Romantic restored barn with private pool
Rural Barn
Location: GragnanaSleeps: 6
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Facilities
BBQ, Car parking, Garden, Outdoor pool, Sun bed read more
Description
This well equipped newly converted 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom barn boasts chestnut beamed ceilings, traditional style flooring, fireplace, exposed stonework, traditional style paintwork, chestnut windows, wonderful views, & private pool. A real romantic retreat! On the ground floor, there are 2 bedrooms - twin & double , each with double doors leading to small terrace overlooking the open countryside and mountains beyond. On the 1st floor, but still on ground level due to sloped nature of terrain, there is a living room with sofa bed, fireplace, DVD, CD, SKY SAT TV (with movies & sports), & a traditional well equipped kitchen/diner with washing machine, dishwasher, oven, hob, microwave, fridge/freezer. The living area leads to outdoor eating area overlooking pool and garden. A real relaxing experience.
The cottage is in the heart of the Garfagnana, 1 hr 15 minutes North of Lucca. There is a small village 2.5km in each direction each of which has a restaurant, and basic shop. Bigger shopping is at Piazza al Serchio or the market town of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, famous for its Thursday morning markets - this is around a 20 min or so drive away. For townie days, Castelnuovo is 20 mins, Barga 45 mins, Pisa 90 mins or so, Florence under 2 hours, and the beaches of the Versilia coast 1 hr 20 mins over the mountains. Lucca is 1 hr 15 mins and a wonderful trip. There are also the marble mountains, local Garfagnana National Parks, the fortress of Verrucole with its stunning views, local cheese rolling competitions, plenty of walking and trekking and picnicking opportunities. The county of Lucca where the property is situated is full of medieval hilltop villages where time has stood still....
Availability
Seasonal rates
| Start date | End date | Weekly rate | Week night rate | Week end night | Minimum stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02 Oct 2011 | 30 Mar 2012 | £570 | n/a | n/a | 4 nights |
| 31 Mar 2012 | 27 Apr 2012 | £570 | n/a | n/a | 4 nights |
| 28 Apr 2012 | 29 Jun 2012 | £760 | n/a | n/a | 4 nights |
| 30 Jun 2012 | 31 Aug 2012 | £945 | n/a | n/a | 4 nights |
| 01 Sep 2012 | 28 Sep 2012 | £760 | n/a | n/a | 4 nights |
| 29 Sep 2012 | 26 Apr 2013 | £570 | n/a | n/a | 4 nights |
| 27 Apr 2013 | 28 Jun 2013 | £760 | n/a | n/a | 4 nights |
| 29 Jun 2013 | 30 Aug 2013 | £945 | n/a | n/a | 4 nights |
| 31 Aug 2013 | 27 Sep 2013 | £760 | n/a | n/a | 4 nights |
* prices may be subject to change at the advertisers discretion
* rates are per property
NOTE: Linen and towels (not for pool) are included in the price as well as initial, weekly and final clean.
Payment will be taken in sterling or euros via bank transfer to a uk bank or by paypal
General information
| Property type | Barn |
|---|---|
| Numer of units | single |
| Holiday theme | Away from it all, Romantic, Summer Holiday |
| Suitable for | Children, Elderly, Families, Couples |
Room information
| Bedrooms |
2 bedroom(s), sleeps 6 max. Bedroom 1 - 1 Large Double Bed |
|---|---|
| Bathrooms |
2 bathroom(s) Bathroom 1 - Toilet, Shower Enclosure, Bidet |
| Kitchen |
Dish washer, Freezer, Fridge, Hob, Microwave, Oven, Washing machine |
| Meals |
Not included |
| Dining room |
Seats 6 |
| Living room |
Seats 6 Sky TV - including sports package DVD, CD player, Fireplace, Sofa bed, TV |
On-site facilities
| Onsite facilities |
* Terrace BBQ, Car parking, Garden, Outdoor pool, Sun bed, Terrace |
|---|---|
| Other facilities |
Satellite/cable, Linen and towels provided, Central heating |
| Other notes |
The SAT TV is a full SKY package including Sports and Movies (unusual to find since most packages are free packages with little in the way of English speaking channels). Flat screen TV. Insect screens are fitted throughout. Grounds extensive, but first part of gardens fenced for safety Eating area overlooking pool, plus further eating area under gazebo to side of house The owners do not live at the property but are only a couple of minutes drive away and can assist without being intrusive Cot and highchair can be provided free of charge. English speaking person on hand 24 hours per day. |
Local area information
| Location type |
Rural |
|---|---|
| Car required? |
recommended |
| Local leisure activities |
Cycling, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Fishing, Tennis, Horse riding, Walking |
| Nearest points of interest |
|
Directions
Reviews
Beautiful property , beautiful scenery
This is a beautiful property surrounded by beautiful countryside. The road down to the property is a little steep and narrow but perfectly manageable.
