Beautiful restored house with private pool & spectacular views
- House
- Sleeps: 8
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 3
- Min. Stay: 5–7 nights
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 7-8
Bedrooms
Owner
Hugh Johnson
- Languages:
- english
About Hugh Johnson
We are a well travelled family of 4, who grew up in the Far East & moved to Europe to become a wildlife film maker. Although I now specialise in another area of film, my job is to make objects & places look beautiful. Hugh is an international multi-award winner both in Europe & US and is the Fortnum & Mason's Photographer of the Year 2018/19 and is included in Debrett's and Men of the World Our 2 children both studied languages at university, have travel & worked in the Far East, Europe, Africa & South, Central & North America, with interests in food, lifestyle, wildlife, art & sport. Since 2017 Hazel & I have been working on a pictorial book on Tuscany, the local area, it's food & people. Hopefully this will be published in 2020. We are very knowledgeable about the area and popular in the local community.
Hugh Johnson purchased this House in 2000
Why Hugh Johnson chose Lucca
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 mountains behind. We immediately knew this was the house we were looking for. Over 18 years we have built up a very good relationship with the locals, who are charming & extremely welcoming. One of the real plus points of the area is there are so many 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, plus sport.
What makes this House 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. The local restaurants, especially at the wonderful Antica Locanda have given us lots of tips when producing our olive oil & have become family friends. A recent project has been working with the son & head chef, Aurelio Barattini on a book, featuring his restaurant & farm, plus lots of recipes.
Amenities
Featured
- Children Welcome
- TV
- No Smoking
- Internet
- Satellite or Cable
- Heater
- Parking
- Fireplace
- Swimming pool
Bathrooms
- Bathrooms: 3
Safety features
- Deadbolt lock
- First-aid kitKept above fridge in the kitchen so it is clearly visible
- Smoke detectorThere are 3 lights that come on at dusk & goes off at dawn. There is a smoke/ carbon monoxide detector on top floor. There are several fire extinguishers which are renewed every April. All doors have a dead lock & metal screen
- Fire extinguisherBy all exits and on top floor. Also in kitchen we have a fire blanket
- Carbon-monoxide detectorGround and top floor. Our boiler is serviced annually to guarantee no carbon-monoxide
- Exterior lighting
Location Type
- beachThere are many beaches from Fort di Marmi, Marina di Pietrsanta, Viareggio 45 minutes from the house
- near the oceanThere are many beaches from Fort di Marmi, Marina di Pietrsanta, Viareggio 45 minutes from the house Boat trips in the Cinque Terre or private boat rental with F Rayo Verde Tour. Tel: +39 342 3940692
- RuralWe are in a beautiful picturesque rural valley
- villageHamlet of Gugliano, near Aquilea & Mastiano, 20 minutes from Lucca
- lakeLago di Massaciuccoli is 30 mins from A Corte Also in the Garfagnana there is wild swimming & wh A Corte has a book about wild swimming near the house which is becoming increasingly popular with guest
- river
- Mountain viewViews from the garden
General
- HeatingCentral heating Fans in bedrooms
- Linens providedBeds will be made up with lovely bed linen prior to guests arrival. Guests will also be given shower towels but not towels for pool & beach
- Washing machineBosch washing machine
- FireplaceFireplace - not to be used
- ParkingIn our car port which keeps are cool from the sun
- GarageCovered car port for 2 cars in barn
- InternetI-pod/ i-phone docking station. Full unlimited
- Towels providedFor house only (not pool & beach)
- Wireless InternetUnlimited wi-fi
- Iron & board
- Hair dryer
- Basic soaps
- Toilet paper
- Living Room2 large sofas, large coffee table for games etc, desk & chair, original period features, large screen HD tv, library of books, games, i-pod doc etc
Kitchen
- DishwasherBosch dishwasher
- FridgeOne large fridge in the kitchen and another large fridge freezer in the pool room
- Hob4 gas hobs
- OvenSmeg oven & grill
- BBQ
- Coffee makerNespresso machine & Bialetti Moka Express coffee makers
- ToasterTraditional free standing toaster
- Dishes & utensilsThe kitchen is equipped for us a a family and therefore well equipped
- KitchenVery well equipped kitchen, including Nespresso coffee machine, toaster, kettle, sink & drainer
Dining
- Dining Room
- Dining area
- Child's highchair
- DiningTable and 8 chairs and traditional Tuscan dresser. Door to dining room terrace and kitchen There are also 3 outdoor terraces, each has table & chairs for eating and drinking
Entertainment
- TelevisionHD
- Satellite / CableSky satellite tv
- StereoStereo & ipod/ iphone docking station
- DVD player
- BooksWe have a large library of current books for all tastes, plus games.
- Games
- Games for kids
Outside
- GardenLawns, flowers & trees, lovely panoramic views
- BalconyThe house has 3 large terraces around the house on the east, south and west sides although technically they are not balconies.
- VerandaWe have 3 verandas around the house
- Deck / PatioEast terrace, doors to kitchen & dining room, over head lights, shade with views to pool & garden. Large dining table/ chairs South & West terraces, sofa & armchairs, dining tables. Views Pool terrace
- Outdoor Furniture
- GolfThere are local golf courses in Tuscany
Suitability
- wheelchair inaccessible
- Long-term renters welcome
Pool / Spa
- Outdoor pool
- Private poolPrivate pool for house only in olive grove, with tile surround & mowed lawn. Pool steps and outdoor shower.
Onsite Services
- Private chef
- Housekeeper optional
Notes
- The property has been sympathetically restored retaining original beamed ceilings and antique cotto floors. The interior is comfortable and stylish benefiting from central heating, dishwasher, washing machine, fully well equipped kitchen and satellite TV, broadband Internet access, music docking exterior & pool lighting, mosquito blinds, plus antique furniture, paintings & photos. The house is set out on 3 floors. The ground floor has a kitchen, dining room, toilet & shower room with washing machine. The first floor has a comfortable sitting room which is exceptionally well equipped for families who enjoy books and board games, plus satellite TV/ DVD/ hi-fi/ Wi-fi. There is also a large airy twin bedroom (100cm wide beds) with comfortable traditional iron beds. Upstairs there are a further 3 bedrooms - a double bedroom, 2 twins bedroom with traditional beds, chestnut armoires and original features including chestnut beams. There's also a large spacious shower room with toilet & bidet
House Rules
Children allowed - Lovely house and garden for children to play inLovely house and garden for children to play in
No pets
No parties/events
No smoking
Max guests: 8
Cancellation Policy
100% refund if cancelled at least 60 days before arrival date.
31 Reviews
Peaceful and well equipped
Fantastic retreat with everything you could need in a relaxed location - great views and a good base for local days out... would gladly have stayed a fortnight!
Wonderful house in stunning scenary
This is a beautiful house set in one of the most stunning settings in the world, the house and pool are beautifully maintained and the kitchen has everything you need with which to cook and serve. It is truly a terrific holiday experience.
Superb property and very helpful host
The Casa a Corte is a well kept, beautiful and tranquil property where we had a wonderful week. Follow Hugh's rich recommendations on places to eat and visit, and you will have a great experience of Italy.
Amazing house & gardens
The house is wonderful, fantastically equipped, gardens & terraces are beautiful and the Johnson's are brilliant hosts with great local & foodie information. They couldn't be more helpful. The house is exceptionally clean & quiet.
Perfect family holiday for people who like the outdoors, walking, bbqs.
Best villa we have stayed at in Europe, perfect Tuscan retreat. The local people & restaurants are charming
Ian & Sophie Cook & Tennyson's
Thank you for being such wonderful guests.
Our children have loved Casa A Corte and it gives us great pleasure seeing guests from all over the world enjoy it to. The gardens & pool are perfect for children to run around in the fresh air and enjoy the simples things in life.
We’re delighted you enjoyed our recommendations. Tuscany is a wonderful province with Lucca & Garfagnana being some of the highlights, so much to see (& eat). Have a lovely summer.
Best wishes Hazel & Hugh
Amazing
Tuscany is beautiful in the Spring. The birds are singing and the wild flowers are beautiful. We had perfect weather, ate at least 2 meals a day in the amazing garden terraces with wonderful fresh pastas and food from the market and local shops.
We were invited to the Lucca film festival and met Martin Freeman, which we loved.
We ate superb food, locally and in Lucca, but generally liked being at the house best. We slept so well, read lots of books, enjoyed the walks and garden, the pool and hammock.
The perfect place to be with family & friends.
Thank you, Mark & Milly Gibson
Thank you Mark & Milly, delighted to have you as our guests and glad you explored the local area and ate and drunk well and walked it off on our excellent walks. April is a lovely month, full of migrating birds, green leaves plus lots of sunshine with blue skies.
Hope to see you in July, Hazel.
Spectacular Farmhouse set in the heart of Tuscany
Pure bliss! An Oasis of calm situated in the Tuscan hills. Our family had a fantastic stay here in this wonderful farmhouse which felt like a home away from home. Days were spent walking the spectacular Tuscan countryside, relaxing by the pool taking in the breath-taking scenery, trips to Lucca exploring the wonderful walled city (with the children loving the cycle around the walls). Its hard to drag yourself away from such a beautiful house, but we loved our trips to the beach in Viareggio and a day trip to Florence. Next time we will definitely try and take in the Leaning tower of Pisa and a trip to one of the many local vineyards. We couldn’t have had a better stay, thanks v much and we look forward to returning next year!
Frederica, i am glad you loved our house & local area so much especially as I know you have explored Tuscany on several previous holidays.
As a keen foodie i am delighted you appreciate how well equipped our kitchen is.
The 3 terraces work very well for all - sun worshippers, dining and those wanting to paint or read a book quietly on their own.
Thanks, Hugh & Hazel
Map
Lucca is a beautiful walled medieval city, which is the birthplace of Puccini. The city is mostly pedestrianised, which is fantastic for cycling and walking. The countryside north of Lucca is breathtaking with many medieval villages perched on wooded hillsides. There are many beautiful palazzos, spas and vineyards to visit in the area. Florence, Pisa and the beaches are all within a short distance.
In the summer there are many musical events: Puccini opera at Torre del lago, whilst in Lucca, during July, several of the worlds best musicians play in the amphitheatre. There are also several jazz festivals.
There are many superb restaurants within 15 mins of the house. Funghi and truffles are some of the local specialities and olive oil from Lucca is one of the best in the world. One hour's drive north from the house is the beautiful ski resort of Abetone.This is a very popular resort with very good facilities
This wonderful location, a wildlife paradise, can be seen using Google Earth
Other Activities: Wildlife / restaurants / markets
Ski: Skiing is an hours journey at Abetone. It is a very nice Italian resort.