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Tuscany: La Petrognola, spelt beer of Garfagnana

Toracca — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 18:25:04 +0000

Spelt beer is the main product of the traditional brewery La Petrognola, located in the village by the same name in the spendid hills of Alta Garfagnana, in a completely uncontaminated area. Spelt is one of the best known and appreciated cereals in Garfagnana and recognised by the European Union for its quality, having received the I.G.P. (Indication of Geographic Protection). These beers must absolutely be tasted!!

La birra al farro caratterizza la produzione del birrificio artigianale La Petrognola, ubicato nell’omonimo Paese, sulle splendide colline dell’Alta Garfagnana, in una zona assolutamente incontaminata. Il farro è un cereale fra i più conosciuti ed apprezzati in Garfagnana, e riconosciuto nella sua qualità dall’Unione Europea che lo ha marchiato I.G.P. (Indicazione Geografica Protetta). Le birre prodotte devono essere assolutamente assaggiate!!

Birrificio Artigianale
LA PETROGNOLA
Via San Felice, 1b
55035 Piazza al Serchio
Lucca, Tuscany
Tel. +39 0583 605825
info@lapetrognola.com

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Watermill for rent in Tuscany (with swimming pool)

Toracca — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:37:21 +0000

Antique detached watermill bordering a torrent on one side and surrounded by secluded fenced grounds on the other three sides. You can bathe and fish in the crystal clear waters of the natural pools formed by the torrent. Private swimming pool, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, dining room and large living room.

Antico mulino con terreno recintato su tre lati e da un lato confinante direttamente con il torrente. Nel torrente, dalle acque limpidissime, si può fare il bagno in vari laghi che si formano sotto spettacolari cascatelle, ma si può anche pescare. Nel terreno del mulino c’è la piscina. 3 camere, 2 bagni, cucina, sala da pranzo, ampio soggiorno.

For information: info@ildindondio.com

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Tuscany, detached property for sale in Lunigiana

