Beautiful restored Tuscan farmhouse priv pool, garden, beautiful panoramic views

Beautiful restored Tuscan farmhouse priv pool, garden, beautiful panoramic views

Photo gallery for Beautiful restored Tuscan farmhouse priv pool, garden, beautiful panoramic views

View of pool from bedroom window. The pool benefits from all day sunshine
Casa A Corte proudly stands on a ridge with 360degree panoramic views
CasaACorte & barn with surrounding estate & yet 20mins drive to Lucca, 1hr Pisa
Private swimming pool, sun loungers & olive trees, panoramic 360 views
Kitchen dining room terrace with panoramic view, 35m to pool bbq outdoor fridge

Overview of Beautiful restored Tuscan farmhouse priv pool, garden, beautiful panoramic views

5 out of 5 Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • PoolPoolPool
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi

Check out the area

Lucca, Tuscany
  • Popular LocationPiazza dell'Anfiteatro24 min drive
  • Popular LocationWalls of Lucca25 min drive
  • Popular LocationPiazza Napoleone27 min drive
  • AirportPisa (PSA-Galileo Galilei)62 min drive

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

Bedroom main

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bidet · Toilet · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Beautiful restored Tuscan farmhouse priv pool, garden, beautiful panoramic views

Casa a Corte is a beautifully restored Tuscan farmhouse of Roman origin set in the rolling hills surrounding Lucca.
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 beds. The pool has steps and a solar- powered shower. The mountains of the Alpi Apuane can be seen from the house and pool - nature at its best!
Casa a Corte is a peaceful retreat but only 20 minutes drive from the lively city of Lucca. 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.
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 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 pergola of 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) and Siena.
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.

Property manager

Hugh Johnson

Languages

English

Sustainability

Sustainability practices

At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
Comprehensive food waste policy
Locally-sourced food (80% minimum)
Energy-saving switches
Housekeeping on request
This information is provided by our partners.

Amenities

Pool
Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Lovely house and garden for children to play in.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
We do not operate a 'pay a deposit system' because our guests respect the property as they would their own at home and we enjoy this open approach

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

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
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Lucca

Located in Lucca, this farm stay is in a rural area and by the sea. Museum of Torture and Lucca Center of Contemporary Art are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Villa Reale and Villa Grabau. Travelling with kids? Consider Puccini Museum and Lucca Botanical Gardens. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Piazza dell'Anfiteatro - 24 min drive
  • Lucca Roman Amphitheatre - 25 min drive
  • Walls of Lucca - 25 min drive
  • Palazzo Pfanner - 26 min drive
  • Piazza Napoleone - 27 min drive

Getting around

  • Lucca Ponte a Moriano Station - 16 min drive
  • Pisa (PSA-Galileo Galilei) - 57 min drive

Restaurants

  • Antica Locanda di Sesto - 17 min drive
  • Bar la vela - 19 min drive
  • Sagra dei Rigatoni Parco Rimembranza Mutigliano - 21 min drive
  • Ristorante Pizzeria Guzzanello di Pardi Silvano - 29 min drive
  • Ristorante Il Naso - 12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Beautiful restored Tuscan farmhouse priv pool, garden, beautiful panoramic views have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Beautiful restored Tuscan farmhouse priv pool, garden, beautiful panoramic views pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Beautiful restored Tuscan farmhouse priv pool, garden, beautiful panoramic views?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beautiful restored Tuscan farmhouse priv pool, garden, beautiful panoramic views?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Beautiful restored Tuscan farmhouse priv pool, garden, beautiful panoramic views located?

