2 Bedroom (Sleeps 5) House in Lucca

IL CAPRICCIO - (2 BEDROOMS - 2 bathrooms) Taste the real Tuscany - Life as it was and is now - SHARED SWIMMING POOL

At a glance: Child Friendly, Wifi, Parking, Heated Pool, Garden.
Reference: P77123 - Book via Simply Owners and pay no booking fees or extra charges

Calendar

Not available:   Available:  

Book with the owner direct

Owner/Property Manager: Gill & Ken Clay
Book this House by contacting the owner directly to confirm price, property details and availability.


Booking directly with the owner means you pay the owners price with no added booking fees or extra charges.

Overview

Property Type: House
Location: Lucca
Sleeps: 5
Bedrooms: 2 Bedroom
Bathrooms: 2
Minimum nights stay: 7
Low season price per week: £1225
High season price per week: £1372
Average price per week:£1299
Please contact the owner directly to confirm the price and availability

Description

In the friendly hamlet village of Celle dei Puccini in the hills of Lucca dei Puccini, Nr. Pescagila, Lucca, Tuscany - Home to generations of Italian families who still cultivate the surrounding land. Set in the hills of Lucca among the olive groves and grape vines, Celle is the unspolit ancestral home of the famous composer Giacomo Puccini.  The Puccini house where generations of the Puccini family have lived has been turned into a museum. In July and August concerts are held outside the museum and under the stars - free of charge!
4 lovingly restored properties that share a heated pool in spacious surroundings. It is known that this was the 1st building to be built in the village in 1594. It has had many uses in its time and was once used as a convent with its cellars being used for the production of olive oil and wine. The olive oil is still being made by the locals from the village olives groves, including our own olive oil & wine is made from the vines grown on the hillside. We purchased the building in an almost ruined state in early 2004 after many years of it being uninhabited. (some parts over 100 yrs) It has been divided into 3 separate dwellings, each having its own individual features & all having been lovingly restored by local craftsmen to include all the modern day appliances while maintaining the traditional Tuscan charm. There is a fascinating mixture of high ceilings, original floors, chestnut beams, stone fireplaces and terracotta floors. With a heated swimming pool set in the extensive grounds, commanding an unbroken and breathtaking views of the hills, a perfect place to relax.

Ken and I feel that it is important to be in Celle for the season to help in any way we can to make your holiday relaxing and worry free. We are here to greet you and to help you with your luggage and shopping and any questions you may have - we hope to be able to answer them. We are very friendly and approachable people but respect your privacy. Celle is a very special place and we hope that you will come and discover this for yourselves!

IL CAPRICCIO - DESCRIPTION

Entrance is through the kitchen from a terrace where there is a table and chairs and a gas BBQ for al fresco dining. The kitchen is well equipped with dishwasher, gas hob,elec oven, a drinks fridge with a further fridge freezer. Stairs leading up to bedrms & living room. Original terracotta floors & high ceilings with chestnut beams, maintaining traditional charm.
From the kitchen a spiral staircase leads down to a utility room with washing machine, tumble drier. Large living room is on the 1st floor taking advantage of the magnificent views from 3 windows overlooking the the valley & roof tops of the village. Comfortable leather sofas. Wifi, TV & DVD player. The thick walls & high ceilings keep the rooms cool in summer. 1 dble bedroom has an en-suite bathroom & the twin/dble bedroom has a separate shower room with WC. There is an extra single bed in living room (which is on same level as bedrms) for an extra person. All rooms are comfortable & to high spec. The en-suite bathroom has a bidet & bath, with shower attachment. The separate shower room has a shower cubicle, basin & WC. Both rooms have attractive tiled floors & walls with traditional chestnut beamed ceilings.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Each of our properties have a detailed information pack that we have put together for our guests, showing places of interest, activities for all ages and we hope it will give our guests an idea of how to enjoy the Province of Tuscany to the full. To name but a few that you may wish to search on Google, Vinci, the home of Leonardo where there is an interesting museum for both children & adults showing models of his inventions. The monastry built 'in' the rock in Calomini (Eremo di Calomini) by the monks in the 7th century. Grotta del Vento, an under ground world of galleries & chambers. Parco Avventura, offers a challenge for children, youths & adults who can test their ability with suspension bridges, swinging beams, vertical nets, ropes etc. (trainers & long trousers essential) Many fabulous places for walkers, San Pellegrino to name but a few. Celle is an excellent starting point with so many things to do & see, an ideal finishing point for that important time for relaxation.

