BELVEDERE - In the hamlet village of Celle dei Puccini. Tuscany as it was & is

Entrance from terrace leading directly into the well equipped kitchen. The apartment has the benefit of a south facing ‘belvedere’ - (bella - meaning beautiful - vedere - meaning to see) an enclosed & elevated terrace with breathtaking views over the hills and valleys. There are 2 double bedrooms - one twin/double with an adjoining shower room with bidet & the other double room with en-suite shower room. This room has a small balcony/terrace. The apartment was originally the wine cellars and features many of the old stone archways. With the added windows and walkway into the 'belvedere' terrace, this has become a sunwashed and bright apartment. The living room is comfortably furnished (it is possible to put a put-u-up bed for an extra child) although many spend their time reading & relaxing on the secluded terrace watching the world go by! The kitchen is well equipped with large fridge with freezing compartment, dishwasher & washing machine. Gas B-B-Q. Wifi

It is known that this was the 1st building to be built in the village in 1594. It has had many uses in its time and was once used as a convent with its cellars being used for the production of olive oil and wine. Olive oil is still being made by the locals from the village olives groves, including from our own olive grove. Wine is made from the vines grown on the hillside.

We purchased the building in an almost ruined state in early 2004 after many years of it being uninhabited. (some parts over 100 yrs) It has been divided into separate dwellings, each having its own individual features & all having been lovingly restored by local craftsmen to include all the modern day appliances while maintaining the traditional Tuscan charm. There is a fascinating mixture of high ceilings, original floors, chestnut beams, stone fireplaces and terracotta floors.

With a shared heated swimming pool set in the extensive grounds, commanding an unbroken and breathtaking views of the hills, makes a perfect place to relax.

Each of our properties has a detailed information pack that we have put together for our guests, showing places of interest, activities for all ages and we hope it will give our guests an idea of how to enjoy the Province of Tuscany to the full. To name but a few that you may wish to search on Google, Vinci, the home of Leonardo where there is an interesting museum for both children & adults showing models of his inventions. The monastry built 'in' the rock in Calomini (Eremo di Calomini) by the monks in the 7th century. Grotta del Vento, an under ground world of galleries & chambers. Parco Avventura, offers a challenge for children, youths & adults who can test their ability with suspension bridges, swinging beams, vertical nets, ropes etc. (trainers & long trousers essential) Many fabulous places for walkers, San Pellegrino to name but a few.

Shops: With only 32 people living in Celle, there is not enough business to warrant shops.
Only 10 mins drive down the hill is Diecimo. There is a row of small shops run by the locals, Post office, 2 petrol stations, chemist, a baker who bakes on the premises. There are 2 cafes, where you can stop & have coffee & delicious cakes freshly filled rolls. There is also a butcher. A further 5 min. drive to Borgo Mozzano, there is a supermarket & large deli. An ideal shop to start your holiday shopping. There is another, larger supermarket (Esselunga) in Marlia which is in the direction of Lucca. Many great restaurants within 8-10mins drive from Celle & one in the village itself serving fresh homemade traditional Tuscan food, made with local produce & local wines.

The nearest Train Station is in Diecimo, about 10 mins drive from Celle. You will need to change at Lucca for Florence or Pisa. Free parking at Diecimo Station

Climate: June/July/Aug are usually hot & temperatures tend to stay around 30 - 35 degrees. Off peak holidays also have their attraction: May/June are wonderful months to visit, when the air smells of honey & the wild flowers are abundant. This is an excellent time for walking with many walks in and around Celle.

MIDWEEK ARRIVAL OPTION

During the high season our bookings are usually 'back to back' and we are not able to be flexible with our Saturday changeover day. For those families who wish to arrive a day early or stay a day longer, there is a very good and very reasonably priced local hotel in Borgo Mozzano. (Hotel Milano) Their charges include breakfast and they have family rooms for up to 5 people. They also have a restaurant. If you wish to consider this option, please do not hesitate to contact us, or if you wish, contact them direct. They do have english speaking staff available.

For folk arriving late in the evening, we can arrange for some breakfast items so that you can enjoy your first morning without having to hurry out to shop!