Camaiore House for Rent: Self catering house in Tuscan hills with superb view, near sea, pool - Property 1597

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The hamlet of Peralta: The beautiful peaceful hamlet of Peralta has a spectacular setting in the Tuscan hills that rise high above the valley of Camaiore. It was restored with great love and imagination by international sculptor Fiore de Henriquez. She created a place that is quite unique. Peralta was her home up to her death in June 2004 and one can see her work all through the hamlet. Her sculpture everywhere and the manner in which she restored and designed the hamlet give it very special atmosphere and character. With stunning, panoramic views over the valley to the hills and sea beyond and surrounded by terraces of olive groves, its stone walls covered with purple bougainvilleas, lemon trees, jasmine, Peralta seems like paradise, a place for people seeking tranquility and beauty. There is a swimming pool on an upper terrace with a panoramic view towards the sea. The large terrace in front of Peralta is a lovely place to sit with a glass of wine, enjoy the sunsets and meet other guests.

Surrounding area: Lovely walking country with marked trails through the olive groves and hills dense with chestnut trees and known for their wild flowers in spring and autumn. Walks range from 50 minutes to a delightful restaurant in an adjoining village, to three hours up to the peak of the Mount Prana above Peralta. Although secluded, the motorway is only 20 mins away so sightseeing is easy. Shopping in Florence/Lucca/Forte dei Marmi is legendary! Porto Venere & the Cinque Terre are 1 hour away. The sculptor's town of Pietrasanta takes 20 minutes and has many cafes and restaurants. Beaches are 30 mins away. The closest shops (grocer and greengrocer) are just minutes down the hill where there is also a bar/pizza restaurant. The market town of Camaiore takes 10 minutes by car. Peralta offers self catering accommodation, sleeping from 2 to 8 and 4 additional bedrooms with bathrooms. The whole hamlet can be let out for parties, sleeping a total of 32 people. Please ask us for our website address.

Access:: Airports: Pisa 45 mins - Florence 1 hr. Genoa 1 hr.40mins - Bologna 2hrs. From the A11 and A12 motorway exit, Viareggio/Camaiore, you head for 'Viareggio, Lido di Camaiore'. Then for 'Camaiore'. From Camaiore, there is a little road that leaves the valley and winds its way up the hill to Pieve di Camaiore, then to Peralta. (We give detailed directions). Note: The last 200 or so yards of our road are very steep and narrow with 2 hairpin bends. A smallish car is recommended, although an Espace & other large cars can make it!! This last bit of road is unsuitable for nervous drivers. The road comes to an end in our carpark. From there you walk to Peralta itself (about 200 yards/meters) and we can help with luggage (9am to 6pm). . Don't be put off by the last piece of road - Peralta more than merits the effort! And if you are in a very large car, you can always park it below the hairpin bends. Only a short walk up to the carpark.

Guest Book: To anyone considering a stay at the Hamlet of Peralta, and the Casa Luigi there in particular, I can only say you are in for a completely delightful experience! We were 8 guests in all, plus a baby, and Casa Luigi provided us with all the space and privacy we needed, along with the most perfect patio for relaxing and having all our meals together, overlooking the verdant Tuscan valley. The bouganvilla covered stone buildings, swimming pool overlooking the valley, charming bar, superb Tuscan cuisine offered a few evenings a week, beautiful sculpture at every turn, fireflies and stars at night...it was serenity at its very best! And such friendly people helping us at every turn, from getting bags up the hill, offering advise on local hiking trails, providing for many sundry needs...all these things added up to a relaxing, fun, and wonderful vacation... (Carla Reed)

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