Toracca — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 05:02:16 +0000

MAGICAL GROTTO
Sounds idyllic and it is. The private drive to the house leads through woodland and ends in what can only be described as a magical grotto.
A mountain stream tumbling over rocks, creating a small waterfall which feeds a huge pool then continues into a smaller but deeper pool overhung with trees where it is not only possible to swim but also to fish.
A large secluded property with considerable potential that would be possible to occupy almost immediately.
The enchanting position of the house, however, is equalled by the splendid stone built house itself. As I inspected the house, cantinas, taverna and gardens I was overwhelmed by the numerous possibilities.
A wide walkway along the side of the house, with an old stone wall to one side leads you to the gardens and a large impressive tiled and railed terrace. Through a pretty arched doorway is the living room/kitchen with a corridor leading to two good sized bedrooms and the bathroom. One of the bedrooms has a window overlooking the large pool and waterfall and another window the smaller pool. The second bedroom and the sitting room windows look out over the smaller pool and the surrounding woodland also a window in the sitting room overlooks the garden. As this was once a mill there are some unusual features, which include double doors, opening off the corridor.
On opening the doors I found myself looking down on the walkway at the side of the house but because there is the beautiful old stone wall alongside the walkway, facing the house, I immediately decided that here I would install a bridge to connect the upper part of the house to the raised garden opposite that is edged by the wall. On returning to the terrace I found that a gap in the ornate railings would enable me install another bridge enhancing the overall attractiveness of the walkway.
Now the adrenalin was really pumping as I visualised the walkway filled with tubs of flowers and two ornate stone bridges, one from the house and one leading to the terrace that is large enough for furniture for eating outside, relaxing and sunbathing and still have enough room for more tubs and pots of flowers.
The terrace looks out over the large garden, interestingly on different levels, and down on yet another small railed terrace overlooking the small pool. Definitely my type of garden. Spacious and interesting, surrounded by but not overhung with trees the possibilities are limitless. Steps from the terrace lead down to a grassed area that I immediately identified as an ideal lawn leading to the perfect spot for a swimming pool. Being a keen gardener my imagination was feasting on the limitless possibilities the garden offered. However, for those less keen the garden would still be attractive with its abundance of grassed areas on various levels.
After exploring the cantinas, the taverna and kitchen on the ground floor level my head was buzzing with schemes for the house. The taverna is wonderful. Large enough to be a dining room/family room, with a beautiful terracotta coloured tiled floor, I could imagine furnishing it with traditional antique furniture to complement the house. A hatchway from the taverna opens into a kitchen containing a magnificent brick built oven and a pretty terracotta coloured floor. Used in the past to cook bread the oven looked large enough to roast an ox. Trying to be practical and putting aside all thoughts of living off homemade bread and roast ox I decided I would probably remove the oven and open up the room, to provide a spacious kitchen. It wasn’t difficult to imagine it furnished with traditional furniture and shelves filled with gaily-decorated china. I decided, however, that a doorway to the taverna rather than the hatchway would be more practical.
I then considered the problem of getting to the dining room from the living accommodation above and decided that the installation of a staircase down to the taverna from the existing living room would successfully join the two levels.
After looking at the cantinas, I was sure at least one of them would make an ideal third bedroom. The other cantina would provide masses of storage space in addition to the existing storeroom beyond the kitchen.
I was pleased to note that these rooms all had windows overlooking the pools and the woodland and imagined enjoying a meal or lying in bed with the windows flung open and listening to the birds and the sound of the waterfall.
Then I considered the possibility of turning the lower rooms into a holiday let or guest accommodation and realised that too would be a possibility. Turning the kitchen into a bathroom and the taverna into a kitchen/living room and one or both cantinas into bedrooms.
However, I hadn’t finished there was still more to come. Above the walkway, on the same level as the first floor of the main house, but set well back I found a charming but small building. With its own entrance, gardens and terrace of ancient stone it has already been restored. The large airy room has the most fantastic open fireplace and I immediately decided it would certainly stay. The floor of multicoloured large marble tiles, not my taste at all, would definitely be changed. Because of the height of the building and the size of the room, a mezzanine floor for a bedroom and bathroom would be possible turning it into another holiday let or more guest accommodation. However, very little would need to be done to the existing room to make a delightful bed /sitting room for guests, allowing them space and privacy. I found myself as excited about the possibilities of this little dwelling as I was about the main house.
Then I discovered another way to the property giving an opportunity to provide a parking area beyond the small dwelling. A short driveway leads to a main road to a nearby village and by removing a part of the perimeter fence it would be possible to install a place for vehicles.
This is one of the most exciting properties I’ve ever seen. With endless possibilities I would be able to live there comfortably while deciding exactly what I wanted to do and how quickly but I would definitely live in the house for some time before making any decisions. This property could eventually provide an income from one or two holiday lets or simply become a large luxurious dwelling surrounded by fabulous gardens and breathtaking woodland and I couldn’t decide which excited me the most, the spacious house, the wonderful garden or the little dwelling. Certainly the magical grotto was enough to make me want to live there and never leave.
(Review written by Yvonne)

Price for sale: Euro 265.000,00

Contact for more information: box@casealsole.com

La proprietà consiste in una casa su 2 livelli + dependance. Il tutto con 2.230 mq di terreno circostante recintato. La proprietà è ubicata in posizione elevata rispetto al sottostante torrente che forma in modo naturale spettacolari cascate e laghi dove in estate si può tranquillamente nuotare. Nel torrente ci sono pesci che comunemente si trovano nelle acque dolci di questa area, come ciprimidi, anguille e trote.
La casa è in buone condizioni strutturali. Al piano primo c’è un angolo cottura/sala da pranzo, 2 camere e un bagno. Ampia terrazza con accesso diretto al giardino e con vista sui laghi formati dal torrente. Al piano terra c’è una grande taverna che può essere trasformata in una camera da letto con bagno. Sempre al piano terra ci sono 2 cantine + ambiente con forno a legna funzionante adatto per cuocere il pane, pizze e arrosti. Il terreno può ospitare una piscina.

Prezzo richiesto: Euro 265.000,00

Per informazioni: box@casealsole.com

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Tuscany, local Produce: The bread of Po.

