Villa San Rocco with pool

Villa San Rocco dates back from the 13th century and is located in one of the most fascinating and uncontaminated areas in Benabbio, Tuscany. This medieval villa can accommodate up to 15 guests thanks to its 8 bedrooms en-suite. Closed in garden for quiet sunbathing with 6.3 x 3,5 metres swimming pool. A spacious covered loggia which enjoys lovely views. Yoga room, sessions and massages on call. A caretaker couple that live nearby ensure that all guests’ needs are attended to. A Short  History of Villa San Rocco Little is known of the origins except that it was a monastery dating from around the mid 13th Century. Some say San Rocco stayed in the village helping the poor, and for this reason a holy centre was built in remembrance of his charitable life. The Villa is set on one of the old pilgrim trails and afforded rest for weary people. In 1688 a rich family from Lucca bought the monastery and pulled down the top part, replacing it with a baroque Villa. Thus it became a family home for over the next 250 years. In 1960 the last of the family died and the Villa was gifted to the Carlo del Prete society, becoming a home for foundlings. This closed  in the early 1990’s. In 2004 the orphanage was acquired by the Beacon family from the UK and they have gradually renovated it. The Villa has essentially reverted to its former use as a family home, but is mixed with a strand from the religious inception of open house hospitality.   The Villa Today Villa San Rocco is again a glorious eight bedroom private residence set in the beautiful village of Benabbio in the hills above Lucca. We offer “hospitality at home” for friends or families who enjoy travelling and who are looking for a special kind of experience. We have a yoga studio and a private walled garden with pool and sunbeds, dining table, a chapel and olive groves. If you wish to paint, or walk the woodland footpaths, just meditate, or simply meet up with friends or family, the San Rocco doors are open for you! With space for 15 visitors, a private car park, many walking trails and two restaurants, bar and basic shop within walking distance, we know you’ll discover a secret corner of Tuscany you’ll want to come back to.  The whole villa By messages, emails, phone calls or visit Benabbio is surrounded by the natural beauty of mountains with gorgeous views and many paths on your doorstep to explore. The village itself is well kept & though the population is around 200 inhabitants in winter, this number swells to 800 in summer as emigrant villagers return from all over the world to their ancient family homes. This lends a cosmopolitan feel to the place, especially during the month of August when the local bar in Benabbio celebrates feasting, dancing & all manner of entertainment. There are many other villages to explore in the area, some with excellent restaurants. At the bottom of the valley the river Lima offers many secluded & delightful spots for bathing, rafting, yoga in the forest, zip lining & picnicking. The town has a great public outdoor swimming pool with paddling pool for the toddlers and a high-diving pool for the adventurous. In town guests will find a twice weekly market, a range of shops, bars & excellent but economical restaurants. There is a wide range of activities in the area from horseriding (ask Rosi for the horses) walking, hiking, climbing, kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, quad biking to canyoneering in the famous Orrido di Botri gorge, just one of many nature parks in the area. Within driving distance are the architectural wonders of Lucca (30 mins), Pisa (1 hr 15 mins), Florence (1hr 30 mins), Sienna & San Gimignano (2 hrs) and if you like the seaside you can visit the Versilia coast for a day on the beach, Italian style, ranging from Viareggio to the upmarket Forte di Marmi with it's designer shops. Or if you prefer there is the renowned Cinque Terre - 5 villages strung along the rugged coast beyond La Spezia & joined by a coastal footpath, a railway line and numerous ferry boats. For gourmets, you can tour the wine and oil routes around Lucca, enjoy tastings and dine out in many splendid restaurants offering Tuscan cuisine. A car is highly recommended You have the baroque villa for your private use. The previous private villa is full of art and antiques of the English Beacon family.