Tuscany, Lunigiana, Mulazzo, Italy

Historical building with a wealth of character and lovely views.

This beautiful 18th century village house is located in the Lunigiana area in the fortified village of Lusuolo, overlooking the Magra valley. The Via Francigena ancient pilgrimage route runs through the village and past the house.

The village is small with friendly neighbours, a church and a medieval castle. There are opportunities to help with the grape harvest and regular festas take place.

The house forms part of the former Palazzo Porrini built in the 1760’s. The house has a pair of impressive chestnut wood entrance doors, high vaulted ceilings, original cotto tiles and large windows letting in light.

Accommodation comprises: grand entrance hall, kitchen, dining room, living room, bathroom with shower and washing machine, and large terrace; upstairs are 5 bedrooms (1 walk-through, 1-ensuite) and a further bathroom with shower. The property has many original features including wooden doors, stone door and window surrounds, vaulted ceilings and terracotta floor tiles.

The living room opens onto a terrace with views and beneath the property are large vaulted cantina areas. There is also a garden to the rear of the house.

There is a further olive grove a 5 minute walk from the house.

The town of Villafranca is a 10 minute drive away; the old centre has a selection of restaurants and local amenities including banks, supermarkets and a weekly market, and the town also has a railway station. Just a kilometer away from Villafranca is the delightful village of Filetto where you can meander your way through tiny streets linked by stone passages and bridges. Filetto is best enjoyed in the month of August when it opens its doors and to host the annual medieval festival where all the villagers join in dressing up and re-enacting a bygone age.

Set in the heart of Lunigiana, a magical part of Tuscany, with the name meaning the ‘Land of the Moon’. 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-hours’ drive away. Lunigiana is special and has been likened to a magical kingdom. It is not only the breath-taking scenery with its abundance of medieval castles but you simply feel a huge sense of wellbeing radiating from the sunshine, glorious countryside, delicious food and wine, kind friendly locals and most importantly, from the sense of tradition and community amongst people here that is rarely seen in modern day life. The golden sandy beaches around Lerici and the pebble coves of the Cinque Terre are ideal for swimming and sailing in the summer and are 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: Villafranca (with train station) 5km, Aulla 8km, Pontremoli 14 km, Lerici (beaches) 30 km, Cinque Terre 40 km, Lucca 80 km, Pisa (airport) 90 km, Florence 120 km.