Tuscany, Lunigiana, Fivizzano, Italy

The largest portion, the whole ground floor, of this traditional stone house, offering exceptional space and with beautiful hanging gardens and a wide open view. The property will require some work to transform it into a wonderful home.

The local town of Monzone has a number of shops and services and, importantly, a train station which is just 3 kms. The town of Fivizzano (10km) has a central cobbled piazza and is often referred to as the Florence of Lunigiana. The bustling town hosts many cultural events over the summer with concerts in the piazza and reenactments of medieval parades. With its musical heritage the town also attracts international musicians during its annual music festival. There is a hospital, shops and restaurants in the town. In the other direction, towards the sea, is Fosdinovo (20 km), a walled town dominated by a stunning Malaspina Castle dating back to the fourteenth century. The town is famous for embroidery on precious linen and Pope Francis’s robe was embroidered by the ladies of Fosdinovo. The town overlooks the beaches of the Versilia coast and it is reached by a scenic road which meanders through the olive groves above the market town of Sarzana. Nearby (5 km) is the elegant town of Equi Terme, famous for centuries for the natural warm spring waters, now a spa and wellness retreat.

Lunigiana is a magical part of Tuscany. The rolling landscape is liberally sprinkled with castles of Medici or Malaspina vintage but for lovers of the coast the sea is only 30-40 mins. The golden sandy beaches around Lerici and the pebble coves of the Cinque Terre are ideal for swimming and sailing in the summer while the snow clad mountains offer skiing in the local resorts during the winter months and are each a short drive away. The area is criss-crossed with marked footpaths for walks to the hills and mountains. The airports of Pisa, Parma and Genova are all just over an hour away.

Distances: Monzone (trains) 5km, Equi Terme (spa town) 5km, Fivizzano 10km, Aulla (autostrada) 15km, Fosdinovo 20km, Lerici (beaches) 40km, Cinque Terre (UNESCO World Heritage Site) 45km, Lucca 90km, Pisa (airport) 90km, Parma (airport) 100km.