Our journey began rather unexpectedly. After my husband Tony experienced a health scare, we found ourselves searching for a project—something positive to focus on, without any real expectation that it would lead anywhere in particular.
That search brought us to Lunigiana, the ancient name for the northernmost corner of Tuscany. As we drove higher into the foothills of the Apuane Mountains, approaching the edges of the National Park, almost every bend in the road revealed either a charming village scene or a breathtaking panoramic view. Eventually, we arrived at the fortress village of Casola, dramatically set on a rocky outcrop, just as you might imagine from a travel book.
The surrounding landscape is completely unspoilt, and when we first set eyes on what would become our home—a delightful old barn tucked among vine terraces and olive groves, high on the hillside—we knew, despite our best efforts to remain sensible, that it was “a done deal.” That was in 2004, the year we lovingly converted the barn into our house.
Since then, it has been the setting for countless relaxing holidays and happy weeks, both as a couple and with children. Over the years, many of our guests have told us what a truly special place this is—a sentiment we never tire of hearing.
More recently, we have continued to enhance the property for guests’ comfort and enjoyment. These improvements include a new kitchen, upgraded outdoor furniture, and a new patio designed for al‑fresco dining, allowing you to fully appreciate the extraordinary views. We have also installed an air‑source heat pump to heat the swimming pool, extending the swimming season, and added an outdoor shower, perfect for both our human guests and their four‑legged companions.