La Vecchia Scuola is a beautifully restored former school house set in the medieval mountain village of Sassorosso, in the heart of the unspoilt Garfagnana. Surrounded by dramatic scenery and wide open views, this is a peaceful and authentic setting, ideal for families, walkers and anyone wanting to experience a quieter side of Tuscany.
The house has been renovated to a high standard while keeping its original character. The main house offers a stylish dining kitchen with dishwasher, a comfortable living room with TV, two bright double bedrooms and a modern bathroom. A separate sun house provides a twin bedroom with its own en-suite bathroom and sitting area, making it particularly practical for families with older children or two couples travelling together who appreciate a little more privacy.
Outside, the terrace has been restored using the same mountain stone as the village itself. There is a 6m x 3m above-ground swimming pool, a newly built gazebo, quality outdoor furniture and a good BBQ. The views from the house stretch across the surrounding mountains and valleys and are one of its strongest features. This is a property designed for relaxed outdoor living, long lunches and quiet evenings.
Sassorosso is known for its distinctive pink stone and marble buildings and has been nominated as a World Heritage village. It is a traditional Tuscan mountain village with very little tourism and a strong local identity. There is a restaurant under five minutes’ drive from the house, a café in the next village, and a well-stocked shop, butcher and another excellent restaurant around ten minutes down the hill. Eating out in this region remains good value compared to many parts of Tuscany, with generous portions and local wine at sensible prices.
The wider Garfagnana is often described as “Hidden Tuscany”. Set between the Apuan Alps and the Apennine mountains, it offers dramatic scenery, cooler summer temperatures and a network of walking trails that start directly from villages. The area is particularly well suited to walking holidays, mountain biking, horse riding and exploring small, historic villages. Nearby is Orecchiella Natural Park, a protected area known for its forests, wildlife and panoramic views.
The market town of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana is 12 km away and provides supermarkets, shops, cafés and the nearest train station, with regular connections to Lucca in around 50 minutes. The attractive hilltop town of Barga is also nearby and is well worth visiting for its cathedral, small restaurants and summer cultural events. Other places of interest include San Pellegrino in Alpe, Corfino, Sillico and the impressive Fortezza delle Verrucole.
Lucca is approximately 57 km away, Pisa 67 km, Florence 86 km and the Cinque Terre 108 km, making day trips possible while staying in a much quieter and more scenic base. The nearest airports are Pisa International Airport at around 67 km, Florence Airport at 86 km and Bologna Airport at 145 km.
La Vecchia Scuola suits guests who value scenery, space and authenticity over nightlife and resort facilities. It offers mountain views, outdoor living and access to some of the best walking terrain in Tuscany, while still allowing visits to the region’s art cities when desired.
La Vecchia Scuola suits guests who value scenery, space and authenticity over nightlife and resort facilities. It offers mountain views, outdoor living and access to some of the best walking terrain in Tuscany, while still allowing visits to the region’s art cities when desired.
Restaurant (Ristorante Linda) 1 km
Cafeteria / bar in Massa Sassorosso 1.7 km
Minimarket 4km
Supermarkets 11 km
Castelnuovo town 12 km
Lucca 57 km
Pisa 67 km
Florence 86 km
Cinque Terre 108 km
CLOSEST AIRPORTS
Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport 7 km
Florence Peretola Airport 86 km
Bologna airport 145km
Additional fees;
tourist tax of €1 per day per person due to the owner (max 5 days chargeable, under 14s not included)
Heating if required, charged as extra
€80 cleaning fee due to the owner on arrival.
Pool open May to October (can be negotiated).
