Villa Massarosa

A brilliant blend of country house style and charm, Villa Massarosa sits amid broad lawns and natural gardens, just 5km from the vibrant resort of Viareggio and 7km from the beach. Medieval Lucca makes a magical change of scene and tempo, 25km away, and cook service could be added here for truly lazy days. The villa itself encourages a relaxed lifestyle with a large and lovely swimming pool, a poolside gazebo forming an al fresco sitting room, a covered dining terrace with a pair of Balinese-style day beds, and a barbecue and pizza oven for leisurely lunches outdoors. Within the house, a sunny and spacious sitting room has ample sofas and easy chairs, and French windows on to the terrace; the well-equipped kitchen incorporates a convivial dining area, and air conditioning is available in the five bedrooms. The villa is replete with phone, WiFi, iPod dock and satellite TV, and an unusual additional feature occupies the lower ground floor, where a very stylised, rug-strewn room focuses on a Jacuzzi and steam bath.