful part of Tuscany, we had successful trips to Barga and Lucca, easy to drive to and easy to park. Massimo was an amazing, friendly host we really enjoyed the welcome from him on our arrival, delightful Prosecco and Red wine and gelato for the children! Thank you so much.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Gerry W.

Lovely
Wonderful welcome and friendly help during our stay. We appreciated the persecco and fresh produce kindly provided by Massimo. Great accommodation and we really enjoyed the pool. Castiglione is a gem and we can definitely recommend the greengrocers!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Regina W., Bayern

Nice accomodation and great hospitality
We (4 adults, 1 child) had two wonderful weeks in this House in Castiglione di Garfagnana. Massimo and his sister were great hosts with lots of wine (and ice for the toddler), we felt like members of the family. For cyclists: visit the passo degli radici! The house provides everything you need for your holidays.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Mary W.

Wonderful.
Loved the proximity to village, the views kindness and friendliest of Massimo, meeting Ian & Jackie. Our 1st trip to Tuscany and over again in July & Sept. Totally hooked!!!!

10/10 Excellent

Vivian S., Wadebridge

A fantastic villa with all you need for a Tuscan break
Casa Massimo is a real taste of northern Tuscany. Situated in Garfagnana, you are 45 mins from Lucca and 2 hrs from Florence. Within 20 mins you can reach some superb unspoilt areas with superb local restaurants and cafes sampling some of the wonderful food from the local area. Prices are reasonable and quality and standards are high. Massimo is a wonderful host that offers amazing hospitality and is on hand to assist with where the best places are to visit, eat and drink. The family will give you the time that you need to support your holiday without being too invasive. We cannot wait to return for our third visit.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Steven G.

We loved our stay
Massimo was a wonderful host, it's a beautiful villa, will definitely return one day
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mike E.

Massimo the host and the villa excellent
The walled village is beautiful, Massimo the host is lovely, very generous and keen to ensure you have sampled his wine and prosecco at every opportunity. The villa as pool are excellent and in easy walking of the bars etc. The are is very different to that most expect of Tuscany as it is very mountainous and alpine. There are numerous hill top villages to visit and one can venture into Pisa, Lucca and even Florence easily - the latter is better by train from Lucca. Then return to Garfagnana where everything is about half the price than the more touristy areas. Again, Massimo couldn't have been more helpful and friendly and even allowed us to use the log fired Pizza oven - something that once used you will never buy one !! Don't bother going to the beach at Massa.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Per L., Aarhus, Denmark

Flot og rummelig lejlighed, gode udearealer, god beliggenhed. Meget hyggelig vært.
Lejligheden er tip top, ren og rummelig. Udenfor er der flere steder man kan sidde og hygge og sidde og spise. Den private pool er god. Hvis man vil udforske Garfagnana er Casteglione et godt udgangspunkt. Massimo er meget hyggelig og diskret vært, men altid parat til et godt glas vin.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017

About the host

Hosted by Friends of Tuscany Ltd

Host profile image
We are a family run holiday agency who have been renting holiday villas in Tuscany for over 25 years.

We know each of the owners personally and have lived around the Garfagnana area for over 25 years.

We give our guests a personalised service, including detailed information sheets about the houses and best things to do in the area.

We can help arrange activities, chefs, taxis, car hire and baby sitting services.

Please drop us an email with any questions you may have about our villas & Tuscany.

www.friendsoftuscany.com

Why they chose this property

Free produce, amazing views, walking distance to nice restaurants & bars.

What makes this property unique

The owner grows his own vegetables, has hens for eggs, makes his own wine, preserves and cheeses.

He is very generous with his produce so guests will enjoy free organic produce from his land.

The house is walking distance to the desirable, medieval village of Castiglione, where there are 3 restaurants and bars.

Languages:

English, Italian

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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