Toracca — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 13:55:51 +0000

Lunigiana, northern Tuscany, it is sometimes possible to imagine that time has passed more slowly than elsewhere: crystal clear torrents, woods of secular chestnut trees and encounters with wild animals only to be found in this area. Here we find individuals with great determination, tenacity and passion who have been able to dynamically and successfully bring the ancient art of bread making into the present. The ancient Po bakery manages to bring us the original smells and tastes of old! You can purchase the bread of Po directly from the producer and enrich the experience by adding cold cuts and local cheeses purchased from the adjoining delicatessen. The Antico Forno a Legna di Po has recently extended the outlets where fresh fragrant bread can be purchased daily. Some of these are:

In Lunigiana, nel nord della Toscana, in luoghi suggestivi e incontaminati, talvolta si può avere la sensazione che il tempo sia trascorso meno velocemente: torrenti dalle acque limpide, boschi di secolari castagneti e incontri con animali allo stato libero che oramai solo in questi luoghi si possono sperare di incontrare. Qui, ci sono persone munite di grande volontà, tenacia e passione, che hanno saputo rivisitare in chiave dinamica e moderna il culto dell’antica panificazione, diventando meritatamente imprenditori di successo. L’Antico Forno a Legna di Po riesce a tramandarci intatte le fragranze, i profumi e i sapori che sono nella memoria del Tempo passato! Il Pane di Po si può acquistare direttamente dal produttore con la possibilità di comprare nel negozio di alimentari annesso anche salumi e formaggi nostrali del circondario. Da qualche anno, l’Antico Forno a Legna di Po ha esteso sul territorio lunigianese i punti vendita dove è possibile trovare il pane ogni giorno, sempre fragrante. Andiamo ad elencarne alcuni:
- xxxxxx

Antico Forno a Legna di Po
Uglianfreddo di Cerri
Fivizzano
Massa Carrara
Tel. +39 0585 949456

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How to cook “focaccette” – Lunigiana (Tuscany)

admin — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 07:06:02 +0000

In this video you can see how ‘focaccette’, a typical speciality of Lunigiana, are cooked. The focacette are made from a dough of corn and wheat flour without yeast, placed on terracotta plates (“testi”) which have been heated on a wood fire and in a few minutes they are ready to be accompanied by sausages, cheeses and much more….

In questo video si possono vedere le fasi di preparazione delle focaccette, una specialità tipica della Lunigiana. Poste su piatti di terracotta, chiamati “testi”, scaldati su fuoco a legna, le focaccette sono fatte di un impasto di farina di grano e farina di granturco. In poco minuti, sono pronte per essere accompagnate da salumi, formaggi e altro ancora…

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Tuscany: village house with land for sale in Lunigiana

Toracca — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:35:16 +0000

House situated in a pretty village surrounded by secular chestnut trees and cristal clear torrents teeming with fish. The property is in good structural condition and enjoys beautiful panoramic views from the 2 large terraces as well as from the garden where it would be possible to build a pool. In the nearby villages there are all manner of services, restaurants, pizzerias, bar. The ski resorts of the Appenine Mountains are as easily reached as the coast.

Casa ubicata in un bel paesino circondato da secolari castagni e pescosi torrenti dalle acque limpide. La proprietà è in buone condizioni strutturali e gode di una bellissima vista panoramica sia dalle 2 ampie terrazze che dal terreno sottostante, dove è possibile la costruzione della piscina. Nelle immediate vicinanze paesi con servizi di ogn genere, ristoranti, pizzerie, bar. Gli Appennini con i campi da sci sono facilmente raggiungibili con lo stesso tempo che serve per il mare.

Price for sale / Prezzo richiesto: Euro 150.000,00

Contact for more information: box@casealsole.com

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Tuscany: Christmas in Equi Terme village

Toracca — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:26:45 +0000

Equi Terme is a beautiful village in Lunigiana famous for its thermal waters which spout at a temperature of around 24 degrees and for its grottos where important paleolithic finds have been made and which are open to the public. The surroundings are striking and quite surreal – there are sheer rocks which overhang the village and narrow cobbled streets flanked by the shiny clear waters of the sometimes wild and rushing torrent. During the Christmas period Equi Terme dons its festive dress and you can enjoy its traditional living nativity along the streets and houses of the old medieval quarter …

Equi Terme è uno spettacolare borgo della Lunigiana noto per le sue acque termali cloruro-solfuree che sgorgano intorno ai 24 gradi e per un sistema di grotte carsiche, visitabili dal pubblico, dove sono stati fatti importanti ritrovamenti del paleolitico.
Passeggiando, ci si immerge in uno scenario suggestivo e quasi appartenente ad un mondo fiabesco, fra rocce a picco che sovrastano il borgo e stradine ciottolose costeggiate dal torrente lucido, limpidissimo e talvolta impetuoso, ma sempre indiscusso protagonista. Equi Terme, durante il periodo natalizio, si veste a festa con il tradizionale presepe vivente lungo le vie, le case e le cantine dell’antico borgo medievale…

