Casa a Corte is a beautifully restored Tuscan farmhouse of Roman origin set in the rolling hills surrounding Lucca but perfectly located for exploring, whether cities, beaches, transport links and mountains.
We absolutely love the stunning, private 12x5m swimming pool which benefits from sunshine morning to dusk! Glorious 360 degree panoramic views provide a magnificent backdrop whilst relaxing on the pool's sun loungers. The pool has steps, lighting and a solar- powered shower. The mountains of the Alpi Apuane can be seen from the house and pool - nature (& history) at its best!
Casa a Corte is a peaceful retreat but only 20 minutes drive from the lively city of Lucca & 10 mins from some great restaurants, both Michelin *, world famous trattoria and great locals. One could easily spend all day soaking up the sun by the pool, listening to birdsong and cicadas singing in the olive trees! Families absolutely love the total privacy with all the best that nature can offer, whether reading, children letting off steam and exploring.
As a family with children and grand-children, we all really look forward to al freso dining - evening aperitivi and dinners on the south terrace are very special for us. One can spend many a happy hour enjoying the views and listening to the church bells from neighbouring villages - truly, la dolce vita!
The Casa a Corte estate extends to 30 acres of olive groves, vineyards, fruit trees, wild flowers, chestnut woodlands, mountain streams, so leisurely evening walks are a must! Sometimes we might even hear nightingales singing and see fire-flies flitting across the valley!
The charming city of Lucca (nicknamed the city of a hundred churches) offers wonderful places of historical interest to explore with tree-lined pathways along the tops of the 16th-17th walls which are popular for strolling and cycling. What an experience to join Italians for the passegiata at sunset before dining out in one of Lucca's fine restaurants!
The house itself is a typical Tuscan farmhouse, charming and traditional, retaining all the original chestnut beams, fireplace and terracotta floors. The well-equipped kitchen is perfect for trying out your favourite Italian recipes or perhaps enjoying an evening with our local private chef Fabrizio!. He will come and cook a seasonal, Lucchese meal in our kitchen (to suit everyone's dietary requirements). We have wonderful feedback from guests not only about his cooking but about Fabrizio himself - a really charming character. He and his waiter Luigi speak excellent English!
As a family home, Casa a Corte has a library of books and games + Starlink internet & Sky tv. Angela, our house keeper prepares the house for guests - all bed-linen and bathroom towels are provided.
The east terrace is accessed from both the kitchen and dining room and has a large slate dining table and eight chairs. A bamboo pergola and climbing jasmine, wisteria and passion fruit provides dappled shade. There are views through the olive trees to the pool. Lighting above the large stone table allows for evening 'al fresco' dining. Alongside is a large free-standing bbq.
The large terracotta tiled south terrace is a sun worshipper's dream with a 3 seater sofa, 2 arm chairs and dining table.
Watch the sun setting from the west terrace and enjoy relaxing in a well established garden of roses, mixed shrubs and fruit trees. A table and benches are provided.
All terraces have fabulous views across the olives, vineyards and valley with automatic dusk to dawn lighting around the house. The swimming pool lights stay on until 23 hrs.
The area is organic - a wildlife enthusiast's dream with many rare species of animals and birds. In the spring and summer the countryside is full of wild flowers. As Italy becomes more developed and young people leave the villages for city life, the importance of our valley with its traditional farming methods is becoming more significant.
Casa a Corte has appeared in the TV programme 'A House in Tuscany' and in several magazines.
10 minutes from the house is our favourite restaurant - Antica Locanda di Sesto. serving seasonal, local, Lucchese food. Aurelio, eldest son of the Barattini family is head chef - his reputation as a brilliant chef has taken him to the US, Europe, Asia, Monaco - we highly recommend this special restaurant! You will be given the warmest welcome.
The local town of Ponte A Moriano (10 mins drive away) provides all the usual amenities - post office, bank, pharmacy, cafes, restaurants, butchers and a fabulous delicatessen for take-away meals. Do try Sauro's gelateria/bar offering some of the best home-made ice cream in the area! Every Tuesday morning there is a market in the main piazza selling local produce such as honey, cheeses, olive oil, fresh fish, fruit and vegetables etc. The local supermarket, Esselunga has everything! For local wines visit Lucca Vini on the Serchio bridge .
What we love and recommend to our guests!
Tuscany & Lucca boasts many festivals & cultural events throughout the year. Some of the most popular are listed below:
During July, Lucca has a wonderful music festival attracting the best musicians from around the world. The Rolling Stones, Elton John have both played recently. There is also the wonderful Puccini opera in Torre del Lago, plus wonderful choirs singing in the cathedrals. Every third weekend of the month is an antique, bric a brac market within the walls of Lucca.
The house is perfectly located for visiting Florence (1 hour by train from Lucca station), Pisa and Siena. Don't forget the small but beautiful arty town of Pietrasanta which is packed full of art galleries & cafes, with more working sculptors than anywhere else; it is in the shadow of Carerra famous for it's marble and where Michelangelo carved Davide.
The seaside resorts of Viareggio - 35 mins, Forti di Marmi & Lericci are nearby and the mountain regions of Garfagnana & ski resort of Abetone.
Nearer to home are some stunning villas ( Villa Bernardi, Grabau, Olivia, Reale, Torrigiani, Mansi, Collodi) & gardens to visit and also vineyards - Tenuta di Valgiano & Buonamico https://www.valgiano.it/en/diary/ https://www.buonamicowineresort.it/en/
The Cinque Terra is a beautiful world heritage sight - this can be walked, visited by boat or train.
Cycling in the mountains and woods is fantastic in our area. The best road & mountain bikes are all available to hire and delivered to A Corte. Alternatively you can organise a cycling day(s) with a pro. https://chronobikes.com/ https://www.ciclismoplus.com/ The Giro d'Italia route passes by Lucca province on the way north to Genoa. https://www.giroditalia.it/en/ 11-18 June 2024.
The Palio of Siena, is a medieval horse race competition between the 17 Contrade of Siena which takes place around the ancient cobbled stoned piazza, usually held on 2 July & 16 August. It is a truly memorable event, originating 1000 years ago.
In early November Lucca hosts the 2nd biggest Comic Fair in the world.
All rates quoted are in UK Stirling.
