Life's Finer Pleasures

Hidden away in a quintessentially Tuscan hilltop village, this charming stone cottage is ideal for anybody that wants to completely escape the stresses of everyday life – even if only for a week.

The fact there's no TV or wi-fi, and that phone signal is shaky at best, will sound like pure bliss to some ears and thankfully, there's no shortage of ways to relax here. The leafy terrace complete with alfresco seating, a barbecue and views of distant hillsides is sure to be the scene of languorous dinners that stretch long into the nighttime, although the wood-burning stove in the living room is equally as pleasant to retire besides.

Although you can easily while away the hours reading or soaking up the sunshine without leaving the address, there are plenty of options for day trips nearby, too. The historic city of Lucca is a thirty-five-minute drive, while Viareggio's beaches can be reached in an hour in the car. Closer to home, there's a museum in the village that tells the story of local industry and way of life.

Home truths:
*Your host can provide a travel cot, high chair, baby bath, stair gates, fire guards and bouncer for free upon request
*There's free parking available on the streets nearby, although this is a short walk from the front door
*The home is spread over two floors, so it might not be suitable for guests with reduced mobility
*The second bathroom is found in the basement and accessed via the basement