Thank You Italia.tv » 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

► Focus on Tuscany

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.

► Focus on Tuscany

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…

► Focus on Sardinia

In the lovely bay of Conca dei Marini there is the…

Toracca — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:55:46 +0000

In the lovely bay of Conca dei Marini there is the Emerald Cave also called the Gem of the Coast. It was once above the sea level and the peculiar color of the water is due to impressive games of light. In the cave there are thin stalactites and are present formations of stalagmites as well, which give the idea of being inside an ancient temple. Absolutely not to be missed is the submerged Nativity in Vietri ceramics that every Christmas is visited by many divers from all over Italy.

Nell’incantevole baia di Conca dei Marini si trova la Grotta dello Smeraldo definita anche la Gemma della Costiera. Un tempo era al disopra del livello del mare e la particolare colorazione dell’acqua è dovuta a suggestivi giochi di luce. Sono presenti sottili stalattiti e formazioni di stalagmiti che danno l’idea di trovarsi in un tempio antico. Assolutamente da non perdere è il sommerso Presepe in Ceramica di Vietri che ogni Natale viene visitato da numerosi subacquei provenienti da tutta Italia.

Calabria: the Fjord of Furore

Toracca — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 10:45:02 +0000

The Fjord of Furore in Calabria is a marvel created by the expert hand of nature. A peculiar gorge in the mountain that continues its fall down below sea level. The contrast between the colour of the rock and the deep blue of the sea is wonderfully suggestive. The actress Anna Magnani fell in love with the Fjord and bought a house there called ”La Villa della Storta”, just after the shooting of the film “Amore”; a Federico Fellini creation. The Village of the Fjord is formed by the fishermen’s houses clinging to one another and embedded in the rock. In the past locals carried out activities such as the milling of wheat and the paper mill which have now turned out to become interesting museums.

Il Fiordo di Furore in Calabria rappresenta una meraviglia creata dalla mano esperta della natura. Una gola della montagna che continua a scendere a strapiombo anche sotto il livello del mare. Il contrasto di colore tra la roccia della montagna e il blu profondo del mare ne fanno uno spettacolo suggestivo. Meta scelta anche dall’attrice Anna Magnani che vi acquistò una casa chiamata la “Villa della Storta” dopo le riprese del film “Amore” di Federico Fellini. Il Borgo del Fiordo è formato da case di pescatori aggrappate una all’altra incastonate nella roccia. Nel passato vi si svolgevano attività come la macina del grano la cui testimonianza è l’esistente Mulino e la cartiera divenuti ormai musei.

Welcome to Latium!

Michela — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:21:05 +0000

Once known as Latium, Lazio is known by tourists as the region of Rome, but there is much, much more to Lazio than just Rome! Mountains, beaches, Renaissance papal villas, wineries, Etruscan ruins, health spas e secluded Franciscan hermitages, this Region has everything you’ve been looking for. Start with a day in the Castelli Romani, right on Rome’s doorstep – you can absorb 2000 years of history without staying in the city. Just south of there, on the way to Naples, is the world-class spa town of Fiuggi, surrounded by a host of picturesque hill towns like the one featured in the movie For Rosanne. Or head east to Rieti, where you can visit the tiny monasteries St. Francis built, birthplace of the nativity scene and the Christmas tree. You can even sleep at a couple of them, if you like, or try some skiing in the beautiful mountains that loom overhead.
North of the city, within an hour’s easy drive from Fiumicino Airport (also called Leonardo da Vinci), is the former homeland of the mysterious Etruscans, with their delightfully painted underground tombs, and their stone tumuli, usually located in idyllic forests or deserted valleys. No matter whether you go north or south along the Latium coast, you will find wonderful sandy beaches and rocky coves for all tastes, delightful resort towns like Capalbio and San Felice Circeo, Grecian fishing villages like Sperlonga, or ancient strongholds like Gaeta.

