Villa Gli Affreschi Italy
Holiday Home Rental Description
Villa Gli Affreschi is a lovingly restored-mansion that commands a grand presence on a hillside deep within the countryside close to the Liguria/Tuscany border. Surrounded by romantic, rambling gardens bursting with flowers and shady Mediterranean trees, this villa offers the superb getaway experience.
Dating back to 1700, this villa has been an imposing feature of the lush landscape here for centuries. Its interior has been carefully updated to provide unpretentious, yet comfortable holiday base without losing any of the mansion’s impressive original features or heritage.
The ground floor is home to the atmospheric and airy living/dining room, with original frescoes still the main feature on the whitewashed walls. Beautiful frescoes can also be found in the consecrated chapel. Features such as these give the feeling of having traveled back in time, with a sense of quiet majesty in every room. Soak in this restful mood as you relax on one of the living room’s comfortable sofas. Then continue this tranquillity as you pass though glass doors that lead directly into the garden. The outside space can also be accessed via the well-equipped kitchen with small table for breakfast or quick bite.
Over two further floors are several family bathrooms, meaning it’s easy to treat yourself to an indulgent bath or shower before getting into bed. Also found on the first and second floors are six spacious bedrooms, with two bedrooms being ideal for teens as they have two single beds each. One of the double bedrooms also has its own en-suite bathroom. All bedrooms enjoy views over the garden and to the hills beyond, as well as characterful original features.
A 2-bedroom annexe offers its own space for four extra guests with a dining room and a kitchen with small dining table. There’s also one double bedroom, one single bedroom with an extra bed and a family bathroom.
Within the beautiful gardens are outdoor dining and seating areas and a large, private pool. These lawned, traditional Mediterranean gardens offer the chance to totally unwind and relax in glorious surroundings.
At Villa Gli Affreschi you’re close to medieval towns such as Sarzana for historic sightseeing, as well as the coast for days out by the sea. Go swimming, surfing, boating and much more besides in nearby Bocca di Magra.
The famous Cinque Terre is an hour’s drive away, with its five fishing villages between them offering a sandy beach, botanical gardens and clifftop walks. Also around an hour away are the Apuan Alps for hiking and cycling with stunning scenery on offer.
With a few other country residences dotted around, the region around Villa Gli Affreschi is simply glorious, with vineyards, forests and hills as far as the eye can see. Enjoy long walks to appreciate this naturally beautiful area as you stumble across sleepy villages along the way.
The closest village is 3km away where you will find a selection of restaurants, shops, supermarkets, banks and wine shops.
Carrara is just over the border into Tuscany and is famous for its marble production. Go on a guided quarry experience to learn more about how the marble is quarried and a journey up the mountainside in an off-road vehicle. Also in the city is a museum that tells the history of Carrara where you can also see some beautiful marble sculptures on display.
Another fascinating place to visit is picturesque, medieval Sarzana. The brightly-coloured houses and buildings that lined the streets and squares are typical of such an ancient Italian town. Top sightseeing landmarks are 15th-century La Cittadella Fortezza and 13th-century Sarzana Cathedral. Lucca (54km) is another historical city that gives a serious history fix, with its intact Renaissance walls that encircle the city centre.
For a day at the seaside, head to Bocca di Magra (13km) or Lerici (18km). These coastal spots offer both long, sandy stretches and pebble beaches to enjoy. Venere Azzurra Beach between Lerici and San Terenzo is particularly popular and enjoys Blue Flag status. Here you can swim in its azure waters, hire pedal boats, or simply stay on the beach and relax on a hired sun lounger.At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning- Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport transfers- Babysitting/childcare services
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
– Private chef – Catering service- Maid service- Massages and spa treatment- Guided tours
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfill your requests!