Thank You Italia.tv » Nature – Natura

House for sale – Lunigiana (north Tuscany)

Toracca — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 07:43:31 +0000

CODIPONTE CASA
Did I like it? Emphatically “YES I DID.”
Would I buy it? “YES I WOULD,” if I was single, part of a couple or had young children and was looking for an ideal holiday home. A perfect holiday home!
One of the immediate attractions of this house is that it is very low maintenance i.e. not so large that I‘d spend all my holiday doing housework and the lack of a garden is a definite plus. After all, who wants to spend precious holiday hours tidying a garden as couple of weeks absence is sufficient to ensure days of work as everything in this area grows so rapidly.
Another absolute advantage is that after a quick shopping spree to install beds and something to sit on and eat off, occupancy is immediate.
At present, the small but charming front terrace is large enough to accommodate some chairs and a small drinks table but with minimal work and expense could easily be transformed into an acceptable eating out area, and the idea of sitting on this terrace sipping a good local wine and looking out over the incredible view is very tempting.
The kitchen, immediately off the terrace is more than adequate to accommodate a table and chairs and kitchen fittings without the cook becoming claustrophobic should anyone should want to join her/him while producing delicious meals using the excellent local produce readily available from the village stores. For me the kitchen is like a blank canvas to an artist. While in need of kitchen furniture, whether you choose modern or traditional units from the wonderful kitchen fitting manufacturers only a short drive from Codiponte or make a trip to Genoa and enjoy the pleasure of economy buys in IKEA, or even purchase antique furniture, not so readily available but definitely to be found, for me the idea of designing my own kitchen certainly appeals.
I loved the existing terracotta floor and although my immediate feeling was that the wall tiles were not my taste, after another look I decided that if incorporated with the right furniture and colour scheme I could certainly live with them.
The good-sized living room would accommodate sufficient furniture to ensure a cosy and comfortable room to relax in and although the flooring is perhaps not everyone’s taste I liked it immensely. I particularly loved the “friendly” window looking out over, but above the narrow street and imagined peering down and chatting to people as they passed by. One of the endearing things about this part of Italy is the warmth and friendliness of the people as they are always ready to pass the time of day or stop for a chat. Even if you can’t manage the language they somehow make themselves understood and smile happily as if understanding everything you’re saying.
From the living room the marble staircase with pretty wrought iron railings leads up to the first floor. For me the staircase of a house is most important. A strange personal thing but I love a good staircase and for sure this is a good staircase. Beautiful white marble treads, light and airy with lots of wall space to decorate and at the top of the stairs an interesting little landing with steps going up to the main bedroom and others going down to the bathroom and the second bedroom.
I was delighted when I reached the main bedroom, not only by it’s size but the fact that a large built in cupboard, ideal as a wardrobe, meant that furnishing this room would be a joy.
Then down to the bathroom, not huge, but certainly larger than most I’ve seen, including my own. Although there’s no bath, which had I not lived in Italy for so many years I might not have been pleased with, but knowing how many showers I take during the hot summer months a bath is definitely unnecessary. Apart from anything a bath uses a lot more water than a shower. The floor tiles are absolutely gorgeous and decorating this room in my own taste would be great fun. The existing tiles are a little “floral” for me but I could happily live with them until I decided exactly what I wanted to do to the room.
The second bedroom was probably the room I was most excited about. Although not huge it is large enough to accommodate a bed or bunk beds and any necessary bedroom furniture. Undoubtedly the best feature of this room are the double doors leading out onto a balcony with the most stunning views, over Codiponte, the mountains and other villages including the beautiful village of Monte di Bianchi. I knew immediately what I would do with this room. I no longer have children at home but as I do have visitors I would install a sofa bed and turn it into a small sitting room/study/guest room. Then I could enjoy the view from within the room or sit on the balcony which is large enough to take a couple of chairs.
I always believe it is good to live in a house for a while and get a feel for it before rushing into decorating and with this house that would certainly be possible and most importantly apart from fitting out the kitchen and possibly extending the courtyard there is no need for any major work.
One of the many delights of this property is that although surrounded by other houses it’s not directly overlooked and as the street is so narrow it is quiet and tranquil with no chance of a vehicle driving by. An excellent position for people with youngsters as they could confidently allow the children to wander around in safety.
The approach through the village up to the house is exceptionally attractive, but whilst being so high up affords fantastic views reaching the house on foot is a bit strenuous. A great way of getting fit though and the new road at the rear of the village will ensure that luggage, deliveries and shopping can be brought to the house quite easily.
A walk around the lower part of Codiponte revealed the usual village shops ensuring that almost everything you require can be purchased without leaving the village including washing machines, fridges and televisions. These village shops never cease to amaze me. Always incredibly small they are crammed to capacity with stock that would put some supermarkets to shame and of course you can order your bread daily, purchase local produce and delicacies and of course local wine. A “peek” and a “sniff” into the Codiponte shops told me they were as well stocked with “goodies” as all the other tiny village “alimentari “ in this area.
Codiponte is a delightful antique village ideally situated for exploring the wonders of Lunigiana and beyond, which of course includes fantastic restaurants and pizzerias. Throughout the year Codiponte has the usual activities, Carnivale, an Apple Fair and not least a Croce Bianco benefit night. I’ve attended all of these in the past but probably the most memorable was the Croce Bianco night when I ate delicious capra (goat) and polenta. The polenta was ambrosial, excuse me if I sound too poetic but it really was that good and had been made during the late afternoon by several of the Signoras in the village in their own homes then transported to the Croce Bianco headquarters to be eagerly consumed. I would point out that the average age of these Senora was probably about 78 and of course the polenta was made from homegrown, hand picked and home ground maize.
One of the many wonderful things about living in this area is that it is possible to find Carnival celebrations, Fairs, Sagras (festivals), Cenas (dinner and dancing), concerts and benefit nights happening almost every weekend of the year, especially in the summer months. It is a wonderful way to get to know the local people and their customs and visitors are always made especially welcome.
(Review written by Yvonne)
Asking price: € 140.000

