Tuscany, Lunigiana, Licciana Nardi, Italy

Traditional stone house situated in one of the most picturesque villages of the comune of Licciana Nardi. Three/four bedrooms and two bathrooms.

This property is one of the last remaining examples of a Lunigiana Tower House which dates from the 12th century. Tucked into the cobbled pedestrian village lane, and including a 'bridge' over the lane, this house is very much part of the fabric of the ancient village. There is an excellent community, an eclectic and international mix alongside the traditional italian families. The beautiful village piazza is the home of the community which regularly come together for 'festas'. There are excellent walking trails all around and the views are wonderful. A baker's van visits the village each morning, and a quality grocer's van also makes regular appearances. It is possible to walk down the hill to Licciana Nardi in around 10 minutes, where you find a restaurant/pizzeria, bakers, grocers, schools and a bank.

Accommodation comprises: on the ground floor are three cantinas with stone walls, perfect for storage. On the first floor is a large dining room/ living room, large double bedroom, kitchen with wood-burning stove which opens onto a balcony with a great view, bathroom with shower on a raised level inside the ancient stone arch over the village lane. Upstairs, there is a very sizeable living-room with fireplace, modern fitted kitchen and a fitted bathroom. The top floor houses three bedrooms or two bedrooms and a study area. Outside the house there is a small piece of land which could be a garden with table and chairs for outside dining or a vegetable garden.

The property is within walking distance or a short drive of the lovely village of Licciana Nardi which is 2 km away.

Set in one of the most picturesque villages of the area with a central piazza entered through a stone archway. The village is surrounded by chestnut woods and olive groves and the larger village of Licciana Nardi is just 2 km where there is a good selection of shops, bank, schools and restaurant/pizzeria. It is a lovely walk down the hill to Licciana for a morning coffee or for an aperitivo in the bar. A van from the local bakers comes to the village each morning with fresh bread and focaccia and there is a friendly local community, always ready to chat.

The property is close to Licciana Nardi with 13th century pedestrian 'borgo' 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. There is also a bank, two 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 hills which 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 and for lovers of the coast the sea is only half-an-hour 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 each around an hour away.

Distances: Licciana Nardi 2 km, Aulla (with autostrada, supermarkets, trains) 12 km, Lerici (beaches) 35 km, Cinque Terre 45 km, Lucca 80 km, Pisa (airport) 95 km, Florence 150 km.