Anticamente conosciuta come “Latium”, la regione Lazio è conosciuta dai turisti solo per la città di Roma, ma c’è molto, molto di più di questo!
Monti, spiagge, palazzi papali rinascimentali, enoteche, rovine estrusche, terme e solitari eremi francescani. Questa regione racchiude tutto quello che si può desiderare di visitare. Si può iniziare con una giornata ai Castelli Romani, proprio alle porte di Roma, per assorbire 2000 anni di storia anche fuori dalla città. Poco più a sud, sulla strada per Napoli, si trovano le rinomate Terme di Fiuggi, circondate da pittoreschi villaggi collinari, come quello ripreso nel film “For Rosanne”. Verso est si trova Rieti, con i piccoli monasteri francescani, luoghi in cui prese origine la scena della natività cristiana e l’albero di natale. Molti di essi offrono ospitalità ai turisti di passaggio. Oppure si può raggiungere le montagne che sovrastano il paesaggio e trascorrere un po’ di tempo sulle piste da sci.
A nord di Roma, a circa un’ora di distanza dall’Aeroporto di Fiumicino (chiamato anche Leonardo da Vinci), c’è l’antica patria dei misteriosi etruschi, dove si possono visitare le tombe sotterranee meravigliosamente decorate e le pietre tumulo, di solito posizionate all’interno di idilliache foreste o in valli desertiche.
Non importa se si va a sud o a nord invece, lungo le coste laziali: ovunque si trovano fantastiche spiagge e insenature rocciose per tutti i gusti, deliziosi centri come Capalbio e San Felice Circeo, villaggi di pescatori come Sperlonga o antiche roccaforti come Gaeta.

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]

Sepino: discovering Molise

Michela — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:52:09 +0000

In the middle of the uncontaminated, green valley of the Tammaro river surrounded by the Matese mountains, Sepino is also a repository of thousands of years of glory, which make it a perfect destination for the lovers of nature and history. Its history is connected to that of the Matese mountain and the wealth of waters, still used today for the Sepinia mineral water and spa treatment, and in the vicinity one of the best preserved dinosaurs in Europe was found.

Proprio nel mezzo della verde ed incontaminata valle del fiume Tammaro, circondata dai monti del Matese, Sepino è depositaria di millenni di storia gloriosa, che ne fa meta perfetta per gli appassionati della natura e della storia. La sua storia è strettamente legata alle montagne dalle quali scaturisce una pregiata sorgente di acque minerali, ancora oggi utilizzata per l’imbottigliamento e per le cure termali. Nelle sue vicinanze sono stati rinvenuti i più antichi resti di dinosauri in Europa.

[source: ProLoco Sepino]

Favignana, Marettimo e Levanzo: the Egadi isles

Michela — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:58:02 +0000

Tears of lava, limestone plains swept by the wind, sunny lands the colour of bronze: one by one the islands decorate the Sicilian coast like a string of pearls on the neck of a beautiful woman.
The uncontested mistresses of the sea and its secrets, Levanzo, Favignana, and Marettimo, form the archipelago of the Egadi in the sea off Trapani. Here nature still dictates. Its rhythms, and travellers can let themselves be enchanted by the magic spell of the fishermen and farmers who inhabit these isles, the last custodians of the ancient Mediterranean traditions.

Lacrime laviche, piane calcaree battute dal vento, lande assolate colore del bronzo:ognuna delle isole orna il litorale siciliano come un filo di perle orna il collo di una bella donna. Signore incontrastate del mare e dei suoi segreti le isole di Levanzo, Favignana e Marettimo:l’arcipelago delle Egadi nel mare di Trapani. Qui, insomma, è ancora la natura che detta i suoi ritmi e al viaggiatore non resta che lasciarsi ammaliare dalle magiche atmosfere dei pescatori e degli agricoltori isolani, ultimi custodi di antiche tradizioni mediterranee.

[source: MarcopoloTV and Regione Siciliana]