Villa Barga is a newly restored country farmhouse, providing generous and comfortable accommodation for parties of up to 8 people. It lies close to the ancient town of Barga, north of Lucca. Untouched by mass tourism, Barga is a hidden gem – an ideal place to experience the down-to-earth charm of northern Tuscany. The cobbled lanes of the medieval walled town wind through tiny piazzas and steep stairwells to reach the impressive Romanesque cathedral, over 1000 years old, whose terrace affords an unforgettable panorama of the surrounding countryside, mountains and hilltop villages. While Barga is famous for its summer opera and jazz festivals, it is also the perfect base for exploring local churches, markets, museums and fortresses. The area also offers the lure of several great trekking excursions on foot, or on horseback. During the winter months, there’s skiing at Le Radici and Abetone, both only a 45-minute drive into the mountains. While enjoying the tranquillity of a rural position, the house is only a 20-minute walk from the vibrant town centre of Barga, and the nearest shop/café/restaurant is just a 5-minute walk away. A large LeClerc supermarket is 5 minutes away by car.
The farmhouse has beautiful views of the Serchio valley and the Apuan Alps to the south-west and the Apennines to the north. The secluded front garden contains a heated pool (12 x 3m) adjacent to the house, with an infinity edge that falls into a lower paddling pool. The spacious grassed and decked areas have plenty of room for a variety of sun loungers and deck chairs. There is a shaded seating area as well as a large dining area easily accommodating 8 people, plus an outdoor shower, a barbecue, and a traditional stone bread oven (forno) in working condition. A small vineyard stands in the back garden along with sapling fruit trees, while near to the house is an area where fragrant herbs grow, ready for picking.
In the house, the spacious triple reception room comprises a formal dining room with a large oak table that comfortably seats 12. A baby grand piano separates this area from the sitting room furnished with comfortable chairs and sofas around an open fireplace. At the far end is the aptly named sun lounge with double doors onto the garden. The large, open-plan, fully equipped kitchen is set within two traditional arches and includes a breakfast bar and breakfast room. The kitchen houses a state-of-the-art La Cornue professional range cooker with vaulted gas and electric ovens, plus a dishwasher and fridge-freezer with water dispenser and ice maker; the breakfast room contains a large dresser stocked with all the glasses and china you will need, plus an antique kitchen table seating eight. All the essential electrical equipment is provided, including a Dualit toaster, kettle, coffee maker, juicer, and ham/salami slicer. A cool pantry holds all the essentials, such as seasonings, oils etc; at the start of their stay, guests are provided with a welcome pack, consisting of an assortment of local produce and wine. A second large reception room has full surround-sound and projection facilities to make use of a blank white wall as a home cinema. There is a large selection of classic and contemporary films available on DVD, covering a broad spectrum of tastes. Adjacent to the cinema is the downstairs bathroom, complete with large walk-in shower and double washbasin; this is also easily accessed directly from the garden and swimming pool. All four bedrooms are on the upper floor, and all have en-suite bathrooms. The house has the traditional thick walls and shutters that naturally keep it cool in summer, but air-conditioning is available on request, for an extra weekly charge. Likewise, central heating may be necessary in the early spring and late autumn, and is available for an extra weekly charge. We recommend that groups with young children check with us first to check the suitability of the property, as there are several potential dangers, including a steep drop in the garden and an unprotected open staircase in the house. There is an adjacent and totally independent apartment where the owner is sometimes resident. They will assist guests when and if required and in no way interfere with guests' privacy.
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