|
|
|
|
|
Villa Santa Caterina, a stylish Tuscan vacation rental near Pisa, Tuscany is a classic Italian villa located in Fauglia, a hilly countryside province of Pisa where the noble families from Pisa had their country villas and estate. The villa dates back to 1800 and was acquired by the grandfather of the present owners. Those owners, the grandkids if you will, are a friendly young couple who live in Pisa and occasionally stay on the property during weekends and summer. Your privacy is assured in this regard.
There is a story that a well carved bust stood on top of the main gate since the beginnings of the villa itself. There it sat for centuries and no one knew how the bust got there. One day an expert of antiquities asked permission to examine it. The result was determining that the bust was an Etruscan sculpture dating back to the 2° century B.C. The territory of Fauglia, has traces of pre-Roman settlements….The Etruscans no doubt. The present owners removed it and put it in the owner's house in a special niche. Amazing it was never stolen.
The owner lives on the property occasionally and shares the pool, and tennis court. Close to the farmhouse there is the house of the guardian of the property - they have an independent gate. He is a tennis pro and can provide instructions.
Perfect for: Family or couples.
The Details:
Ground floor: An entrance into a large central living room which opens on to the front lawn via French doors. One TV sitting room with fire place, and another sitting room with CD, stereo and such. Dining room with a table sitting 10- 12 people and the room opens to the back portico via French door. The kitchen is in traditional country style yet has all the gadgets you need (gas stove, electric oven, dishwasher, fridge- freezer etc.) opening on the portico for dining al fresco. There is also a WC.
First floor (sleeps 8): This floor is in classic villa style, a central salon flanked by bedrooms and bathrooms on two sides. On the right side one double bedroom opening on the first floor terrace and a twin bedroom, opening on the terrace. There is a bathroom with tub and telephone shower between the two bedrooms. Same on the left side – one double bedroom opening on the first floor terrace and a twin bedroom, opening on the terrace. There is a bathroom with tub and handle shower between the two bedrooms.
Services, Features, Amenities:
Al Fresco Dining, CD Player, Dishwasher, Fireplace, Full Maid Service, Local TV, Private Parking, Pool, Tennis Court, Refridgerator, Outdoor Furniture, Washing Machine, W/C(s) as well as full bathrooms
|
|
|
Although we are biased on such matters, and may be preaching to the choir, Lucca is arguably the best city in Tuscany. It is also the closest to most of our Lucca based rentals. There are loads of reasons this is a great place to visit (olive oil for example, lack of tourists another). To the benefit of you and the proud locals, Lucca has completely retained the original thick walls around the centro storico. As the wide walls lost their military importance, abruptly ended with the conquering Bonaparte in 1805, no match for his modern might, they became as they are today: a pedestrian only park that rings the city entirely providing a wonderful view of the countryside and city below. Lucca is a perfect place to spend a day, or when you have a little extra time between other touring, you can easily slug it in and never tire of its streets, alleys, sights and shops. It is a perfect place to walk around, the walls not withstanding (in fact for the walls we suggest renting a bike and seeing the city that way - on the walls and off). We fondly call it "Florence without the scooters, people or museums." But still enough great restaurants, piazze, cafes, gelati and upscale shopping to attract the discerning folk. Here is a quick guide to our favorite restaurants (also found in more detail on our recommended restaurants in Lucca page):
Da Giulio, on via Conce Piazza San Donato
La Buca, on via della Cervia
Osteria Baralla, on via Anfiteatro
Antico Cafe, on Piazzale Vittorio Emanuele
Touring Ideas:
Lucca 35 km
Florence 90 km
Viareggio 20 km
Pisa and airport 20 km
|
