Tuscany, Lunigiana, Aulla, Italy

Beautiful two/three bed villa, the last house in a hamlet, with one hectare of land (2.5 acres) and extensive terraces for outdoor living. Amazing views and beautiful garden. This detached villa (120 sqm) overlooks a spectacular mountain setting, yet is easily accessible.

A large gated courtyard at the front of the house offers ample private parking. The villa is entered into the simple kitchen, with fireplace and an arch leading to a good reception room, with french doors leading the a large, covered terrace, ideal for outside dining. The outside, covered staircase leads up to two very large bedrooms and substantial bathroom. There is also an additional 'cantina' room which is currently used as a third bedroom. The outside area is extensive. There is a wood fired pizza oven and a small outdoor kitchen, where the owner currently uses to make jam. The large terrace at the back of the house has a large 'legnaia' (wood store) and additional storage. Cantina.

The gardens are a particular feature and have been developed over many years. They are planted with 60 olive trees, in production. There are also apricot trees, kiwi, grapes, nuts, pomegranate trees. There are cypress trees and fig trees. There are two large grottos 'springs' on the land. The owner also grows vegetables with artichokes, zucchini and potatoes. A beautiful rose garden and spectacular flowering shrubs, wisteria and trees all around the villa ensure that the outside area is lovely place to linger. The land is one hectare (2.5 acres).

Licciana Nardi is a town in the Taverone valley with 13th century pedestrian street flanked with local shops. Central in the town is the Piazza del Municipio which hosts the 16th century Malaspina castle and many festivals such as the Chestnut Festival in the autumn. The castle is linked to the baroque church by a covered bridge so that the nobles had direct access to prayer and dealings with the local priest. There are also a bank, schools, restaurants and medical facilities. The nearby village of Monti has a castle on the hill above and offers a good selection of amenities.

Lunigiana is a magical part of Tuscany. The rolling landscape is liberally sprinkled with castles of Medici or Malaspina vintage but for lovers of the coast the sea is only half-an-hours’ drive away. The golden sandy beaches around Lerici and the pebble coves of the Cinque Terre (UNESCO World Heritage site) are ideal for swimming and sailing. The area is criss-crossed with marked footpaths for walks to the hills and mountains. The airports of Pisa, Parma and Genova are all within an hours’ drive.

Distances: Licciana Nardi 5 km, Aulla (shops, autostrada, trains) 10 km, Fivizzano 12 km, Lerici (beaches) 25 km, Cinque Terre 30 km, Lucca 90 km, Pisa (airport) 90 km, Portofino 100 km, Florence 150 km.