Reference: 48
A restored farmhouse in the hills between Lucca and the sea, Orfeo looks over a beautiful unspoilt valley with wonderful views, especially to be enjoyed on the terrace at sundown. Surrounded by seven hectares of terraced olive groves and woodland, the level, landscaped gardens of about 1 acre are planted with shrubs and flowers, with cypresses framing the house. The swimming pool is beautifully set in these gardens to benefit from the views of woodland and hills.
Accommodation
The house, painted in attractive Lucchese colours, has a covered, furnished patio, which leads to a large sitting room with sofas, a Tuscan fireplace, piano, and TV/VCR. There is a large kitchen, and a dining room that seats twelve comfortably. There is a WC and washbasin on this floor, and a storeroom. Upstairs, a second sitting room has sofas and books and there are three double and two twin bedrooms, each with its own bath or shower room. The attractive and comfortable furniture is chosen with good taste and with a careful eye for Lucchese country architecture.
Around Orfeo
There are simple shops a couple of kms away, and very good restaurants in the hills behind the house. You can indulge in thermal springs of Bagni di Lucca, and the walking and climbing is magnificent in the Apuan Alps. Lucca, only 15 mins. drive away, has wonderful Romanesque architecture, medieval houses and noble villas and gardens. It is lovely to ride a bike or take a walk around the wide, tree-shaded walkway on top of the magnificent 16th - 17th Century ramparts which enclose the old town. An extremely old city, Lucca was first inhabited 50,000 years ago, and in 56BC Caesar, Pompey and Crassus met to form the first Triumvirate of the Roman Empire. It was the first place in Tuscany to accept Christianity, and the Goths withstood a long siege by the Narses in 552. On the Via Francigena, Lucca under the Lombards developed trade in silks and exotic goods as well as in its famous olive oil. Antiques fairs are held on the third weekend of each month and craft fairs regularly. Nowadays it is famous for its cooking, wines and antiques, fashionable shops and genteel atmosphere. Ruskin loved it, and it was a favourite with Browning, Shelley and Lawrence. Lucca is the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, who moved out to live on nearby Lago di Massacciucoli, where he composed most of his operas and indulged his passion for shooting duck. His house is now a museum and his operas are performed at Torre del Lago every year. During the summer, Lucca hosts concerts with top artists and groups, and half an hourÃs drive takes you to Viareggio, Pisa, Carrara's marble quarries; sufficient attractions to spoil the most energetic tourist for choice.
Prices
Prices are in British Pounds Sterling or Euro per property per week. Dollar prices shown are indicative only and will vary with the exchange rate.
| Low season | 2nd Jan - 7th May / 2nd Oct - 7th Jan | £3401.00 / €3571.00 Approx US $5129.00 |
| Mid season | 8th May - 25th Jun / 28th Aug - 1st Oct | £4081.00 / €4286.00 Approx US $6154.00 |
| High season | 26th Jun - 27th Aug | £4898.00 / €5143.00 Approx US $7385.00 |
Want to talk to us?
Our experienced travel specialists will be happy to help so please call us on +44 (0)20 8444 9500. Alternatively, you can send us an enquiry or contact one of our local agents.
