Whether you're enjoying a glass of wine on the terrace or floating in the shared swimming pool, the mountain views here are sure to set the scene for an unforgettable stay in the Province of Lucca. Early risers can savour an espresso in the morning sunshine on the terrace and in the evenings, you can fire up the barbecue and dig into an alfresco feast as the day slowly fades. We think it's the definition of relaxing, and the interior is just as cosy, with exposed wooden beams, squishy sofas and a rustic kitchen well-stocked with cookware if you're not up for grilling. The location is also excellent, with some of Italy's best seaside towns within easy reach – be it Viareggio and Lido di Camaiore (both twenty minutes by car) or Forte dei Marmi (half-an-hour drive). Or spend the afternoon wandering through Lucca's medieval city centre, admiring the ancient churches and browsing the many independent art galleries – it's a forty-minute drive away.

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