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Owner/Property
Manager: Molly McKean
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Overview
Description
"Friends of Tuscany Ltd." manage all aspects of your villa booking with tailored information to get the most from your holiday. We can help to arrange a shopping delivery service, home made meal on arrival, wine tours, children’s activities, wild swimming spots, festivals, events, and restaurant recommendations based on our personal knowledge of the area built up during over 30 years as a specialist agency.Villa Carla is within walking distance of the little town of Castelnuovo, which is the centre of the wonderful mountainous area of the Garfagnana in Northern Tuscany. Sleeping up to 14 people, this villa provides luxurious accommodation for large groups of family or friends, and is perfectly sited to visit historical sights, the coast and the beautiful national parks in the area. The pool heated by solar power, open from mid May to end September.
The 16 metre swimming pool, in the large garden of the villa, is filled with healing saltwater. There are breathtaking views from the pool of the surrounding valleys and the Apuane Alps. There are hydro massage jets within the pool and good pool furniture and towels are provided.
With its close proximity to 3 National Parks and the Bagni di Lucca thermal baths, Villa Carla really is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Lucca, Pisa, Florence and the coast, can all be reached by road or by train from the local train station (2km); which gives you the option of not having to hire a car for your visit.
The Apuane Alps are a favourite place for many outdoor activities such as climbing, mountain biking, hiking, or to go caving and canyoning. We have close links to an outdoor activities company and can help to organise activities.
Nearby to the villa there are tennis courts and golf courses and, in the winter, there are ski resorts within driving distance.
The villa has underfloor heating throughout, so 'off-season' visits would not be uncomfortable.
Villa Carla lies in almost an acre of private land and mature .The villa is constructed in a modern way but is built respecting the traditions of Tuscany, using materials available in the area, like wooden beams and rafters handcrafted on local walnut, and floor tiles handmade in Tuscany.
A notable feature is the large hallway with a staircase which has beautiful hand crafted, wrought iron railings and banisters.
There are 2 lounges in the villa. The large main lounge has comfortable leather sofas, large screen TV with some satellite channels, computer with broadband Internet access and CD player.
There are large electric French windows leading out to the patio area of the property, only one of a number of special features in the property. To the rear of this large lounge is a formal dining table and seating for up to 14 people.
Leading off the back of the dining area is the main kitchen. This kitchen also has a breakfast table and chairs for 8 and is fully furnished with oven, cooking hobs, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, microwave oven, double sink and coffee machine.
There are 7 double and twin bedrooms in the villa, of which two are on the ground floor with a bathroom next to them. One of the bedrooms also has a doorway with direct access to the garden.
Also on the ground floor is a second smaller living area, where there are also comfortable sofas, a large screen TV with some satellite channels, a computer with Internet access and CD player. The dining table can seat up to 6 persons and the kitchen area of this lounge is also fully fitted with an American fridge-freezer, dishwasher, oven, microwave oven, cooking hobs and double sink. Perfect for large families or groups.
Upstairs there are 5 double-bedded rooms, all with wardrobe, dresser and TV. There are three bedrooms and bathrooms along a corridor, and two further bedrooms and bathrooms along a short hallway.
The master bedroom, is a double bedroom with chest of drawers, TV, a separate dressing area and wardrobes, and a large bathroom with Jacuzzi corner bath, his and hers sinks, WC and bidet. There are French windows in the bedroom area leading out to the terrace area with fine views of the garden, the mountains and the town fortress.
All bedrooms are equipped with music through a wired system.
There is free Wi-Fi.
Villa Carla is excellent for wedding receptions. Accommodation for extra guests or larger groups can be arranged nearby.
Interior Description;
536 sqm
Ground floor (210 sqm):
There is a large sitting/dining room with comfortable sofas, satellite -TV, a 32” screen, large table in local chestnut wood which seats 12-14 people, and a computer.
Adjacent is a wide, bright and fully equipped kitchen (traditional and microwave ovens, dishwasher, refrigerator, etc. and a table with 6 to 8 seats).
A second hall with a kitchen fully equipped as the one already described, with 2 sofas, 32“ screen sat-TV, a table with 6-8 seats;
1 double bedroom
1 twin bedroom
1 bathrooms with shower
1 toilet with washbasin
First Floor (201 sqm): This floor can be reached climbing a beautiful and bright staircase built in Tuscan style. There is 1 double bedroom with wardrobe room and bathroom with double sink, a Jacuzzi bath and shower with water massage;
1 double bedroom with bathroom with double sink and shower;
1 double bedroom with bathroom equipped with a Jacuzzi bath and shower with water massage. These 3 bedrooms have a terrace with a beautiful view of the pool, the Garfagnana and Serchio River valley, and Monte Alfonso Fortress.
2 more double bedrooms with adjacent bathrooms with shower.
Basement (125 sqm): a large garage (with 2 doors operated with remote control and sufficient to park 2 cars inside and other 2 outside but covered), 1 bathroom with shower, washroom with washing machine, a sink and a table with iron for ironing.
