Built around a courtyard in the mid-nineteenth century (although it was almost certainly built around a much older house as some of the internal walls are around 2 feet thick!), the farmhouse, La Gattaiola, was formerly the hub of Gattaiola village. Owned and run by one family, it served as the village bar, wine co-operative, post-office, grocers, butchers, haberdashers and even as a fruit and vegetable exporter. It would also seem to have done a roaring trade serving the locals with olive oil and wine judging by the size and number of the (alas empty and disintegrating!) barrels and bottles found in the farmhouse’s cantina (cellar)! After years of abandon, the current owners are slowly restoring the farmhouse and its garden into a delightful Tuscan home and holiday retreat for their guests. The English owners living in another section of the farmhouse and are on hand to welcome you and assist guests if required.
The farmhouse provides light and airy accommodation has spectacular views from every window. It sleeps up to 10 people and has been newly renovated to a high tasteful standard with central heating. We have aimed to create well-equipped accommodation providing a ‘home-from-home’ environment consisting of:
¨ 3 spacious bedrooms to sleep 7 (two double bedrooms and one triple-bedded room)
¨ Large sitting-room with enormous picture window affording panoramic views. One of the sofas converts to a double bed if needed
¨ Study with writing desk and a sofa which converts to a single bed if required
¨ Spacious shower room with WC, bidet and walk-in shower
¨ Spacious bathroom with WC, bidet and bathtub with shower attachment
¨ Kitchen and dining area to seat 10 people. Equipped with:
• Dishwasher, • Washing Machine, • Fridge/Freezer, • Large 5-ring Professional Cooker/Oven,
• Whirlpool Combination Microwave Oven, • Toaster, • Kettle, • Cafetière and Stove-top Coffee Percolator plus Electric Filter Coffee-Maker, • Iron • Ironing Board, • Plenty of quality crockery, cutlery, cookware. • Cool box and picnic basket with crockery/cutlery for those essential Tuscan picnics!
The property is equipped with smoke alarms and fire extinguishers
There is a seating area on the terrace and in the south-facing garden for guests’ use with a barbeque on the terrace. The garden and terrace are both south-facing and bask day-long in the Tuscan sun. The pool will be located in the sunny garden and is due to be installed for summer 2007 use but there is an above-ground pool for guests' should the installation be delayed
There is ADSL Broadband internet connection at the farmhouse which may be used by guests on request although a charge may be made for this service and only limited access may be available at certain times. The apartment has SKY satellite TV and there is a wide selection of DVDs for guests' use plus a collection of games and puzzles
A ‘lending library’ is located in the owners’ entrance hall and which guests are free to use and to which guests are welcome to make donations of any of their unwanted holiday reading to make room for those extra souvenirs in their suitcases! There is also an extensive collection of literature of suggestions on what to see and do—see also Reasons to Visit
We occasionally have surpluses fruit, vegetables, herbs and nuts for purchase along with homemade jams, marmalades and sun-dried produce from our garden and orchard of almond, apple, cherry, fig, peach, pear, persimmon, plum, pomegranate, quince and walnut trees. Unfortunately, we only have 11 olive trees which do not produce enough oil for any surplus and we can drink the wine produced by our 100 vines without any help…! We do though frequently have organic olive oil for sale and some local wines for sale
*A baby's cot may also be provided on prior request
Reasons to Visit. Nowhere quite like it in Tuscany!
LA Gattaiola is the perfect location for every kind of holidaymaker. For those who wish to do nothing, sit in the garden, relax by the pool, gaze at the endless views and, when all this becomes too much, there is plenty to do for those who wish to be kept busy.
Lucca is a curiously recondite city. It abounds in treasures and surprises, but few of them are patent...Gradually you will become aware that there is a matter of interest hidden away in the old town abundant enough to last a lifetime; gradually the full fascination of this unique place grows upon you; with difficulty you tear yourself away from it...but never do you succeed in rooting out of your heart the sweet ennobling memories of this most favoured spot of God’s earth. And perhaps the warmest corner of all in your heart will be reserved for the Lucchesi themselves.
Known by locals as ‘little Florence,’ well-heeled Lucca has much to offer its visitors - in fact, the Blue Guide to Tuscany runs to some 16 pages on Lucca and its immediate surroundings alone! Built on Roman foundations but with older Etruscan traces, Lucca shows its long heritage most visibly in the piazza which takes it shape from the Roman amphitheatre on which it stands, Piazza Anfiteatro. The church of San Michele in Foro was built on the former Roman forum as the name suggests (see photo above) and markets are still held on the site. But, Lucca’s more recent history can be seen from its massive intact and tree-lined walls where the modern-day Lucchesi are seen to take their passeggiata (stroll). Its people can also be seen strolling along the Via Fillungo where they can take an ice-cream, sip a caffé or a hot chocolate so thick the spoon will stand up in the cup or nibble on a slice of pizza in between shopping—especially for the famous lingerie of Lucca.
