Gaze out to the Tuscan landscapes that inspired Puccini for so many years whilst staying at this charming home set in the most gorgeous gardens, close to Lucca and the Versilia coastline. As you arrive at Casa Tabarro, step through the wrought-iron gate and gasp at the beauty of the vast garden filled with summer flowers, herbs and olive trees and look out towards Lago di Massaciuccoli and the sea beyond. With around 4000m² of grounds, find space to kick back on the lawns, swim in the dreamy infinity swimming pool or enjoy an aperitivo with the most wonderful sunsets. Dine al-fresco under the vine-covered pergola, making the most of the barbecue and pizza oven. With so much space to relax and play, the setting of this Tuscan home is truly spectacular. Experience the charm of Casa Tabarro inside as well with beautifully decorated interiors and a sense of both warmth and style. A characterful and perfectly equipped kitchen has pretty arched doors leading to the terrace whilst the living area has original tiled floors, an impressive fireplace and a cosy wood beamed ceiling. Three bedrooms can be found over the top two floors, including a lovely master suite upstairs with a romantic roll top bath and of course glorious views. You will then find a further bedroom in the separate annexe in the gardens, allowing this air-conditioned holiday villa to sleep up to eight guests with further beds available on request. When only the villa is booked, the annexe will remain closed. Drive down the hill to the nearest village, around 4km away, for local restaurants and shops and from there it is easy to reach the magnificent lake, the largest in Tuscany. A paradise for nature lovers, walkers and cyclists, look out for rare species of birds as well as a variety of flora and fauna. Head towards Torre Del Lago to visit Puccini’s museum – after all, he lived here for 30 years and created some of his most famous works including Tosca and Madame Butterfly. Visit the wild beaches and coastal walking trails south of Torre del Lago or drive up to Viareggio, a vibrant and much-loved seaside resort on the Versilia coastline with summer watersports, lidos and blue-flagged sandy beaches. Continue further north, past Forte dei Marmi, to admire the enchanting Golfo dei Poeti and onwards to the UNESCO World Heritage landscapes and villages of Cinque Terre. There is of course so much of Tuscany to explore as well – start off in the exquisite Lucca with its Renaissance palaces, pretty churches and historic walls, followed by Pisa to discover more than just the leaning tower. Florence is another amazing day out, as are delightful villages and towns from Collodi and Montecatini Terme to San Miniato and Vinci, all jewels in this captivating and world-famous part of Italy.   Features: Casa Interiors Ground Floor -    Open-plan living area with open fireplace, TV and DVD player  -    Open-plan kitchen-diner, well-equipped including dishwasher, oven, kettle, toaster, microwave, fridge/freezer, blender and coffee maker  -    Guest WC -    Studio with two sofa-beds (available on request, subject to supplement) First Floor -    Bedroom with double bed, TV, DVD player and en suite bathroom with shower -    Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom with shower Second Floor -    Bedroom suite with double bed, open fireplace, TV, DVD player and bathroom with bath and separate shower (bedroom has room for a cot or an extra single bed, on request and subject to a supplement) Basement (via three steps) -    Laundry room (and storage area) Poolside Annexe (50m from main house) -    Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom with shower -    Poolside kitchen (separate access to bedroom) Outside Grounds -    Infinity swimming pool (16x4m, depth: 1.4m), open approximately June to September -    Shower -    Sun loungers and parasols -    Poolside summer kitchen -    Pergola with al-fresco dining table and chairs -    Barbecue and pizza oven -    Garden -    Enclosed grounds (4000m2) including olive grove -    Parking Facilities -    Wi-Fi -    Air-conditioning (all bedrooms) -    Heating -    Satellite TV -    DVD players (x2) -    Stereo -    Hairdryer (each bedroom) -    Safe -    Mosquito nets -    Washing machine and dryer -    Ironing facilities Location: Casa Tabarro, with its mesmerising views over Lago di Massaciuccoli, benefits from being close to the beaches of Viareggio as well as just a short drive from some of northern Tuscany’s most beautiful villages, towns and cities including Lucca and Pisa. In a rural setting, with neighbouring villas dotted around, it’s only 4km to the nearest village where you will find a handful of restaurants, a supermarket and other useful amenities. Tuscany’s largest lake, Lago di Massaciuccoli (10km), is also just a short drive away, a paradise for nature lovers with a raised walkway through the wetlands surrounding the lake as well as the ruins of a Roman villa with the most spectacular views. Keen walkers can enjoy the trails near the lake whilst music lovers should visit the Puccini Museum in a gorgeous villa on the other side of the lake. Indeed, Puccini lived in the nearby village of Torre del Lago (14km) for thirty years and wrote some of his major works including Tosca and Madame Butterfly in the early 20th century. An open-air theatre hosts some of the biggest names in opera in late July and August, an experience not to be missed if you stay during this time. The actual beach at Torre del Lago is especially beautiful, just south of Viareggio, with a number of summer beach clubs and backed by pine forests – there are a number of walking trails heading south to more remote parts of this sandy coastline. Further north (and closest to the villa) is the busier seaside resort of Viareggio (10km) where you will find a lively summer ambience along its blue-flagged beaches and 3km long promenade as well as a wealth of activities from various watersports and beach clubs to the glorious Pineta Di Ponente park with its children’s activities and bike paths. Forte dei Marmi (22km) is another popular resort on the Versilia shores or drive even further north to admire the romantic coastline of the Golfo dei Poeti with gorgeous villages such as Lerici, Tellaro and Fiascherino all within an hour by car. La Spezia (66km) is also around an hour away, gateway to the world-famous Cinque Terre National Park – a truly spectacular day out. Closer to home in Tuscany, the exquisite town of Lucca (20km) is worthy of your time with its Renaissance palaces, picturesque churches, idyllic squares and historic walls. Explore away from the tourist trail in Pisa (30km) or drive as far as Florence (100km) for this grand city’s museums, galleries and fashionable shops. Terms & Conditions: Security deposit? €500 charged to client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. Arrival time? 4.00 p.m. - 7.00 p.m. Departure time? By 10.00 a.m. Energy costs included? Yes (except heating). Heating costs included? Extra cost based on consumption, payable locally. Firewood included. Linen & towels included? Yes. End of stay cleaning included? Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Pool opening dates? The pool is open approximately June to September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. Pool towels included? Yes. Tax? Italian Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€3 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). Minimum stay? 7 nights. All other durations on request. Changeover day? Saturday. All other changeover days on request. Pets welcome? On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. Smoking Allowed? Outside only. Internet access? Wi-Fi internet access included. Other Ts and Cs? A cot (for the upstairs suite) and a highchair are available on request. Insurance? Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, personal belongings, public liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay.