Ai Monti is a glorious, pink farmhouse in Garfagnana, Northern Tuscany.
It is set within its own biodynamic vineyard and is the perfect spot for a family get together. It is an idyllic spot, with fabulous views all around and epitomises la dolce vita. Imagine a summer evening, sitting outside in the hammock with the cicadas singing all around, a glass of local wine beside you, and the last light of a glowing sunset dimming behind the
mountains on the horizon.
For more information, or to check availability and prices, please contact Amelia at earl.amelia@googlemail.com or on 07801241710
The house layout is as follows:
Ground floor: large kitchen/dining room; storage cantina (with homemade wine, grappa, and olive oil) which has a large american style fridge freezer, washing machine, and dishwasher; downstairs loo; separate downstairs bathroom with large shower.
Pool terrace (0.5th floor): bathroom with wet room shower, swimming pool 10m x 5m and between 3 – 1.5m deep with a diving board at the deep end, selection of sun loungers.
1st floor: double bedroom, twin bedroom, triple bedroom, large sitting room (1.5th floor) balcony overlooking swimming pool (ideal for nibbles at sunset)
2nd floor: double bedroom, large double bedroom, twin room, bathroom with bath, separate shower room
Outside on the ground floor there are two terraces with tables for outside dining, one of which is under a large wisteria which gives lovely shade. There is also parking for 3 cars near to the house, and room for several more slightly further along the driveway.
There is an electric car charge point in the house parking. There is a new entertaining space/cinema room in the top of an old barn next to the house, should you want a space to throw teenagers out into, or in the event of a rainy day. There is also an all weather ping pong table, and a herb garden with prolific rosemary and sage for cooking.
About the area:
The house sits in its own vineyard, between the villages of Fosciandora, Migliano, and Riana. The nearest town for shopping and a selection of eating out is Castelnuovo di Garfagnana (10-15 minute drive, depending on how Italian you are!), but there is a little village shop in Migliano, and another in Riana (ask Antonella the housekeeper for any details you may need when you’re there). There is also a great local pizzeria by Fosciandora Ceserana train station at the bottom of the hill (this is also the nearest train station to the house, but only two or three trains a day stop there – many more stop at Castelnuovo).
In terms of entertainment, it depends whether you feel like relaxing by the pool with a good book from the large selection in the sitting room, or heading out to explore the hills, either on foot from the door for an energetic hike, or by car to visit one of the many beautiful hilltop towns that surround you. You can go further afield and experience the spectacular show caves at the Grotta del Vento, or Antro della Corchia, or head over to the coast at Forte dei Marmi via a beautiful road through the mountains to get your fix of fritto misto. A day trip down to Lucca by train is always a wonderful excursion, whether what you fancy is a day of shopping, admiring the evening passeggiata down the Via Filungo, or climbing some of the many towers for a view over this perfect little
city.
For more information, or to check availability and prices, please contact Amelia at earl.amelia@googlemail.com or on 07801241710
