Tuscany, Lunigiana, Villafranca in Lunigiana, Italy

Beautifully designed villa set in a gorgeous situation with open, panoramic views. Downstairs is open plan with large windows which let in plenty of light with a great feeling of space and calm. The double height living room opens with large glass doors to the terrace, and there is a well equipped kitchen opening onto covered portico (also with underfloor heating), just perfect for eating 'al fresco'. On this level are two double bedrooms each with bathroom, and upstairs there is another double bedroom with ensuite. On the lowest level is a garage and cantinas for storage.

The 'dependence', independent cottage, is perfect as a guest unit or works well for home/rental options. This accommodation is self-contained and comprises a lovely living room/ kitchen plus a bedroom and bathroom. Below are further cantina rooms for storage.

All services are connected and the villa and 'dependence' are presented in immaculate order throughout. There is underfloor heating, solar panels and good wifi. Easy car access and private parking. The land extends to around 83,000 sqm (around 17 acres).

The property is set in quiet countryside, in the foothills of the Lunigiana mountains of northern Tuscany, yet only 30-40 mins to the sea and with far-reaching views towards the Apuane mountains. The village of Monti, nearby, is dominated by an impressive Malaspina castle fortress which sits at the top of the hill above the village and can be seen from all around. A local bus service provides transport to Aulla (6 km) which has a good range of larger shops, supermarkets, a railway station and motorway access (A15). Just 3 km up the valley from Monti is the town of Licciana Nardi in the Taverone valley with 13th century pedestrian street flanked with local shops. Central in the town is the Piazza del Municipio, the 16th century castle and church and the piazza hosts many festivals such as the Chestnut Festival in the autumn. The castle is linked to the baroque church by a covered bridge so that the nobles had direct access to prayer and dealings with the local priest. .

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-hours’ drive away. The beaches around Lerici are beautiful, especially the little cove hidden behind Lerici castle. The long stretch of wide sandy beaches which starts at Marinella and runs all the way down to Pisa offers all sorts of watersports: surfing, windsurfing and with kayaks, boats and pedalos for hire. The magical Cinque Terre is a string of five fishing villages set along the sea cliffs offer the opportunity for great walks, or for idling in the seafront restaurants and stopping by for an aperitivo in one of the friendly bars. The Cinque Terre is a site of national importance and is listed with UNESCO World Heritage. Excellent days out can be spent at the Tuscan 'cities of art' of Lucca, Florence and Siena. All are easily accessible on the autostrada network, or by train from Aulla. Pisa airport is only one hour away and is an easy drive directly on the Pisa- Aulla motorway network.

Distances: Monti 3 km, Licciana Nardi 3 kms, Aulla (autostrada, supermarkets, trains) 6 kms, Lerici (beaches) 30 kms, Cinque Terre 40 km, Lucca 80 kms, Pisa (airport) 90 kms, Florence 150 kms.