La Piaggia

This large typically Tuscan villa, surrounded by fragrant pine trees and olive groves in the countryside between Lucca and Pistoia, has all the ingredients for a deeply relaxing family holiday. The cheerful exterior, painted sunshine-yellow and dressed with green shutters, hints at warm interiors with characterful open beams and brickwork, sleeping eight in four bedrooms.

The huge, well-maintained gardens have plenty of spaces for socialising or serenity – there’s a large covered terrace furnished with a table and chairs so guests can enjoy al fresco feasts rustled up on the rustic terracotta barbecue. A ping-pong table is also available and the large private pool is set in a generous area of its own surrounded by olive trees, brightly coloured potted plants and shrubs. The nearest village, Marginone is within easy reach, with a grocery shop, butcher, baker and restaurants.

This is very much a family home-from-home with plenty of living space to spread out and relax in. The well-tended gardens have a generous expanse of soft lawn – perfect for little ones to run around on. Guests find it hard to leave such a comfortable base but Lucca, Florence and Pisa area well-placed for day trips and families with younger children can continue the outside experience with a visit to the nearby Pinocchio Park in Collodi or the more educational Leonardo da Vinci museum in Vinci.

Ground Floor

Lounge-Diner
Two sofas, table and chairs, doors to terrace.

Kitchen
Fully equipped, table, fireplace.

Bedroom 1
Double bed (cannot be converted into twin beds), cot, wardrobe, three chairs, mosquito screens.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

First Floor

Bedroom 2
Double bed (cannot be converted into twin beds), cot, wardrobe, chest of drawers, sofa, three chairs, mosquito screens.

Bedroom 3
Double bed (cannot be converted into twin beds), wardrobe, chest of drawers, sofa, two chairs, mosquito screens.

En-Suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 4
Double bed (cannot be converted into twin beds), wardrobe, cot, chest of drawers, two chairs, mosquito screens.

Bathroom 
Bath with hand-held shower, sink, WC.

Bathroom 
Shower, sink, WC.

Private Pool
Length: 10 metres
Width: 5 metres
Depth: 1.8 metres
Entrance: Metal ladders
Opening times: May to October
Fenced: No
Furnished: Sunloungers and parasols
Cleansed: Chlorine
Distance from villa: 16 metres