Accommodation in Tuscany at VillaNova Alta  

Dating from 1680, Villanova Alta possesses a dignity and tranquility typical of the traditional stone farmhouses of this region. It is surrounded by cultivated terraces with olive trees, vines and seasonal fruit trees nestling in 2.2 hectares of lushly wooded hillside – chestnut, acacia and mediterranean oak.

Bookings are normally taken from Saturday to Saturday.  

Accommodation

The locality of Villanova is in a picturesque landscape sharing a rural cycle of life and painterly views of deep valleys and ancient villages.

The apartment is entered from a broad garden terrace at ground level perfect for alfresco dining. Facing west this terrace affords outstanding views of the hilltop villages, valleys and mountain ranges stretching to the Apennines .

On entry, there is a spacious open plan living area for relaxing, cooking, dining, where restoration has exposed original stone walls, beams and ceiling tiles. The remaining rooms comprise a bathroom and two bedrooms, one of which is particularly charming with full-length doors opening directly on to the terrace.

And, unusually for an old Tuscan country house, the apartment is all on one level with easy access for people with mobility problems.

The Upper house entry has a broad stairway and gallery, from which the 2 upstairs bedrooms, bathroom and dressing room open. To the left and right of the entry are; the rustic style kitchen; exceptionally spacious living / dining area with a magnificent gallery, vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace; and a third twin bedroom. The following photos are of the upper house.

Throughout, the house has chestnut wood beams and cross beams, ceiling tiles and floor paving in traditional ‘cotto' style.

The house and apartment are furnished with comfort in mind, affording lovely bright spaces.


Outside at VillaNova Alta
Leading from a very extensive paved terrace with potted garden the main house overlooks a private garden ...

... with a real sense of peace, tranquility and warmth.

An 8 x 4 metre pool is set above ground in the olive grove.
Views are magnificent throughout the year of golden autumns and glorious summers. Olive, grape and fruit harvesting are still seasonal pastimes.

The ‘English’ Rose Gardens are colourful and restful
There are many places to while away the day.

 

 

Or visit the likes of Viareggio and Lucca below, both within the hour.


Below are some more views of the Upper House

Below are some photos of the apartment.

Both the apartment and upper house have full central heating and a timber burning stove for the winter months, well equipped kitchens and a cot and high chair is provided.


Vill Nova is a perfect setting for al fresco dining ...
... either on the apartment terrace ...
... or on the Pampas terrace for the upper house.

A multiple of delightful restaurants are within a short driving distance or you can dine in style and cook wonderful Italian cuisine with the freshest local products.


For the creative, we have a brilliant artist, Lorenza, who owns her own studio in Montecatini who can tutor individuals or groups in the art of oil and water colour painting at the villa. She is great with both beginners and experienced. Please ask for more information including, pricing, when you wish to book.


Location of VillaNova Alta

The village of VELLANO is a kilometre by winding asphalted road and 12 minutes on foot up the hillside paths.Because of the location, gentle breezes arrive during the day, and at night, in the very hot months of July and August. VELLANO is also a well-known panoramic viewing point for the whole of the ‘Svizzera Pesciatina', and is quite lively with 2 local bars, a restaurant, a pizzeria, a bakery and small mixed store, paper shop, Post Office, and an active community centre.

VILLANOVA and the valleys of TORBOLA and FORFORA are on the threshold to all types of activities – skiing, trekking on foot or horseback, climbing, cycling or rallying etc. But for the less energetic there are other simple pleasures – exploring the many ancient pathways to the ‘dieci castella', swimming or fishing in the Pescia River, joining in the local village festivals, eating in the many ‘casalinga' trattatorie and absorbing the genuine warmth and friendliness of your Tuscan neighbours.



Prices for 2010 (€uros)
 
Apartment
Whole Villa
Upper House
Jan 2 - May 15
700
1400
900
May 15 - Sep 25
1200
2300
1500
Sep 25 - Dec 31
800
1700
1100
What's included in the price at VillaNova Alta

The following items are included in the price :

  • Bed linen
  • Pool/Beach towels
  • Tea towels
  • Welcome pack
  • Electricity
  • Ironing board / iron / clothes airer
  • Hairdryer
  • Gas for cooking
  • Pool maintenance
  • Final clean at the end of your stay.

The following items are not included in the price :

  • Central heating (gasolio) – when required. Charged at a standard rate of 50 euro per week.
  • Transport to and from VillaNova Alta.

Terms and Conditions :

  • A 30% deposit is payable on confirmation of booking.
  • The balance is due 6 weeks before the commencement of your stay. In the case of bookings made less than 6 weeks before commencement of your stay the full amount is payable with the booking.
  • Only guests that you nominate before your arrival are entitled to stay at Villa Nova.
  • Under no circumstances may the lounge be used as a bedroom.
  • On arrival we shall require a breakage deposit of €300 for the uppe house and €200 for the apartment, cash only please, which will be returned to you, in full, subject to deductions for breakages or exceptional cleaning, on the day you depart.
  • To enable us to clean between lettings your arrival time on the Saturday should not be before 4:00 pm and your departure should be no later than 10:00 am. If you plan to arrive after 10:00 pm please let us know.
  • Rates cover bed linen, towels and tea towels (which are replaced weekly), electricity, gas for cooking and hot water and final cleaning.
  • Central heating is not included in the price and is normally only needed between October and March. If central heating is required it will be charged extra at cost according to the gas consumed.
  • We cannot accept liability for loss or damage to guests' property or for any personal injury sustained on the premises. Swimming pools especially are a potential source of injury; please look after your children near the pool and in the steeper parts of the grounds.
  • If you cancel more than 6 weeks before the commencement of your planned stay we'll try to relet and, if successful, refund you 50% of your deposit. If you cancel less than 6 weeks before the commencement of your planned stay then we retain the right to the full cost of the agreed letting whether you have paid the balance due or not.
  • For our part, if something were to happen to the house before tenancy starts which makes occupancy impossible, although we cannot be held responsible for any loss you might incur, we guarantee to refund immediately all money you may have paid to us.
  • For these reasons we strongly recommend that you take out holiday insurance.

Who we are
Manny & Shirley welcome you to Villa Nova Alta. We live with our two young daughters in Shenfield in South East England. In the summer of 2007, whilst on holiday,  we fell in love and bought this beautiful 17th century villa which sits on a traditional Tuscan hillside with panoramic views. We have already made good friends and found many enjoyable local restaurants and bars. Villa Nova is a real adventure for us and we have enjoyed our own olive harvest and producing wine from the small vineyard.

Contact us

Our postal address is :

VillaNova Alta
Vellano 51010
Italy

Our phone is :

UK +44 (0)7843 715665

Our email address is :

enquiries@tuscanyhousewithpool.eu

See my self-catering holiday home No. 95321 on Holiday-Rentals.co.uk