Luxury private retreat in 10 acres, with saline filtration pool, spectacular mountain views and optional chef experiences
A very special Tuscan hideaway for those looking for peace, privacy and somewhere truly beautiful to spend time together. Four en-suite bedrooms, private saline filtration pool, wonderful outdoor living, well equipped kitchen and 10 acres of gardens and olive groves. Optional private chef, pizza evenings, cookery lessons and arrival meal.
Santa Lucia is one of those rare properties where the villa itself becomes a highlight of the holiday.
Set completely privately within 10 acres of gardens, olive groves and woodland in the beautiful Lunigiana region of northern Tuscany, the house enjoys extraordinary uninterrupted views towards the Apuan Alps. This is a place for guests who want to escape the crowds, slow down and enjoy a more peaceful and authentic side of Tuscany.
The beautifully restored villa combines traditional Tuscan character with a high level of comfort. Stonework, chestnut beams, terracotta and local granite sit alongside stylish furnishings, quality linens and a superbly equipped kitchen.
There are four bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, making Santa Lucia particularly comfortable for two families or groups of friends holidaying together.
Outdoor living is at the heart of Santa Lucia
Days here tend to revolve around the wonderful outside spaces.
The large private saline filtration pool has spectacular mountain views, with a pool house, shower room, shaded pergola and sunbathing terrace. Around the extensive grounds there are several different places to sit, relax and dine, so even a full group can easily find their own peaceful corner.
The outdoor kitchen has a traditional wood-fired pizza oven, open grill, stone sink and marble worktop, while the gardens offer lawns, boules and croquet.
It is the sort of house where plans for a day out can very easily turn into another day beside the pool.
Make the villa part of the experience
One of the pleasures of staying at Santa Lucia is that you don't always need to go out to enjoy a special evening.
Our wonderful local housekeeper Alessandra can arrange, at additional cost and subject to availability:
• Private chef service
• Traditional Italian meals
• Pizza evenings using the wood-fired oven
• Cookery lessons
• A home-cooked meal waiting in the oven for your arrival
These experiences are always popular and are a lovely way to enjoy the house and experience local Italian food without having to drive anywhere.
Inside
On the ground floor there is an immaculate, exceptionally well-equipped kitchen with six-burner hob, oven, American-style fridge/freezer with ice maker, wine fridge, Italian espresso machine, dishwasher and locally sourced granite worktops.
The open-plan dining area leads directly to a large outdoor dining terrace and kitchen.
There is also a comfortable reception room with open fireplace, a cosy study opening onto another furnished terrace, and a guest bathroom.
Upstairs are three beautifully presented double bedrooms and one twin bedroom, all with their own en-suite bathrooms. Two of the bedrooms have French doors looking directly towards the mountains, while another overlooks the pool towards Castello dell'Aquila.
Insect screens are fitted throughout the house.
Outside
• Large private saline filtration swimming pool with marble surround
• Pool house and separate shower room
• Shaded poolside pergola and sunbathing terrace
• Outdoor kitchen with traditional wood-fired pizza oven and grill
• Two main al fresco dining areas
• 10 acres of private gardens, olive groves and woodland
• Lawns with croquet and boules
• Numerous terraces and shaded seating areas
• Adult and children's bicycles
• Electric entrance gates
• Private parking
A peaceful, less-discovered corner of Tuscany
Santa Lucia is for guests who value privacy, scenery and tranquillity over being in the centre of the main tourist trail.
The lively small town of Fivizzano is around 10 minutes away for restaurants, shops and a supermarket, while Aulla is around 25 minutes away and has shops, restaurants, supermarkets and a railway station.
For days out, La Spezia – gateway to the Cinque Terre – is around 50 minutes away, as are the beaches around Lerici. Lucca is around 1 hour 20 minutes and Pisa around 1 hour 25 minutes.
This is also a wonderful area to explore in its own right, with medieval villages, castles, mountain scenery, walking and traditional restaurants. In summer the surrounding villages come alive with local festas, where visitors can eat alongside local families and experience a very different Tuscany from the main tourist centres.
Important information about access
The privacy and spectacular setting of Santa Lucia do mean that the final approach is more rural than some guests may be accustomed to. The final 1km is on a fully cemented private road which is narrow and steep in places. Regular cars use it without difficulty when driven slowly, but we recommend avoiding very large or low-slung vehicles. Guests who are comfortable with the approach invariably tell us that the peace, privacy and extraordinary setting at the end of it are well worth it!
Santa Lucia is an exceptional choice for guests looking for a luxurious Tuscan retreat where the house, pool, food, views and time spent together are as important as sightseeing.