Hi

[Gala Placidia]

Careful with one thing we noticed when looking for a house near that area. Some of the villages are linked not only by roads which are not well maintained but also very narrow and difficult to drive. You have to think that if you forgot some essential on your shopping list, you have to drive all the way back in those conditions and then return.... This point became very important to us and made us decide on Bagni di Lucca itself... Plus the fact that we found the right property for us.
But you are doing the right thing by going there and talking to the agents. See as many properties as you can and then go back to check on your own without the agents. That will give you a good idea about the location. And be patient....don't rush.

[borrini]

Yes GP the roads are bad. That is the biggest problem living in the mountains in the less populated areas, the roads are really dreadful. As much as I would love to live there for the scenery and peaceful surroundings I could not cope with driving on those roads at night after a nice meal and OMG no vino!! That would ruin everything.
I think to have a place there as a 2nd home would be wonderful but not 365 days a year. This is why the young generation have moved away and the population declined because people want a more sophisticated lifestyle.
I had heard that Bagni di Lucca is getting popular with English people - if you have good roads down to Lucca that is possibly one of the reasons why. I have some relatives from Lucca but thought it might be too hot in the summer for us. Do you live full-time or is it a holiday home? If the latter have you really thought what it would be like all the time?
B

[Gala Placidia]

Well, actually Bagni di Lucca was more popular with English people before than nowadays, although there are a few around. Actually, Council is trying hard to entice some of the British people to come and participate more. Recently, on the 31st of May, they inaugurated a Promenade on the River Banks and gave it the name of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning and they intend to make the 31st of May of each year a friendship day between Bagni di Lucca and the UK. One of these days I will write more about this subject as it may interest other people as well. Byron, Shelley and others, as well as the Brownings were regular visitors, particularly during the 19th Century when Bagni had a famous spa (Ithey are still there but are not as popular as before) and casino (the first in Europe, apparently).
Regarding the road to Lucca, it is excellent, it takes less than half an hour to cover the 25 kms distance through beautiful scenery.
As for the climate, it is not too hot in summer, it enjoys a great microclimate. The altitude is about 200 metres above sea level and in the river area (where we are) we benefit from great fresh breezes practically always. At night, even in the middle of summer, you need a light blanket. In winter it is not too cold either but if you go to the villages in the mountain conditions may be different.
We are also close to the Versilian Coast as well as the Abetone ski resort and Florence, Pisa, Siena, Bologna, the Cinque Terre are all day trips for us, either by car or public transport. Last time, we had a lovely day trip visiting Lake Trasimeno, Panicale (Umbria) and Cortona.
At present, we use the house as a holiday home, but we are going there at least 3 times in the year and spending several weeks each time. I would not mind moving there permanently, but I also like my place in Spain so this arrangement is better for us.
The main reason why we decided to buy in Bagni di Lucca, after visiting several times many areas in Luguria and Tuscany is that we did not feel isolated there and everything we needed was within walking distance, without having to get into the car all the time. It is also a beautiful place. We are very happy about our choice. We are both in our (young at heart) 60´s and it is important to be in a place where you can see and communicate with other people. It keeps us alive and (hopefully) young.
Best wishes with your plans.

[Heiko]

Hi borrini,

We seem to have found the place you're looking for: 15 minutes drive to La Spezia, 20 minutes to Lerici, 5 from the motorway, a spanking brand new hypermarkey at the bottom of the hill (3km), 2 restaurants in the village and numerous others in the valley, decent road, no crime, seaview and a rejuvenating population as we are in easy commuting distance to La Spezia. I'll send you a pm.

[alma]

The first time we came to Italy , about 17 years ago was to Lunigiana and I was instantly besotted.Quite a few years later, when I was hoping to buy a holiday home there, prices had risen a lot, probably because a lot of English people were buying there , and I thought I'd have to give up, when I was introduced to a house in the Val Di Vara just over the border and still in Lunigiana. I bought it, wondering if I'd miss the Tuscan side of the border and if a tiny hamlet would be too isolated. Guess what. Besotted again, and we are so much a part of that community that our social life can be exhausting! Mountain restaurants are very cheap as well. Supermarkets 20 mins away by car but village shop and post office only a mile. I think it would be hard to live anywhere in Italy without being swept off your feet with the area and the people.I have noticed that everyone loves the region they have settled in. In fact, is there anyone who would not reccommend their bit of Italy?
ciao
pam

[borrini]

Ronan
So pleased for you that you have had such a great time. I'm sure in England you wouldn't feel confident of letting your 3yr old go off with strangers!
Presumably you have recently purchased your house? Will you be working in the area when you go for a year?
I feel that moving to what is a different life has to be done carefully. I don't want to just go along blindly and make a big mistake. I will choose the place that 'ticks' all the boxes that are important to us. I am sure that you having a young family will have different priorities to me as I am older than you but I reackon we both want a happy, pleasant, safe environment to live in.
Best wishes.

[borrini]

Gala Placidia
Your place certainly sounds beautiful. I too think it important to be within walking distance of civilizaion (especially when past the first flush!) By the way the new 60 is 50 so you can cut 10 years off!!
Also if you do have to drive much in the local area that the roads are at least reasonable. I feel very nervous where the road has fell away down 200 feet or more and they just put a bit of plastic tape round the gap!! I much prefer the drive say into Levanto where there are barriers along the road.
Cheers

[borrini]

Yes Pam, everyone shouts for their corner! and that's how it should be. We all want something different and we all hope we will get what we want.
I thought that Lunigiana was in Tuscany! I didn't realise that part was in Liguria? My family were from Zeri. Yes, I am very happy there and especially the people. But there is a distinct lack of a quality restaurant or bar. I would be extremely happy there for holidays (as I do anyway) but to live permanently would be different. The roads are another problem!!!! Maybe I'm just a whimp!

[Gala Placidia]

Borrini, you are right, Bagni di Lucca is a beautiful place. We fell in love with it and still are. If you want more information on the area, have a look at
Val di Lima - The guide to Bagni di Lucca and around - Start here!
Also, do a quick search with the name of the town and you will get plenty of information.
If you are in the area, go and visit it. Also, have a look at the Garfagnana, particularly Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and Barga. Both superb! We go there for coffee or lunch and when they have special events.
Happy hunting!

[Gala Placidia]

Oops! I forgot another interesting site on Bagni from the local Comune

comune di Bagni di Lucca