Tuscany, Lunigiana, Fivizzano, Italy

Character village stone house, in a fairytale setting, within the walls of a village with imposing castle and lovely views over the river and spectacular bridge. Lovely terrace.

The house is found once you enter the walled village over an arched bridge and through the narrow cobbled village lane. A few stone steps lead up to the front door, where you enter the property into a cosy sitting room, with doors which open onto a good sized terrace, with views over the river. The sitting room is full of character with beams and fireplace. There are exposed stone walls which add a charming ambiance. Also on this floor is the kitchen and a bathroom. The kitchen is hand built in chestnut wood with pretty blue and white tiles. Stairs lead down to the bedroom level where there is another small reception room, with a fireplace and large double bedroom, with high ceilings, and additionally a smaller bedroom and another bathroom newly renovated with shower.

Internal stairs lead down to the cantina (storage) area which consists of three rooms. This area can also be accessed from outside. One of the cantinas opens on to the pleasant river area. Close to the front door of the house is an impressive wood-fired pizza oven, a store and a smaller newly paved terrace. The house has been well-restored with quality materials and local craftsmanship and offers easy maintenance. The cantina areas offer further potential. There is a good restaurant in the village.

Fivizzano is a medieval walled town with 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 folk music festival. There is a weekly market in the Medici piazza on Tuesdays and also a hospital, shops and restaurants in the town.

Lunigiana is a magical part of Tuscany. The hills that encircle Lunigiana create an intimate and relaxed atmosphere whilst the blend of the mountains and sea are extremely inviting to those who enjoy the outdoors. The rolling landscape is liberally sprinkled with castles of Medici or Malaspina vintage and for lovers of the coast the sea is only half-an-hour away. The golden sandy beaches around Lerici and the pebble coves of the Cinque Terre are ideal for swimming and sailing and are full of life with busy coffee bars, restaurants and shops . 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: Fivizzano (shops, restaurants) 1km, Aulla (motorway and trains) 15 km, Lerici (beaches) 40 km, Cinque Terre 40 km, Pisa (airport) 95 km, Lucca 95 km, Florence 150 km.