Discover the charm and elegance of Villa Bernardino, a beautifully restored Tuscan villa with stunning views.
Unique with beautiful views
“The Villa is on several levels which makes it feel unique, the rooms are well decorated and comfortable, with air units in rooms if it’s hot. The kitchen leads out to nice eating area and the pool is located atop a hill and feels like luxury. The hos...”
“The Villa is on several levels which makes it feel unique, the rooms are well decorated and comfortable, with air units in rooms if it’s hot. The kitchen leads out to nice eating area and the pool is located atop a hill and feels like luxury. The hos...”
With patchwork views of Tuscan landscapes around you from the elevated swimming pool, Villa Bernardino offers charm and character in beautiful surroundings, perfectly positioned between Lucca and Florence.
This is a handsome five-bedroom villa with a picture-perfect yellow façade and pretty shutters which is sure to impress you on your arrival. The casa dates back to the early 19th century and has been wonderfully restored to retain a great sense of history throughout. Expect characterful elegance, antique furnishings and terracotta floors alongside modern comforts such as a superbly equipped kitchen, modern bathrooms and air-conditioning in most of the bedrooms. Set over three levels, if you are not admiring the incredible frescoes on the ceilings of some of the second-floor en-suite bedrooms, then you’ll be gazing out at the typically Tuscan views of cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves.
Relax in the magnificent gardens with its stone terrace and barbecue for al-fresco dining in style, benches and parasols with wonderful views and a second dining area ideal for feasts on warm summer evenings with family and friends. Wander up to the top of the terraced grounds at the rear to cool off in the glorious and sunny swimming pool surrounded by stunning parkland and yet more tremendous vistas.
Close to the spa-town of Montecatini Terme, you can experience one of the nine thermal spas within just a ten-minute drive as well as exploring the historic buildings and fountains or browsing the high-end shops. Take the 19th century funicular up to the medieval village of Montecatini Alto for more spectacular views and take time to visit other enchanting places such as Pescia, Collodi and the famous Vinci with its museum and birthplace of the great artist.
The historic city of Lucca must be visited for its beauty and character whilst Florence and Pisa can also be easily reached for superb days out. Take nature walks through the wetlands at Padule di Fucecchio or head further south to the Chianti vineyards and perhaps even as far as Siena. For a complete change of scene, experience Tuscany by the beach with the popular summer resorts of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi under an hour away.
What Oliver loves...
Admire the ceiling frescoes in some of the characterful bedrooms
The terraced gardens are glorious with many spots from which to admire the Tuscan views
The chapel in the gardens is perfect for a moment of solitude (it’s also consecrated for wedding ceremonies)
A range of wonderful services can be arranged
Luxuriate in one of the nine thermal spas in the nearby historic town of Montecatini Terme, just a 10-minute drive away
An ideal setting for visits to the grand Italian cities of Lucca, Florence and Pisa or head to the beach with Viareggio under an hour away
What you should know
The swimming pool is in an elevated part of the garden (as the grounds are on terraced levels)
Air-conditioning is featured only in the four second-floor bedrooms as well as the first-floor living room
The unobtrusive owners live on site and are there if guests need anything
Please note that this property is located in the beautiful Tuscan hills
This home is a part of our Great Value Collection!
Our great value homes:
may be traditionally styled for a laid back feeling
may have some simple amenities and features
mean that you can enjoy top holiday destinations for less!
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The Local Area
About the surrounding area of Villa Bernardino
<1hr to Airport
Rural Location
Outstanding Landscapes
Villa Bernardino is located in northern Tuscany between Lucca and Florence in the beautiful hills filled with woodland, olive and cypress trees, looking out towards the spa-town of Montecatini Terme. The land surrounding the villa comprises ten hectares of parkland and terraces growing olive trees and vineyards.
It’s just a five-minute drive to two of the oldest villages in the area and there is a variety of traditional Tuscan restaurants in a 10 to 15-minute drive. The nearest supermarket is around 6km away or head to Montecatini Terme (7.5km) for a greater choice of amenities.
Indeed, Montecatini Terme (7.5km) is a wonderful place to visit and is well-known for it’s nine thermal spas where you can experience a number of different treatments as well as admire the historic buildings in which they are housed. Explore the town itself, looking out for historic fountains, impressive buildings and high-end shops. Take the 19th century funicular up to the medieval village of Montecatini Alto and be mesmerised by the spectacular views around you.
Other local villages to visit include Pescia (10km) with its grand cathedral, Collodi (13km) with its famous associations with Pinocchio and Monsummano Terme (12km), again known for its thermal springs including the incredible Grotta Giusti, a natural paradise.
For nature lovers, a visit to the Padule di Fucecchio wetlands, around half an hour away, is another wonderful day out. The nature reserve is perfect for long walks as you spot a number of migrating birds, a variety of herons and discover all sorts of unusual flora and fauna – look out for guided tours departing from the visitors centre in Larciano (24km).
You are also close to the picturesque village of Vinci (28km), a delightful place to explore not just because it’s the birthplace of Leonardo di Vinci. Visit the museum, enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch, perhaps sampling some of the local olive oil and wine, then follow the 3km-long trail (the Sentiero Verde) through the vineyards to the artist’s birthplace.
Of course, a visit to Lucca (30km) is a must when staying in this region – be enchanted by its exquisite architecture, atmospheric squares and medieval centre. The world-famous cities of Florence (60km) and Pisa (50km) are also around an hour away by car (consider travelling to Florence by train from Montecatini Terme) or head south, perhaps passing some of the idyllic Chianti villages, until you reach Siena, around 120km away.
For beach lovers, head to the beaches of the Versilia coastline, under an hour away, where you will find sandy shores, blue-flag beaches, watersports opportunities and overall a great day by the sea. Viareggio (55km) and Forte dei Marmi (65km) are particularly well loved seaside resorts that are easily reached.
The Region
Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, the Lucca and Pisa region is a captivating destination that effortlessly blends rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty. This picturesque region is renowned for its unique and unforgettable attractions, making it a must-visit for any traveller.
Tuscany
With its rolling fields, historical heritage and a cuisine that’s a delight for all the senses, it’s no wonder Tuscany is one of the most popular regions in Italy for holidaymakers. Yet even with its popularity, you can still kick back in one of our luxury villas in Tuscany and feel peace, tranquillity and the joy of seclusion.
This is one destination that really does have a little bit of everything for everyone, whether you’re travelling with family, friends or are just looking for a romantic getaway with that special someone.
