Tuscany, Lunigiana, Fosdinovo, Italy

Wonderful four bedroomed property, full of historical detail and partially restored, set on an ancient old street of the wonderful Tuscan town Fosdinovo. Views to the sea.

The house (200 sqm) is on two levels with an amazing terrace offering wide open views. The building is bursting original features, with frescoed ceilings, original flooring and marble fireplace. It is a small piece of history. The house is entered into the first floor to a large room (40 sqm) of great importance, dating from the 1500s, which has recently been completely restored. This has been newly fitted with air conditioning and in this room is a large antique white marble fireplace. From this impressive reception room there is a master bedroom and two further bedrooms with vaulted ceilings. There is also a large, light-filled kitchen with a view of the rooftops, a large bathroom, a light and airy living room with fireplace. This offers access to the large terrace (30 sqm) with antique balustrade and views towards Sarzana and the Gulf of La Spezia. The internal staircase leads up to a very large bedroom with bathroom, and another very large room, which could be divided to form a bedroom/bathroom, or a living room/kitchen.

Central heating, recently fitted double glazed windows and blinds. There is parking very close by. There is a large terrace with the property and there are plenty of open area with benches and parkland in and around Fosdinovo. The house is available immediately and would make an ideal family house or a great B&B opportunity.

Fosdinovo is a walled town dominated by a Malaspina Castle dating back to the fourteenth century. The town is famous for its embroidery on precious linen and Pope Francis' robe was embroidered by the ladies of Fosdinovo. The town is reached by a scenic road that meanders through the olive groves above the town of Sarzana. Sarzana is a vibrant medieval market town with large elegant central piazza and cobbled lanes meandering through the town flanked with coffee shops and antique stores. During the summer months Sarzana often hosts festivals from dining in the piazza to concerts to open air events staged along the lanes. On summer evenings there is a local craft/ antique market which fills the whole town and is a joy to wander through in a welcoming atmosphere. The central castle has a number of exhibitions and events, and it too, is open on summer evenings. Sarzana also has a train station with direct trains to Pisa, Florence and the Cinque Terre.

The coastal areas of Versilia and the Gulf of the Poets are just 20 km away. The Gulf of the Poets is a beautiful bay guarded by a group of three islands: Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. There are exceptional fish restaurants, as well as opportunities for sailing, canoeing, snorkelling or just relaxing on one of the beaches hidden in the craggy bays around Fiascherino or Tellaro. The easiest way to get around the gulf is by boat which runs between Lerici, La Spezia and Portovenere and on to The Cinque Terre (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The name Gulf of the Poets is from the literary connection as some of the world’s most famous poets including Shelley, Byron and DH Lawrence who all lived here at some time. Lerici and San Terenzo offer golden sandy beaches with views to the islands and pretty piazzas with cobbled lanes which host some of the best restaurants in the area. Lerici itself is dominated by the castle with the old village of coloured houses huddled on the steep hill dropping down to the sea and the marina. The little lanes of Lerici have many colourful shops and restaurants so it is the perfect place of the evening stroll, the 'passeggiata'. The area is beautiful.

Versilia is the stretch of golden sandy coast from the tip of Liguria to Viareggio. Viareggio is the southernmost Italian Riviera resort on Italy's Mediterranean coast and the largest beach town in Tuscany. Liberty style buildings housing fashionable shops, cafes, and seafood restaurants line its promenade. Viareggio is famous for the yearly Carnevale di Viareggio dating back to 1873 with large papier-mâché floats which parade along the promenade known as "Passeggiata a mare". The carnival takes place in the in the weeks preceding lent. In nearby Forte dei Marmi you can shop with the rich and famous in the upmarket designer shops in the avenues around the pretty central piazza with bars serving refreshing campari.

Distances: Fosdinovo on the doorstep, Sarzana 15 km, Aulla 15 km, Carrara 20 km, Lerici (beaches) 20 kms, Cinque Terre 40 km, Viareggio 50 km, Lucca 70 kms, Pisa (airport) 75 kms, Florence 140 kms.