La Gattaiola

La Gattaiola (or the ‘catflap’ in English!) is set amongst the Renaissance villas of south-west Lucca in one of the most beautiful and now the most protected and exclusive areas of Lucca

La Gattaiola is a typical and traditional courtyard farmhouse in the heart of Tuscany and its owners are pleased to offer high quality spacious accommodation in a newly-renovated section of the farmhouse with breathtaking views from every window. 

• La Gattaiola is a spacious and large 3-bedroom accommodation is available to rent throughout the year for long holidays or for off-season breaks sleeping  a maximum of 7+3 (10) people

Located in the small village of Gattaiola on the outskirts of the Tuscan Renaissance walled city of Lucca, the birthplace of Puccini, Gattaiola is also home to one of Italy's finest Slowfood restaurants and visitors in search of authentic Tuscan gastronomy will be delighted by this gem only a few steps away from the farmhouse

Although situated amidst the lush green Lucca hills, La Gattaiola is only a stone’s throw from the centre of the city, having every amenity to hand such as small local food and wine shops, supermarkets, bars and restaurants as Lucca is only 3km or a 5 minute drive away  (or 7 minutes to the walls by bike!).

La Gattaiola offers the best of all worlds: proximity to the city and all its amenities combined with being located within an oasis in the verdant countryside in which to relax and recharge. La Gattaiola is set amongst olive groves & vineyards with far reaching views from the Florentine hills in the east, the many towered city of Lucca, the Apuane Alps in the north and to the Carrara marble mountains in the east

There's something for everyone here with art and culture on the doorstep and to delight photographers and artists alike or if you prefer

• take the spa waters at the numerous local thermal baths

• antique markets

• gastronomic & wine tours and routes

• designer outlet shopping

•  summer pop concerts (July 2007 George Michael, Elton John, Norah Jones, Joss Stone, Steely Dan, Dionne, Warwick, Ricky Martin, John Legend, Elisa)

• Torre del Lago where the annual summer Puccini Opera Festival is held (30 mins)

• camellia  and azalea festivals

• flower markets

• Carnival at Viareggio (30 mins)

• or even organised house buying trips

Other activities include

• cycling

• tennis (5 mins)

• horse-riding

• golf (3 beautiful and Important golf courses (all within 30 mins driving distance)

• sailing

• walking

• trekking

• beaches (30 min)

• Skiing at Abetone - the most important ski centre in central Italy (40 min)

La Gattaiola's accessibility to motorway links also makes it perfect as a base for touring the rest of Tuscany with other main art towns and cultural centres such as

• Pisa (20 minutes)

• Florence (45 minutes)

• Chianti, Siena and San Gimignano - easy day excursion distance