Villa Le Ortensie Azzurre - The Blue Hydrangeas - makes an excellent holiday base in northern Tuscany, offering comfortable accommodation in a scenic location that isn't too far from the region's many attractions.
[ local map | map of region ]
The two-storey villa is set in expansive grounds of pine woods and olive groves, and looks over a pretty orchard of assorted fruit trees including apple, cherry, fig and plum. A clear stream below the villa marks the bounds of the property - surrounded by bamboo and alder trees, it serves to conceal the approach road and preserve the feeling of tranquil privacy. A security gate protects the driveway, which is lined with flowering plants and small nut trees.
The accommodation is a ten minute stroll from the little village of Massa Macinaia with its bar-pizzeria, post office, butcher and grocers. The nearest supermarket is a kilometre away and there is a wide range of shops and facilities at San Concordio (5km).
The villa has a distant view of Lucca (6km) - an ancient city whose 12m high walls were completed in the middle of the 17th century. The mediæval centre has largely been saved from the ravages of modern development and remains a charming maze of narrow, paved streets and alleys.
Unlike some of Italy's busier tourist attactions, Lucca has a lived-in, authentic atmosphere - the boutiques, historical sights and restaurants coexisting happily with family homes and businesses. There are all the facilities you would expect from a small city and a lively programme of markets, concerts and exhibitions throughout the year.
The seaside with its Liberty style bathing establishments and sandy beaches is only 20km away, while an hour's travel will get you to the alpine mountain reserves of the Garfagnana, or to the fabulous art treasures of Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. If you don't fancy the challenge of Italy's motorways, there are reliable and frequent rail and bus services from Lucca.
Please read on for some information about the holiday rental accommodation.
