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Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca

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Outdoor dining
Exterior
Pool
Exterior
Pool

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
6 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 103767.4 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View in a map
Lucca, Toscana
  • Place, Walls of Lucca
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Place, Piazza San Michele
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Place, Lucca City Hall
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Airport, Pisa (PSA-Galileo Galilei)
    ‪42 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Single Bed

Bedroom 6

1 Queen Bed

4 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca

Al Bastini is a beautiful, peaceful and well-equipped 18th century villa-farmhouse with glorious panoramic views. Set in 7 acres of land with old olives and fruit trees, and surrounded by unspoilt olive groves and forested hills, it forms a perfect haven from which to explore this part of Tuscany. The house is furnished in traditional Tuscan style with local stone, antique cotto floors, high chestnut-beamed ceilings and a wood burner stove. The accommodation sleeps 10 people in 4 double bedrooms, 2 single bedrooms & 4 bathrooms. The extensive facilities include a brand new gourmet kitchen with high end range cooker, 2 fridges and 2 dishwashers; air-conditioning; WiFi broadband; 50” Smart TV & DVD player; a full size billiards table, table tennis; and an excellent grand piano.

Around the house, the landscaped gardens feature a heated and gated 10 x 5m pool, a herb garden, flowerbeds and terraced lawns. There are 3 al fresco eating areas in both sun and shade to choose from - a covered loggia, a stone barbecue and a pool-side pergola - all enjoying the wonderful views. There are ample quality garden chairs, sunbeds and hammocks for relaxation for your family and friends.

Just 15 mins drive from the centre of the famous medieval city of Lucca, Al Bastini is within easy reach of the historic cities of Pisa, Florence and Siena and the coast. You are close to Lucca’s many historic villas and to charming villages dedicated to agriculture and viniculture.

A few minutes from Al Bastini by car are the shops and restaurants of the village of San Macario in Piano. A further 5 minutes away are 3 large supermarkets and in another 5 minutes, you will arrive in Lucca. Both Pisa airport and the beautiful beaches of the Versilian coast can be reached in 30 minutes.

Tuscany (and at further distance, Umbria) are full of wonderful places to visit - the obvious ones being Pisa (30 mins drive), Florence (1 hour by road or 75 minutes by train from Lucca), Siena (1½hours) and San Gimignano (1½ hours).

We can organise excellent chefs to cook wonderful dinners at Al Bastini for you and your guests and we can also provide cookery lessons. Organised sightseeing trips and vineyard tours of the many excellent Colline Lucchesi vineyards and olive mills can also be pre-booked.

For the lovely, cooler months – ideal for sightseeing and walking – Al Bastini has a wood burner and full central heating – and a well-stocked library of books, guidebooks and DVDs. Lucca is fully open all year round and is wonderful “out of season” – including its charming Christmas market season, New Year fireworks, and Easter procession.

Our super responsive and very knowledgeable English-speaking house manager will be happy to support you during your stay with anything you may need..

The house is reached by a fully tarmacked private road, kept in good condition. The road climbs a hill and has a sharp bend (that can be seen in the photos for reference) that may be preferable to do the first time in daylight to see the layout.

Al Bastini now benefits from a new open-plan gourmet kitchen, a new outdoor wood-fired pizza oven and grill and and 4 new bathrooms. The new saltwater swimming pool and sunbathing area was also recently refurbished.

Do not miss the opportunity to sample the sheer beauty and tranquillity of Al Bastini.


Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 23
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
On booking it is understood that you have read and agree to the full rental agreement clauses 1-15.
Pool open May-September. Pool heating un-necessary in July + August. Recommended in May, June + September. Price 400 Euros per week.
Air-con charged by metred usage and paid online at the end of your stay. Typical charges 250 Euros plus, depending on needs.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number IT046017C2M4K3XEBB
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

About the area

Lucca

Located in Lucca, this villa is in a rural area and by the sea. Puccini Museum and Real Collegio are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Leaning Tower and Walls of Lucca. Travelling with kids? Consider Lucca Botanical Gardens and Piccolo Mondo. Discover the area's water adventures with windsurfing and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking.
View more Villas in LuccaOpens in a new window
Map
Lucca, Toscana

What's nearby

  • Walls of Lucca - 18 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Piazza San Michele - 18 min drive - 11.0 km
  • Lucca City Hall - 18 min drive - 11.0 km
  • Lucca Polo Fiere - 19 min drive - 13.1 km
  • Piazza Napoleone - 22 min drive - 11.7 km

Getting around

  • San Giuliano Terme Ripafratta Station - 15 min drive
  • Pisa (PSA-Galileo Galilei) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Autogrill Monte Quiesa - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Le Terme - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪L'Alpino - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Osaka Asian Fusion Restaurant - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Bar Puccini - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

How much does it cost to stay at Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca?

As of 14 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca on 21 Nov 2026 start from £642, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca located?

Located by the sea, this family-friendly villa is within 6 mi (10 km) of Walls of Lucca, Porta Sant'Anna, and Lucca Courthouse. Puccini Museum and Lucca Botanical Gardens are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 59 out of 65 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 65 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 65 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 65 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 65 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Timothy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a return trip to Al Bastini for me.The setting, the accommodation and the pool are all superb. While only 15 minutes from the town of Lucca, the house is in a very peaceful location with glorious views across the Tuscan hills.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristian H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful house in a beautiful location, close to Lucca and Pisa.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderfully relaxing peaceful escape yet only a short drive into the historic walled city of Lucca, with it’s very good restaurants and abundance of things to see. We had amazing weather (29) for September so made excellent use of the beautiful pool. Tanya (villa manager) was incredibly helpful and organised a private chef (Fabrizio excellent) for an evening of absolutely delicious authentic Tuscan fare and our taxi on another evening into Lucca. Al Bastini was everything we’d hoped for and more!! Hoping to return one day!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ian H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

A beautiful secluded family retreat for a great holiday break
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jane E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning property

Al Bastini is a peaceful idyll on the outskirts of Lucca. Very much a home from home with everything you might need readily available to make your stay all the more enjoyable. We had the most amazing time and would definitely return. Thank you so much.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous villa near Lucca

Beautifully appointed spacious and prestigious villa with spectacular views and wonderful facilities. Tastefully decorated throughout, perfect for families/groups wanting quiet getaway destination with excellent, high quality facilities (swimming pool, a/c throughout, billiards table, grand piano, table tennis, multiple large fridges and advanced, well designed kitchen). Lots of outside space and shaded areas. Good communication with manager, who was responsive and keen for us to enjoy our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property is absolutely stunning! My family of 8 stayed for a week and enjoyed everything about this home. The main floor is set up perfectly for spending time together. We used the huge, well equipped kitchen to cook many of our own meals but we also enjoyed having 2 different chefs come to cook for us as well. One night we made pizzas in the outdoor pizza oven using fresh herbs from the garden. The views from the outdoor dining area were incredible!One of our favorite things about this property was the pool. It was the perfect temperature, well maintained and surrounded by beautiful landscaping. The gardener is amazing!The location of this property is terrific. We rented cars and could easily drive to grocery stores, restaurants, wineries and to explore the nearby city of Lucca. We also drove to the train station to take a train to Cinque Terre for the day.The staff was friendly, professional and made sure we had everything we needed. Check in was easy, taxis were arranged when needed, rental cars were delivered to the villa and communication was excellent. The handbook that was provided answered every question we had and was full of great suggestions about places to visit and things to do.All 8 of us loved this property. It had something for everyone and was so spacious. One week was not enough. I hope we can return someday!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Al Bastini

Family and friends gathered at Al Bastini to explore the Lucca region. The Villa was wonderfully appointed and very comfortable. The pool was a big hit with the grandkids and the outdoor wood fired BBQ was used multiple times throughout the week. The owners have a great collection of books that cover Tuscany and Italian cooking. I wish I could have stayed a month so I could sit and read and gaze over the spectacular views. The local hosts were very helpful and accessible. Highly recommended. A very comfortable Tuscan villa with a great kitchen and multiple outdoor areas to sit and relax and enjoy a moment of quiet with friends and family.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lee C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We didn’t want to leave ...!