All bedrooms are equipped with TV sets and music with wire system; the 2 sitting rooms have sat-TV, DVD player.
The centre of the local market town of Castelnuovo with good shops, excellent restaurants and wine bars, and a famous weekly market, is only 800 metres walk from the house. The area is well known for its excellent value restaurants, using the best of local ingredients. A typical set lunch with 4 choices of pasta course, and 4 choices of main course can cost only 10 euros inclusive of bread, wine and coffee. It is possible to have a multi-course traditional Sunday lunch or dinner with ample wine, coffee and liquers for 25 euros.
Garfagnana is 'Hidden Tuscany' at its best. With its' stunning scenery it is the best area in Tuscany for walking and outdoor activities. Friends of Tuscany are the oldest agency in the area, and we have close ties with an Outdoor Activities company who offer many international class adventures including electric mountain biking.
We can also offer Art classes with a well known artist, excursions to the Cinque Terre, Florence and Lucca, visits to vineyards, historical guided tours and Italian cooking lessons.
Friends of Tuscany can help you arrange a pre-arrival shopping service, and also a prepared Tuscan meal for your arrival.
Friends of Tuscany are the oldest agency specialising in the Garfagnana area and we provide comprehensive local information and recommendations.
Directions from Pisa to Lucca, then North to Castelnuovo. Exact directions given. English speaking Mini-bus taxi available for airport or local trips.
Bedroom Details
Bedroom 1
1 x Double Bed
Bedroom 2
2 x Single Beds
Bedroom 3
1 x Double Bed
Bedroom 4
1 x Double Bed
Bedroom 5
1 x Double Bed
Bedroom 6
1 x Double Bed
Bedroom 7
1 x Double Bed
10 Reviews
Leave ReviewSpacious villa with stunning views
By Murray on 08-Sep-2025Villa Carla is beautiful and absorbed 13 of us very well. Stunning views across the valley and a gorgeous pool to enjoy. We came for the walking and some of use completed several high routes involving amazing woodland trails & mountain ridges. The town is attractive & is a bit trickier to walk to than expected but once you work out how to avoid the main roads it’s fine. There is an excellent pizzeria near the little pedestrian footbridge but we mainly self catered and enjoyed eating on the terrace most nights. Spreading between 2 kitchens was interesting at times but workable. Weather was (mostly) perfect and rooms very clean & comfortable. Bathrooms for everyone! Found the electric gates/key system difficult to manage with 4 cars and different people coming and going by foot. Also, there was evening noise from a fairground or similar in the valley every night which was a surprise but no fault of the property. Overall a fabulous stay & recommended for a big group.
4 week stay
By Andries on 06-Aug-2025During our four weeks there, we truly relaxed. The pool was lovely, large, and just the right temperature. We went on numerous excursions and visited villages. We went mountain biking, explored caves, and made trips to Lucca, Barga, and Castiglione, all definitely worthwhile. Sandro was a great host; he was always there when we needed something. However, the descriptions aren't entirely accurate. There was no games room, no DVD player, and no stereo. We were supposed to pay a fee for the table tennis. After I pointed out the facilities to Sandro, we didn't have to pay. The view and the surrounding area are exceptionally beautiful."
Beautiful villa
By Helga on 09-Jul-2023Molly´s beautiful villa, and in this beautiful region made it for me and my family a magic, and a wonderful holiday. Over expectation. Astonishing scenery the landscape surrounded and peaceful. The house spacy and comfortable, and the great swimming pool we enjoyed much. We are all very happy for this stay and would love to be back to stay in Villa Carla."
Villa Carla
By Christina R on 06-Aug-2022Great
Wonderful accommodation in a beautiful setting.
By John M. on 16-Aug-2017The villa is spacious and very well equipped. The pool is excellent. The town is close but a car is needed for the middle aged unless they are moderately fit. The station is further out of town and does not have a taxi rank. The staff in the station bar will call taxis. Simone Romei, a recommended driver, couldn't be more helpful and speaks excellent english. He was tied up with local fireman duties for one week whilst we were there but recommended another driver. A list of recommended local services and instructions on fuse boxes and kitchen equipment would be useful. There was a storm one night which tripped the gate switch, it took about half a hour to find the fuse box with that switch. This is all the negatives about the villa. The local town is excellent. It is not a tourist centre. It serves a local community so prices are very reasonable, there are excellent restaurants and most of all it is quintessentially Italian. We loved the villa and thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing holiday in the most beautiful surroundings.
Memorable trip to Villa carla
By David C. on 08-Jul-2017Wonderful villa, private pool and garden, spectacular views and close to the town to take advantage of the local restaurants. The mountain environment was wonderful. We had a specific requirement for wheelchair access and for anyone requiring this the villa was very suitable. Local taxis were able to take the wheelchair also. Thoroughly recommend the villa to all parties