Essential Italy

Situated on the edge of the small hamlet of Metato, Gallinaio is a lovely cottage with plunge pool and garden. The hamlet of Metato is perched high in the hills above the Versilia coast and remains very much as it has for centuries. A holiday here is a ‘step back in time’.

Combining two houses, La Cascatella and La Pergola, Gallinaio provides a wonderful location for a relaxing family holiday. In front of the house is a well kept garden and superb covered terrace from where views towards the coast below and over the village can be enjoyed. In the larger house entry is into the living room/kitchen. Upon entry one immediately feels at home.

Gallinaio has been restored using original materials and the design is ‘rural chic’. In the living room there is an open fireplace. Also on the ground floor there is a bathroom with shower. Internal stairs lead to the two bedrooms – one double and one twin/double. In the twin room there is an attic room with another bed but we suggest not using this as space would be tight.

The other half of the house provides wonderful accommodation for a couple. The focal point of the house is the wonderful covered terrace – many an evening meal or lazy lunch will be enjoyed here. The house is compact and entry is into the living room/kitchen. Internal stairs lead to the double bedroom. The small bathroom is on the ground floor and has a shower.

The patio and garden is equipped with tables, chairs and sun loungers and is the ideal place to enjoy the valley and coastline in the distance –the evening sunsets will probably be the highlight of your day and the night lights below will provide your entertainment long into the night – enjoyed over a glass of wine or three. The garden is on two levels. The terraced garden also includes a lovely swimming pool which is on two levels (approximate size 4 x 4 metres).

At the bottom of the hill lies Pietrasanta (12kms), a charming town with much to see and do including a fantastic selection of wine bars and restaurants. Over the past few years it has become a centre for leading sculptors and in the summer months it is alive with activity. Just a few kilometres further away is Forte dei Marmi which is the chicest resort in Tuscany. Pisa and Lucca are just a short drive, and Cinque Terre is about 40 minutes by motorway.

There is parking at the bottom of the driveway up to the house.