The house is charming, comfortable, with everything you could want for a perfect stay. The outside area is beautiful with a great pool and beautiful views. Our family of 10—3 generations—had plenty of space. The owner was welcoming and helpful sending lots of information about the Lucca area before our stay. Easy day trips from this location. The time went very quickly and we all had such a good time we were sorry we didn’t book a second week. You won’t be disappointed, the house is even better than it looks on HomeAway.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Philip B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous holiday in the heart of Tuscany

A lovely, lovely house with so much space and amenities. Tremendous views particularly in the evening as the sun sets. We loved eating in the Loggia after early evening drinks outside with some late night snooker and swimming. It's very quiet for sleeping at nights and the kitchen is both beautiful and well thought through including 2 dishwashers! It's definitely worth making use of the local chefs. We were surprised how quick it was from Pisa airport and Lucca has a lot to offer with the walk around the walls a must and some fabulous restaurants. Pisa and Florence aren't too far for day visits. All in all a superb place to stay. It must be best in class.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Duncan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location, location, location

Our first trip to Tuscany and what a place to stay! The villa and location are outstanding in every sense. The view from the property is stunning: a classic Italian scene; but it is the quietness of the wooded valley that makes it a very special place. The pool is another striking feature- it is large and set in a beautiful position within the garden. The villa itself is stylish and comfortable. The newly refurbished kitchen is outstanding- with every appliance/gadget on hand for foodies wanting to cook for themselves or for visiting chefs. We had amazing meals cooked for us by Morena and Fabrizio- both highly recommended. Finally, the property's location close to the fascinating historic town of Lucca and only half an hour from the coast makes this villa a not-to-be missed destination!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Alan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Overall fantastic

Not much to add to the other great reviews! Place and location is amazing so long as you don’t mind a hilly curvy drive - and I happen to. My one qualm, and it did make a significant difference during our 2 week stay, is the mattress quality. 2-3 of the upstairs mattresses are decent, however the downstairs beds have mattresses to be ashamed of. You can literally feel individual springs through them causing pressure points uncomfortable sleep throughout the night.
Stayed 13 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anthony M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Luxurious, peaceful retreat!

Located in tranquil woodland surroundings, this is an ideal destination for your holiday. Lucca is just a short drive away, offering numerous excellent dining options and plenty of attractions. Exploring the ancient city walls is a must-do activity, either walking or hiring a bicycle! Lucca, being the birthplace of Puccini, hosts various opera festivals, making it a paradise for music enthusiasts. Be sure to check out the host's recommendations for local village butchers, a restaurant, a winery, and an ice cream parlour. We enjoyed a delicious cordon bleu meal prepared by the Villa's highly recommended in-house chef, thanks to the well-equipped modern kitchen! The swimming pool offers a serene space for leisurely exercise and sunbathing, boasting stunning views of the lush valley. We eagerly anticipate our next visit to this Tuscan paradise!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

One week is not long enough

We spent a week at Al Bastini and we wish we could have stayed longer. The location is perfect and the views are fabulous. The house had a great layout for our family of 4 along with 3 of our adult friends. We took daytrips from the house, but also enjoyed just staying at the house to swim or play ping pong. The kitchen is fantastic and through the management we booked chef Morena to prepare dinner for us one night. Morena and the food were so amazing, that we immediately asked her to come back the next night. Our only regret, was not booking Morena to prepare dinner every night. We did have an issue with the downstairs bedroom air conditioning not working, but management immediately responded to my message and had a technician out the next day to try and resolve the issue. A big thank you to Alex and Tanya for their help and great communication. I highly recommend staying at Al Bastini, and we definitely plan on going back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Triin T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect holiday villa

