Tuscany house rentals - country apartments, Tuscany, Italy

Enjoy a tranquil vacation at these country apartments in Tuscany, Italy. The abandoned medieval village of Isola Santa has now been brought back to life, offering Tuscany house rentals for parties of 2 to 10 in the quiet of the Apuan Alps.

The old hamlet was completely deserted for years, with most houses abandoned and dilapidated. But now it's rising again thanks to a project of restoration started last year by some local families. They look forward to welcoming you to the peace, unspoiled nature and genuine flavours of Tuscany's Garfagnana area.

Isola Santa lies in the very heart of the Garfagnana, and within the Apuan Alps natural park - this in an ideal position from which to visit and discover these mountains.

The village rises on the shores of the lake of the same name, fed by the waters of the Turrite Secca river. This valley is one of the wildest in the Apuan Alps, hidden by the overhanging peaks and steep crags of the mountains. Many paths starts from nearby these Tuscany house rentals and reach some of the best-known peaks: the whole mountain chain Pania, the mountains Corchia, Freddone and Sumbra and many others.

And yet your vacation home is easily accessible. These country apartments in Tuscany lie 58km from the city of Lucca, via Castelnuovo Garfagnana, and 30km from the highway exit on the Versilian Coast. Your hosts will give you detailed directions for reaching the houses.

[ local map | map of region ]

Currently there are six Tuscany house rentals, providing accommodation for 26 people. The ancient buildings have been completely renovated respecting local traditions, with roofs of slate and floors of marble or of chestnut from the surrounding woods.

There are two one-roomed apartments of 25 square metres each. Each apartment has a bathroom with shower, kitchenette, fireplace, double-bed sofa and independent entrance.

There are two two-roomed apartments of 45 square metres each. Each has a ground floor living room with fireplace, kitchen and double sofa bed. On the first floor is a double room and bathroom with shower.

There is a three-roomed apartment of 65 square metres, with a ground floor comprising entrance, spacious kitchen and fireplace. The first floor has a twin room, bathroom and little balcony; on the second floor is a double room with bathroom.

There is an apartment of 6 rooms (99 square metres). On the ground floor lies the entrance, living room, fireplace, double-bed sofa and spacious kitchen; on the first floor are two double rooms, one bathroom and balcony; on the second floor are two double bedrooms and a bathroom. This apartment has a boiler heating system.

All the other apartments have a hot water system, while the heating is provided by the fireplaces. All apartments have telephone and satellite TV.

A stay in these charming Tuscany house rentals provides a tranquility impossible to imagine for those who have not experienced it. The silence, unspoiled nature, and the distance from other towns provides an extraordinary peaceful atmosphere. And there are endless possibilities offered for those who want to discover the beauties of the Apuan Alps. Isola Santa is an ideal place for excursions. Through accessible paths you can reach Pania Della Croce (the 'princess of the Apuan Alps'), Pania Secca, Pizzo delle Saette, and the mountains of Corchia, Freddone and Sumbra. In these mountains, many free-climbers scale some of the most beautiful rock faces in the Alps.