Located in the mountains, this Lucca farm stay offers ski-in/ski-out access within 9 mi (15 km) of Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Via Fillungo and Puccini Museum. Lucca Botanical Gardens and Museum of Torture are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

5

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 5 - Excellent. 43 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Good. 1 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 3 - Okay. 0 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Poor. 0 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 1 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews" "

5/5

Cleanliness

5/5

Property conditions & facilities

5/5

Check-in

5/5

Communication

4.9/5

Location

5/5

Listing accuracy

Reviews

5/5 Excellent

Tomasz W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tuscan trip
Casa a Corte is a wonderful property a true Tuscan gem. House is cerfuly design with a simple but elegant touch. You will find everything you need from well equipped kitchen to washer in the downstairs buthroom. Our host, Hugh, shared with us a tons of information about the area restaurants, shoping and activities. You can have a great dinner at the local restaurant or have a private chef Fabrizio cook a traditional Tuscan dinner right in your kitchen. Make sure to visit local market, bakery or butcher where you can really feel small town hospitality, local people are always nice and helpful. I highy recommend Casa a Corte to anyone. Thank you Hugh for shering your wonderful home. Tom.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2023

5/5 Excellent

John V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Casa A Corte
What a beautiful spot, with eight of us there was lots of room for us both inside and out. Had everything one needs to cook their own meal, including a bar-b-que. Pool was a god send on the hot days. Laundry also helped. Fans in each room were great. I would recommend staying at Casa A Corte to anyone for sure.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

5/5 Excellent

Isabella N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The most wonderful week!
For an energetic family of five, CasaCorte was fabulous. Located in the hills with breathtaking views, the house is ideally located for dinner in Lucca and daily excursions into the hills or to the beach. The owner, Hugh was extremely prompt at responding to all queries and is a fountain of knowledge and is only too keen to share it! He has brilliant recommendations and his network of the area is vast eg restaurants and activities. Equally, if you wanted to be by the pool all day, I can’t think of a lovelier spot! The house is well kitted with a great little kitchen (we ate lunch at the house most days). The bedrooms are a good size and very comfortable and the house is extremely clean. We highly recommend this wonderful gem in the Tuscan hills!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

5/5 Excellent

Norma

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
How can I begin to describe the most magical place, Casa a Corte? First, after a very short stay, 6 nights, we all realized it wasn’t enough time and we didn’t want to leave. There is so much to see and the property is a perfect location for many day trips: Lucca, San Gimignano, Pisa, Cinque Terre to only list a few. You enter the property surrounded by green rolling hills, orchards, olive groves and of course vineyards. We can’t forget the pool which we spent our evenings enjoying. We spent our time outside on the many patios with comfortable seating or just lounging next to the pool. The evenings were filled with a glass of wine out on the patio with family. It was perfect. Hugh, our host was fabulous. Providing every detail we needed for the property which included the history, hikes, short walks, and the fabulous chef, Fabrizio! Fabrizio is a must, he is a wonderful chef and became a friend to our family. Back to Hugh, anything you needed he was only an email away and he replied straight away. He kept us in the loop on local farmers markets, wine shopping, restaurants to visit,,,etc. Everything was perfect and wonderful. Thank you Hugh! PS, My recommendation, follow Hugh's direction to the villa. Once you get to the last picture he provides, keep heading on that road (it looks like a path, but it is a road), keep going you will see the house on the right! Place a pin on your location in case you need to share it will any drivers.

5/5 Excellent

Lucas v.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Toscaanse vakantie met amici
Prachtig huis, goed gelegen en zeer vriendelijke eigenaar met veel kennis van de omgeving en een goede smaak. Wij hopen er ooit nog terug te komen!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Hugh Johnson

