Villa Allegra - restored barn with pool and mountain views

Villa Allegra was built in 1676 by the Giovanetti family of Lucca, to process the olives of its olive groves in the foothills of the Monte Pisano. The Villa consists of the 5-bedroomed main house and 3-bedroomed barn. The two properties are completely separate, but share grounds of 3,500 metres and the pool. Both properties have their own designated alfresco dining area.

Villa Allegra's barn has three double bedrooms (one with twin beds), all with ensuite bathrooms. There is an additional bathroom downstairs, a well-equipped kitchen, cosy living room, and private alfresco dining area. The property is west-facing and enjoys an abundance of sunlight and breathtaking views of the mountains. The property is located on the edge of the medieval village of Sant Andrea di Compito, famous for its mountain walks, fresh spring water and extensive collection of camelia trees.

Just a few metres away from the property, along an olive tree-lined lane, you will find the public tennis courts, with two courts, bookable by the hour at the cultural centre. A 7-minute walk will take you to the nearest pizzeria/restaurant - Tre Tigli. Lucca is 11km, Florence 55km and Pisa airport is a 38-minute car trip, either via the motorways or through the provincial villages of Pisa.

The twinned village of Pieve di Compito and Sant'Andrea di Compito have a special microclimate that make it cooler in Summer. It is well fed by streams from the Monte Pisano, and on the main road just before you arrive at the house you can fill up cans with fresh spring water at the public fountain. After a scorching day touring the cultural towns of Florence, Sienna or San Gimignano, when you come home you will find lots of leafy, shady spots to retire to. If you still need cooling down, you can take a short trip (5 minutes by car) to the local ice cream cafe, PappaGrappa, which makes its own all-natural ice creams and sorbets.

From Villa Allegra there are various walks you can make, into the Monte Pisano. The area is very popular with hikers as it is still offers a wealth of flora and fauna to explore and enjoy. Alternatively, you can visit the Camillietum Compitese - the Camellia botanical garden of Pieve di Compito, which boasts 1,000 cultivars.