Villa Elixir

Description

Receive a warm welcome at this majestic villa set in the foothills north of Lucca, just a short drive from the beautiful Tuscan town.

Villa Elixir has been recently renovated to an exceptionally high standard by its Tuscan owners who have designed the interiors with grace and elegance. On the entrance level a grand living area is an inviting space to share precious time with loved ones whilst a cosy lounge with satellite TV is the perfect place for kids to relax. Gather together for feasts in the dining room downstairs, perhaps prepared by a private chef in the professionally equipped kitchen, selecting only the very best Tuscan wines from the cellar.

A lift or stairs take you up to the top two levels of this four-storey house where you will find seven wonderfully designed bedrooms, each with their own individual style and en suite marble bath or shower rooms. Individually controlled heating and air-conditioning are just some of the home comforts to be expected here alongside bathrobes and hairdryers in each bedroom and other little detailed touches to make your stay as special as it can be.

Set in a six-hectare estate of rolling hills, olive trees and a lake, enjoy picturesque views of the Lucca valley from the swimming pool which is set just below the main villa. A pretty pergola is a delightful spot for a poolside lunch whilst in the evening you can dine al-fresco under the gazebo by the villa as the sun downs and the starry skies appear.

A unique pool house, built into the ground, is home to a superb gym and sauna or maintain your fitness playing tennis on the private court within the large estate. There's also a field with its own golf training spot – improve your tee shot before heading to the splendid Montecatini Golf Club around forty minutes away.

Staff are on hand to prepare breakfast (just pay for the groceries) and daily maid service is also included six times a week, again to ensure guests are able to experience the most relaxing holiday in such perfect surroundings. If you can tear yourself away from the inviting swimming pool and wonderful terraces then there is so much to explore nearby.

Lucca is only 12km away, an exquisite town of historic charm and beautiful architecture – feel like a local as you discover your favourite restaurants, wine-bars and gelaterias. Pisa is also within easy reach and magnificent Florence is just over an hour away, or travel closer to home with picturesque villages and towns waiting to be explored.

Spend sunny days by the coast at Viareggio or cross over the border into Liguria with all sorts of enchanting seaside villages from the romantic Golfo dei Poeti to the well-known Cinque Terre. From glorious beaches to idyllic Tuscan villages, there is so much to uncover during your time at the alluring Villa Elixir.

#### Features
Villa Interiors

Ground Floor

- Entrance hall
- Living room with stone fireplace and doors leading to terrace and front gardens
- Kitchen, well-equipped (for every day use)
- Office with computer facilities, telephone and fax
- TV lounge
- Reading room
- WC (accessible)

Basement

- Professional kitchen, fully-equipped (for chef service, cooking classes etc)
- Dining area with stone fireplace for up to 20 guests
- Wine library
- WC

First Floor

- 2 x bedrooms with double beds, study/dressing room and en suite bathrooms with bath and shower
- 3 x bedrooms with double beds and en suite shower rooms

These bedrooms can be made up as twin on request

Second Floor

- 2 x bedrooms with king-size beds and en suite bathrooms with bath and shower

Outside Grounds (approximately 6 hectares)

- Swimming pool (7x14m, depth: 1.5m) open approximately May to September. Accessed via stairs and surrounded by hedge/rails. Safety cover when not in use
- Poolside area with pergola, sun-loungers and lights
- Pool house (80m2, built underground) with gym (treadmill, bike, weights, benches), sauna (for 3-4 guests, charges apply), bar, kitchenette and 2 x changing rooms/shower rooms
- Gazebo for al-fresco dining
- BBQ
- Italian garden
- Vast estate including woodland, olive trees and hills
- Tennis court (astro-turf) with rackets
- Grass field with golf training spot (200 yards)
- Small private lake
- Fenced and gated grounds
- Parking

Facilities
- Wi-Fi (ground floor only)
- Air-conditioning
- Heating
- Lift
- Gym and sauna
- Wine cellar
- Satellite TV and DVD player
- Music system
- Media library
- Games console
- Telephone
- Office facilities
- Hairdryers (each bedroom)
- Bathrobes
- Alarm system
- Washing machine and dryer
- Ironing facilities

#### Location
Villa Elixir enjoys a hillside position just 12km from the historic and beautiful town of Lucca.

Wander around 500m to reach the nearest restaurant, an authentic osteria, whilst other local shops, restaurants and a supermarket can be found in and around the nearest village, about a 5-minute drive away. The local roads are ideal for walking or jogging by the vineyards in this picturesque setting.

One of the greatest draws of the villa's location is its close proximity to the delightful town of Lucca, just 12km away. Start by exploring the atmospheric city walls, by foot or bike, and take in the amazing views. The historic centre inside the walls is full of charm as you will discover when pottering around the narrow lanes, coming across old churches and exquisite architecture. Dine in excellent restaurants, find your favourite bar or visit one of the inviting gelaterias or pasticcerie. It's an easy drive home after a day or evening out in Lucca – you will soon feel like a local as you keep heading back to explore a little more!

Pisa (30km) is also within easy reach, or drive a little further north towards Viareggio (36km) for a day by the blue-flag beaches of the Versilia coast where you will find some fantastic summer watersports. Spend time soaking up the atmosphere of this vibrant seaside town.

Beguiling Florence (79km) is just over an hour away on the well-connected autostrada or discover some of the idyllic villages and towns even closer such as Montecatini Terme (32km) with its thermal spas and Vinci (45km), the birthplace of the famous artist.

For another spectacular day out you could even travel as far as the incredible seafront village of Porto Venere and the enchanting villages of the Cinque Terre – find out why this part of the coastline has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. La Spezia (86km), the gate-way to the Cinque Terre, is just over an hour away by car or avoid the tourists by visiting some of the less crowded villages along the romantic Golfo dei Poeti.

There are also plenty of cycling and mountain biking opportunities in the area around Villa Elixir and horse-riding near Lucca. Keen walkers can uncover some lovely trails in the region as well as hiking paths further afield with the Apuan Alps around an hour away.