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I have represented Villa Torriani, a villa rental on north Tuscany outside of Lucca, for many years now. I first met the owner on a cold March day in 1999. A tall, soft spoken man who was humble and gracious despite his substantial financial and business success (having made his money in a technique to dry flowers and herbs before it was commonly done). He proudly told the story of his house, Villa Torriani.
"The architectural style is Neoclassical" he said pointing out the exterior walls, foundation and flourishes at the roof line. "And was designed and built during the Napoleanic age. At that time Napoleon Bonapart, ruler of Tuscany (from 1805) had granted the rule of Lucca to his sister Elisa. Her title was The Duchess of Lucca."
We walked through the entrance, down a thick walled hallway, through the kitchen toward the living room as he continued with slow deliberation.
"This house was built by Elisa (Bonaparte) and given to the regional magistrate and supervisor of the time. His name escapes me." he says with a soft wave of his hand. Walking over the soft wooden floors of the sitting room, we stop in front of the carved marble fireplace.
"During WWII Villa Torriani was taken by the SS to serve as the German headquarters while occupying Lucca and its valley. Why did they want Torriani? Because it was spacious and elegant (the SS only wanted the best places), and the uninterrupted view over the valley provided monitoring of the comings and goings of the region."
Sighing he pointed a long finger at the fractured corner of the fireplace mantle saying, "They also ruined my mantle. Nazis!" With regret I learned the owner died of natural causes some short years later. Today the historic property remains in the care of his family and the original manager to secure continuity in high quality renovation and service.
The details and renovation of this property are flawless, but the furnishings and decorations are exquisite. Large Italian antiques with perfect polished wood serve throughout the house. Trompe L'Oeil in most every common room located on the ground floor. Among many wonderful details, a fabulous Italian ceramic dish collection adorn the walls in the kitchen and dining room. It is a wonderful display of several generations' collection. This is a perfect place for a family, long stays and also works for corporate entertainment as there are some outdoor areas where meetings and group entertainment are available. It also serves an impressive ambiance, space and areas that is perfect for family, friends and large groups whether business or not. Succinctly this is world class material, flawless and one of our best rentals....and it has a pool.
On the below ground floor (independent entrance) is a 24 hour caretaker that looks after the property and guest's needs.
Perfect for: Group, couples and family.
The Details:
Ground floor: Study, kitchen, dining room, small lounge with sat TV in the rather long room that contains the above, large formal living room, terrace with views over the valley. Want more? Okay...
First floor: Two central salons (one to the right of the staircase, the other to the left), several bedrooms that turn off from the salons. On the left hand side there is a master bedroom ensuite, double bedroom, twin bedrooms, and two single bedrooms, and two bathrooms. On the right hand side there is a double bedroom, twin and single. There are three bathrooms on this side. The bathrooms are all very nicely done. One of them is only a WC.
Services, Features, Amenities:
Welcome Dinner, Central Heating,
Fireplace,
Partial Maid Service,
Washing Machine,
Dishwasher,
Al Fresco Dining,
Chef Can Be Arranged,
Refridgerator,
Oven,
Ice box/Freezer, Satellite TV, DVD, Stereo, Pool, Italian Garden, ADSL for Internet
2009 Weekly Rate Per Seasons (sleeps 13)*
Low Season (January 4 - April 4, October 26 - December 15):
3222€ / WEEK
Mid Season (April 4 - May 23, September 26 - October 24):
5330€ / WEEK
High Season (May 23 - September 26):
6118€ / WEEK
Would you like to retain our Lucca Concierge service?
Additional costs payable on the spot:
Security deposit: 1000€, Welcome dinner included, Final Cleaning: included, Heat: 230€ / week, Gas: included, Electricity: included, Telephone: metered and payable, Maid: included for 3 hours per day / 6 days a week and 10€ / hour after that, Chef: possible
*Reservations are always Saturday to Saturday, except for the lowest season when it is flexible. Rates are current and based on when the majority of the week is within the price range stated above. All of our rentals include linens and towels. One set per reservation unless otherwise stated. Request for change/cleaning may incur a charge.
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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 4 km
Pisa 20 km
Florence 1 hour
Chianti - 1 1/2 hours
Siena/San Gimignano 2 hours
Golf course - Alisei 15 minutes (9 holes)
Viareggio 20 km
Carrara 40 km
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