Tuscany, Lunigiana, Pontremoli, Italy

Detached, rustic stone villa with four bedrooms and ample living space, in a private and secluded location, close to the beautiful, ancient town of Pontremoli. The villa is approached through large iron gates to a long driveway, leading to private parking for 3 or 4 cars. It is in a peaceful woodland setting, totally private. Architect designed and built in the 1980s the villa is in fair condition, and would benefit from some modernisation.

Into an entrance hall, the kitchen holds a large dining table and chairs. The adjoining sitting room features a large corner sofa designed for the space to create a sociable area. The sleeping quarters are in two separate areas: the first, with independent entrance, consists of a small bedroom with bathroom (shower) and stairs up to a larger loft bedroom; the second is upstairs from the main living area and consists of a double bedroom with balcony and en-suite bathroom, a single bedroom with balcony and a single bedroom with large window. There is a bathroom with shower for use by these bedrooms. So 4/5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. A particular feature of the house is the spacious living areas. There is a very large dining room, with crafted ceiling, from where stairs lead down to a billiard room, a taverna and a wine room, as well as storage rooms. There is access to the garden from this level, where there is a paved patio with barbecue and pizza oven, ideal for entertaining.

In addition, immediately next to the villa is a 'casetta', an outbuilding with one large room downstairs and a large room above. This would make an ideal guest suite. The garden has lovely open areas, and also woodland, and there is plenty of opportunity for a swimming pool. In all, over 23,000 sqm (over 5 acres). Mains services are connected and there is central heating.

The ancient town of Pontremoli 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. At Pontremoli there is motorway access and a train station with trains to Lucca, Pisa, Cinque Terre and Milan.

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 and for lovers of the coast the sea is only a short hop away. The golden sandy beaches around Lerici and the pebble coves of the Cinque Terre 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 : Pontremoli 5 km, Lerici (beaches) 30 km, Parma 90 km, Pisa (airport) 100 km, Lucca 90 km.