Host profile image
We are a well travelled family of 4. Hugh grew up in the FarEast & moved to Europe to become a wildlife film maker. Although he now specialises in another area of film, his job is to make objects & places look beautiful. Hugh is an international multi-award winner both in Europe & US and is Fortnums Photographer of the Year, plus many international awards. Hugh has been included in Debrett's and Men of the World.
Our 2 children both studied languages at university, have travelled extensively in the Far East, Europe, Africa & South, Central & North America, with interests in food, lifestyle, wildlife, art & sport.
Son & daughter in law, Tom&Sophie both have added their help & support to Casa a Corte following many years of travelling and working in the digital & property worlds.
Since 2020, Hazel & I have been working on a pictorial book on Tuscany, the local area, it's food & people. Hopefully this will be published in 2025 https://www.hughjohnson.co.uk/trattoria-book-project . We are very knowledgeable about the area & popular in the local community.
Since first travelling to Italy whilst at school, I fell in love with the country, culture and people and I want to share this love not only with friends & family but also guests who rent the house. I can pass on 25 years of knowledge about the area to guests who are only staying for 5days, the best restaurants, one's to avoid, beaches, walks etc. My pre-arrival notes hopefully allow guests to start their holiday as soon as they open the gates to the house.
Most of our guests are like-minded people who want to explore and enjoy the pleasures of Italy. However guests may need additional support, which they can never plan for. In 2023 one father caught Covid after staying further up the coast for a week and needed a doctor, delaying return flights and prolong their stay for a few extra days until they were well enough to travel. I really enjoy those challenges partly because our guests are so nice to speak with and help.

Why they chose this property

Having viewed several properties during the summer & autumn of 1999, we fell in love with Casa a Corte after seeing the house and land from across the valley with the snow tipped mountains behind.
We immediately knew this was the house we were looking for. Over 25 years we have built up a very good relationship with the locals, who are charming & extremely welcoming. They are flattered we love the area and people. All are employees are local so know the area extremely well.
One of the real plus points about the area is the amount of things to do, whether it is walking near the house, going to the beach, exploring art & history, Lucca's music festival in July, markets and festivals, Comic Fair - 2nd largest in the world, plus sport or simply enjoying the wildlife & wild flowers on the property, not to mention the large range of restaurants from Michelin starred, to local trattorias and pizzerias, especially as they are a fraction of London, NY, Paris, Copenhagen prices. There are also the most amazing villas and gardens to visit.
We also recommend restaurants to fit all budgets, but also let guests know about the local deli which allows you to live very well at home without getting your hands dirty.
We also offer our Private Chef, Fabrizio & waiter Luigi. Fab' cooks wonderful local Lucchese season food and is a wonderful fun character for guests to share their evening. He has been incredibly popular with all our guests.
I also enjoy learning from guests, one being a Formula One winning top mechanic who never shops at a supermarket whilst on holiday. He much prefers shopping locally, meeting people, drinking & eating local produce rather than tasting foods from Milan. We now follow his ethos and give a local list to all guests.
Although our local supermarket, Esselunga in Marlia is exceptionally good, we believe it is much better immersing oneself in the local culture.

What makes this property unique

Our passion is being outside and spend much of our 'working' holiday looking at the wonderful countryside & wildlife, chatting to the locals & trying to become a better cook. The farmer and his friends in Gugliano have been so helpful & kind to us and have made Casa a Corte a special place for all our family.
Being a photographer has taught me to look at fine detail and what is best for a client. This has taught me the need for terraces to offer different things. For instance, at Easter & October we probably enjoy having lunch in the sunshine whereas in June - Sept we would look for shade. As a result, we have 3 terraces to eat & relax on.
A Corte has several quiet areas for individuals to relax on a lounger under a tree, away from family playing ball games in the pool.
We also know that when guests are on holiday they don't want passers by - A Corte is very private.
Our living room also has a desk & chair for guests to work from & benefits from Starlink internet.
Tuscans are spoilt for choice for wonderful food and places to eat, catering for those that want to eat at home and dine out. Some of our best evenings have been at the cheapest local restaurants drinking local food and wine surrounded by Tuscans relaxing at the end of the day.
We are near the mountains, ski resorts, beaches, wonderful cities - Florence, Siena, Pisa etc not to mention our own beautiful panoramic views.
A Corte benefits from great transport links - roads, trains and Pisa Airport (Florence, Genoa, Forli/ Bologna Airports).
Prior to buying A Corte we stayed at a friends house in the Dordogne, France but apart from food food markets everything else was an hours car ride away, whereas in Italy, there are so many things to do which are relatively nearby. As a result you achieve and see a lot more.

Languages:

English
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