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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

► Focus on Tuscany

Veneto, a region between heaven and earth

Michela — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:56:23 +0000

We would like to introduce you to the charm of the “Veneto: from the earth to the sky” and the excellence of this territory, the most welcoming region in Italy and the first in terms of tourism.
Art cities, sea, mountains, parks, lakes and spas may be enough for a dream vacation … but this region also has other surprises to be discovered.
For example, there are five places in the Veneto region that have won prestigious acknowledgement from UNESCO and are included in the list of the World Heritage Sites. These include Venice and its lagoon, Verona, the Botanical Gardens of Padua, Vicenza, the Palladian Villas of the Veneto and the Dolomites. The Dolomites were the last to receive acknowledgement on June 26th 2009.
There are other “gems of beauty” to be found in this region such as our fairy-tale like scenery, rolling hills, history and tradition, churches, fortified villages, frescoed palaces, villas, piazzas and arcades, and a countless number of pieces of art that are waiting for you to discover them.

Ecco a voi il fascino del “Veneto. Tra la terra e il cielo”, le eccellenze di questo territorio, la regione più accogliente d’Italia, prima assoluta in termini di presenze turistiche. Città d’arte, mare, montagna, parchi, laghi e terme potrebbero bastare per una vacanza da sogno… E invece il Veneto riserva tante altre sorprese.
Pochi sanno, per esempio, che sono cinque i luoghi del Veneto insigniti del prestigioso riconoscimento UNESCO e iscritti nella lista dei siti Patrimonio dell’Umanità: Venezia e la sua laguna, Verona, l’Orto Botanico di Padova, Vicenza e le ville palladiane del Veneto e per ultime le Dolomiti (il 26 giugno 2009).
In questo territorio si incontrano altre piccole e grandi “perle di bellezza”: paesaggi da sogno, dolci colline, atmosfere pregne di storia e tradizione, chiesette solitarie, borghi fortificati, palazzi affrescati, ville signorili, piazze e portici e un’infinità di opere d’arte che aspettano solo di essere scoperte.

[source: Regione Veneto]

Friuli Venezia Giulia: in the mood for skiing

Michela — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:16:43 +0000

In Friuli Venezia Giulia you can still find places where you can ski far away from the crowds and commotion.
In the eastern Dolomites, the Carnic Alps and the Julian Alps, from Piancavallo passing through Carnia and as far as Tarvisio, in Friuli Venezia Giulia there are lots of downhill slopes for those who love the thrill of speed, and as many easier slopes, if you prefer skiing at a more relaxing pace in the middle of the countryside.
But the excitement doesn’t finish here…

Dolomiti Orientali, Alpi Carniche e Alpi Giulie. Da Piancavallo passando per la Carnia fino al Tarvisiano: in Friuli Venezia Giulia è ancora possibile sciare lontano dalla folla e dal frastuono. Numerose le piste da discesa per chi ama il brivido della velocità, così come le piste da fondo per chi ama immergersi completamente nella natura.
Ma le emozioni non finiscono qui…

[source: Turismo Friuli Venezia Giulia]

The thermal springs in Rabbi (Trento)

admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:52:25 +0000

The Rabbi water was called “natural elixir” due to the force of the gas contained within; the high concentration of carbon dioxide allows the water to support numerous natural elements, all of which possess beneficial effects: the water can help cure the digestive tract, the varicose veins, the cellulite and, thanks to the ferruginous component, can help the treatment of anemia and lymphatism. The presence of bicarbonate allows for the useful treatments of cronic pharygitis, laryngitis, sinusitism and bronchitis.
In the wellness Centre there is a modern regenerative bath, as well as an area dedicated to the Kneipp therapy and mud pack therapy.

La Fonte termale di Rabbi, nel Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio (Trento), è nota fin dall’antichità per i suoi effetti terapeutici nella cura di malattie reumatiche, della circolazione, dell’apparato digestivo, di anemie e linfatismi e delle patologie respiratorie. Questo grazie alla concentrazione di alcuni elementi, quali l’anidride carbonica, la componente ferruginosa, il bicarbonato.
Il centro termale offre assistenza medica continua ed è convenzionato con il Servizio Sanitario Nazionale.
Numerosi i trattamenti di cui è possibile usufruire: la cura idroponica, i bagni termali, i percorsi flebologici, la vasca rigenerante, i massaggi e gli impacchi naturali, le cure inalatorie e le cure di prevenzione della cellulite.

[View with PicLens]

[source: Azienda Turismo Val di Sole]