Essential Italy

Situated in the small hamlet of Metato, Nicolo is a real gem of a house. On the top floor of the large town house, this apartment is very spacious and has one of the best views in the area. 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’.

Reached by communal stairs, Nicolo is on the second floor and entry is into a large living room. Upon entry one immediately feels at home – the large terrace streches the length of the house and will undoubtedly be your living area during your stay – the views are spectacular!

‘Anyone who could fault this location must be mad. Nicolo was spotless. The interior design is also very well executed. We didn't have a bad meal in the whole time we stayed; either eating in or out.’

Davie Johnston, Hove, Sussex, UK

Nicolo has been restored using original materials and the design is ‘rural chic’. In the living room is an open fireplace. A wide corridor leads to the wonderful, fully equiped kitchen. There is a double bedroom and bathroom with shower and a further large single bed (1.40m wide) which is set in an alcove between the living room and kitchen.

The terrace 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 be the visual highlight of your day and the night lights below will provide entertainment long into the night – enjoyed over a glass of wine (or three).

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.

Parking is on the edge of the village, and it is possible to get close to the house to drop off and pick up luggage.