Vianova *

Escape to the mountains at Vianova, a charming three-bedroom stone and chalet-style holiday home set 900 metres above sea level in the spectacular Apuan Alps of northern Tuscany.

Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, fresh mountain air and beautiful walking and cycling trails, Vianova is a wonderful summer retreat. Enjoy lazy days beside your own private pool, meals in the courtyard and pleasantly cool evenings after warm, sunny days.

Vianova is also a lovely winter retreat, situated just 100 metres from a small local ski area with a children's ski school, beginner slopes and equipment hire. With central heating, a cosy wood-burning fireplace and firewood included in the price, it's an ideal base for a relaxing winter mountain break.

Despite its peaceful, away-from-it-all setting, there are restaurants within walking distance, including one just a few minutes away, and the traditional village of Careggine is only 4.5km away.

Inside Vianova

Lovingly maintained and full of traditional mountain character, Vianova is arranged over three levels, with comfortable accommodation for up to six guests.

Living and dining area

Enter directly into the welcoming living and dining room, with fireplace, television, DVD player and WiFi.

The adjoining kitchen/breakfast room is well equipped with an oven, hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, washing machine, kettle and toaster.

Bedrooms and bathrooms

• Double bedroom with adjacent shower room, WC and bidet.

• Double bedroom with an additional single bed beneath the sloping roof.

• Lower-ground-floor double bedroom with wet-room-style shower room and WC.

The bedrooms have insect screens for additional comfort during the summer months.

Although there is an additional single bed in one bedroom, the maximum occupancy is six guests to ensure everyone enjoys a comfortable stay.

Outside - Summer in the Mountains

Vianova has its own private swimming pool, heated by solar panels, with beautiful mountain surroundings providing a lovely backdrop for long, relaxing summer days.

At approximately 900 metres above sea level, the area enjoys plenty of summer sunshine, but with fresher mountain air and cooler evenings than the Tuscan lowlands - ideal for sleeping comfortably after a day outdoors.

The pretty courtyard has a covered dining area, perfect for leisurely breakfasts, al fresco meals and relaxing with a glass of local wine.

A barbecue and pool towels are also provided.

Whether you're here to walk, cycle, explore or simply unwind, Vianova offers a peaceful alternative to the busier parts of Tuscany.

Winter at Vianova - Skiing, Snow and Cosy Mountain Escapes

Vianova is a lovely place to enjoy the mountains in winter, whether you're introducing the children to skiing, exploring the beautiful countryside or simply looking for a peaceful escape.

The local ski slopes are just 100 metres from the house, making this a particularly convenient location for families with young children and complete beginners.

The small, friendly ski area offers:

• Children's ski school, particularly suitable for children under 10 and those learning to ski for the first time, with local ski instructors.

• Beginner ski slope with snowmaking equipment, allowing artificial snow to be produced when temperatures are sufficiently below freezing.

• Ski equipment hire available locally.

• Snowshoe hire for exploring the winter landscape.

• A larger ski slope, dependent on natural snowfall.

This is not a large ski resort, but that's part of its charm. It's particularly appealing for families wanting to introduce younger children to skiing in a quieter, more relaxed environment.

For those who prefer to stay off the slopes, there are beautiful mountain walks and excursions nearby, with dramatic scenery and opportunities to enjoy nature throughout the colder months.

After a day outdoors, return to Vianova's welcoming warmth. Central heating, a wood-burning fireplace and firewood are all included in the rental price, so you can enjoy cosy evenings without additional heating charges.

Local restaurants remain available during winter, including La Gatta, just a short walk away, which opens at weekends.

Whether you're planning a family skiing weekend, a few days walking in the mountains or simply some peace and relaxation, Vianova offers a wonderful winter escape.

Please note: The local ski facilities are dependent on snow and weather conditions. Snowmaking is possible on the beginner slope when temperatures permit, but cannot guarantee skiing. The private swimming pool is available during the summer season only.

Discover the Garfagnana and Apuan Alps

Vianova is situated in the beautiful Apuan Alps, an area renowned for its dramatic peaks, marble mountains, forests and traditional villages.

The setting feels wonderfully remote, with far-reaching views and countryside stretching in every direction, yet local amenities are surprisingly accessible.

There is a restaurant just a few minutes away on foot, with another around a 20-minute walk. The village of Careggine, 4.5km away, offers further restaurants, bars, a small supermarket and local shops.

Careggine is one of the area's historic mountain villages, with an ancient parish church dating back centuries and a fascinating local history. It is also the birthplace of Italian football legend Marco Tardelli.

Walking, cycling and outdoor adventures

The surrounding mountains are ideal for walkers, hikers and keen cyclists, with numerous trails and scenic routes to explore.

In summer, the area is also perfect for picnics, discovering little villages and enjoying the natural beauty of this less-visited part of Tuscany.

Local places to discover

Just 15 minutes away is the beautiful lake at Isola Santa, with its tiny lakeside village and traditional restaurant. It's a wonderful spot for a leisurely Italian Sunday lunch followed by a walk beside the water.

Lake Vagli, famous for the submerged village beneath its waters, is another fascinating place to visit.

For families and those looking for activities, the historic Verrucole Fortress offers spectacular views and interactive experiences, while the Buffardello adventure park has tree-climbing and zip-wire courses set amongst the forest.

Days Out

Although Vianova feels tucked away in the mountains, some of Tuscany's most beautiful towns and attractions can be reached on day trips:

• Castelnuovo di Garfagnana - approximately 20 minutes

• Barga - approximately 40 minutes

• Lucca - approximately 1 hour 20 minutes

• Pisa - approximately 1 hour 40 minutes

• Florence - approximately 2 hours 15 minutes

• Grotta del Vento (Wind Cave) - approximately 1 hour

The surrounding area is also dotted with historic villages, local festivals and family-run restaurants, offering countless opportunities to experience authentic Italian life.

Whether you're enjoying summer sunshine beside your private pool or discovering the peaceful beauty of the mountains in winter, Vianova is a wonderful place to escape the everyday and enjoy a different side of Tuscany.