Chiara

New for 2018, Cottage Chiara is a spacious detached 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom property with large wraparound garden, private pool and mountain views. WIFI.

Being built out of traditional stone and boasting beamed ceilings, tuscan flooring, chestnut windows with internal wooden shutters, and a classic tuscan kitchen, there is a real feel of Tuscan Charm at this peaceful property which is  set on the top of a hill, with commanding views of the stunning countryside. Despite the  traditional ambience there is a well equipped kitchen, modern bathrooms and even  insect screens.

The owner has renovated this beautiful property with lots of love and care, and is happy to share it with guests as due to work commitments she now uses it herself less often.

As well as the main house there is a little barn with a second living room, perfect for relaxing away from the rest of your group if you need your own space...

The property is set over two floors and is arranged as follows:

Enter via traditional door into the hallway with original stone staircase.
Right into spacious living room with beamed ceilings, cotto flooring, large original fireplace and comfy seating along with a dining table that extends to seat 8 guests. TV is Italian only but there is a DVD player if you wish to bring films. The light room also has a door leading to garden.
From here one reaches the traditional Tuscan country kitchen/diner complete with large oven, 5 ring hob, dishwasher, double sink, microwave, and breakfasting table - all you need to try your hand at Italian cooking.
Also on this floor is a twin bedroom and a modern shower room with shower cubicle, basin, WC and bidet.
There is also a utility area with washing machine.

Upstairs there is :

• Twin room - suitable for children due to style of decor
• Double room, with double aspect views over countryside and mountains
• Double room, with double aspect views over countryside and mountains
• Family bathroom, with hydromassage bath, separate shower cubicle , large basin, WC and bidet.

Outside:
Large wrap around garden with traditionally paved patio area for al fresco dining.
Wooded area with trees for relaxing in the natural shade
Small converted barn with further living area for a peaceful relaxation
Private pool with views over mountains
Plenty of flat grounds for children to play (unusual with a mountain property!).
BBQ

All this unspoilt countryside, stunning views and real feel of olde worlde Italy, yet one can still walk cross country to a restaurant (open high season Thurs to Sun) and there are further places to eat via a short car journey. The village of Piazza al Serchio, just a 5 minute drive away has a supermarket as well as traditional shops too.

Enjoy a holiday with a difference....

A little about the area:
Chiara is at Nicciano and is situated in the heart of the Garfagnana, surrounded by lush green countryside and stunning mountain scenery is what real rural Italy is all about.

The mediaeval village is a 5 minute or so  walk way and there is a bar/basic shop for essentials. Just above the village is a little hamlet (10 minutes or so walk cross country) which has a fantastic little family run restaurant where you can dine al fresco on exquisitely cooked home made and home grown food. This restaurant is open from Thursday to Sunday in high season and Friday to Sunday other times.
There is also a good pizzeria which is a 15/20 min walk away (or a couple of minutes by car).
 
The local village of Piazza Al Serchio with its bars, couple of restaurants, supermarket, train station, river and Tuesday morning market when the village comes alive, is say 3 minutes away by car.

The views from this extremely peaceful property are magnificent - the house overlooks the green and fertile Serchio valley, with views of the Apuane and Appenine Alps.

This really is the perfect location - an ideal place to unwind deep in the countryside, yet close enough to all local amenities, and a convenient base for exploring by car or train.
For sightseeing and days out why not try:

• Castelnuovo – local market town with Thursday morning market, regular festivals both cultural and musical and a bit of life… 25 mins
• Barga – beautiful mediaeval and arty little town with Cathedral, great architecture, and renowned restaurants. Cobbled streets and little piazzas, often graced with live music,  jazz parades, or markets under the stars… 40 mins
• The Buffardello – climbing and zip wire park with courses suitable for both small children and the most adventurous of adults – 15 mins
• Fortress of Verrucole- amazing views from this mediaeval fortress, and there is also an interactive museum  which youngsters tend to like as they can try their hand at a little archery too – 15 mins 
• Lucca - At Lucca, one can hire bicycles and hire around the still intact City walls, meander through the cobbled streets, visit beautiful churches, climb towers, and shop til you drop, stopping off of course at wonderful restaurants and gelaterias... One can also listen to Puccini performances every night of the year, in one of the local churches ... Just over an hour 
• Grotta del Vento – the amazing wind caves – well worth a visit – fantastic tour. Why not stop off a the old monastery for a wild trout lunch on the way back? 1 hr 
• Pisa – with its famous tower- 90 mins
• Florence – 2 hrs 
• The Cinque Terre- 2 hours 
• Equiterme – thermal mud baths set amongst caves and a thermal swimming pool . one stop on train 
• National Park of Orecchiella- less than 30 mins 
• Parco Levegliese- outdoor adventure park with waterfall jumping, rock climbing etc  – 1 hr