Tuscany, Pisa, Terricciola, Italy

Beautifully restored two bed village house with an outstanding view over the Tuscan landscape. The open plan and floor to ceiling windows flood the space with light and the house has retained wooden beamed celiings and terracotta floors so the character and quality shines through.

The house is entered into the country kitchen which is well-fitted in Tuscan style, with marble sink and with breakfast table. The kitchen opens onto the dining area, and through to the spacious living room. A particular feature are the large, arched, glass doors, with panoramic Juliet balconies which look out towards the wonderful view. There is a feeling of space and light in this fabulous open space. The finishes are of the highest quality, with terracotta floors, beamed ceilings and exposed brick. Also on this level is a bathroom (WC) with washing machine.

Stairs down lead to the two bedrooms and a well-fitted modern bathroom with shower. Each bedroom features double doors out to the paved terrace area and the garden. The garden (160 sqm) is prettily planted and has a covered dining pergola on the edge of the extensive panoramic view. All services are connected. There is gas central heating and there is air conditioning in the living room.

This lovely house is in the centre of a quiet Tuscan village and within walking distance of amenities. Soiana is set between the valleys of the River Era and the town of Cascina, and the Sterza stream. It is in between Pisa and Florence in an area with pretty hilltop villages including Morrona, La Rosa, Selvatelle, La Chientina and Soianella which are all wonderful to explore. Terricciola is known as the ‘City of Wine’ for the rich and fertile soil ideal for cultivating grapes. In September each year The Festa dell’Uva e del Vino (Grape and Wine festival) is held. This offers an excellent opportunity to taste some of the best wines of the region and people come from all over the region to enjoy this special occasion. There are many other festas in the area including the Spring Fair in La Rosa in May, the Festa dell’Allegria (Feast of Joy) in Morrona and the Strawberry Festival in Terricciola in July, the Notte Bianca (White Wine Night) in August and the Calici di Stelle (drinks under the Stars) in Terricciola.

Chianni, nearby, in the heart of Tuscany, is a pretty well-kept and perfectly Tuscan town, coated in pots of red geraniums and full of cobbled narrow lanes which open onto intimate little piazzas: stunning churches are around every corner. The ancient little town rises above the rolling Tuscan hills, so there are open views in all directions. There are good services including shops, banks, restaurants, post office, friendly cafes and interesting events throughout the year. The most important of these are the olive oil festival and the wild boar festival. Pontedera, nearby, is an interesting town and has the main train station on the Pisa- Florence line. The house is ideally located and transport links are good.

Chianni sits within the area of Valdera in central Tuscany between Pisa and Florence. This colourful landscape of rolling hills is dotted with medieval villages, castles and cobbled lanes which are flanked by tall dark green cypress trees. The area is scattered with historical towns and medieval villages and the landscape is made up of golden meadows of wheat, vineyards, olive groves and fields of sunflowers. Meandering through the countryside of Valdera you feel the vestiges of the mysterious Etruscan civilization. Here in Lajatico, Andrea Bocelli, the world renowned tenor, created the famous Teatro di Silenzio (the Theatre of Silence) where a natural amphitheatre creates a breathtaking setting perfect for musical events. In the summer months Bocelli performs a special concert each year alongside internationally famous musicians, which attracts a global audience. Nearby is also Casciana Terme, which has thermal waters and spa facilities and is a pretty town with piazzas and cafès serving the local wine. The città d’arte (cities of art) include Volterra, San Gimignano, Palaia and Florence all full of art and architecture to explore, are all within easy reach.

Distances: Soiana is on the doorstep, Terricciola 5 km, Chianni 10 km, Casciana Terme 10 km, Lajatico 10 km, Pontedera (trains) 15 kms, Castelfalfi (golf) 25 kms, Pisa (airport) 30 kms, Volterra 30 kms, Castiglioncello (beaches) 35 kms, San Gimignano 45 kms, Florence 75 kms, Siena 80 kms.