Villa Lavanda - our home - is a unique property: a classic, totally private, Tuscan country villa set in 20 acres of olive groves, lavender terraces, open fields and forests of chestnut and acacia - with panoramic views in all directions; yet only minutes from the town of Bagni di Lucca, known as 'one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany'.

The villa is located less than one hour from Pisa airport and about 75 minutes from Florence airport. There is a local train that runs from Lucca, through our local village, and up into the magnificent Garfagnana valley. A bus service to Lucca - with onward connections - runs regularly.

The villa is on three floors and sleeps 14 with its 7 bedrooms and bathrooms. Uninterrupted views, in all directions, are over the surrounding hill-towns, chestnut forests, our lavender fields and olive groves. The house and grounds are completely quiet, private, and secure.

A wisteria-covered dining area abuts the large, mosaic-tiled pool that overlooks the property, and there are numerous indoor & outdoor areas for dining and relaxing, along with a summer 'sleeping pavilion; grape arbors and pergolas. There are courtyards for dining, playing ping-pong, bocce...or just relaxing, reading and enjoying the quiet and views. Nothing disturbs the quiet and peace.

The villa is furnished with a collection of antique furniture, modern & contemporary art, and has wireless (internet in all rooms and many outside areas) complete entertainment systems; a very large library and movie/DVD collection, and games for children. There is a fully-equipped gymnasium.

Bathrooms and kitchens are finished with marble and hand-painted tile. (Of course, all linens & towels - including pool towels - are provided, and are of superior quality

A variety of catering options and chefs are available by arrangement, as is a masseuse. Organic seasonal fruits, vegetables, olive oil and honey are all produced at the villa. Meet & Greet service is provided.

Additionally, guests have access to a superb 'holiday planner/concierge' who - in consultation with you - can plan portions - or your entire - time at the villa...arranging outdoor activities, visits to wineries or artisanal food producers or local craftspeople, arranging transportation and restaurant reservations...even children's activities.

The area is renowned for the purity of air and water, and for the many Tuscan hill-towns & Romanesque churches that surround the villa. (Our spa town was the favorite summer gathering place for 19C British & Russian aristocracy because of it's benign temperatures.) The Garfagnana valley - with its famed artisanal food production - begins here and there is superb hiking, white-water rafting, paragliding, horseback riding, tennis and mountain biking, all available in the immediate neighborhood. The spectacular walled city of Lucca (birthplace of Puccini) is 40 minutes away, as is the ski area of Abetone. The Cinque Terre, beaches of Forte di Marmi and Viareggio are accessible, while art exhibitions, local village food and music festivals are common during much of the year