Description
Villa Cermalus is a magnificent property nestled in the rolling Tuscan hills outside of Lucca. The villa is very old, dating back to the Longobard period in the sixth century, a time when the Longobard family ruled Lucca. Within the villa is an ancient watchtower overlooking the valley below, where there once was a passage to north Tuscany. Over the centuries the villa served as a convent, and residence for various wealthy Lucchesi families. The most recent renovation has preserved the antique, historic structure of the villa and incorporates many original and traditional Tuscan elements such as terracotta tiles, wood beams, and many hand-forged iron detailing. The villa houses beautiful antique frescoes that have been carefully restored, along with the spacious loggia (terrace). The ambience of this property is truly unique; with décor incorporating antiques and period pieces, you feel as though you have stepped back in time. The villa is surrounded by a formal, terraced garden that includes outdoor living spaces with pergolas, tables and chairs, and an outdoor dining area on the terrace – perfect for an al fresco sunset dinner! The swimming pool dates back to the Renaissance period and has been restored to modern standards. Next to the pool is a terrace furnished with chaise lounges. Villa Cermalus maintains all the grandeur, elegance, and charm of the Ville Lucchesi it once was!
Amenities include: swimming pool, satellite TV, DVD video, high speed Internet
Prices include: utilities (except central heating), final cleaning, daily maid service, daily bath linen change, mid-week bed linen change, welcome buffet dinner including wine, one additional chef-prepared dinner
Fee services available upon request: chef service, prepared breakfast, medieval banquet, music concerts, cooking lessons, tour of Lucca
NOTE: THIS PROPERTY CAN BE RENTED FOR LONG WEEKENDS (MINIMUM 3 NIGHTS) DURING LOW AND MID SEASON. PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT PRICE.
Villa Cermalus is set on three floors. On the ground floor is a large hall with a vaulted brick ceiling that opens on the garden, the outside dining area, and the pool. The focal point of the living room is a great stone fireplace. Adjoining the living room are two grand dining rooms, one with a large wooden table and chairs, the other with a decorative antique table. These rooms open on the garden set with pergolas for al fresco dining. The spacious kitchen is equipped for all of your cooking needs including a stove, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and marble top table for informal dining. The kitchen also has an original stone sink, and an adjacent laundry room. There are three bedrooms on the ground floor; one with two twin beds (convertible into a queen bed) with an ensuite shower bathroom, another with two twin beds (convertible into a queen bed) with an ensuite Jacuzzi tub bathroom, and one with a queen bed. On the second floor, there is a spacious, elegant reception/living room with a huge stone fireplace furnished with comfortable sofas and chairs. This room opens on a vast loggia (terrace) boasting restored frescoes and furnished with a table and chairs; offering another al fresco dining venue. Adjacent to the reception hall is a dining room and a study. The tower, accessible from this floor, has another living room and a powder room. On the third floor are six bedrooms; each with two twin beds (convertible to a queen bed) and ensuite bathrooms (two with Jacuzzi tubs and four with showers.) One of the six bedrooms also has an attached sleeping room with a queen bed. All bedrooms in the villa are decorated with antiques and have open beam ceilings and terracotta tile floors, blending well with the décor in the rest of the villa, and adding to its overall charm!
NOTE: PRICE IS BASED ON OCCUPANCY OF 18 PEOPLE. THE VILLA CAN BE RENTED FOR A MAXIMUM OF UP TO 12 PEOPLE WITH A 25% DISCOUNT ON LISTED RATE.
A WELCOME DINNER IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
Tuscany is at once golden fields and black-green cypress trees defining hillside boundaries, ancient Etruscan sites, and the cities of Medieval and Renaissance Italy. The word Tuscany conjures up not only alluring vistas, food prepared with straight-from-the-garden ingredients, and delicious wines, but also an age of inspired artists during the Renaissance period. The centuries-old Tuscan way of life revolves around reaping the bounty of the earth. In addition to the incomparable Tuscan cities and the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, Tuscany also boasts 200 miles of coastline. From the chic resorts of the Argentario peninsula, to fascinating destination such as Elba, and the beautiful Tuscan beaches, there is truly much to be explored.
From Villa Cermalus, there are a variety of day trips to enjoy. In Lucca, only five and a half miles away, you’ll find a quaint but urban city with few tourists, many Romanesque churches, and piazzas vibrant with life. In Pisa, twenty five miles away, you’ll find the famous leaning tower, monumental architecture, historical landmarks, and many cultural and artistic diversions. Pisa is also home to one of the Italy’s most prestigious universities. At a distance of forty five miles is Florence, where you’ll be astounded by its historic and cultural sites. If you are interested in the beach, Livorno, the largest city on the Tuscan coast, is only thirty miles. From there, you can drive the northeastern Italian coastline to sea resort towns such as Quercianella or Castiglioncello.
