Castello Dei Canonici

Castello dei Canonici is situated in a hamlet di Camaiore in the province of Lucca. Only few places in Italy remain intact over the centuries like this one, so much as to evoke a sense of amazement. The road, which on the left goes to the town, winds through a thick pine forest, which suddenly opens up to a picturesque view of the town and the hills behind.

The core of the town’s buildings stands on a rocky base and fans out towards the summit of the hill, its outposts the old houses on one side and the large ‘Castello dei Canonici’ on the other. Further down, the now abandoned old mill, is silent and solitary, a reminder of the times when olives were brought in from every valley for pressing, and the mills worked from dawn till dusk. Before entering the town, the wide road climbs in a straight line towards the first houses and ends swooping down, almost as if it wanted to tell us that from this point onwards, one enters a different time and a different dimension. The very narrow street almost acts as a filter, a barrier, between the old and peaceful village and the busy, noisy outside world. The stones that were once part of the Castello dei Canonici are now part of the solid walls of the houses, many of which have been tastefully restored, fully respecting the architectural traditions of the past.

Recently restored, furnished in contemporary style and equipped with technological systems of the highest quality, the castle has several hectares of land, covered with olive groves and woodland, ancient ruins and terraced paths.

The heated infinity swimming pool is a short walk up behind the house from where one enjoys stunning 270° views from Florence to the islands of the Tuscan coast including Gorgona and Elba.

Around the castle there are many wonderful walks in the surrounding hills. The village is also a popular stop en-route for serious cyclists and there is a number of clearly marked bike trails.

For those who choose to rest and truly relax, Castello dei Canonici is extremely private as it has no direct neighbours. But if you do fancy a short walk down the drive for an ice cream or an espresso, there is a small bar in the tiny hamlet, which, during the summer evenings, is open and also popular with the locals.

If you can bare to leave the peace and tranquillity of Castello dei Canonici, there are lots of things to do within easy reach. The beaches are just 20 minutes away, including chic Forte Di Marmi and the marvellous lidos of Viareggio, with its glorious Belle Epoque architecture and wonderful seafood restaurants. Florence is less than an hour away, and the Garfagnana, with its stunning National Park, is just to the North.

Please note: The road that leads to the villa is not accessible to large vehicles (like Range Rovers or Minivans). The archway entrance will restrict entry to larger vehicles, that will have use the parking of the nearby village (about 150 steps uphill to the villa).

• Fireplace
• Sonar surround sound
• CD player
• Flat screen TV
• DVD player
• Wi-Fi access
• Library
• Music room
• Grand piano
• Laundry room
• Iron/Ironing board
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Wine store
• Dishwasher

• Heated infinity pool
• Pool fence
• Alfresco dining
• BBQ grill
• Outdoor furniture
• Parking

• Electricity consumption up to 330kwh

• Villa pre-stocking
• Adventure activities
• Villa heating
• Pool heating
• Phone charges
• Cook service
• Additional housekeeping
• Child care service

• Maximum 16 guests
• Children over 6 years only
• Non-smoking villa
• Pets not permitted

• Rental of small 4x4 vehicle recommended
• Transport available

• 30 minute drive to Forte dei Marmi beach
• 9 miles to Lucca
• 12 miles to Pisa
• 28 miles to Pisa airport
• 31 miles to Florence
• 37 miles to Cinque Terre
• 44 miles to Florence airport
• 50 miles to Siena
• 170 miles to Rome
• 205 miles to Milan airport
• 245 miles to Rome airport