2 Bedroom (Sleeps 4) House in Lucca

IL BELVEDERE - Culture, food and fun in friendly surroundings. Discover true Tuscan living. SHARED SWIMMING POOL

At a glance: Child Friendly, Wifi, Parking, Heated Pool, Garden.
Reference: P77124 - Book via Simply Owners and pay no booking fees or extra charges

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Book with the owner direct

Owner/Property Manager: Gill & Ken Clay
Book this House by contacting the owner directly to confirm price, property details and availability.


Booking directly with the owner means you pay the owners price with no added booking fees or extra charges.

Overview

Property Type: House
Location: Lucca
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 2 Bedroom
Bathrooms: 2
Minimum nights stay: 7
Low season price per week: £1225
High season price per week: £1372
Average price per week:£1299
Please contact the owner directly to confirm the price and availability

Description

Discover what Tuscany was and is. Taste and experience the true Tuscany. Set in the friendly hamlet village of Celle dei Puccini in the hills of Lucca, Pescagila - Home to generations of the Puccini family and generations of Italian families who still cultivate the surrounding land. Set in the hills of Lucca among the olive groves and grape vines, Celle is the unspolit ancestral home of the famous composer Giacomo Puccini.  The Puccini house where generations of the Puccini family have lived has been turned into a museum. In July and August concerts are held outside the museum and under the stars - free of charge!
4 lovingly restored properties that share a heated pool in spacious surroundings. It is known that this was the 1st building to be built in the village in 1594. It has had many uses in its time and was once used as a convent with its cellars being used for the production of olive oil and wine. The olive oil is still being made by the locals from the village olives groves, including our own olive oil & wine is made from the vines grown on the hillside. We purchased the building in an almost ruined state in early 2004 after many years of it being uninhabited. (some parts over 100 yrs) It has been divided into 3 separate dwellings, each having its own individual features & all having been lovingly restored by local craftsmen to include all the modern day appliances while maintaining the traditional Tuscan charm. There is a fascinating mixture of high ceilings, original floors, chestnut beams, stone fireplaces and terracotta floors. With a heated swimming pool set in the extensive grounds, commanding an unbroken and breathtaking views of the hills, a perfect place to relax.

It is known that this was the 1st building to be built in the village in 1594. It has had many uses in its time and was once used as a convent with its cellars being used for the production of olive oil and wine. The olive oil is still being made by the locals from the village olives groves, including our own olive oil & wine is made from the vines grown on the hillside. We purchased the building in an almost ruined state in early 2004 after many years of it being uninhabited. (some parts over 100 yrs) It has been divided into separate dwellings, each having its own individual features & all having been lovingly restored by local craftsmen to include all the modern day appliances while maintaining the traditional Tuscan charm. There is a fascinating mixture of high ceilings, original floors, chestnut beams, stone fireplaces and terracotta floors. With a heated swimming pool set in the extensive grounds, commanding an unbroken and breathtaking views of the hills, a perfect place to relax.

Ken and I feel that it is important to be in Celle for the season to help in any way we can to make your holiday relaxing and worry free. We are here to greet you and to help you with your luggage and shopping and any questions you may have - we hope to be able to answer them. We are very friendly and approachable people but respect your privacy. Celle is a very special place and we hope that you will come and discover this for yourselves!

IL BELVEDERE DESCRIPTION

Entrance from terrace leading directly into the well equipped kitchen. The front terrace has a table and chairs and a BBQ. The apartment has the benefit of a further south facing ‘belvedere’ - (bella - meaning beautiful - vedere - meaning to see) which is an enclosed & elevated terrace with breathtaking views over the hills and valleys. There are 2 dble bedrms - one twin/double with an adjoining shower room with bidet & the other dble room with en-suite shower room. This room has a small balcony/terrace. The apartment was originally the wine cellars and features many of the old stone archways. With the added windows and walkway into the 'belvedere' terrace, this has become a sunwashed and bright apartment. The living room is comfortably furnished, altho' many spend their time reading & relaxing on the secluded terrace watching the world go by! The kitchen is well equipped with large fridge with freezing compartment, microwave oven, dishwasher & w/machine. Gas B-B-Q. Wifi

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Each of our properties have a detailed information pack that we have put together for our guests, showing places of interest, activities for all ages and we hope it will give our guests an idea of how to enjoy the Province of Tuscany to the full. To name but a few that you may wish to search on Google, Vinci, the home of Leonardo where there is an interesting museum for both children & adults showing models of his inventions. The monastry built 'in' the rock in Calomini (Eremo di Calomini) by the monks in the 7th century. Grotta del Vento, an under ground world of galleries & chambers. Parco Avventura, offers a challenge for children, youths & adults who can test their ability with suspension bridges, swinging beams, vertical nets, ropes etc. (trainers & long trousers essential) Many fabulous places for walkers, San Pellegrino to name but a few. Celle is an excellent starting point with so many things to do & see, an ideal finishing point for that important time for relaxation.