The beautifully renovated barn is not huge but perfectly adequate for a family of four or six at a push.
The cleanliness and standard of fixtures and fittings was excellent with a regular cleaning service provided by the owners. We have stayed in many similar properties in France but nothing matched up to this. In fact one of the best things about this property is the owners who provide as much or as little help and support as you want. In other words if you want a lot of attention and assistance they will willingly provide it, whereas if you are happy to be left alone they will respect your privacy.
The pool is secluded , extremely clean and well maintained. The surrounding gardens are immaculately maintained. The area is extremely peaceful and perfect for a family or for two couples sharing.
I would not hesitate to recommend this property to anyone else. It was one of the best holidays we have had and we hope to visit again in the near future!!.
There is not a major amount of activities and attractions in the area. If you are after adventure and activity then choose somewhere else. If you are after beautiful surroundings, peace and relaxation then this is for you. My advice is to buy in plenty of food and wine and relax in your own bit of Tuscan countryside.
One word of warning - don't rely on Italian trains - they are not punctual and sometimes don't arrive at all in August. We got stranded in Lucca on a Saturday evening with no way to get home. Even then the owner offered to come and collect us although it would have been a considerable drive.
All in all 10 out of 10. Can't wait to go back.
Colin and Catherine - Birmingham.
Recommended for: Age 55+, Sightseeing, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Hot Property & Cool Pool
We had a near perfect holiday at El Melo. This was one of the best equipped holiday homes we have ever stayed in as well as having views to die for. Everything was spotlessly clean and comfortable beds too - always a plus. There were lots of lovely walks, hillside villages and castles in the region to explore.Elisa and Fabio the owners were really helpful and we were even able to help ourselves to their lovely fresh tomatoes and other crops in the field next door. The pool was fantastic and we had wonderful meals outside in the beautiful garden. In fact the only downside was the steep gravel road we had to drive on to get to the house. We would defintely recommend this property if you want a peaceful, relaxing holiday in an area of great beauty.
Recommended for: Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
'Private Little Haven in Tuscany'
Marianne + Mark - May 2009
We have rented many properties over the years and this by far in all aspects goes down as The Best ever. It is exactly as described - a peaceful setting away from it all and completed secluded. The house itself has everthing you could need and so long as you stock up on the provisions can stay there quite happily doing your own thing. The owners are a wonderful youg couple and are on hand if needed so you are left in your own privacy if that's what you want.
Although a car is essential for staying at Al Melo my recommendations for visting Florence & Lucca, which are well worth the visits, is to definately go by train it is less stressfull and you get to admire the beautiful scenery along the routes, however don't go on Mondays the shops are all closed. Other recommendation would be if you have never been to Florence is to book an overnight stay we found it quite tiring trying to cram it all into a short space of time.
We would definately recommend Al Melo to anyone wanting a relaxing holiday away from it all and can't wait to return sometime in the future ourselves.
Recommended for: Romantic Getaway
Al Melo
Beautiful location. The description says it all. It is a long way from anywhere so I would suggest not a place to take kids if you want to see loads as it would involve a lot of winding roads but the property is wonderful with a great pool. Camporgiano - about 10 minutes drive away - has a fantastic deli/general store, there is a butcher, another smaller general store, cafe and hardware type shop so most things you need.
Owners couldn't be more helpful.
Thoroughly recommended.
Recommended for: Romantic Getaway
Enquire about this property
You're contacting
Lorraine Venturelli
Verified Owner
View additional contact details
Daytime: +39 (0)340 3919974
Language(s) spoken:
English, Italian
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