This is where to stay and enjoy the cuisine of Lunigiana:
Hotel and Restaurant La Posta
Hotel and Restaurant Da Felice
Hotel and Restaurant La Fonte

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Renovation of a village house in Tuscany

Toracca — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 06:39:36 +0000

Can a period property which has undergone endless ‘modernisation’ be restored to its former glory? This video follows the complete restoration of a characteristic tuscan home, undertaken with great care and attention to detail in order to recover the original feel of this lovely house.
The work included reclaiming the stone elevations, the construction of new terraces, renewing the flooring but preserving the original chestnut wood boards, a new staircase, new windows and doors which blend in perfectly with the antique style of the house, simple furniture, and the complete integration of modern systems including central heating.
The final result? Take a look and judge for yourselves …

Può un’abitazione storica, sottoposta alle ingiurie del tempo e oggetto di pesanti rifacimenti, ritornare all’antico splendore? In questo video vengono illustrate tutte le fasi della completa ristrutturazione di una tipica casa toscana, il cui recupero è stato compiuto con particolare cura, al fine di rendere vive le atmosfere di un tempo, sia pur con tecnologie, materiali e “sicurezza” dei nostri giorni.
Ecco, dunque, il completo restauro degli esterni, con il recupero della pietra viva; la costruzione di nuove terrazze; la rinnovata pavimentazione, ma con la salvaguardia dell’antica copertura con assi di castagno; la nuova scala di accesso alla mansarda; le porte e le finestre di recente fabbricazione, ma che si adattano allo stile “antico”, così come il mobilio e le semplici finiture; la completa integrazione di moderni impianti, compreso il riscaldamento centralizzato.
Il risultato finale, al vostro giudizio…

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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

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Tuscany: Lo Sturatutto, firm in Lunigiana

Toracca — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:46:55 +0000

Maurizio Battaglia is the owner of this firm located in the Comune of Liciana Nardi, but also reached in just a few minutes drive from the centre of Aulla. For many years the firm has dealt with, and in fact specialises in, the emptying of septic tanks in the Lunigiana area generally and in nearby La Spezia. Reaching properties in small hamlets with very narrow access roads is not a problem with the companies’ specialised machinery. Maurizio Battaglias’ firm can also supply firewood for private use and for pizzerie. Also biological wood stakes for fencing. Maurizio Battaglia guarantees a service available 24/24.

Battaglia Maurizio è il titolare di questa Azienda ubicata nel Comune di Licciana Nardi, ma di fatto raggiungibile in un paio di minuti in auto dal centro di Aulla. Da diversi anni l’Azienda si occupa e si è specializzata nel servizio di svuotare le fosse biologiche ovunque nei Comuni della Lunigiana e della vicina La Spezia. Con mezzi anche molto piccoli di cui dispone l’Azienda, è facile raggiungere case anche nei piccoli borghi con strade interne molto strette. L’Azienda di Battaglia Maurizio si occupa anche di rifornire legna da ardere per uso privato e anche per pizzerie. Inoltre, pali in legno ecologici per recinzioni. Lo Sturatutto garantisce un servizio di 24 ore su 24!

Lo Sturatutto
Via Ponte Taverone, 4
54016 Licciana Nardi (MS)
Tel. +39 0187 347687
Cell. +39 335 123478

Батталья Маурицио – управляющий этим Предприятием, расположенным в зоне Луччиана Нарди, до которой, фактически, не трудно добраться на авто за пару минут от центра Ауллы. На протяжении лет Предприятие занимается и специализируется в сервисе опустошения биологических ям по всей территории зоны Луниджианы и близрасположенной Ла Специи. Даже с помощью небольших транспортных средств, которые в наличии Предприятия, легко добраться даже до труднодоступных маленьких горных поселений с очень узкими внутренними улочками. Предприятие Баттальи Маурицио занимается также перевозками дров для отопления для частных объектов и для пиццерий. В том числе, обслуживание включает в себя перевозки деревянных экологических структур для огорождений. Батталья Маурицио гарантирует сервис 24 часа в сутки.