Coast/Beach:
There are miles of sandy beaches within easy reach from Celle. As the crow flies the coast is not far, but as we are in the hills, it takes a little longer to reach them - about 45 mins. Most beaches in Italy are private & for E20 a day they provide loungers & parasols, the use of the WC/showers & cold drinks & snacks & that all important icecream can be bought on their 'patch'. Viareggio, Lido di Camiore, Forte di Marmi are just a few of the many stretches of beaches that can be found. The train from Lucca will take you to Pisa and Florence which makes for a more relaxing day without the worry of parking the car somewhere in the city

Travel:
It is an easy journey by air from UK to Pisa. Pisa airport is a growing airport & you pass through the formalities quickly. An alternative airport is Florence. BA, Ryanair, Easy Jet & Jet 2 all service Pisa on a regular basis from all over the UK. By car from Pisa airport to Lucca is 25 mins by motorway with a further picturesque 25 mins journey to Celle following the river, then a winding, asphalt road from Diecimo. Driving from the UK is also an option which we can give advice if required.

Distances:
The whole area is rich in historic & cultural interest. The charming city of Lucca – 25 mins by car, retains elements of its age & history amid its many churches, imposing palaces & in the secluded squares one finds sophisticated shops & restaurants. Florence by car - 1hr 15mins. We recommend travelling by train (a doddle) as parking can be tiresome in the City. The Chianti area between Florence and Siena (2 hrs by car - each way) is one of the most beautiful in Italy. A long day, but do'able!

Further Details:
Shops: With only 32 people living in Celle, there is not enough business to warrant shops.
Only 10 mins drive down the hill is Diecimo. There is a row of small shops run by the locals, a Post office, 2 petrol stations, chemist, a baker who bakes on the premises There are 2 cafes, where you can stop & have coffee & delicious cakes freshly filled rolls. A further 5 min. drive to Borgo Mozzano, there is a supermarket & large deli.and butcher An ideal shop to start your holiday shopping. There is another, larger supermarket (Esselunga) in Marlia which is in the direction of Lucca. Many great restaurants within 8-10mins drive from Celle . The nearest Train Station is in Diecimo. You will need to change at Lucca for Florence or Pisa. Free parking at Diecimo Station

Climate: In the Spring (April/May) & Autumn (mid Sept - mid Oct) the temperatures are at their most comfortable & pleasant. July/Aug are usually hot & temperatures tend to stay around 30 - 35 degrees. Off peak holidays also have their attraction: May/June are wonderful months to visit, when the air smells of honey & the wild flowers are abundant. This is an excellent time for walking with many walks in and around Celle.

Sept & Oct are interesting months when the grapes are picked and the wine is made. October is when the fabulous porcini mushrooms appear & the locals go hunting in secret to find them in the forests. Restaurant menus change to include delicious dishes using these precious mushrooms, precious because the season is so short. It is also the season for zucca (pumpkin) and there are zucca festivals in nearby villages where you can buy locally made produce. October is also a time for collecting & roasting chestnuts.
is known that this was the 1st building to be built in the village in 1594. It has had many uses in its time and was once used as a convent with its cellars being used for the production of olive oil and wine. The olive oil is still being made by the locals from the village olives groves, including our own olive oil & wine is made from the vines grown on the hillside. We purchased the building in an almost ruined state in early 2004 after many years of it being uninhabited. (some parts over 100 yrs) It has been divided into separate dwellings, each having its own individual features & all having been lovingly restored by local craftsmen to include all the modern day appliances while maintaining the traditional Tuscan charm. There is a fascinating mixture of high ceilings, original floors, chestnut beams, stone fireplaces and terracotta floors. With a heated swimming pool set in the extensive grounds, commanding an unbroken and breathtaking views of the hills, a perfect place to relax.

MIDWEEK ARRIVAL OPTION
During the high season our bookings are usually 'back to back' and we are not able to be flexible with our Saturday changeover day. For those families who wish to arrive a day early or stay a day longer, there is a very good and very reasonably priced local hotel in Borgo Mozzano. (Hotel Milano) Their charges include breakfast and they have family rooms for up to 5 people. They also have a restaurant. If you wish to consider this option, please do not hesitate to contact us, or if you wish, contact them direct. They do have english speaking staff available.
For folk arriving late in the evening, we can arrange for some breakfast items so that you can enjoy your first morning without having to hurry out to shop!

TERMS & CONDITIONS

*Prices quoted are for one week or part thereof
*Holidays commence on Sat from 3.30pm and we ask please, that you vacate by 10.30am on your departure date. Mid and Low season commencement dates may vary by arrangement.
*Prices include all linen and towels, electricity, gas and gas central heating. Beach towels are available on request – no extra charge

*Payment. 25% of the total rental at time of booking to secure your dates and the balance 60 days before your visit.
If the booking is made within 60 days of the commencement date, then the full payment is due on booking.
We reserve the right to re-advertise your holiday, should the balance payment not be received within the 60 day period.

Personal Insurance & Cancellation Cover. We strongly recommend that you take out your own personal insurance at the
time of booking to include cancellation cover. If your holiday is cancelled more than 60 days before your holiday is due, your deposit will be fully refunded. .

