Tuscany vacation - Apartment Aloisia - Holiday accommodation in the Garfagnana, Italy

Tuscany vacation - Apartment Aloisia - Holiday accommodation in the Garfagnana, Italy

Tuscany - A holiday apartment is a completely renovated section of a 17th century country house. Restored and refurnished in traditional style, it lies in the rugged countryside of the Garfagnana.

Surrounded by walnut trees, the house overlooks the valley and the chestnut woods below. Once it belonged to the Aloisi, a family of doctors and Catholic priests. Around 1920 the great-grandfather of the present owner bought the whole estate, and the house became an important gathering point for the family. Here, before the fireplace, the younger ones listened to the fairy tales and legends of the elders, the so-called 'cantar le fole a veglio'.

The owners have worked hard to conserve the original spirit of the house. The grand fireplace in the living room still works and brightens rainy days, while the wood, stone and brickwork of the building have been restored in the traditional style.

The main entrance and the entrance hall are located on the first floor, where you also find the kitchen and the real core of the house: the main living room with its huge stone fireplace, two dining tables, a sofa, a beamed ceiling and sunny balcony. This floor has a single bedroom with a balcony and a little bathroom with a shower.

The ground floor has two double bedrooms, and a large bathroom with a bathtub as well as a second kitchen. Guests can share the owners' washing machine. The furnishing is typical Tuscan farmhouse style, and there is a small garden with a sitting area from which you have a marvellous view over the hills of the village. There's also a barbecue here, and it's a pleasant place to relax surrounded by the herb garden and fruit trees. Rosemary, sage and thyme grow here, as well as raspberries, grapes, figs and lemons.

Depending on the season, the weekly rental ranges from €420 to €460, this including linen and cooking utensils. Central heating costs are included in the price except in wintertime (after 10 October) and during April. You can also stay on a bed and breakfast basis, your meal comprising produce from the farm and Fair Trade products.

The valley of the Garfagnana (with the River Serchio running through it) is surrounded by the lush green scenery of the Appennine mountains and the peaks of Apuan Alps. The main settlements in the area are Castelnuovo Garfagnana and the beautiful old town of Barga. The famous poet Giovanni Pascoli used to walk down the twisting cobblestone streets here, and you can still enjoy the stunning views. Down the centuries, the people here have stayed close to nature, maintaining their traditions and hospitality. Discover the valley by touring the castles and fortresses, visiting the museums and getting to know the local people. In addition, many of the villages have little-known but first-rate family restaurants which provide traditional Tuscan food and a warm welcome.

The local village of Eglio Sassi is some 50km north of Lucca, some 650 metres above sea level. Sassi is dominated by its ancient church tower built on top of a rocky cliff, falling sheer to the valley of Arni below. Sassi lies within the Natural Park of the Apuan Alps; designated for its exceptional beauty, the area is characterised by a countryside of meadowland and mixed woodland of chestnuts and beeches. The village is at the foot of the bare rocky mountain of the Pania della Croce (reaching 1858 metres). At the top you can enjoy a marvellous view of the wide coastline from a natural terrace.

In addition, you can explore the Grotta del Vento less than 10km from the village. The largest underground cave system in Italy, and one of the largest in the world, Antro at Mount Corchia is also close by. There is the hermitage at Calomini, built directly into the rock. And in late July, a mediaeval festival takes place in Elio Sassi with historical costumes and a series of classical concerts from May to October.

Sassi is on the Garfagnana trekking path, which allows you to cross a large part of the Apuan Alps and northern Apennines in 10 days, going from one shelter to another. Besides that the village offers a multitude of little paths, ideal for hiking, mountain-biking and horse-riding. There are also great opportunities for free climbing on the rocky 'walls' around the village. If you wish, your hosts can organise a tour through the unspoiled villages around Sassi, as well as excursions to nearby farms and sampling of local foods, oils and wines.

Viareggio and the seaside is 60km away; Castelnuovo Garfagnana and Gallicano (with shops, post office and hospital) are 9km; the spa town of Bagni Di Lucca is 26km; and there is a swimming pool and tennis 9km away; the city of Lucca is 50km away.

[Local map] [Region map]

Guests can park their cars right in front of the house, as the last part of the road is private, and you can rent the apartment for less than a week. Pets such as dogs and cats are permitted in the house. The house has no telephone but there is a public phone 300 metres away. Here you can also find a couple of small food stores, a tobacconist and two restaurants with bars. These are local haunts, and you can enjoy typical local food here.

To find out more about this traditional holiday in a marvellously rugged setting, click below.