Internet: The villa has a reasonably high speed, satellite, internet system. The service covers all rooms, the pool and upper terraces, and sections of the lower terraces. Speed is dependent on usage - both by guests and the service itself but is normally well in excess of 20 Mbps.
TV: Two “smart” TV’s both with CD players and connections to various news and entertainment apps. There are cables to connect the TVs to your computer as well as wireless connections. Note: that some services require VPN connections to change IP addresses for other national locations. There is a large - eclectic - selection of DVD movies.
Music:. Sonos music system with speakers in all living areas and some bedrooms ,as well as at the pool, hot-tub and courtyard. A large - eclectic - collection of music CD’s.
Books, Games etc: Guests have access to numerous games, including both backgammon, chess - and a variety board games. There is quite a large library - guests are welcome to use these.
Security: Guest security - both personally and with possessions - is not an issue. In general, the whole area is extremely safe with virtually no personal injury and very few robberies - and then, only in more urban areas. The property is totally private, gated, with electronic access on the driveway and difficult to access. Our neighbors live on the property and take care of the grounds, olives etc. as well as their own fields. So, there’s usually some activity around the property, both day and night. (Giuliana & Fabio are the second generation of the family that has looked after the house for us for over 35 years.). Simonella, our housekeeper, has worked for us for over 10 years, the same applies regarding maintenance staff. In the 30+ years of owning the property, nothing has ever “gone missing”.
Laundry & Other Personal items: The villa has a complete laundry as well as irons, a steamer and we provide detergents for guest’s use. Outdoor drying racks and washing lines are in the lower courtyard. Bathrooms all have hairdryers.
Safety: Pool, Alarms, Fire, First Aid: The pool has a gate at the bottom of the steps leading to its terrace. The hot tub has two entrances and two gates which can be kept closed.
There are fire and carbon monoxide alarms in the house and fire extinguishers located in various locations. First Aid kit in the kitchen pantry.
Health: There is a small health clinic in the village with trained paramedic staff and an on-call physician. The clinic handles basic injuries or minor issues, but runs an ambulance service which serves the local community and comes to the house. More serious cases are transported by ambulance to the hospital in Lucca. (We do keep bees on the property, not near the house - and they are not aggressive: nonetheless, for guests with serious bee/wasp sting allergies, we do recommend bringing an epipen as bees are in the lavender terraces and clover in the pool lawn. )
Linens: Of course all bed and bath linens are provided and changed once per week. (More changes per arrangement with the housekeeper.) Pool towels are provided.
Kitchen /Bathroom supples:. All basic cleaning materials, paper towels, toilet paper, soaps, spices etc are provided.
Staffing: The housekeeper comes in for four hours 3 times a week. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Her duties include cleaning bathrooms and kitchen, vacuuming, dusting and general tidying up. She is not expected to wash dishes or clothing, make beds or do individual laundry, (If clothes, towels etc are left on the floor, those the housekeeper will not clean those areas.) However, if she has available time, Simonella is willing to provide additional services. Arrangements for this needs to be made with her and she is paid directly, in cash.
Gratuities: Whilst these are not expected, the staff does appreciate this, particularly when they have been particularly helpful or attentive.
Arrival and Departure/Property Manager: The property manager will meet you a the house on arrival and will orientate you, and provide instructions or information on the villa and its systems. (There is a comprehensive house manual in the study.) PLEASE NOTE: It is critical that you contact her (phone or text) when you are in your car and on your way to the villa. Alessia lives in the village, and - unless she has to be there for another reason - will not be there if you arrive unannounced.
She will also provide you with keys and remote control units for the gate. Additionally she will provide you with the current meter readings for gas and electricity. During the course of your stay, she is available by phone or text to answer any questions you may have or problems with the house. Subject to other obligations, Alessia is very willing to take on other tasks — making dinner reservations, translating, making travel arrangements etc.
The manager will also be at the house on the morning of your arrival to collect keys and remotes, deal with any damage, and read the gas and electric meters
Water, Electricity, Gas: Our water comes from mountain springs and an aquifer. It is untreated with chemicals - filtered - and particularly clean and pure. We drink, and use it, for all cooking bathing etc. (Bottled water is available from all supermarkets.) The system is pressurized to provide adequate pressure in all parts of the house. Unusually for Italian houses we have an adequate power supply to allow for the use of multiple appliances, lighting and other equipment. The manager will show you the location of the circuit breakers in the unlikely event of a loss of power. Gas for cooking, heating the tub, BBQ etc. comes from a large propane tank along the driveway
Car Service + Courier/Parcel Deliveries: Paolo Citti runs an excellent car service - as well as owning “our” local bar/cafe. He speaks excellent English and is very familiar with taking guests for sightseeing, wine tastings, or other activities. He also does long distance airport runs e.g. to/from Rome & Milan, in addition to the usual Florence or Pisa trips. He does get busy during summer months, and we’d recommend booking him in advance if you plan on using his services. Fedex, Amazon, Deliveries: You can have deliveries made to the bar.