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Just 5km from the mediæval city of Pistoia, Tuscany, this is a large stone-built house for sale in the village of Germinaia. It would serve admirably as a large family home in Tuscany, as vacation rental apartments, or as bed and breakfast accommodation.
The semi-detached property currently comprises two spacious apartments over four floors. The entrance lies through an arched doorway with a small balcony above, leading to an entrance hall/living room with an attractive vaulted ceiling. The entrance to the second apartment is off a lane at the side of the house.
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Altogether this Italian house for sale has ten rooms plus a mansard, including two kitchens on the ground floor. There is one WC and two bathrooms, and the entire property covers some 300 square metres. One apartment has been modernised and restored.
There is an adjoining wash-house to the right of the main entrance. Ten metres in front of the house is a detached stone outhouse over two levels; this could be converted to form a further bedroom or studio apartment. At the front of the house is a parking area which can accommodate two cars.
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The situation of the house, just minutes from the city of Pistoia, is a major plus for potential buyers and holidaymakers to Tuscany alike. Pistoia, the capital of its own province, is one of the least visited of the Tuscan cities - most visitors to Pisa and Florence miss it off their tourist route. It's unfair, but also a bonus for those who do uncover this quiet and well-preserved mediæval town.
It has a colourful history, being famous for the intrigue and feuding that typified Renaissance Italy. Machiavelli and Dante condemned the city for its plotting, while Michelangelo referred to the people of Pistoia as 'the enemies of heaven'! Today it's considerably more friendly and rewards exploration. Traditionally a metalworking and firearms centre, the word pistole or pistol is derived from Pistoia. Once a pistole was a dagger, but then became applied to the guns forged here.
The city is centred around the marvellous Piazza Duomo. This mediæval complex is the venue for celebrations and fairs during Pistoia's annual July festival. And the cathedral (or duomo) itself is a magnificent edifice of alternating blocks of black and white marble, forming a striped façade. This Tuscan city is home to a number of museums, including the Museo Diocesano and Museo Ropigliosi, and there are many fine churches - see San Bartolomeo in Pantano and the 12th century Sant'Andrea.
You are also excellently placed for discovering the rest of the cities and countryside of Tuscany. Pistoia lies in the north of Tuscany, within striking distance of Florence, Pisa and Lucca, and with the seaside at Viareggio within easy reach. Just above the Chianti region, this area is a magnet for lovers of good Italian food and wine. Fine wines, such as Chianti Classico, Brunello and Montepulciano complement one of Italy's most exciting cuisines, with simple, fresh ingredients to the fore. White cannellini beans, wild boar and rabbit and pecorino cheese are among the delicious items you'll find on the menu in local restaurants.
Whether you convert Germinaia back into a family home, or further exploit its considerable possibilities as a collection of holiday apartments, this is a terrific opportunity to buy a Tuscan home in the heart of one of Italy's most beautiful regions.
[ local map | map of Tuscany ]
