Casina Collemandina - Sleeping 6

Casina Collemandina is a pretty stone cottage with private pool, set in a tiny hamlet, 1 hour north of Lucca.

This rustic cottage was built in the 1800’s and was originally inhabited by local contadini (farm workers) .The house retains much of its olde worlde charm, with original windows, doors, flooring and beamed ceilings, some exposed stone work, and in the master bedroom, a 200 year old fireplace.

Whilst a semi detached cottage, the garden and pool is private, and have extensive views over open countryside, framed by the Appenine mountains…..There is also a beautiful arched terrace at the front of the house on the second floor - a perfect place to read and relax in the shade.

This is a perfect choice for a family looking for a private pool, but on a budget….

NOTE – PHOTOS were taken before the garden was fully grassed or ‘dressed’, prior to pool ‘decking’ and before the house was prepared for letting (owners personal belongings and ornaments etc to be removed), and before new appliances in place.

More detailed information :

Inside:

• Enter house into hallway
• Right into kitchen /diner, which is equipped with new appliances – freestanding oven and hob, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. Dining table. Door leading outside to eating area
• Also right into living room with 2 settees, tv/dvd and cd
• Upstairs onto half landing where there is a shower room with shower, WC, bidet and sink. Door leading to garden.

First floor :

• Double bedroom – traditional flooring, beamed ceilings and original wall cupboards
• Double bedroom – traditional flooring, beamed ceilings, original fireplace and stone sink
• Twin bedroom – ideal for children

Second floor:

Doors to lovely arched terrace overlooking the approach to the property - ideal for pre dinner drinks, or reading and relaxing in the shade...

Outside:

• Eating area beside house
• Terraced garden with private pool – 8M x 4M . Shown here as fully out of ground, but a sunbathing area at same level as pool is being prepared for 2012
• Beautiful views across open countryside framed by the Appenines….

Al Comunale is situated in a tiny and peaceful hamlet one hour north of the mediaeval walled city of Lucca.

The closest village with a shop and pharmacy is a 3 minute drive and whilst there are various lovely small villages in the area (some with facilities and some without) the closest larger ‘paese’ is Pieve Fosciana and is a 10 min drive . Here there is a very good but well priced restaurant, shops, bars, bank and the most wonderful delicatessen, selling home made hot and cold food to go. The menu changes daily ... Ideal to take away for those

The market town of Castelnuovo with all facilities including supermarket, shops, bars, restaurants and train station for car-free exploring, is just 12 minutes away

For days out distances are as follows:

·         National park of Orechiella, renowned for its views, wildlife and walking trails which last anything from 1 hour to 4 days! 15/20 minute drive
Fully walled city of Lucca is around 1 hr 10 mins away

·         Pisa around 90 minutes  

·         Beautiful mediavel town of Barga 25 mins.

·         This is a real rural retreat, but still conveniently located for days out ….