Lucca has an array of towers the most famous being the tree-topped Torre Guinigi (see photos above), plus around 100 churches within its walls, museums including an archaeological museum and Puccini’s birthplace, art galleries, palaces and a botanical garden. Close to Lucca are a number of Renaissance villas to be visited, the closest of which to Gattaiola is Villa Bernardini at 5 minutes distance, but there are also Villas Grabau, Mansi, Oliva, Reale and Torrigiani to keep the tourist busy (www.villelucchesi.net)
If this isn’t enough, then there is the Mercato Antiquario (Antiques and Crafts Market) held in the centre of Lucca the third Saturday and Sunday in every month. Or, for wine-lovers, try the Strada del Vino (Wine Route) tasting the local wine along the way. For the gastronome, set the taste buds tingling by sampling some of the mouth-watering local produce to be found in the city’s shops ranging from the local Lucchese olive oil—the most prized of all Italy’s oil—wild boar sausages, farro (spelt), locally made pasta, cheeses, hand-made chocolates, breads and cakes such as Torta di Verdura or the aniseed flavoured Buchellato. Better still is to dine in some of the local restaurants, for example, Ristorante Mecenate popular with Italians for its Lucchese cuisine is just a couple of steps away from the Casale and is a noted Slow Food restaurant with a Michelin mention. Or, Villa Bongi at Montuolo with its beautiful terrace and views in summer just a couple of kilometres away from Gattaiola. A list of local restaurants both inside and outside the city walls and to suit most budgets is available at the apartment and bookings can be made on behalf of guests. If this doesn’t satisfy the appetite, then a host of local festivals take place celebrating all manner of food during the year such as chestnuts, porcini, polenta, rigatone, bruschetta and zuppa where the locals gather to eat and to party
For the gardener, make a trip during March and you’ll probably catch the 3-weekend Camellia Festival of the Pieve di Compito area www.camelielucchesia.it and a little later towards the end of April/beginning of May the Azalea Festival takes place at Borgo a Mozzano. In late April, the 5-day Santa Zita Flower Market takes place in the Piazza Anfiteatro in Lucca and in early September the 3-day Murabilia plant and flower show takes place on the city walls
For opera lovers, then the Puccini Festival at Torre del Lago is a must. This festival of the Lucca-born composer’s work is held every year during July and August and tickets can be bought on-line
Missed the Puccini Festival at Torre del Lago? Don’t worry, there is a permanent festival dedicated to Puccini’s work based at the Basilica di San Giovanni in Lucca and the programme lasts all year which means guests can usually catch some Puccini during their stay at any time of the year (www.puccinielasualucca.com). There are numerous other classical music events throughout the year
Opera not your thing? There’s always the Lucca Summer Music Festival which caters for popular music lovers. This festival takes place in one of the main piazzas in the city and has attracted such names in the past as Jamiroquai, Van Morrison, Emerson Lake & Palmer and James Brown, Eric Clapton, Simply Red - 2007 names are Elton John, George Michael, Norah Jones, Steely Dan and Joss Stone
Settembre Lucchese is one of the biggest events in the Lucca calendar. A month-long celebration at the heart of which is 13 September with a candlelit procession (the Luminaria di Santa Croce) to celebrate the city’s most famous religious relic, the Volto Santo, through the streets of the city where the buildings are lit with candles and a market fills Piazza San Michele (see photos below). It culminates in a spectacular firework display ending at midnight and which can be viewed from the city walls—or a more comfortable view can be had from La Gattaiola! During September there are cultural and musical events staged throughout the month and local restaurants celebrate Lucchese food
Visit at Easter, which is the most important time in the Catholic diary, and head to Saltocchio just north of Lucca to see the streets lit by candles and Biblical scenes depicted in the residents’ gardens
Or at Christmas, when the Christmas markets sell locally made crafts and food produce and the shops stay open until midnight in the run up to Christmas. Or, you can grab a concert or see the presepe (nativity scenes) created not only in Lucca but found in the villages all over the province. A Piazza of Christmas Lights in which the Lucchese take their Passegiata. Father Christmas (Babbo Natale) Italian-Style
Our More Active Guests, Try the Following Suggestions...