Contact for more information: box@casealsole.com

Tipica casa della Lunigiana (nord Toscana) ubicata in un simpatico villaggio chiamato Codiponte che conserva ancora spiccate caratteristiche medievali. Nel video si vedono scorci del villaggio e si può notare l’atmosfera di pace che lo circonda. La casa è in buone condizioni generali con una parte già abitabile e una parte da ultimare. I tetti sono nuovi o ricontrollati. Dalla proprietà si gode una bella vista panoramica. Su di un lato della proprietà c’è un bel giardino recintato. Ai piedi del villaggio scorre il torrente Aulella dalle acque limpide e pescose.
Prezzo richiesto: € 140.000

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Agriturismo in Lunigiana: antique restored monatery…

Toracca — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 13:06:48 +0000

Montagna Verde is an antique restored monastery in a panoramic location with views over the mountains and chestnut groves of the Appenines between Tuscany and Emilia. The surroundings and the uncontaminated countryside together with hospitality and courtesy make for the perfect combination and are traditional values of old in these Lunigiana lands. 17 rooms, 5 apartments, an attractive swimming pool with views of the Apuan Alps. Excellent restaurant serving typical local dishes based on boar, roe deer, venison, beef and chicken all reared on the farm or on the apriturismos’ preserve.

Montagna Verde, antico monastero ristrutturato, gode di una posizione panoramica con vista sulle montagne e i castagneti del Parco Nazionale dell’Appennino Tosco Emiliano. L’ambiente e la natura incontaminata si sposano con l’ospitalità e la gentilezza, valori di antica tradizione in queste terre di Lunigiana. 17 camere, 5 appartamenti, una suggestiva piscina con vista sulle Apuane. Ottimo il ristorante che serve piatti tipici della zona a base di cinghiali, caprioli, cervi, bovini, polli tutti allevati nella fattoria o nella riserva dell’agriturismo.

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Sardinia: the road from Bosa to Alghero

Toracca — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:14:43 +0000

A sunny mid-spring morning, a short trip between the small medieval city of Bosa and the city of Alghero on the panoramic road hugging the coast. Two simple ingredients for a delightful experience involving all your senses. The intense scent of the Mediterranean scrub that covers the rocky hills, the spectacular views over the totally undeveloped countryside, the numerous beaches, some sandy, some formed of rock sculpted into exotic flowing and jagged shapes with natural swimmable pools. Breathtaking…

In una luminosa mattina di metà primavera, un breve viaggio tra la piccola città medievale di Bosa e la città di Alghero lungo la strada panoramica aggrappata alla costa. Due semplici ingredienti per una deliziosa esperienza che coinvolge tutti i nostri sensi. Il profumo intenso della macchia mediterranea che ricopre la costa rocciosa, il panorama spettacolare dell’interno, ancora tutto da scoprire, le numerose spiagge, alcune sabbiose, altre in insenature circondate da rocce scolpite dalla natura in forme fantastiche, che formano piscine naturali. Da rimanere senza fiato…

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Cinque Terre: views of Riomaggiore

Toracca — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 06:55:36 +0000

Video

Viste di Riomaggiore, uno degli antichi borghi arroccati sulle costa delle Cinque Terre, riviera di levante della Liguria.