Coast/Beach:
There are miles of sandy beaches within easy reach from Celle. As the crow flies the coast is not far, but as we are in the hills, it takes a little longer to reach them - about 45 mins. Most beaches in Italy are private & for E20 a day they provide loungers & parasols, the use of the WC/showers & cold drinks & snacks & that all important icecream can be bought on their 'patch'. Viareggio, Lido di Camiore, Forte di Marmi are just a few of the many stretches of beaches that can be found. The train from Lucca will take you to Pisa and Florence which makes for a more relaxing day without the worry of parking the car somewhere in the city

Travel:
It is an easy journey by air from UK to Pisa. Pisa airport is a growing airport & you pass through the formalities quickly. An alternative airport is Florence. BA, Ryanair, Easy Jet & Jet 2 all service Pisa on a regular basis from all over the UK. By car from Pisa airport to Lucca is 25 mins by motorway with a further picturesque 25 mins journey to Celle following the river, then a winding, asphalt road from Diecimo. Driving from the UK is also an option which we can give advice if required.

Distances:
The whole area is rich in historic & cultural interest. The charming city of Lucca – 25 mins by car, retains elements of its age & history amid its many churches, imposing palaces & in the secluded squares one finds sophisticated shops & restaurants. Florence by car - 1hr 15mins. We recommend travelling by train (a doddle) as parking can be tiresome in the City. The Chianti area between Florence and Siena (2 hrs by car - each way) is one of the most beautiful in Italy. A long day, but do'able!

Further Details:
Shops: With only 32 people living in Celle, there is not enough business to warrant shops.
Only 10 mins drive down the hill is Diecimo. There is a row of small shops run by the locals, a Post office, 2 petrol stations, chemist, a baker who bakes on the premises . There are 2 cafes, where you can stop & have coffee & delicious cakes freshly filled rolls. A further 5 min. drive to Borgo Mozzano, there is a supermarket & large deli and butcher. An ideal shop to start your holiday shopping. There is another, larger supermarket (Esselunga) in Marlia which is in the direction of Lucca. Many great restaurants within 5-10mins drive from Celle. The nearest Train Station is in Diecimo. You will need to change at Lucca for Florence or Pisa. Free parking at Diecimo Station

Climate: In the Spring (April/May) & Autumn (mid Sept - mid Oct) the temperatures are at their most comfortable & pleasant. July/Aug are usually hot & temperatures tend to stay around 30 - 35 degrees. Off peak holidays also have their attraction: May/June are wonderful months to visit, when the air smells of honey & the wild flowers are abundant. This is an excellent time for walking with many walks in and around Celle.

Sept & Oct are interesting months when the grapes are picked and the wine is made. October is when the fabulous porcini mushrooms appear & the locals go hunting in secret to find them in the forests. Restaurant menus change to include delicious dishes using these precious mushrooms, precious because the season is so short. It is also the season for zucca (pumpkin) and there are zucca festivals in nearby villages where you can buy locally made produce. October is also a time for collecting & roasting chestnuts.


MIDWEEK ARRIVAL OPTION
During the high season our bookings are usually 'back to back' and we are not able to be flexible with our Saturday changeover day. For those families who wish to arrive a day early or stay a day longer, there is a very good and very reasonably priced local hotel in Borgo Mozzano. (Hotel Milano) Their charges include breakfast and they have family rooms for up to 5 people. They also have a restaurant - excellent food. If you wish to consider this option, please do not hesitate to contact us, or if you wish, contact them direct. They do have english speaking staff available.
For folk arriving late in the evening, we can arrange for some breakfast items so that you can enjoy your first morning without having to hurry out to shop!

TERMS & CONDITIONS

*Prices quoted are for one week or part thereof
*Holidays commence on Sat from 3.30pm and we ask please, that you vacate by 10.30am on your departure date. Mid and Low season commencement dates may vary by arrangement.
*Prices include all linen and towels, electricity, gas and gas central heating. Beach towels are available on request – no extra charge

*Payment. 25% of the total rental at time of booking to secure your dates and the balance 60 days before your visit.
If the booking is made within 60 days of the commencement date, then the full payment is due on booking.
We reserve the right to re-advertise your holiday, should the balance payment not be received within the 60 day period.