Cycling
Lucca is a city of cyclists. Our neighbour tells us it takes him a mere 7 minutes to cycle from his house to the city walls! It is easy to hire bikes for the day in the city or for the more serious cyclist and for those who bring their own bikes with them, there is plenty of good cycling terrain to keep them occupied with beautiful scenery to admire along the way such as the Serchio Valley cycle trail. Or try the Lucca to Viareggio route or Lucca to Pistoia (further details of these routes are available at the apartment)
Tennis
Lucca’s tennis courts are just a 5-minute drive away at Vicopelago. Courses are run by the Scottish-based firm Tuscan Tennis
Horse-riding
At the beach in the nature reserve along the Tuscan coast
Golf
For those who golf, a small golf club can be found 5 minutes from Gattaiola at Vicopelago. But for the more serious golfer, three 18-hole golf courses of high reputation can be found at the Cosmopolitan Golf Club at Pisa (€50 weekdays or €60 weekends), Montecatini Golf Club (€65) and at the Versilia Golf Club at Forte dei Marmi (€50 Weekdays (closed Tuesdays), €60 Weekends—October-May, €85 June/September, €90 July/August)—all within around 30 minutes’ driving time from Gattaiola
Abetone—Skiing
Open from around mid-December to April, the best ski resort in the Apennine mountains and the most important in central Italy is only around 40 minutes from Gattaiola. Equipment hire and daily passes are around €40 per person. For the less experience and novice skier, English speaking ski instructors can be hired for lessons. The ski runs are suited for all levels of ability. But, Abetone is not only for the winter as it has swimming pools and tennis courts and its ski– and chair-lifts are used for nature-loves, mountain walkers and trekkers in summer. If you want to take in the scenery in this part of Northern Tuscany, then a day-trip high into the Garfagnana and Apuane Alps is recommended and whilst in the area, why not try the
Grotta del Vento
Located north of Lucca in the Parco Naturale delle Alpi Apuane, the Grotta del Vento offers cave tours lasting from 1 hour to 3 hours. Take something warm to wear though as the temperature underground is only around +11oC even in summer!
Too strenuous for your type of holiday? Try these ideas:
Spas Towns—Taking the Waters
If taking a spa is what you hanker for then there are several within easy driving distance of Gattaiola. One of the best is Grotto Giusti at Monsummano Terme (around 20 minutes away) where, from €14, people can bathe in the thermal swimming pool or for €40 try out the hot subterranean thermal waters appropriately known as Purgatorio and Inferno with the deepest of the waters underground being the hottest at around 34O. Other spa treatments can be taken such as hydro-massage at a supplement. Or, you could try the famous spas at Montecatini Terme. Popular with nineteenth-century English writers, Bagni di Lucca now offers a different experience with a full range of treatments offered from just a thermal swim in the pool at €10 to ‘cures’ and treatments lasting 1-6 days with prices from €68-370, with steam baths, massages, body and face scrubs, etc
Designer Shopping
Lucca is famous for its lingerie-it is a city which made its wealth in the silk-trade, but going only a little further afield from Lucca will bring you to the factory outlets of designers such as Gucci, Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, Armani, Roberto Cavalli and Fendi. Special tours of these outlets can be arranged for guests
Cooking Classes and Italian Lessons
Love Italian food and want to learn more about cooking the local food? We can arrange cooking classes with some of the best local chefs and/or cooks and it may even be possible to arrange some classes at the Casale. Love the Italian language and want to combine it with your holiday and, even possibly with some sightseeing, or simply want to brush up your Italian? We can help with both in finding both but this depends on budget, availability and size of party interested. Please email for further details
Housebuying Trips
Want to buy your own place in the area? We can probably help with putting you in touch with reputable local estate agents and you can stay here at the apartment making it your base during your buying or viewing trip. Having gone through the process ourselves we can be on hand for friendly advice, help and information. Off-season short housebuying trips or week-long or longer trips can be arranged at other times. Let us know what you’re looking for, how much you want to spend
Something for the Children?
