Hilltop farmhouse retreat for 8

Melchiade Uno is a Tuscan farmhouse where nature and relaxation meet in an authentic and timeless atmosphere. Its 230 sqm welcome up to 8 guests with cozy interiors, peace and comfort. The garden, barbecue and soothing sound of the stream make every stay special, just 20 minutes from Lucca. The space Melchiade Uno In 1971, a young Uruguayan artist from New York found the property of his dreams: an 18th-century chestnut mill, later converted into a farmhouse with an attached barn, set on seven acres of land bordering a stream on the edge of a small village at the foot of the Garfagnana region in northern Italy. For decades, he ran a summer printmaking program in the barn, attracting young artists from the United States, Latin America, Europe, and the Far East. The house became his family’s summer residence and a hub for artists and visitors exploring the region. The old house retains the character of its rustic origins, with exposed wooden beams, terracotta floors, an antique fireplace in the dining room, and a mill wheel repurposed as a table on one of the three small terraces surrounding the house. The stone structure beneath the plaster helps keep the interior cool in summer, and fans are sufficient to handle the warmest days. Soundproof windows on all sides provide plenty of light while completely blocking out road noise. A standout feature is the double-height living room with windows spanning two floors. Over time, a ground-floor bathroom with a shower and a small guest bathroom—featuring a toilet, sink, and cabinet, tucked into a corner of the master bedroom—have been added. In total, there are three bedrooms, each with a double bed: one on the ground floor and two on the first floor. A third room on the first floor, set up as an office with a desk, includes a single bed. If needed, the living room sofa converts into a bed for one person. In the cellar beneath the first floor, with independent access to the path along the stream behind the house, there is a washing machine and a dryer. Melchiade Uno’s location offers rare advantages. Situated just 100 meters from the small village of Valdottavo, it enjoys the natural beauty of a wooded rural area with centuries-old trees, green terraced hills, flowering plants, a streamside path with waterfalls, and the constant sound of birds. While offering a pleasant countryside feel, the house is still within walking distance of all the amenities in Valdottavo: grocery store, pharmacy, hardware store, garden center/florist, hairdresser, post office, tech shop, café/bar, pizzeria, and more. Melchiade Uno is also an excellent base for day trips to many of the attractions in this region of Italy. The city of Lucca (14 kilometers away) is particularly well known: its extensive intact medieval walls, accessible to cyclists and pedestrians; ninety-nine churches; dozens of restaurants; high-end shops; antique fairs and markets. Lucca can be reached in about 20 minutes by car. Additionally, in nearby Diecimo, just six minutes away, there is a train station on the line to Lucca. Many other attractions are easily accessible from Valdottavo. These include the 11th-century Devil’s Bridge in Borgo a Mozzano, the thermal baths of Bagni di Lucca, a UNESCO site in Piegaio where a blacksmith still works without electricity or modern tools as in the Middle Ages, the hilltop town of Barga—one of the most charming among the medieval towns dotting the hills along the Serchio Valley—and guided tours of the remarkable and deep Grotta del Vento in Fornovolasco. Of particular interest to hikers, a network of trails and mountain huts winds through the hills of Garfagnana and the Apuan Alps. For art and sightseeing, Pisa is only a 45-minute drive away, and Florence about 75 minutes. Both are also easily reachable by train from Diecimo via Lucca. Other things to note - The house has a floor area of 230 sqm. - For long stays (exceeding 12 nights), mandatory cleaning is required every week (or at least every 10 days), including a change of towels and bed linen, at a cost of €200. - Smoking is not permitted inside the house. - Winter heating: Pellets €10/bag. Registration Details IT046004C2LUBY5PEM