Tuscany, Lucca, Capannori, Italy

The Tuscan dream. Full of character and charm, this light and airy detached villa is nestled amongst the olive trees, set in a garden in the Colle di Compito area of Tuscany, in the foothills of the Monte Pisani, just 15 km from Lucca and only 30 kms from Pisa airport. Three bedrooms plus a study/smaller bedroom and two bathrooms. Swimming pool.

The rustic, stone villa has a great connection between the spacious rooms and the outdoor living space. The fabulous veranda on the ground floor level (upper level) provides shades and is accessed through two sets of french doors from the spacious living room. The kitchen is well-equipped and comfortably holds a table and chairs and also on this level is the master bedroom with Juliet balcony, bathroom with shower and a study or child's bedroom. Downstairs are two bedrooms, bathroom with bath and good storage area and utility room.

The garden is planted with 120 olive trees producing 50 litres of quality olive oil each year, with a total area of 6,700 sqm (around one and a half acres), including some pretty lawned and planted areas, the olive grove and woodlands. There is a spring on the land, and also fruit trees, mainly plum and apple. The oval swimming pool (approx 9m x 4m) is ideally located on a raised little hill, providing an exceptional view over the Tuscan countryside.

Services are connected and there is gas (GPL) central heating and also 'stuffa' (wood burning stoves). Utility room and 'cantina' (store room). Wifi. Plentiful private, covered parking. Good, unpaved road to access the property.

The main village is a walk away (4 km), with a coffee bar, a good bakers and local shop. There are many restaurants in the area. The beautiful walled town of Lucca is 20 minutes away and Pontedera is also 20 minutes away with fast trains to Pisa, Florence and beyond. Calci lies at the foot of the Monti Pisani, a small mountain range which divides Pisa from Lucca, in the green Valgraziosa valley. This mountain is dotted with historical villages, medieval castles and Romanesque churches and it is characterised by terraced olive groves. The town is on the slopes of the Monti Pisani, on the side which faces Pisa. The area is full of marked walking trails with spectacular views towards the sea and the mild climate means that great trekking is available year round. Of particular interest in Calci is the Calci Charterhouse, the Certosa di Pisa, which is a monumental Baroque building, once a Carthusian monastery and now housing an important Natural History Museum with the collection from the University of Pisa. You can enjoy a varied holiday: relaxing in the garden and wandering through the village, visiting cultural cities and hilltop Tuscan towns, or time on the beach.

The Monti Pisani are well known for the high quality extra virgin olive oil and there are many opportunities to sample and purchase this local speciality. The spectacular Chestnut Festival takes over Calci each year in October when it is possible to taste hand-prepared traditional chestnut cake, as well as a host of other great local produce. Calci has a selection of shops, excellent restaurants and a nice patisserie. This is a truly excellent location. The cultural centres of Tuscany are all within easy reach, with Lucca just 20 minutes and Pisa airport in a very short hop. There is the famous ancient thermal spa at San Giuliano Terme reachable in only 10 minutes. The elegant town of Lucca with beautiful piazzas and spectacular surrounding walls, is on your doorstep. Lazy summer days at the anfiteatro, or cycling around the ancient city walls, or an evening at the many concerts of the Lucca Summer Festival are just waiting to be enjoyed. The Leaning Tower, the River Arno and all the other beauties of Pisa are almost within touching distance. All the art, architecture and treasures of Tuscany are within easy reach to be admired time after time.

Distances: Lucca 15 km, Calci 20 km, San Giuliano Terme 20 km, Pisa (airport) 30 km, Viareggio (beaches) 35 km, Marina di Pisa 40 km, Livorno 45 km, Volterra 60 km, San Gimignano 70 km, Florence 80km.