The Arches - a beautifully renovated apartment

'The Arches' is a beautiful, traditional Garfagnana home. The building is around 500 years old, and is thought to be at the very heart of the original Cardoso, with the village growing around this centre over the next few centuries. Recently restored, the house has many original features, including wooden beams, terracotta tiles and its two distinctive arches. Quality features complement this history in the form of two modern bathrooms, central heating and a contemporary kitchen. Over the years, The Arches has provided inspiration for visiting artists and writers. The recent restoration highlights the beauty of the house and will inspire you in your endeavours, be they creative, culinary or pure relaxation. The kitchen has state-of-the-art equipment, with a range of Italian cookery books for you to use. You can relax in the spacious living room, in the private outdoor space off this room, or on the terrace, with a coffee from the moka pot or the Lavazza machine, enjoying unique views of this beautiful village. Full wi-fi means you can catch up with the outside world. Alternatively, make use of the library of books and collection of board games, DVDs or Netflix TV for indoor evenings. Please contact us at any point during your stay for advice, tips or any other assistance you may need to make your stay a great one. Cardoso is an incredibly welcoming and friendly village, perched high in the hills of Garfagnana, a protected national park area, rich with history and culture. The village has a restaurant and bar - ideal places for al fresco drinking and dining on warm evenings, with beautiful views of the valleys and mountain beyond. The church sits at the top of the village, its bell sounding out the time for the villagers every hour. Narrow alleys and stone steps trace the paths around the village, and country paths take you further into the surrounding area; to the woods, the cross at the top of the mountain, and the old mill and waterfall. Barga can be seen directly across the valley, at the same height as Cardoso, on the opposite mountain. This is a lively town in summer, full of musical and other cultural events, a 20-minute drive from Cardoso. Lucca is ideal for a day trip by car or train, and its ancient walls are a beautiful place to stroll, whatever time of year, pre or post a delicious Lucchese lunch. Other day trip options are Pisa, Florence and the beaches around Viareggio. The Garfagnana is an excellent place for walking, river swimming and cycling, and there are a variety of opportunities for adventure activities such as canyoning. In the winter months, Abetone is a day trip skiing destination. Cardoso is reached by a 4km drive up an interesting, winding, but safe road, giving you glimpses of the village as you approach. Parking is free to all, at the entrance of the village by the bar-restaurant. The nearest train station is Fornaci di Barga, at the bottom of the hill; a pre-booked taxi can collect you and bring you up to Cardoso if you don't have a hire car. Pisa and Florence are the closest airports, both with several hire car companies. Gallicano, 6 kilometres along the valley, provides a large supermarket and several small independent food shops can be found there, and also in Fornaci di Barga and Barga. A weekly market provides lovely local produce in these three towns too.