Vacation Rental Description
Our lovingly restored stone mill lies nestled on the edge of a picturesque village beside a stream and is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty with the ‘Parco dei Cento Laghi’ virtually on your doorstep and within easy reach of the Ligurian coast and stunning Cinque Terre coastline.
A romantic Tuscan hideaway, Il Ruscello is reached through an old passageway down a few steps leading onto the terrace beside the stream. It’s a beautiful spot with it’s pretty views up to the village with its medieval footbridge and castle. There is a table and chairs for eating al fresco and sun loungers for soaking up the sun. The perfect place to relax with a good book and a glass of wine and watch the stream meandering by. We have kept the original character with its terracotta floors, wood beamed ceilings and exposed stone creating a lovely atmosphere. The living room has been comfortably furnished with a leather sofa, TV, video with plenty of videos and books. The kitchen area has a table and chairs, oven and hob, fridge and washing machine. French doors lead onto the terrace and a stone arched doorway takes you into the pretty double bedroom. The en-suite has a shower, toilet and feature round sink.
Though unspoilt, Lunigiana is neither remote nor isolated and is well served by motorways and is convenient for several airports. The stunning Ligurian coast and the famous long sandy beaches of Versillia further south are all within easy reach. From Lerici you can take a boat ride to the famous ‘Cinque Terre’, five villages clinging to the cliffs of this striking coastline. The villages are linked by paths which afford breathtaking views of the rocky coves and deep blue sea.
Lunigiana is renowned for its castles and some are open to the public along with some interesting museums, including one in Pontremoli where you can see the ancient ‘stelle’ statues. Further afield you can explore the ancient Roman town of Luni, the marble fields of Cararra, the caves and thermal springs at Equi Terme, or Sarzana, renowned for its famous summer antiques fair.
Lunigiana, is a haven for walkers and nature lovers. The traditional rural way of life is very much in evidence here and goes on as it always has done. The changing seasons in Lunigiana all have their own particular beauty. In the springtime the countryside is filled with wild flowers and it is not unusual to see deer or to catch sight of peregrine falcons or golden eagles and In the warmer evenings of early summer it's time for magical fireflies . On hot summer days you can picnic up in the mountains and enjoy the spectacular views or perhaps spend an afternoon relaxing by the river and taking a dip in the clear river pools. Alternatively, there is a swimming pool in Comano and for the more energetic there is horse riding, tennis and numerous marked trails to walk, ranging from gentle hill walks to tackling the more strenuous hike across the Apennine ridge. Throughout summer there are village ‘festas’ where you will be welcomed and encouraged by the friendly locals to join them in their festivities, with dancing and the opportunity to sample some of the foods which are typical of this region.
Castello has its very own ‘festa’ in August and Fivizzano and Filletto both host colourful medieval pageants. For eating out there are several restaurants to choose from, the closest being two in Comano a couple of minutes away by car or a ten-minute walk. They are all very reasonably priced and provide good home cooking and a friendly atmosphere. The summer is followed by the glorious colours of autumn and the golden glow of Tuscan sunsets, the gathering in of chestnuts and olives and hunts for porcini mushrooms. Lunigiana is certainly a land of contrasts and whatever the season and whatever your tastes, there is something here for everyone.
Facilities
Cooking Utensils
DVD
Heating
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Washer
Activities
Biking
Fishing
Horse Riding
Hunting/Rock Climbing
Mountain Biking
Restaurant
Shopping
Snow Boarding
Tennis
The cultural centres of Florence, Pisa, Parma, Genoa and Lucca are all accessible within one and a half hours by car.
The ‘Gulf of Poets’, so called because Byron, Shelley and Keates once lived there, can be reached in around forty minutes and there are beautiful rocky bays around Fiascherino. From Lerici you can take a boat trip to Portovenere and then on to visit the Cinque Terre, five villages which cling to the beautiful cliffs of the Ligurian coast. Walk the path linking the villages and take in the stunning views of the rocky bays and terraced vineyards.
Rather than going to the beach or to the hotel swimming pool within walking distance in Comano, you might prefer to find some of the lovely clear river pools that abound in the area, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days! During the winter months there are several ski slopes within easy reach, the nearest being at Prato Spilla which is approx. 25 minutes away by car.