You don’t have to look further than Collodi, the home of Pinocchio for something to keep the children young and old alike amused. It has mosaics depicting the adventures of Pinocchio, statues, a maze and playground and is only around 30 minutes away from Gattaiola. Villa Garzoni is also worth visiting whilst here which is where the author created the wooden puppet
Pisa
It is only 20 minutes from Gattaiola to the centre of Pisa and the Leaning Tower in the Campo dei Miracoli but there is more to Pisa than just its lop-sided tower. Don’t forget the Palazzo dell’Orologio in the Piazza dei Cavalieri where the mayor of Pisa, Count Ugolino was walled up with his sons in 1288 for treason and recounted in Dante’s Inferno and later in Eliot’s The Wasteland. Try also its museums, markets and shopping and not to mention its festival in June. There is a candlelit procession, a rowing regatta and a tug-of-war in medieval dress
Florence
Just 45 minutes or so from Gattaiola to Florence makes it ideal for a day-trip. If you can’t face the hassle of its one-way system, then take the train from Lucca. There’s loads to see and do. Start with the well-known, such as the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi (don’t queue for hours for tickets, reserve them ahead—055.294883 for the Uffizi, Accademia, Bargello, etc) if for nothing else than Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera, the Accademia for Michelangelo’s David, the Brancacci Chapel for Masaccio’s Expulsion of Adam and Eve, the engineering feat of Brunellesci’s Duomo, the Bargello for Donatello’s David and then, when you’ve had your fill of art and culture, shop in Europe’s largest covered market or for Florence’s famous marbled paper
Siena
Siena is not just about its Palio held twice a year in July and August and its Campo. It has a wealth of sights and sites to keep the visitor happy from its black and white striped marble Duomo to its famous sweet and fruity Panforte
San Gimignano
Known as a medieval Manhattan for its many towers, San Gimignano is a delight and even more so when you climb one of its towers to take in the sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Don’t miss the Museo Civico though for the wedding scene frescoes
Viareggio
One of the world’s most famous, oldest and authentic carnivals takes place during January/February and, unlike the carnival in Venice, this is not staged just for the tourists. Despite its reputation for poking fun at the world’s politicians, this is an event well-suited to families as it has a vibrant, happy and family-oriented atmosphere—the carnival floats are amazing! Viareggio is only 30 minutes from Gattaiola. Viareggio is not all about carnival either. Visit in the warmer months for the beaches and do as the Italians do, hire a sun-lounger and umbrella for the day and soak up the Mediterranean sun
Viareggio Carnival - fun even in the rain! The carnival floats are amazing.
Rates Please note that prices below are for the property on a self-catering basis sleeping 2-10. A baby's cot may also be provided on prior request at the time of booking. The property may be rented per night for short breaks during low season periods. During high season, the property is only available on a self-catering basis and must be rented for stays of at least one week
Low Season; 1 January - 30 March, 1 October - 31 December (excluding Christmas, New Year & Easter) £750. Per week. May be rented by the night during low season.
Mid Season: 30 March - 1 June, 1-30 September £1000 per week.
High Season: 2 June - 31 August, £1500 per week.
The following refers to the self-catering option
Off-season Weekend-breaks, Mid-week breaks and Special Offers
Italian Cooking Classes, Italian Language Courses and Designer Outlet Tour Breaks
(Gucci, Prada, D&G) These can be arranged on request. Please email for details and prices
**What the Price Includes
The rental price for the property in high season includes gas, electricity, hot and cold water, final cleaning and the provision of bedlinen and towels (excluding beach towels) during peak season. Central heating is charged by the property at a rate of €200 per week and guests are reminded to factor this cost in for their stays during low season. For stays of more than one week, the property will be cleaned and a change of linen provided once a week. We ask our guests kindly to leave the property in a reasonable state
To Book or to make further enquiries, please email us via Holiday Sun Direct by completing the form below with the dates you are interested in renting. A
All payments via Paypal attract an additional 4% charge to cover costs
B&B Option
La Gattaiola may be rented as a B&B option outside of peak season periods. Breakfast at La Gattaiola consists of a delicious combination of freshly baked pastries, home baked bread, a mouthwatering choice of scrummy homemade preserve, fruit juice and tea or real Italian coffee. Breakfast is either served in the Tuscan farmhouse kitchen or on the sunny terrace (weather permitting)
There are 3 B&B Options during low and mid-seasons:
Il Baffi di Gatto (the 'Cat's Whiskers') (B&B suite for maximum of 3 people)
This is a luxury one double bedroom suite (with kingsize bed plus cot if required) with private bathroom with bath tub and shower attachment plus a private sitting room with single sofa bed (sleeps up to 3 people in total plus 1 baby in cot); or
Il Gattolino (the 'Small Cat') (B&B in small apartment for maximum of 7 people)
This is a luxury two bedroom suite with one double room with kingsize bed and one triple single bedded room with private sitting room with double sofa bed, private shower-room with walk-in shower (sleeps up to 7 people in total). There is also a private kitchen to this suite if required; or
Il Gattone (the 'Big Cat') (B&B in apartment for maximum of 10 people)
This is formed by renting the Il Baffi di Gatto and Il Gattolino together to make three bedrooms (2 doubles (both kingsize and one with a cot), 1 triple bedded room, 2 luxury bathroom/showerrooms plus 2 private sitting rooms one with a single sofa bed and the other with a double sofa bed (sleeps upto 10 people in total). There is also a private kitchen with this option if required
NB During peak season of June, July and August, the 3 options may only be rented on a self-catering basis as one large apartment Il Gattone without breakfast.
Please email for further details and photos
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