Lovely, spacious garden apartment with new pool and great views. Sleeps 4.

The apartment which sleeps 4 is on the ground floor of a restored 18th Century Tuscan Palazzo. The accommodation is light, very spacious and comfortably furnished. There is free wi-fi access. One bedroom has a king-sized bed. The other bedroom has twin beds. The living room has two sofas. There are 2 bathrooms both of which have a shower and bidet, one also has a bath. The very large well equipped farmhouse kitchen has granite worktops, brick arches and a beamed ceiling. Although all rooms have fans they are rarely, if ever, needed as the thick stone walls and terracotta floors keep the apartment cool in summer. There is a television and DVD player. Guests may make use of the large collection of books, DVDs and games. The doors from the main rooms open onto the private terrace which has far-reaching views across the valley towards Pisa and the mountains beyond. The large relaxing garden, with sun and shade all day long, has lawns and a new pool (shared) 5m x 12m. There is off road parking. The friendly hill-top village has a shop, P. O. doctor's surgery, hairdresser, bank , ATM and a very welcoming and friendly bar. Cultural Highlights: The apartment is ideally located for taking advantage of the rich architecture and culture of Tuscany. The major cultural centres of Pisa, Lucca, Florence, Volterra, San Gimignano and Siena are within easy reach by car. There are regular and inexpensive trains from Pontedera, just a few miles away, to Florence, Lucca, Siena and beyond. Around every corner there are dozens of quiet, picturesque small towns and villages just waiting for you to discover. Well-known concert venues such as Lucca, Torre del Lago ( Puccini Festival) and Il Teatro di Silenzio ( Andrea Boccelli) are close by. The carnival in Viareggio ( Feb/March) is a huge delight and has to be seen to be believed- great fun. Throughout the summer in this area, from May there always seems to be a village festival of some kind to visit. Close by there are wine festivals, strawberry festivals, a hare festival and our own village festival. Relaxation Tuscan Style: The area is great for driving, walking or cycling and taking in the wonderful atmosphere of the beautiful countryside. There is golf available at Castelfalfi and near Pisa both half an hour away. Fishing is close by. The nearby spa in Casciana Terme is a lovely place to relax in the outdoor thermal pool or pamper yourself with one of the special beauty treatments on offer in the Spa Wellness Centre. You could just sit with a drink in the lovely piazza relaxing while you people-watch. You may choose to just simply relax at the apartment making use of the garden and pool. The sandy Tuscan coastline and the beaches of Marina di Pisa, Tirrenia, Versillia, Viareggio (Lent carnival) and Forte dei Marmi (up-market shopping and antiques) are a short drive away where you can soak up beach life Italian style. The spectacular and picturesque fishing villages of the Cinque Terre and stunning Portovenere and Portofino are well worth the scenic drive. It is easy to travel there by car or train. Cecina, on the Tuscan coast has sandy beaches and a water park, just the right antidote to an overdose of culture! Only about 40 minutes away. There are many lovely sandy beaches all along the coast. Eating out : Nearby there is a wide range of family friendly and quality places to eat to suit all tastes and all budgets. Full details and recommendations are to be found in the apartment. Locally made wine and olive oil can be purchased directly from many of the producers found in the area. The friendly village bar where you can order fresh bread is close by and several nearby cafes and restaurants have FREE internet access. Close by spa town, Casciana Terme has an attractive piazza, a great place to sit and people watch from an outdoor bar, cafe or restaurant. In the summer season there is a variety of cultural events organised for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike. FREE public internet access is sometimes available in the piazza next to the kiosk. In Casciana Terme Free internet access is available in Il Merlot, a local restaurant and access is free in the Ponsacco Internet C@fe, CONAD Cafe, Le Stregghe restaurant ( our favourite) in La Rosa. Golf also available near Pisa - Cosmopolitan Club 18 holes, Tirrenia Club 9 holes, Fontevivo Club 9 holes and at famous Castelfalfi only 30 minutes away. Antique market every second week-end of the month in Pisa. Forte di Marmi has a very good market, including antiques on Wednesdays and Sundays. There are spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks on the banks of the river Arno in Pisa. Also, Pisa is candlelit for the San Ranieri celebrations in June which climax in a firework spectacular.