Discover a slice of Tuscan paradise at Villa Lontana, where every moment is framed by the breathtaking beauty of the Lucca Valley. Just a short 10-minute drive from the enchanting historic center of Lucca, this exquisite villa offers an idyllic retreat atop a serene, verdant hill. Here, you’ll be captivated by a stunning 180-degree panoramic view of rolling olive groves, vibrant lemon trees, and charming vineyards.
The villa’s story is as enchanting as its surroundings. Its owner, a New York architect with deep Italian roots, fell in love with Lucca’s medieval charm and iconic city walls. Her passion extended to the picturesque hamlet of Carignano, where the intoxicating scent of jasmine and lavender first welcomed her to what would become Villa Lontana.
The villa itself is a vision of elegance and comfort. The cream-colored house with blue shutters stands proudly beside Lucca’s famed vineyards, offering a romantic view of a nearby medieval church. Meticulously renovated, the villa features two state-of-the-art kitchens, luxurious Carrara marble bathrooms, and modern amenities like high-speed WiFi and air conditioning.
Inside, you’ll find a harmonious blend of contemporary design and antique charm. The airy, light-filled spaces boast high ceilings with classic Tuscan beams and cotto tile floors. Expansive picture windows and French doors frame the spectacular vistas, allowing you to soak in the scenery from five beautifully appointed bedrooms and various indoor and outdoor living spaces. Enjoy the garden-level BBQ area, relax on the pool deck loungers, dine on the terrace, or unwind in the pergola seating area, hammock, or spacious sunbed.
The grounds of Villa Lontana are a sensory delight, with a herb garden, citrus trees, and an olive grove all available for sustainable guest use. Fragrant jasmine, lavender, and seasonal flowers add splashes of color, while sunset-colored Lantana flowers attract delicate white butterflies and twinkling fireflies as evening falls.
Named by the owner’s young daughter, who noted the villa’s distance from their New York home, Villa Lontana – meaning "Far Away House" – is a cherished family retreat. When the owners are away, they are delighted to share this magical haven with discerning travelers. Welcome to your Tuscan dream – welcome to Villa Lontana.
Composition of the Villa
The house is ideal for groups as it is large enough to entertain but has suites that provide privacy.
The garden level has a bedroom and en-suite bathroom for greater accessibility, a second bathroom, the laundry room, a spacious lounge with large internet-enabled TV (ready to connect to your favorite screening apps), and a fully equipped kitchen.
The pool, with outdoor dining area and grill, are easily accessible from the garden level suite. The pool and pool deck offers relaxing loungers and umbrellas, with landscaping manicured to frame the villas across the valley and the medieval church down the hill.
One flight up, the ground floor includes the living room, dining room and kitchen with French doors that open out onto the generous lawn. This level also has a master bedroom suite with private entrance, bedroom, bathroom, studio with pull-out daybed, and midnight bar with refrigerator. The level offers outdoor spaces, including a seating area under the bamboo pergola, a dining table with retractable canopy for al fresco meals, and hammock and sunbed options for napping and reading.
The first floor is perfect for a family; it has two bedrooms, one with a queen four-poster bed, the other with twin beds, and a bathroom.
The second floor contains a charming bedroom with en suite bathroom (including bathtub).
There are five bedrooms and five bathrooms total.
Bedroom 1: king bed with ensuite bath
Bedroom 2: king bed with bathroom
Bedroom 3: queen bed
Bedroom 4: twin beds (2)
Bedroom 5: king bed with ensuite bath
On request, for a fee, we have pull-out daybed next to Bedroom 2
Directions:
Follow Via per Carignano from Fattoria al Dotto to La Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta. Turn left just before the little yellow chapel on the lefthand side. If you see the parking lot and bus stop on your right, you’ve passed the gravel road. The road will gently ascend until you reach the front gates of Villa Lontana. You will see the cream house with blue shutters behind the olive trees that frame the driveway.
Lucca & Carignano
Villa Lontana is surrounded by vineyards. Fattoria al Dotto is a five minute walk down the hill, Tenuta Maria Theresa is just across the valley, with its impressive 19th Century façade visible from the house, and Tenuta Adamo Winery is just further north. The Centro Storico of Lucca, with its leafy, elevated promenade walls, and many dining and gelato options, is only 10 minutes by car. Villa Lontana is less than ten minutes from key services such as Coop and Esselunga supermarkets, as well as neighborhood restaurants, pharmacies and local services. Of course, you may prefer to spend a relaxing afternoon sunbathing and swimming at the house, and sampling local meats and vegetables with garden herbs on the barbecue. The choices are endless.
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal profiled the Carignano hamlet: Why Renting a Villa in Tuscany Is the Ultimate Staycation
Tuscany
Tuscany is at your fingertips. Lucca is only 10 minutes away; Pisa is 30 minutes; the Versilia coast with Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi just 10 minutes beyond that; Florence 1 hour away; and the Chianti wine region and Cinque Terre not more than 1.5 hours away. There are other interesting historical towns 1-2 hours away including Pistoia, Volterra, Sienna, and Arezzo.
Notes:
We kindly remind families with small children that there are terraces and a pool for which we recommend adult supervision.
A croquet set, card games and yoga mats are available for guest use
No animals are permitted.
The fireplaces are not usable
There are exterior security cameras at the entrances for safety and peace of mind
Included in the rental price:
Final Cleaning
Towels and linens
Electricity
Gas
Water
Internet Wifi
Not included in the rental price:
Tourist tax: mandatory and required by the local municipality, where applicable.
Midstay and/or weekly cleaning and change of towels and linens