Our Al Bastini stay was a dream. With awe-inspiring views, the villa’s expansive terraces became havens for relaxation. The rooms embody spacious elegance and local charm, blending modern comfort with countryside aesthetics. The newly renovated kitchen (with dual dishwashers and fridges) exceeded expectations for food enthusiasts like us. Outdoor BBQ and pizza oven experiences, courtesy of Chef Fabrizio, were absolute highlights. Thanks to gardener Thomas, the beautifully maintained garden's fresh produce added authenticity to our meals: the kids loved picking ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and small zucchinis. The saltwater pool was the epitome of relaxation: we spent countless hours floating, reading, and enjoying the ambiance. Al Bastini's standout was great service: Alex, Iris, and Tanya ensured smooth reservations, check-in/out, and prompt assistance. Our stay was flawless. Seeking beauty, comfort, and tranquility? Al Bastini is your haven.
Stayed 28 nights in Jul 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Sysanne H.

Absolutely wonderful holiday

We were a family of 8 adults and two small children and Al Bastini was magical for everyone. The house was very comfortable and spacious with stunning views over the hills. Everyone is still talking of evenings on the terrace drinking very inexpensive prosecco with a gentle cooling breeze. Les the owner was always very helpful and nothing was too mch trouble. He even arranged for lasagnes to be in the fridge so we didn't have to worry about food as soon as we arrived. There is a very good Co-op nearby and an excellent butcher in the village. The pool is excellent, the three years old learnt to swim, and in the evenings there were table tennis tournaments! Lucca is close by and there is a good bus service to Florence. Everyone loved Al Bastini and there are already plans to go back soon. A fantastic memory, thanks Les, your house needs more than 5 stars!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing vacation in Tuscany!

We are a group of 10 friends who travel together often and planned a summer trip to Tuscany to celebrate some milestone birthdays. We spent quite some time researching homes before landing on Al Bastini for its incredible views, convenient location in Lucca, privacy, ample space, but most importantly air conditioning and swimming pool for August! The home and the vacation overall were pretty close to perfect. The house manager was an incredible help to us as we were asking questions about the villa, planning day trips, and renting cars. She emphasized what a perfect location Lucca is, and she was right! We were able to discover some of Lucca and also take day (or partial day) trips to Pisa, the Puccini Festival, Cinque Terre, Chianti, and the beach. Luckily we also had time at the house - to enjoy the pool, cook in the beautiful kitchen, have a private chef cook us dinner and another make pizza for us in the outdoor pizza oven. Our only complaint is that maybe we should have booked two weeks instead of one! Thank you Al Bastini, we hope to see you again soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous stay

What a fabulous week we had at Al Bastini. It is a beautiful, private and secluded property with incredible views and everything you could wish for in a holiday property. We have rented many holiday villas before and have often found that the interiors do not match the outside space in terms of style and quality - this is not the case at Al Bastini where everything is beautifully appointed. We felt instantly relaxed here. The villa is perfect for a family holiday with many areas inside and out where you can find your own space but also to come together for family meals. We loved the terraces and loggia and ate all of our meals outside. Whilst the weather wasn’t as kind to us as we’d hoped we still managed to fit in some time by the wonderful swimming pool which has great loungers and lots of space. We found it hard to leave the villa and its wonderfully peaceful surroundings in the day but when we did want to explore further afield the journey to Lucca takes only around 15 minutes by car. There is a small village closer to the villa which has a great little restaurant and a lovely ice-cream shop (also sells the most amazing cakes)!) We appreciated all the recommendations that we received prior to our stay for restaurants and places to visit - we tried many and were delighted by them all. We hope they we can return to Al Bastini in future and thoroughly recommend it for a fabulous holiday in Tuscany.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceeded Expecations

Les, your home was just spectacular!! Where do I begin....The villa was much more than we had expected, it's stunningly beautiful nestled on a hillside with breathtaking views. Old charm with modern convivences, spotless with ample room for all of us ( 9 people). Our favorite spot was the loggia where we would start each morning with coffee and breakfast then end each night with a glass of wine. The pool was refreshing as the temperatures were in the 90 each day. Our party of nine had such a wonderful stay we will be taking about it for years to come. Great location we visited Florence, Sienna, Cinque Terre, San Gimignano and Lucca. A special thank you to Alex for assisting us with booking a wine tour, a chef and answering all of my many questions, she was a pleasure to work with. Morena our chef for one evening was just superb. We all wished we could have stayed longer. Thank you so much for your hospitality and sharing your home with us as it truly made our trip to Italy that more special. Ciao, Cheryl
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Ann P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning Location and Beautiful Rustic Villa

Al Bastini is a spacious well equipped villa, it benefits from a fantastic private pool and several areas to relax and enjoy stunning views of the outstanding beauty of the area. The additional benefits of the games room with billiard table and outdoor table tennis, grand piano in the lobby, added to making the overall stay very memorable. (We are fortunate enough to have talented pianists in our family members.) Al Bastini is in need of a little refurbishment, however, this said there is everything you could possibly need for your stay. We used the services of a chef for one of our evenings, organised by Tanya the Property Manager. We selected a four course menu for the 10 of us, the meal was delicious, quality ingredients used for everything, and we can highly recommend this option. The road up to the villa is a slight challenge, so arrive in daylight if possible as negotiating this in the dark is not to be recommended. The property is ideally set to visit a number of interesting locations but due to COVID at the time of our holiday we spent our time in our family bubble at the villa. Due to this we cannot provide feedback on these local places of interest or the beach. There are plenty of places to shop in the nearby town of Lucca the largest supermarket being the Co-Op. The manager and owner of this property could not have been more helpful throughout the entire booking process, keeping in touch via e-mail answering queries etc, so a big thank you to Alex. We wish Al Bastini well for the future and say thanks for a wonderful family holiday.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Christopher M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location for exploring Tuscany

We enjoyed our stay at this spacious villa and would recommend it to others, despite a few negatives. Pros: The location (10 minutes outside Lucca, a great city in and of itself and to use as a base for exploring Tuscany), the grounds are immaculate, and the view is sublime. We loved the pool and the excellent air conditioning in the bedrooms and living room, as the weather was very hot during our stay. The outdoor eating area was great (bring bug spray!), right next to the kitchen and with a wonderful view. Plenty of space for our party of 8 (4 adults, and 4 teens), with 6 bedrooms and 4 full baths. The pool table and ping pong table were very fun. Kitchen is functional and well equipped; we made dinner several nights and had a chef come one night for a pizza making lesson. The communication with the on-site manager and thru VRBo was excellent, making check-in and check-out easy. They provided helpful suggestions for activities and made reservations for us. The cons: the villa was burglarized during our stay, resulting in the loss of a watch and some jewelry. We realize this wasn't the fault of the owners but it was distressing, to say the least. The house manager wasn't particularly sympathetic t start, but she later helpfully went to the police station with us and the owners contacted us directly to demonstrate their concern. Other more minor issues: the 1/2 mile driveway up to the villa is very steep and twisty; it is challenging at night or with a manual car and would be very tough in winter. The bathrooms needed some work (clogged drain in master, for example). But overall we had a very good time at this villa and would recommend it.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Andrea B.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication

Property has BEDBUGS. Flippant response from owner.

