17th Century villa with luxury finish. Big house, bigger views

15 minutes from Lucca 'Casa Berti' is a handsome 17th century villa that is, first and foremost, an unusually well-appointed private family house, reached by a track that winds up from the village church. The views are exceptional, even by Italian standards. Set in 6 hectares of olive terraces, gardens and a freshwater spring, it is a villa of rare charm and peacefulness with its own farmhouse, artist’s studio , swimming pool and private chapel. The villa itself sleeps 10 guests. The farmhouse is near the main house, and available for a further 6 guests. Families are welcome and children well provided for. Villa: 4 beautiful king size doubles, 1 gorgeous twin bedroom. Brand new Air conditioning, 3D TV, Falcon range cooker and Miele and Gaggenau appliances, etc. The villa has been restored with integrity and authenticity. Its lofty interior spaces - high ceilings, large and numerous windows and double doors - mark Casa Berti as a true villa. The thick walls ensure a cool interior even in the height of summer, and throughout there is relaxed refinement. A terracotta-tiled terrace, lined with lemon trees, leads onto a shaded pergola with a large travertine table and iron chairs. In summer this is, in effect, an outdoor living and dining room. A gas grill makes outdoor cooking simple and there is a wood-burning, traditional pizza oven by the farmhouse. An evening of pizza-making is great fun for all ages. Above the villa the three-bedroom farmhouse, simpler yet charming, provides sleeping for a further five people. It is self-contained, with a small kitchen and seating area. The swimming pool (10 x 6m, with shallow end and Roman steps), is set just below the villa on a separate, deep terrace. Sheltered and with all-day sun, it has sweeping views of the valley. A second simpler pergola provides shade. There are luxury Gaze Burvill pool loungers. Casa Berti is a great place from which to explore northern Tuscany, but once here you may not want to leave... Keywords: Family Villa luxury