If cancellation is less than 60 days before, payments made are non refundable. However, every effort will be made to re-advertise your holiday, which are offered at a reduced rate. Any money received through that booking will be refunded on the cancelled holiday.
Earliest notice of cancellation ensures greater success of re-booking.

Breakages. We do not take a deposit for breakages but all breakages must be reported before leaving. Depending on the extent of the loss, an invoice for breakages (or replacement keys) will be sent to you .

4 Reviews - 5/5 Average Rating

What a fantastic find this was, research paid off!

By GRAINNE on 21-Jul-2016

Absolutely lovely in every way. Gill and Ken were fantastic hosts, very friendly and full of information if you want it, nothing too much trouble and the accommodation in Belvedere was superb, spot on for our requirements. All the little extras such as tea/coffee, washing tablets, loo rolls etc really make a big difference to that supermarket shop and adds a home from home feel. The winding hill up to the property did cause a few scary moments but you do get used to it. Recommend if there are 2 drivers in the party that you both make yourself named drivers to give that flexibility. We didn't and it was a big mistake. The pool area was lovely, never very busy and a welcome relief to the intense heat we had for the first week, even when it cooled down a bit for the final few days it was really pleasant. Not that we used it that much as there is so much to see and do in the area, you really do need to make choices. Visited Lucca three times, gorgeous, Pisa, Vinci, Grotto di vento, Barga, Montecatini del Terme as well as more local sights such as Devils Bridge. We were planing a visit to Florence but the intense heat changed our mind for us. We have decided to do this as a city break another time in a cooler month. We would definitely return here but not in July/August as too hot for hubby. Thank you Gill and Ken for a lovely 10 days. You have a fab place there. Almost don't want to place this review as it will be harder to make a booking.

We want to live here!

By Norfolk Smugglers on 30-Oct-2013

First off, we have stayed here three times now and we love it. The website, backed up by responsive e-mails from Gill and Ken give a comforting feel to the place before you get there and directions from Pisa to Celle are spot on. Confidence is high before you get there ......it doesn't wain when you stay either! Celle is up a hill but on arrival there is always someone there to take baggage up the final short sharp ascent. The properties have been lovingly restored and are beautifully presented. La Belvedere is fabulous; excellent kitchen (good fresh food an excellent butcher are a ten minute drive away in Borgano), decent showers (with plenty of hot water and good pressure), comfy bedrooms but the best bit is the private 'tower' to relax in during the heat of the day or simply to sit out in at night and enjoy a glass or two and listen for the double chiming of the clock in the village above. Each of the properties has its own private area with seating, a BBQ and a view. Location is great and Lucca is a 30 minutes drive away. We love walking and not only are there some good local wanders but also some great walks in the National and Regional parks close to hand, try the gorge walk at Orrido di Botri (Teenagers will love it!) or head for the Parco Alpi Apuane or San Pellegrino - scenery is spectacular but be prepared for some very narrow twisty roads. There are caves, aerial adventures, the home of Pinocchio and Leonardo da Vinci's birthplace all within sensible distance for day trips. Gill and Ken have put together several itineraries and there are plenty of up to date leaflets and pamphlets in the properties. There are several good restaurants within a short drive of Celle and the information pack provided gives details and numbers. However, if you're wanting somewhere special to go try Antica Locanda di Sesto in Sesto di Moriano - Trip Advisor isn't wrong. We ate in a lot as fresh food is in abundance and BBQ pork from the butcher in Borgo a Mozzano is something special. The village is very peaceful and we have been there out of the traditional school holiday times and I expect the pool area can become quite noisy - but it is a great place for families and being socialable. This is a great place to stay in a fabulous part of Italy but it is made even better by Gill and Ken. They are perfect hosts and keep everything clean, never watching over you but never far away should you need anything. We have never been anywhere twice except for here!!

Absolutely Lovely

By CAROLINE - GLASGOW on 05-Sep-2013

We stayed in 'Belvedere' for the last week of a two centre holiday in July. The accommodation was fabulous; spacious, full of character, very comfortable, spotlessly clean, with fantastic views and incredibly well equipped...everything you could need and more. Ken and Gill were perfect and generous hosts. As Ken said- "We are here if you need us and if you don't, we're not." The pool and surround is really lovely...our daughter (9) was very happy. Pizza night was delightful. Local restaurants are excellent (we loved La Fonte). Celle is very rural and peaceful but within easy reach of so many wonderful places to visit in this part of Tuscany. We had a perfect week and have already booked for next year!

Prices

8th June - 5th July 2024 £1225
6th July - 30th Aug 2024 £1372
31st Aug - 14th Sept 2024 £1225

Location

Suitability

Children Welcome

Facilities

Fridge/Freezer
Hob
Oven
Microwave
Dishwasher
Pantry Items
Toaster
Dining Room
Internet
Heating
Linens Provided
Washing Machine
Parking
Hairdryer
Ironing Board
Games
Heated Pool
Balcony
Garden

Theme

Adventure
Away from it all
Family
Historic
Romantic
Sports activities
Tourist attractions