Tuscany, Pisa, Italy

Luxury two bed home (125 sqm) all on one level and part of an historical estate, now converted to high class, quality accommodation. The entire estate includes a magnificent Villa full of history and with frescos from the 1700s, the Granary and the stables and it has been carefully restored using traditional craftsmanship to produce wonderful homes set in peaceful surroundings. The property has a light and airy feel. The owners have use of the swimming pool with panoramic view, and the beautiful courtyard and grounds, and can use the private parking. It is the perfect place to escape from city noise, the hectic daily life and immerse yourself in the absolute peace of this enchanted castle, once the scene of important stories and adventures, of ladies with long dresses, knights and horses, nuns and monks.

The property is entered into the spacious living room and adjoining this is the well-fitted modern kitchen with a breakfast bar and with a dining area. Stairs climb up from the living room to a sweet mezzanine area, just perfect as a separate space for games, relaxation or as a kid's area, or even as an occasional bedroom. The two double bedrooms are spacious and bright and there is a good shower room. The apartment has been completed to a high specification with original materials and features cotto flooring, brick arches, wooden beamed ceilings, traditional tiles. All is in excellent condition. In addition, there is a good, lockable store room (19 sqm) on the ground floor. This property has the benefit of a spacious private terrace.

The beautiful estate is situated at the edge of the quiet village of Cevoli with magnificent views of the valley of Lari famous for its cherry orchards, and it is set in the centre of the village, therefore is within easy walking distance of the shops and cafes. It is ideally located within 25 km of Pisa airport and situated between the ancient spa town of Casciana Terme and boutique town of Pontedera.

The small town of Lari, just 5 km away, is situated where three ridges of the Pisan hills meet and it has been inhabited since Etruscan times. It is an early medieval fortress town protected by majestic walls with a restored castle at its centre. The massive Castle is built in the centre of the town; there is a record of it in the early Middle Ages although the building we see today dates to the first half of the 17th century. The Castle was an important military stronghold of the Pisan Republic until it was conquered by Florence in October 1406 and it is defended by an exterior surrounding wall with three gates: `Porta Fiorentina´, `Pisana´ and `Volterrana´. It has recently undergone restoration when some previously undiscovered frescoes were found. Inside the Castle stands a large yellow building which is the old pasta factory of Pastificio Famiglia Martelli where pasta is still made in the traditional way with carefully preserved vintage machinery. The town is located in the Valdera region of Tuscany, between Pisa and Florence where this colourful landscape of rolling hills dotted with medieval villages, castles and lanes flanked with tall dark green cypress trees epitomise the Tuscan landscape. Lari is very popular for the "sagra", the Cherry Festival in May. The festival showcases the many different types of cherries grown in the region; there are various stands where visitors can sample over twenty different types of cherries and have the opportunity to sample liqueurs and sweets made traditionally from these cherries - not to be missed.

The restoration of the estate has been one of the most important rejuvenation projects in the area. The complex was originally a medieval castle, then it was turned into a monastery and lastly a farm with ‘Frantoio’ (olives mill), barns and the elegant frescoed villa, the manor house of the estate owners.This estate stands in the middle of an area that easily combines the natural beauty of the hills and landscapes with the historical and cultural interests of one of the most beautiful place of Italy. Within around 30 km you can reach Pisa, Volterra, San Gimignano, San Miniato and Livorno with the spectacular Tirreno coasts and the magnificent cliffs in Quercianella and Castiglioncello also close by. La Mirella is an excellent base for exploring the whole of Tuscany.

Distances: Lari 5 km, Palaia 20 km, Pisa (airport) 25 km, Pontedera (trains) 12 km, Beaches 30 km, Volterra 40 km, Lucca 45 km, Florence 70 km, Siena 85 km.