Residenza Castruccio

Residenza Castruccio is located in a charming mountain hamlet which looks down over the towns below and the coastline of the beautiful Versilia area in the North of Tuscany. Close to walking and cycling routes in the mountains, amazing beaches and numerous towns and villages to explore, there is something for everyone here.

The castle sits on a hilltop in the tiny hamlet of Monteggiori which is a collection of well-preserved medieval buildings, though it is likely that the area was settled far earlier by the Etruscans. As cars cannot reach the hamlet centre, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time when you walk up the pretty cobbled paths. In the main square you can sit and soak in the atmosphere or visit the Church of St Stephen. If you would like to have dinner in Monteggiori then visit the local bar and restaurant where you can try fresh, seasonal dishes with incredible views.

When you need to pick up some shopping or would like a bigger selection of restaurants and shops, the nearest village is Capezzano Pianore which is 4.5km away. Here you will find a supermarket, shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. Bigger still is Camaiore which is 5km away from the house and is actually a city made up of 24 different hamlets which are scattered between the mountains and the coast.

The main historic centre of Camaiore can be found in the hills and is an attractive place founded in 190BC by Romans but invaded and taken over by different groups of settlers in the centuries that followed. You can still see the old defensive walls which were constructed to protect the city from invasion, though many of the older buildings were destroyed in battles.

Today, Camaiore is a lovely place to visit and there are plenty of historic sites to see such as The Pieve of Santo Stefano, a church which was built in the 800s and is the reason Christianity spread to this area. You can also visit the archaeological museum and the fantastic Museum of Sacred Art which is housed in a former palace. The best-known part of Camaiore is the beach and lido. In this part of the city you can visit the 4km long sandy beach, take a walk along the pier or stop for dinner at a restaurant on the promenade. Whether you visit the old town or the coastal area of Camaiore you will find lots to see and do and plenty of shops and eateries.

Another town to visit is Pietrasanta which is 6km away from the villa. The town is a medieval gem and is known as the little Athens of Italy due to the presence of so many bronze and marble monuments and statues. Spend some time wandering the picturesque streets of the town which is like a living museum filled with incredible things to see everywhere you look including statues, fountains, the clock tower and staggering buildings. Head to the Piazza del Duomo, one of the main squares where you will find the enchanting marble cathedral but also modern art exhibitions and sculptures out in the open. The town is still packed with creative people who own little boutiques and artisan shops which are great for picking up special pieces such as pottery, mosaics and paintings to remind you of your trip. In the afternoon why not visit one of the many galleries before enjoying a sunset dinner in a little street-side restaurant.

If you wish to do some luxury shopping then visit Forte Dei Marmi which is 13km away from the villa. This glamorous seaside town is a great place to spend the day. There are many private beach clubs you can visit here with bars and comfortable sun loungers ideal for a relaxing day at the beach. Alternatively, head into town for an incredible range of boutique and designer stores, Michelin star restaurants and some chic bars. On Wednesdays you can visit one of Italy’s most exclusive street markets to purchase clothing, cashmere, homewares and leather goods.

For a day out in nature why not visit Casoli di Camaiore waterfall which is 13km from the house. You can hike up to the falls through stunning mountain landscapes before plunging in to the refreshing pool to cool down. Or if you would like a day in a bustling city, you could visit Pisa or Lucca which are just over 30km away!