From Riomaggiore to Monterosso

Toracca — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 10:12:03 +0000

A motorboat excursion to discover the Cinque Terre (La Spezia, Liguria), leaving from Riomaggiore with its characteristic group of houses nestled on the cliffs overlooking the small bay and on to Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and the beaches of Monterosso with their typical rock formations. A truly unique landscape…

Una gita in motonave alla scoperta della Cinque Terre (La Spezia, Liguria), partendo da Riomaggiore con il suo caratteristico borgo arroccato sulla costa e affacciato su una piccola baia. E poi Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza e le spiagge di Monterosso con i caratteristici scogli. Un paesaggio unico al mondo…

Liguria: sea and mountains…

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:49:06 +0000

Liguria is a region overlooking the sea, almost surrounded by mountains and with a luxurious vegetation. Its origines are very ancient, it preserves paleolitics remains, such as the Toirano Grotte, located on the western riviera. In recent times Ligura has been home for many poets, such as Byron and Shelley who died in the Gulf of La Spezia, that’s why is commonly known as The Poets Gulf. Portovenere is a charming village made of coloured houses one clinging to the other overlooking the beautiful sea. Dominated by the sixteenth-century Castle and the Church of Saint Peter. Nearby, La Spezia with its lovely gardens along the sea promenade. Portofino, Portus Delfini mentioned by Plinio, a millenary village that today has become a destination chose by the international jet sets. Some elegant beach resorts, in Rapallo, for instance, or Santa Margherita, Camogli and Alassio, just to mention a few. Cinque Terre with its uncontaminated nature, formed by 5 ancient villages embedded in the cliff above the sea. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia with amazing scenaries and routs such as the Via dell’Amore to be explored only by walk, from Manarola to Riomaggiore. San Remo, where the famous Music Festival is held and its floriculture. Ventimiglia located between Liguria and French Provence. Savona with the imposing Priamar Fortess where Giuseppe Mazzini was confined. Imperia and finally Genova, the capital of Liguria which boasts elegant palaces and nobiliar villas. As Francesco Petrarca defined it, “The Lady of the Sea”. The geografic nature of Liguria, between the sea and the mountains, is present in the cusine as well. With recipies such as pesto souce with trenette, superb olive oil, anchovies and typical sweets and wine.

La Liguria è una regione che si affaccia sul mare da un lato e dall’altro è circondata da montagne con una vegetazione lussureggiante. Le sue origini sono molto antiche, conserva resti paleolitici come le Grotte di Toirano, situate sulla riviera di ponente. In tempi recenti è stata dimora di vari poeti come Byron o Shelley, che per l’appunto è morto nel Golfo della Spezia, motivo per il quale il golfo è conosciuto anche come Il Golfo Dei Poeti. Portovenere è un delizioso paese costituito da case colorate l’una attaccata all’altra di fronte al mare con affianco il Castello e la Chiesa di San Pietro. Poco distante si trova La Spezia con i sontuosi e ben curati giardini lungo la passeggiata a mare. Portofino, Portus Delfini così definito da Plinio, è un paese millenario che oggi è diventato meta ambita dal jet-set internazionale. Alcuni tra i più eleganti stabilimenti balneari si trovano a Rapallo, a Santa Margherita, Camogli ed Alassio per citarne alcuni. Altra meraviglia sono le 5 Terre che consistono in 5 piccoli villaggi lungo la costa immersi in una natura incontaminata incastonati nelle rocce. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia offrono scenari mozzafiato come il sentiero detto La Via Dell’Amore che va da Manarola a Riomaggiore. San Remo, altra città nota per il Festival Della Musica e la floricoltura. Ventimiglia, posta tra Liguria e la Provenza francese. Savona con la sua imponente Fortezza Priamar in cui fu confinato Giuseppe Mazzini. Imperia ed infine Genova, il capoluogo, che vanta eleganti palazzi nobiliari e ville favolose. Definita da Petrarca “La Signora del Mare”. La natura geografica della regione sita fra le montagne e il mare si sente anche nella cucina con i suoi sapori genuini e particolari come il pesto usato per condire le trenette, l’olio, le acciughe, i dolci tipici e il vino.