We came home with BEDBUGS and the owner was the most concerned with my review. I woke up one morning in this villa with bites all over me. Two others with us had bites too. I went to my dermatologist the very next day after our return. She thought they were bedbug bites. I called an exterminator and scheduled an inspection. I texted the property manager and she said they must be mosquito bites. She said she had an inspection done and there were no bedbugs. I came to find out that her inspection was done by the cleaning staff! They are not trained professionals and don't know what to look for. They come out at night to feed and then they go into hiding places. Some people show the bite marks and other people show no signs at all AND it can take up to ten days for the bites to even show up on your skin. I was so lucky to have such a severe reaction as that prompted me to go to the doctor and then call the exterminator. The exterminator came and we did have bedbugs. I had to pack up my entire house contents into black bags, seal them with duct tape and put them in my backyard in the high heat so any bedbugs that may be on my things would die as they do in high temperatures. On the day of treatment, we had to leave the house and after they finished treatment, we had to wait four hours before we could return home. We were having a heatwave in Atlanta and the temperature got up to 99 degrees that day and my cat had to be locked outside in the backyard for the whole day. I now have to wait a couple of weeks for them to come back and do another inspection to make sure they got them all before I bring all of my stuff back inside and unpack. I told this to the house manager and she said that they disinfect the bedding/mattress. I received an email from the property owner and he reiterated that my bites are from mosquitos. He offered me 500 euros to leave a positive review. Their lack of concern was shocking. I implored him to have the house inspected by an exterminator. I told him my main concern was future guests taking them home with them as we did. He seemed more interested in why the exterminators were going to such lengths and that in the Uk, exterminators don't put you through that. His flippancy was overwhelming. He started each email out with "without prejudice" to protect himself. I have no interest in suing or in his offer of 500 euros. I simply wanted the problem at the villa resolved. I have no idea if they are taking the proper steps.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christoph L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Traumhafte Lage mit gehobener Ausstattung!Top
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ethan L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

La Dolce Vita!

We are so grateful to have celebrated our first wedding anniversary at Al Bastini, which offers a quintessential Tuscan experience that exceeded even our wildest expectations. Nestled into a wooded hillside, Al Bastini has the most breathtaking panoramic views which are both unspoilt and private. We were left speechless when first stepping onto the terrace, and we continued to be wowed each and everyday as the sky changed from blues, to pinks and reds in the evening and then became littered with stars in the night sky. Opening the shutters every morning to this view was a treat in itself. We opted to spend most of our time lazing by the private pool which provided the perfect relief from the late summer sunshine. There would be ample space for 10 to swim and sunbathe, so for just two of us it was a very special and secluded treat. Many evenings were spent on the terrace, or loggia, whiling away the hours watching the sunset with a glass of wine in hand. On occasion we made use of the beautifully crafted outdoor barbecue, and pizza oven. Al Bastini is well located, with local restaurants, gelaterias and supermarkets just a few minutes away by car. The beautiful medieval town of Lucca is 15 minutes away and was a daily destination for lunch, dinner or drinks. We fell in love with the town, with its cobbled streets, medieval walls and eclectic shops. We were reluctant to leave the serene surroundings of Bastini, but ventured by car to the hilltop town of San Gigmiano, Siena, and the Tuscan capital, Florence, by train from Lucca. All are well worth a visit, if you can drag yourself away from the house and pool! Bastini provides the perfect base for exploring. To complete our experience we enjoyed privately cooked dinners from two of the chefs available to hire via the property managers. Morena and Fabrizio treated us to the most impeccable service and exquisite cuisine, and to our favourite, tiramisu! On the rare occasion the weather was inclement, the indoor facilities of the house were more than sufficient entertainment. Whether watching the vast array of satellite TV channels on the comfy sofas in the living room or playing snooker/pool with a late night aperitif, we were not left wanting. Italian’s have a phrase, ‘la dolce vita’ which loosely translates to ‘the good life’ and, after the past two weeks stay at Bastini, we can fully appreciate and understand it’s meaning. Alla Prossima!
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect holiday villa

We loved our stay at Al Bastini. The views are stunning and the pool is the perfect place to relax on a hot day. Rooms were comfortable and the snooker table was great fun! It is only a short drive to the attractive historic town of Lucca and in the heart of the Tuscan wine region so plenty to do when we wanted to leave the comfort of Al Bastini. A wonderful trip that we hope to repeat in the future!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by Alex Lester

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Languages:

English, French, German, Italian

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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