Personal Insurance & Cancellation Cover. We strongly recommend that you take out your own personal insurance at the
time of booking to include cancellation cover. If your holiday is cancelled more than 60 days before your holiday is due, your deposit will be fully refunded. .

If cancellation is less than 60 days before, payments made are non refundable. However, every effort will be made to re-advertise your holiday, which are offered at a reduced rate. Any money received through that booking will be refunded on the cancelled holiday.
Earliest notice of cancellation ensures greater success of re-booking.

Breakages. We do not take a deposit for breakages but all breakages must be reported before leaving. Depending on the extent of the loss, an invoice for breakages (or replacement keys) will be sent to you .

5 Reviews - 5/5 Average Rating

A beautiful house in a stunning location.

By Geraint Simpson on 22-Jul-2023

We loved our stay in Il Capricco, Ken and Gill were wonderful hosts and always at hand if we had questions. We were a family of 4 with two teenager girls. The pool was less than a minute walk, there were plenty of loungers although we often had the pool to ourselves. The property is really well appointed with incredible views across the village roof tops and hillsides. Celle is a beautiful village (there are lots of steps). On our first night we sat on our patio with a glass of wine listening to a live Puccini concert. We walked up to neighbouring village past olive trees, with views over the wooded hills to the plans of Lucca. We did not eat in the restaurant in the village but did drive the mile to the restaurant at the bottom of the hill twice for a fantastic meal. If you want a peaceful relaxing holiday, in the middle of the Tuscan countryside I couldn't recommend Il Capricco enough. Geraint and Elen Simpson, Anglesey.

Classy Rustic Charm & All Mod Cons

By ANON on 08-Jan-2016

Gill & Ken's fantastic attention to detail started with their helpful directions on landing at Pisa Airport, navigating not only the roads to Celle, but also tips & suggestions about the car hire. Celle itself is an unspoilt, pretty village clinging to the stunning hills above Lucca. The accommodation is at the top of the village commanding views right along the valley over the terracotta rooftops below. All of Gill & Ken's properties are centuries old village homes beautifully restored to their original glory, Stylish and with superior, well maintained modern facilities. The kitchen was particularly well appointed in holiday let terms & made cooking with the local produce a joy. The cleanliness was faultless. Gill & Ken are perfect owner/managers: helpful & hospitable, but never intrusive. They supply excellent books of suggestions of where to eat, walk, sight see or seek adventure and are also ready to answer all your questions about the locale. There is so much to do. The hiking is superb & there are also caving & swimming activities, though we limited the latter to sunbathing around & swimming in the heated pool, situated on it's delightful hillside terrace. Local places to eat are many if you are willing to drive a short distance. A certain level of mobility is needed to walk up from the car park to the accommodation. This is a truly idyllic place and we look forward to a return visit very soon. We would recommend this place to anyone who appreciates great natural beauty, stylish living & tranquility.

Best vacation location

By THOR D on 29-Nov-2015

One of the best vacations we have ever had. The villa has a breathtaking view like something you'd see in a travel magazine. The location was great, because the major cities like Florence, Siena, and Rome, could be done in a day trip. Not only that, but there was plenty to do in town. The villa is also ideal for just spending a whole day relaxing by the pool and cooking dinner in the fully furnished and stocked kitchen. Fresh fruit and local wine were waiting for us when we arrived. There's also a grocery store just a few minutes away where you can pick up more groceries and any other items you may need. Whats more, the hosts are one of the most genuine and heartfelt people you will ever meet. They have no problem with showing you the region and telling you the best spots to visit in Italy. Ultimately, it is the best option if you want a genuine Tuscan experience and for a headquarters for your Italian Adventure.

Prices

8th June - 5th July 2024 £1225
6th July - 30th August 2024 £1372
31st Aug - 14th Sept 2024 £1225

Location

Suitability

Children Welcome

Facilities

Fridge/Freezer
Hob
Oven
Microwave
Dishwasher
Pantry Items
Toaster
Dining Room
Internet
Heating
Linens Provided
Washing Machine
Tumble Dryer
Parking
Living Room
Hairdryer
Ironing Board
Television
DVDs
Games
Books
Heated Pool
Garden

Theme

Adventure
Away from it all
Family
Historic
Romantic
Sports activities
Tourist attractions