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Tuscany, in the very heart of Italy…

admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:22:25 +0000

Toscana, home of many well-known artists and writers is set in the very heart of Italy. Giannutri, Giglio, Montecristo, Pianosa, Elba are all Tuscany Islands. Its enchanting scenaries inspired and bewitched the greate painting masters. Hills sloping down gently and cities with innumerable towers. Siena with its celebrated Piazza del Campo, where the Palio, a horse race, is held every year; the Torre del Mangia and the Duomo, one of the best medioeval example of architecture. Arezzo, Petrarca birth place with Piazza Grande and Palazzo delle Logge with masterpieces of Cimabue and Piero della Francesca frescos. Pisa is an ancient Maritime Republic with its magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli. Then Lucca with its imposing medioeval walls fencing the whole historic center. Livorno, one of the most ancient harbour of Italy with Fortezza Vecchia, the simbol of the city and center of important shipbuilding industries. Carrara, famous for the white marble used by Michelangelo and exported in the whole world. Florence is the synthesis of Tuscan art and culture. Dante Alighieri’s home and craddle of Renaissance, with magnificent masterpieces such as Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi’s Cupola, or Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery with the bronze portal of Pisano, Piazza della Signoria with the Michelangelo imposing David. The Uffizi Museum with Botticelli’s Spring and the Birth of Venus. How to forget the Ponte Vecchio, the shopping center of the ancient times. Then again, Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens, Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce. Tuscany is not only this, you can find uncontaminated nature and uncomparable landscapes. Its genuine and tasty cusine is based on vegetables soup like Ribollita or Cereal Soup, Cacciucco, a fish soup typical in Livorno, the Florentine steak, Colonnata lard and Chianti wine.

La Toscana, patria di scrittori e artisti italiani, si trova nel cuore dell’Italia. Giannutri, Giglio, Montecristo, Pianosa, Elba sono tutte le isole toscane di una bellezza straordinaria. I suoi meravigliosi scenari hanno stregato e ispirato molti pittori. Dolci colline e città con innumerevoli torri. Siena con la sua nota Piazza del Campo in cui ogni anno si tiene la corsa a cavallo del Palio, su cui si affacciano La Torre del Mangia e il Duomo. Arezzo, luogo di nascita del Petrarca, con la sua Piazza Grande e il Palazzo delle Logge con opere di Cimabue ed affreschi di Piero della Francesca. Pisa è un’antica Repubblica Marinara con la sua Piazza dei Miracoli. Ancora Lucca, cinta dalle sue imponenti mura medievali che proteggono il centro storico. Livorno, uno dei più antichi porti dell’antichità, con la sua Fortezza Vecchia, simbolo della città e sede di importanti cantieri navali. Carrara famosa per il suo marmo bianco usato da Michelangelo ed esportato in tutto il mondo. Firenze è la sintesi della cultura e dell’arte toscana. Casa di Dante Alighieri, culla del Rinascimento offre magnifiche opere e monumenti come Santa Maria del Fiore con la cupola del Brunelleschi, Il Campanile di Giotto, il Battistero col portale in bronzo del Pisano, Piazza della Signoria con l’imponente statua del Davide di Michelangelo. Il Museo degli Uffizi con la Primavera del Botticelli e la Nascita di Venere. Come dimenticare il Ponte Vecchio, il centro commerciale dell’antichità. Ancora Palazzo Pitti, i giardini di Boboli, Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce. Ma la Toscana non è solo arte e musei, puoi trovare una natura incontaminata e paesaggi incomparabili. La sua cucina genuina e saporita si basa su zuppe di verdure come la Ribollita o la Zuppa di Cereali, il famoso Cacciucco alla livornese, la bistecca fiorentina, il lardo di Colonnata e il vino Chianti.

