The ideal village house, within walking distance to shops and facilities yet with a large garden, peace and privacy. The property is presented in excellent condition and has been lovingly designed with elegant furnishings to compliment the style of the house. The house is approached down the cobbled steps of the old village lane. The accommodation comprises: entrance hall with shower room, light and spacious kitchen/dining room which is fitted with country style units and professional oven and hob. An old barn door opens to the garden with views of the town above to the picturesque fortified village set on the hill. Marble steps lead to the first floor into a bright and comfortable living room. The double bedroom is furnished with character hand painted furniture. Shower room. The second bedroom has a pretty wisteria covered balcony overlooking the village lane. The house is equipped with CD, washing machine, dishwasher and central heating for the cooler months. Licciana Nardi is the principal village of the Taverone valley. The village has an traditional Italian feel, with a true sense of history. Restored stone contrasts with enchanting sun faded facades, simple rustic wine cellars and stone carved doorways. The old ’borgo’ incorporates a grocery shop, butchers, green grocers and baker. Other facilties include a bank, post office, restaurant and a bar set under the arches of the main piazza. Aulla offers a range of shops and the motorway access and train station is about 15 mins from the village.

The word Tuscany conjures images of olive groves and vineyards, fine food and wine, romantic farmhouses lined with cypress trees and of course the sun set over Florence. Tourists are drawn every year by these beautiful images they see in glossy magazines, travel guides and through film and TV. Many visitors can be forgiven for thinking that Chianti, Siena and Florence encompass all Tuscany has to offer, however this is not so, and although these areas are enchanting there is much more to discover. Lunigiana offers a truly unspoilt corner of Tuscany and an inspired destination for the Italian traveller. The most Northern tip which borders the colourful Gulf of the Poets. The nearby Versilia coast overflows with sea side charm and is within easy reach the impressive city of Lucca, rich with Italian architecture and culture. In order to really understand Tuscany it is essential to experience its many contrasts and only then will you discover its true spirit.


Lunigiana is a quiet corner of Tuscany where traditions are strong, hospitality generous and the pace of life relaxed. Defined by the Appenine mountain range to the east (often referred to as the ‘back bone of Italy’), the world famous Carrara marble Apuane mountains to the south and the Ligurian Riviera to the west. For city dwellers, an ideal place to relax and get away from the more widely travelled destinations and an escape from the rush of modern life. Often called the ‘land of the moon’ or ‘land of a hundred castles’. Wherever you look in Lunigiana, magical outlines of castles and fortified villages can be seen. Most of these were built by the Malaspina family to defend the strategic position of this ancient land. Today many have been restored to their former glory, while others remain romantic ruins. Relax, unwind and explore this breathtaking countryside. Scattered with enchanting hillside villages, lush green hillsides covered in olive groves, leading to the foothills of the mountains with hidden meadows in flower, chestnut woods and eventually shady pine forests. A meeting point for various types of plants of the Mediterranean and even alpine regions. Paths lead through narrow village streets with stone houses rendered beautiful with simplicity. For walkers this is a paradise offering some of the most dramatic landscape in Tuscany.
All the seasons of Lunigiana have their own special character. During spring the hillsides overflow with wild flowers, trees awaken in blossom and fields blaze with poppies. During summer the temperature rises offering a superb climate that remains comfortable where the cool air from the mountains and the warm fresh air from the sea meet. Towns and villages liven with the chatter from the piazza bars, whether it be elderly men playing cards, young people parading the latest Italian fashions or tourists enjoying an aperitivo. The season also hosts many medieval events where village streets are lit by candle light to enhance the atmosphere of live performances, street entertainers dress in costume and cantinas open selling local handicrafts. In the Autumn there is the important ritual of the chestnut harvest, together with the hunt for porcini - the most highly prized variety of Italian mushroom. Against the soft autumn light the hillsides turn from green to the most amazing colours of aubergine and amber. In Winter, whilst it would be difficult to sunbathe, the sun still shines and the skies are often blue despite the dip in temperature, and with the winter comes skiing. There are three locations for this: Prato Spila high above the Taverone valley, Zum-Zeri in the western part of the Lunigiana and the third centre at Cerreto. Whilst these areas could not be described as professional resorts they still offer an enjoyable days skiing for all levels of ability. Seasonal festivals are held in the villages throughout the year to celebrate the harvests, with simple recipes evolved through the centuries. Long tables are laid for locals and visitors to enjoy the local recipes made lovingly by the villagers. In reality every one helps out, a real traditional affair the sort of thing seen on advertisement for olive oil! The Lunigianese people offer a warm welcome to new faces whether it be in mere curiosity or in the joy that people choose to visit their valley. Each village has its own unique character and sounds. The bells of the cattle in the nearby meadows, the shout of the bread man arriving, the ladies catching up on the local gossip and of course the chime of the bell tower. People live in complete harmony where the simple things are important, content in the quiet knowledge that life is good here!
Influences from Liguria and Emilia Romagna combine with the traditions of Lunigiana and blend throughout the architecture, warm, generous hospitality and unique cuisine. The nearby ‘Gulf of the Poets’ sometimes referred to as the ‘Lunigianese Coast’ has attracted many writers, artists and film makers over the years. The quietly cosmopolitan coastline still retains its authenticity and charm. The lively and colourful waterfronts, picturesque fishing villages and hidden coves with turquoise waters are a delight to discover. Excellent road and rail links give easy access to many famous tourist centres. For those with a craving for the famous ham, Parma is approximately an hour north of the region or should you wish to visit Florence it can be reached within an hour and a half by car. If you prefer an escape from driving then the train service is a cost effective and efficient way to explore the region. The airports of Pisa and Genova are about an hours drive away with other more northern airports worthy of consideration, all emphasising the regions superb location. If you have a passion for Italy, and a desire to explore the less beaten tracks, then Lunigiana will not fail to impress. The only real way to appreciate all that Lunigiana has to offer is to see it with your own eyes. We are sure that after your visit , this will be a place you find difficult to forget.

For more information on the surrounding areas and places to visit please contact Darren at Toscana Rustica.

High season ( 1 July - 1 Sept) £550
Mid Season ( 3 - 30 June / 2 - 29 Sept £500)
All other times £450
Prices include utilities and cleaning. From Nov - March they may be an additional charge for heating depending on useage.