VILLA GIULIA
Lucca, Tuscany
Sleeps 14 in 8 air-conditioned bedrooms/6 bathrooms, with pool, WIFI
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Lucca balances the graceful sophistication of city life with the astounding natural beauty of the Tuscan countryside. Rich in history and culture, this delightful small city is famous for its tree-topped medieval walls, now a city park where people come to stroll and bicycle. Explore the shops and restaurants of its winding streets and visit some of Italy's finest villas and gardens, tucked among the surrounding hills. Hike in the Cinqueterre, which can be reached in one and a half hours. From here, all of Tuscany is within reach. Visit the medieval hilltowns of southern Tuscany and Umbria. Relax in a nearby thermal spa. Lucca is just 60 minutes from Florence, 30 minutes from Pisa, and 20 minutes from the beaches of the Versilian Riviera. Tennis (5 minutes) and lake fishing (15 minutes) can be found nearby, along with two 18-hole golf courses at Montecatini or Versilia (both 30 minutes).

Villa Giulia is a wonderful example of historic Lucchese architecture. Set on a peaceful wine and olive estate, this traditional 18th-century villa was recently restored by a direct descendent of its original owner nearly three centuries after it was built. A stately lane leads from the front gate to the main entrance.

Ground floor:

• Bright, spacious living room with garden access
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Frescoed dining room with marble fireplace, garden access
• Sitting room with satellite TV
• 1 double bedrom (bed 160 cm)
• 1 twin bedroom (beds 80 cm each, can be joined)
• 1 marble bathroom with tub

Second floor (16 steps) :

• "Salon centrale" of the piano nobile, the formal living room, lined with portraits of the owner's ancestors, furnished with comfortable sofas and chairs
• Formal dining room with small balcony
• Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher
• 1 double bedroom (bed 160 cm), en suite marble bathoom with shower
• 1 twin bedroom (beds 80 cm each, can be joined), en suite marble bathroom with tub

Third floor (18 steps):

• 1 double bedroom (bed 160 cm)
• 1 twin bedroom (beds are 80 cm each, can be joined)
• 2 single bedrooms (beds 105 cm)
• 1 bathroom with shower
• 2 bathrooms with tub

Outside, the garden offers many lovely areas for relaxing in the shade or sunning by the pool. The villa has a lovely view overlooking vineyards, olive groves, and farmlands. Mass is celebrated every Sunday morning in a little chapel just outside the property.

Villa Giulia is decorated with beautiful antiques and furnished with modern conveniences like satellite TV, internet connection, stereo CD player, and a security system. The friendly housekeeper lives on the estate and will meet you with the key and help you get settled. She provides daily breakfast and cleaning services six days per week, and is available for cooking classes. This authentic, intimate cooking experience lasts for 3-4 hours, followed of course by a wonderful meal of delicious Tuscan specialties. A gardener tends the pool and grounds.

Amenities include satellite TV, wireless Internet access, clothes washing machine and telephone/fax.

2009 Prices