A Rare Opportunity Near Lucca

A beloved villa in our Insider’s Italy collection has had a last-minute cancellation, creating an opening between June 20 and July 18. To fill the dates, the owners have reduced the weekly rate from €16,000 to €12,800.

For a fully staffed six/seven bedroom villa that includes a chef and pool, this is irresistible rate.

We know the property well because we have stayed there ourselves on several occasions, and we have known the family for many years. The son who manages the estate is a delight and is right there, to ensure guests’ comfort in ever way — and the staff are superb, wonderful with children, and eager to do all they can for Insider’s Italy travelers.

The villa accommodates up to twelve guests in six marvelously comfortable en suite bedrooms on the first floor, with an additional ground-floor bedroom available if needed.

What draws me to the property is not simply the house itself but its setting.

Lucca

In 1892, Karl Baedeker described Lucca as “one of the pleasantest provincial towns in Italy.”

More than a century later, the description still holds. I am buying an apartment here myself, so much do I love it.

For its size, few Italian cities contain so much of their historic fabric intact. Broad walls encircle the city, shaded by trees and used daily by walkers, runners, cyclists, and families. Within the walls, life unfolds at a pace that feels remarkably civilized. Within the walls, bicycles have largely replaced cars.   To conclude, this modern-day “ideal city” is an example to other towns of the compatibility of a modern society and an ancient city structure, and demonstrates just how good life in an Italy city can be.   Lucca is also one of Tuscany’s major antique centers, with excellent antique stores.

Many visitors arrive intending to spend a day in Lucca and leave wishing they had stayed longer.  Delightful walks start just outside of the city walls.

Part of its appeal may be that it has never attracted attention on the same scale as Florence, Siena, or Pisa. As a result, Lucca remains first and foremost a city for the people who live there. Medieval towers still rise above ancient streets. Small piazzas appear unexpectedly around corners. Daily life remains visible.

The city is also known for its antique fair and its excellent food. One of my favorite restaurants in the world is here, a family owned, family run Slow Food trattoria, Mecenate. “Don’t call me a chef !” says owner’s wife. ” I am a cook !”

Beyond Lucca

The villa is excellently situated for exploring much of Tuscany.

Pisa lies half an hour away. Florence can be reached comfortably in about an hour. Chianti, San Gimignano, Pistoia, and Prato all make rewarding excursions.

The Ligurian coast is also surprisingly close. Lerici, one of my favorite seaside towns, is less than an hour away and offers boat connections to Portovenere and the villages of the Cinque Terre.

Carrara’s marble quarries are fascinating, and Pietrasanta makes a delightful stop for lunch.

For those who wish to explore, we have outstanding guides and drivers whom we would be pleased to recommend.

Yet many guests may find themselves content to remain at the villa.

The estate is peaceful without feeling isolated. There are wonderful walks. Meals — most in the garden — tend to stretch well into the afternoon. The days find their own rhythm.

Food and Wine