La Fornace is a 100 year old, fully restored traditional Tuscan house: bathrooms and kitchen and all services are new, whilst the character has been retained. On the first floor is a spacious and well lit living room, opening at the back on to a terrace with views over the valley. A wood stove, and Tuscan terracotta tiles, yellow wash walls and dark chestnut beams combine here to create a warm and
characterful space to read and relax in. Along the corridor, the master bedroom is the most peaceful and magical room in the whole house, its tiled floor, beamed ceiling and brick walls all original, with a balcony overlooking the surrounding woodland. On the second floor are three further bedrooms. The second master bedroom is large with a high ceiling and its chestnut windows giving on to woodland. Another double room at the back of the house has extensive views over the valley, and the fourth bedroom can either be a comfortable adult single or childrens' double. All are decorated in local style. There is a shower room with toilet and basin. The house enjoys use of a large garden, private 9x5m pool, onsite parking and terraces in an idyllic wooded setting. It is equipped with TV/DVD, CD player, barbecues, towels/linen, washing machine and clothes tree (shared). La Fornace is adjacent to Casa Fiona, a 3/4 bed cottage which may be rented together or separately. The pool, parking area and terraces are shared, and our guests always seem to manage and enjoy the company. The property lies on a rise just 5 minutes walk from the centre of Valdottavo, a traditional working village. Local people are welcoming and friendly, especially in the two local cafe bars and the family owned food shops with their home baked bread and local tomatoes, olives and fresh produce. It is therefore possible to while away the holiday by the pool, eating delicious local food. A number of nearby restaurants serve delicious pizza, pasta, seafood and Tuscan cuisine at very reasonable prices, the closest of which is 1km away. Nearby Lucca is only 20 mins, en route 'Esselunga' supermarket whose deli counter is the stuff of dreams. Lucca is a walled medieval city to cycle or walk around, whose alleys and piazzas, cafes, restaurants and shops, Roman amphitheatre and Renaissance cathedral offer days out without effort or stress. Pisa and Florence, the lesser known Pistoia and Prato, and Tuscany's many villas are an easy day's excursion, as are the elegant Art Deco seaside resorts of Viareggio and Camaiore. Hire a beach umbrella and deckchairs for a day and enjoy the fresh seafood and ice cream. The Garfagnana National Park is all around and its steep wooded slopes, hill villages and stunning views are to be explored. 2000m peaks of the Appenine range offer superb hiking, sub-alpine flora and breathtaking views, above all in spring and autumn when the natural beauty is at its height. The peace and beauty of the house, garden and pool in their woodland surroundings, the convenience and friendliness of the village and the opportunities presented by the nearby cities, beaches and hills of Tuscany. Many holidays to cherish at once.
