| The
cottage its self is over 200 years old but the
inside has been fitted with modern conveniences.
Every single cubic centimeter has been used to
the fullest advantage. Every window of the cottage
gives directly onto magnificent views, and the
adjacent balcony with its terrace below, gardens
and grounds are the most unusual things to find
in an Italian hilltop village. Perhaps the overriding
advantage of the cottage's position is the fact
that it affords COMPLETE PEACE AND ABSOLUTE
PRIVACY, while being a few minutes by car (10
minutes), to Barga where you can find all the
necessary provisions.
The
entrance to the cottage is by the solid chestnut
wood floor, directly into the spacious top floor
living/dining room.
The
kitchen opens out into the living room
and provides plenty of work surface to
prepare splendid meals after a day's exploration
or hike.
You
will find all the dishware needed as well
as a gas stove for which there is a gas
bombola (stored out of sight in a white
enameled cupboard just next to it).
The
east-facing window gives onto greenery,
part of the village and the grandeur of
the Apian alps beyond. There are two windows
on the south side of the room, giving onto
the valley and the mountains. In the south-east
corner of the room is a most attractive
cast iron wood-burning stove for use in
chilly weather. You can buy wood in Barga
on Via Pascoli before reaching the Piazza
Pascoli.
A
Spiral staircase brings you to the lower
level where you have the two bedrooms and
the bathroom. This is also where (from
the master bedroom), that you access the
backyard and terrace.
The
hall closet contains all your linen. As we have
no washer in the cottage, you can have Maria Marchetti
(our neighbor), do laundry for you if needed.
There is also a laundromat in Barga (in the old
town).
The
master bedroom has a double bed. The second bedroom
has a twin bunk bed.
The
main feature of the master bedroom is a
handsome pair of arched chestnut wood French
doors (with double-glazed glass), giving
immediately onto a small, terra cotta-tiled
balcony with wrought iron safety rail ...ideal
for continental breakfast, gazing out onto "Mountain Greenery".
Terra cotta - tiled steps, lead down right
to the tiled terrazza with low frangisole
wall. This area is ideal for sunbathing,
and sun beds are provided, as are an outdoor
table and chair set. A Sun umbrella is
also provided for particularly hot weather.
Feel
free to use the barbecue for an outdoor meal.
Carbona (charcoal) and fuel can be obtained
from Clerici hardware in Barga.
There
is nothing left to do here but enjoy a peaceful
vacation in a tranquil setting. Read a good book
and take in the splendid views and explore all
that the North Tuscan region has to offer.
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