Casa Bella

Sleeps: 4 people in 1 double bed and 3 single beds (2 bedrooms)

Description:
Casa Bella is a terraced village cottage in the picturesque medieval village of Tereglio. The village sits on the ridge of the Apuan mountains 600msl overlooking a blanket of chestnut forests in an unexplored territory of Tuscany. The charming stone cottage sleeps 4/5 people in 2/3 bedrooms, all with enviable views onto

Tuscany's National Park. It is a home from home escape for the artist owner, furnished with antique furniture mixed with modern. It boasts original wooden beamed ceilings, terracotta tiled floors, stone kitchen sink, marble work tops, shuttered windows and working fireplace. The cottage is laid out over several floors and is built into the mountainside, offering at least 3 sitting rooms, large eat-in kitchen, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. An unassuming front elevation hides an interior space similar to Dr Who's (homely) tardis! The cottage is an ideal winter retreat, very warm, cosy and colourful with log fires. In the Summer there are 2 large terraces, each enjoying 300 degree views of stupendous scenery. This is a far cry from the stresses of city living. The only sounds are the river, church bells, and bird song and distant local chatter. In the Summer you can sunbathe on the terrace and dine 'al fresco'. Perfect for star-gazing and firefly watching at night. Of the two terraces one is covered - perfect for experiencing a dramatic end of season thunderstorm across the valley. In our opinion, witnessing these natural elements tormenting an unsuspecting medieval village across the valley, is better than any home cinema experience! This is live, before your eyes, on your skin, freshly inhaled unrivalled drama. The village itself is small with one narrow street for foot access only. The villagers are friendly, and will greet you with 'Buongiorno' and will delight in a similar exchange. Bathrooms:
Two bathrooms, one with loo, shower, basin and bidet, the larger has two showers, full bath, 2 basins and loo. Heating:
The cottage is gas centrally heated with instant hot water all newly and recently replaced. Winter heating: Central heating charged at Euro 15 a day

Facilities: Wi-Fi Internet, Dishwasher, cd and tape player, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, hoover etc. Provided on request: Baby highchair and cot. Laundry service. Outside area:
A steep garden lies below the house and is part of the mountainside and therefore not user-friendly! The two private terraces overlook the Orrido di Botri and mountain scenery and are approx 12 square metres each. They are equipped for using as dining or relaxing horizontally. Equipment/facilities:
Wi –Fi Internet, Picnicware, barbecue, table and chairs for terraces, sunloungers, umbrella, guide books, art books, teach yourself Italian books and cds and tapes (on loan). Other services offered:
Babysitting is available. Taxis can be arranged from the village bar, like most enquiries, ask here for all your needs. Most available. Telephone in the local bar. Internet point at the Tourist Information in Bagni di Lucca. Pets allowed:
Yes

Cleaning/linen:
Bedding changed weekly and is included in weekly rent
Final cleaning: Paid locally Euro 50

Suitable for disabled people: No
Suitable for elderly people: Yes
Suitable for young children: Yes

Changeover day: Saturday (unless by prior arrangement)

Prices:(per week)
Between £500 - £750 per week

Heating in Winter is chargable at Euros 15 a day
Final Cleaning on departure is Euros 50 and is deducted from security deposit. Laundry service paid locally: price by the kilo

Distances:

Nearest Butcher/Baker: 2 doors away
Nearest Bar: 30 metres
Nearest Pizzeria/bar/off-licence – on foot at same place (weekends)
Nearest grocery shop – on foot in village (7 mins stroll)
Nearest Post Office – on foot in village (4 mins stroll)
Nearest and Best Butcher – a paper dart’s throw
Nearest Theatre – on the steps of any frontdoor or church
Nearest Internet Point – Bagni di Lucca (15 mins by car)
Nearest town – Bagni di Lucca (15 mins by car)
Nearest city – Lucca (40 mins by car)
Nearest international airport – Pisa (1 hr 10 mins by car)
Nearest coast – Viarreggio or our preferred Lerici (both approx 1 hr 30 mins)
Nearest skiing – Abetone (1 hr by car)
Nearest swimming pools – Bagni di Lucca (15 mins by car)
Nearest train station to Tereglio- Borgo a Mozzano (20 mins by taxi)

Transport information: Transport info: Nearest Airport is Pisa and many car hire companies at Galileo Galilei Airport. Travel to Tereglio without a car via bus or train is possible via Pisa Centrale and Lucca. www.trenitalia.it The trains go from Lucca through the Serchio valley to Bagni di Lucca or Borgo a Mozzano or Fornoli. Taxis need to be pre ordered and are not necessarily readily available at stations. Tereglio is not walking distance. A car is recommended if you plan to explore the area. It is possible to live without a car, but be prepared to have time on your hands. Security Deposit payable: 200 Euros (paid locally on arrival please)

Available for long-term rental:
Yes. Please email for availability. Price per month:
Please email owner. Minimum of one month. Further information:
It is possible to go native in Tereglio, and join the locals by being totally self sufficient on the village. The only word of warning is know your opening and closing times in Tereglio, if you want to eat and drink! The house is perfect for those who wish to be free from television and internet and the fast life. From the two private terraces, one off the master bedroom and the other two floors below, both are stunning spots to sunbathe or barbeque and share good local wine and home cooked cuisine. It’s the perfect place to paint, read or just listen to the village voices carry across the valley. Idle thoughts are only interrupted by birds swooping over the treetops – and their song, or the church bells tolling from the surrounding villages. At night lie out on a sun (moon) bed and star gaze into the inky sky and spot shooting stars. The fireflies in July are an equal thrill. Local information:

Bagni di Lucca - In the town there are restaurants, bars, shops, banks, post office, market (Weds and Sat), tennis club, great public thermal swimming pools (large pool, children’s pool and diving pool), thermal baths, supermarkets, and historic monuments such as the casino where roulette was invented in 1837 and where Puccini used to play, the Ponte delle Catene (first suspension bridge in Europe) and villas belonging to previous historical figures such as Elisa Bonaparte. From the town there are buses and trains to Lucca (connecting to Pisa and Florence) and north to Barga and Castelnuovo.