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Calabria: Capo Rizzuto, natural marine reserve

Toracca — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 05:03:37 +0000

Capo Rizzuto is to be found about 15 miles south of Crotone. It is an elongated and flat rock that emerges from the clear crystal waters. In ancient times was known as the Iapigi Promontory, as a matter of fact, the Iapigi were the first inhabitants of this area since the Bronze Age. This cape that once was full of lush vegetation, is now completely cleared. All along the perimeter there are many inlets with small ocher-colored cliffs springing from the clear water. On the eastern part of the coast there is the Old Tower which is circular and dated back to the fifteenth-century; while on the western part, there is the New Tower, dated back to the fifteenth century both of them built in order to avoid Turkish raids. The Lighthouse placed at the south west of the Cape, which is an octagonal tower is a useful reference for sailors. For those who love diving, Capo Rizzuto is a natural marine reserve and hosts coral beds and a vast prairies of oceanic poseidonia.

A circa 15 miglia a sud di Crotone dalle acque limpide emerge l’allungato e piatto Capo Rizzuto, conosciuto fin dai tempi antichi come Promontorio dello Iapigi, popolazione indigena che abitava in quell’area già dall’età del bronzo. Il capo che un tempo era ricco di vegetazione rigogliosa, ora è completamente disboscato. Lungo tutto il suo perimetro ci sono numerose insenature con piccole scogliere di colore ocra che spuntano dall’acqua cristallina. Sulla costa est c’è la quattrocentesca Torre Vecchia a pianta circolare, sulla costa ad ovest la quadrangolare Torre Nuova del quindicesimo secolo costruite tutte allo scopo di difendersi dalle incursioni turche. Ottimo riferimento per i naviganti è il Faro posto all’estremità sud occidentale del capo costituita da una Torre ottagonale. E’ consigliabile effettuare immersioni subacqueee giacché tutta l’area circostante Capo Rizzuto è riserva naturale marina infatti ospita banchi madreporici e vaste praterie di poseidonia oceanica.

The Islands of Formiche, in the Tuscan Archipelago

Toracca — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 04:24:03 +0000

The Islands of Formiche, in the Tuscan Archipelago about 89 miles from the marina of San Rocco, are almost larger than a rock, as a matter of fact it is better to reach them when the sea conditions are suitable. In this marine paradise, the three small islands are arranged one behind the other; the first one is formed by two single rocks, the second looks like a long narrow strip and the third, which is the largest, is made diamond-shaped and has a lighthouse on top. The Formiche Islands are the ideal environment for lovers of diving and snorkelling.

A circa 9 miglia dal marina di San Rocco, nell’Arcipelago Toscano si trovano le Isole Formiche. Sono grandi poco più di uno scoglio ed è opportuno recarcisi quando il mare è calmo. In questo paradiso marino, i tre isolotti sono disposti l’uno dietro all’altro, il primo è formato da due singoli scogli, il secondo è una striscia lunga e stretta e il terzo, il più grande, è fatto a forma di rombo e ha un faro sulla sommità. Le Isole Formiche sono l’ambiente ideale per gli amanti di immersioni e snorkelling.

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Sardinia: Caposandalo, in the Island of San Pietro

Toracca — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 04:18:40 +0000

Caposandalo stands on the westernmost tip of the island of San Pietro at about 9 miles from Carloforte and 180 miles from Africa. Its entire coast overlooking the sea, with sharp and threatening rocks detached from the mountain, gives it an austere and inaccessible look. The entire island is the result of an ancient crater and it is demonstrated by the gorge shaped like a funnel made of prisms of rock. The whole area falls in the natural park of LIPU, an important reservoir where particular species of sea birds nest or stop. Half a mile from the coast of Caposandalo the rocky islet of Corno, 15 meters high, appears before our eyes. It is surrounded by deep waters and with a shoal to the north where it is possible to dive.

Caposandalo si erge sulla punta più occidentale dell’Isola di San Pietro a circa 9 miglia da Carloforte e 180 miglia dall’Africa. Tutta la sua costa è a strapiombo sul mare con scogli acuminati e minacciosi staccatisi dalla montagna che le conferiscono un’aria austera e inaccessibile. L’intera isola è il risultato di un antico cratere, ne è dimostrazione l’orrido a forma di imbuto fatto da prismi di roccia. Tutta l’area rientra nell’Oasi naturale della L.I.P.U. un’importante riserva in cui particolari specie di uccelli marini sosta o nidifica. A mezzo miglio dalla costa di Caposandalo emerge l’isolotto roccioso del Corno alto 15 metri, circondato da acque profonde e con una secca a nord in cui è possibile effettuare immersioni meravigliose.

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