Tuscany, Lunigiana, Fivizzano, Italy

Property set at the edge of the small town of Monzone and overlooking a pretty river.

Peaceful setting with shops and services on hand.

The house is entered into a hallway, with good sized fitted kitchen and bedroom overlooking the river. Stairs lead to bathroom on half landing, and two further bedrooms. There is a large room on the top level currently used as a living - games room. There is also a lovely strip of garden bordering the river and a cantina.

There is a large terrace at the entrance of the building which is shared with the neighbour and has steps to the river for a cool summer dip.

The local town of Monzone has a number of shops and services and, importantly, a train station which is within walking distance. Within walking distance is a good selection of shops, coffee bars and restaurants. Easy access on good roads. The town of Fivizzano (10km) has a central cobbled piazza and is often referred to as the Florence of Lunigiana. The bustling town hosts many cultural events over the summer with concerts in the piazza and reenactments of medieval parades. With its musical heritage the town also attracts international musicians during its annual music festival. There is a hospital, shops and restaurants in the town. In the other direction, towards the sea, is Fosdinovo (20 km), a walled town dominated by a stunning Malaspina Castle dating back to the fourteenth century. The town is famous for embroidery on precious linen and Pope Francis’s robe was embroidered by the ladies of Fosdinovo. The town overlooks the beaches of the Versilia coast and it is reached by a scenic road which meanders through the olive groves above the market town of Sarzana. Nearby (5 km) is the elegant town of Equi Terme, famous for centuries for the natural warm spring waters, now a spa and wellness retreat with thermal springs, large outdoor swimming pool and a new zip wire, climbing wall and e-bike hire. Excellent mountain trails for walking and biking. Ski resort of Cerreto Laghi in 45 mins, with good skiing over the winter months and also open in the summertime to pick up a chair lift up to wonderful summer walking in the hills.

Lunigiana is a magical part of Tuscany. The rolling landscape is liberally sprinkled with castles of Medici or Malaspina vintage and for lovers of the coast the sea is only 30-40 mins. 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 all just over an hour away.

Distances: Monzone (trains) and shops are in the village, Equi Terme (spa town) 2.5km, Fivizzano 10km, Aulla (autostrada) 15km, Lerici (beaches) 40km, Cinque Terre (UNESCO World Heritage Site) 45km, Lucca 90km, Pisa (airport) 90km, Parma (airport) 100km.