Villa dell’Aria

High in the hills of Lunigiana 500 metres above sea level, and accessed via a private road, this high-spec house sits in seven idyllic acres of olives and grapevines, gardens and woodland, with huge panoramas over the River Magra valley and to the Apuan Mountains. Constructed to exacting standards, using traditional methods, the villa is a classic of past and present, where chestnut beams, stone floors and hand-crafted shutters frame a spacious dining area; a kitchen replete with modern appliances and an island breakfast bar; and a soothing sitting room with big sofas, satellite TV and an open fireplace. An oak staircase leads to three first-floor bedrooms, the master suite complete with Tempur mattress and chic en suite bathroom. The fourth bedroom with Tempur mattress is located on the ground level with en-suite facilities and direct access to the terrace.

Every room has its own perspective on the glorious scenery. Outside, two covered terraces are furnished for dining and relaxing; and a fifteen metre salt-water pool has cover for child safety and to retain temperature at night, heating and in-pool lighting, and is hemmed by loungers on a terracota sundeck. With a very obliging owner, and the chance of fresh eggs and garden produce, the villa is a five minute drive from Bagnone, forty minutes from the coast at Lerici and the villages of the Cinque Terre are accessible in one hour by train from Villafranca.