Tuscany, Lunigiana, Pontremoli, Italy

A beautiful, restored farmhouse with outbuildings and a courtyard set in a stunning position with superb views less than one kilometer from the medieval market town of Pontremoli. The property includes extensive land with olive groves.

The main building has been restored to offer four independent homes with extensive stone vaulted rooms below. There is also a large stone barn on two levels and a further outbuilding which has been partially restored. Each home has two bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and reception room. The property has retained its original character with a blend of contemporary with beautiful marble bathrooms and modern kitchens.There is also a laundry room and the old chestnut drying room complete with stone floor and the wood beams.

On the ground floor there is a large vaulted area with rooms leading off which offer potential to restore.The buildings are set around a stone flagged courtyard with lovely views. The stone barn is on two levels with great potential. A further smaller barn on one level has been partially restored. The property has main services and central heating.

The land extends to 12 hectares (30 acres) with 7 hectares of vineyards, olive groves and meadows around the buildings. Situated in a very favourable location with beautiful views and stunning countryside.

The ancient town of Pontremoli is within walking distance and was built between two rivers as an expansion of the central castle. Wherever you look you will find elegant palazzos with internal courtyards overlooking the river, porticos and stylish piazzas. The cobbled lanes leading up to the castle are flanked with stone houses and interlinking arches. The twin arched roman bridges are the gateway on either side of the town. Pontremoli has a good selection of shops and restaurants, a theatre, hospital and the famous Castello which houses a museum. The central Piazza della Repubblica has traditional cafès where you can mingle with authors as the town hosts the most important Italian book prize. Don’t miss the imposing white marble Cathedral and colourful street market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

There is motorway access and a train station in Pontremoli with trains to Lucca, Pisa, Cinque Terre and Milan.

Distances : Lerici (beaches) 30 km, Cinque Terre 40 km, Parma 90 km, Lucca 90 km, Pisa (airport) 100 km.

Lunigiana is a magical part of Tuscany. The hills that encircle Lunigiana create an intimate and relaxed atmosphere whilst the blend of the mountains and sea are extremely inviting to those who enjoy the outdoors. 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. Lunigiana is special and has been likened to a magical kingdom. It is not only the breath-taking scenery with its abundance of medieval castles but you simply feel a huge sense of wellbeing radiating from the sunshine, glorious countryside, delicious food and wine, kind friendly locals and most importantly, from the sense of tradition and community amongst people here that is rarely seen in modern day life.

The golden sandy beaches around Lerici and the pebble coves of the Cinque Terre are ideal for swimming and sailing in the summer while the snow clad mountains offer skiing in the local resorts during the winter months and are each a short drive away. 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.