Location

Casa Libra is located between Lucca and Florence, only around 45 minutes by car from Florence or Pisa airport. Centrally situated, the delights of Tuscany are within an hour's drive of the house. The coastal resorts of Viareggio and Forte de Marmi, the monuments of Florence and Pisa are all less than 50 kilometres. Whether the children wish to visit Collodi and the Pinocchio Park, or you wish to visit the markets in Florence, the Designer outlet centres or the spas of Montecatini Terme ... .all is possible.

Conveniently situated for both Pisa airport and Florence airport, either can be reached within an hour. Both are international airports with direct flights from most countries of Europe and good connecting flights with Rome and Milan for those traveling from the rest of the world. The nearest train station is Pescia, from which you can take a local train to Florence, Lucca and Viareggio among other towns.

The nearest villages of San Quirico and Aramo are small communities in mediaeval villages with narrow streets more suited to the pedestrian than the car. Next to the house is a small holding with chickens, doves and dogs.  Small restaurants proliferate in the hills, where local delicacies such as wild boar and truffles are incorporated into the cuisine. The bakery is about five minutes by car from the house as is the Post Office and general store. Pescia is about five kilometres away and provides the usual amenities such as supermarkets, bars, a hospital, etc. There is an Irish pub, a disco, gourmet restaurants, local cafes and ice cream shops. The weekly market in the main square offers everything from fruit and vegetables, to underwear and CD's. Once a year, Pescia holds its own Palio, an archery contest between the local communities; the streets are decorated, and the participants dress in medieval costume and parade through the town.

Just outside Pescia is the town of Montecatini Terme, famous for its spas and waters. Its Roman baths have been the retreat for many a European monarch. To the southwest is Montecarlo (Italy, not Monaco!), a small village famous for its wines; to the west is Collodi, famous for being the 'birthplace' of Pinocchio. Just a bit further afield is the walled town of Lucca that holds annual concerts in its squares, Barga with its opera seasons, and Pistoia with its Jazz Festival. To the north is Abatone, a winter ski resort with great snowboard runs. Whatever your interests, this part of Tuscany has it all.