Writers', Artists' and Study Retreat/Residence in Tuscan Apennines, Italy

Description

Casale di Clio is situated in Vetteglia, a 'hamlet in the hills' above Bagni di Lucca (a short bus ride away), the past favourite of Romantic Poets, Royalty and the classical musicians/composers who performed at Europe's first public casino (now operating as a cultural event venue). This is an area graced with fantastic views, great hiking, and more than one or two significant cultural and historical associations: a good (long) walk 'up the hill' from us, a statue of Dante overlooks Montefegatesi (also reachable by bus), while a 40-minute walk (or much shorter bus hop) brings you to nearby San Cassiano di Controne, with newly-opened museum and the oldest church in the area (documented back to 722), with alleged Templar connections. The two closest (and walkable) settlements, the hamlet of San Gemignano (not to be confused with the larger and more famous San Gimignano) and the village of San Cassiano contain grocery stores, and the latter has a bar/trattoria, as well as Friday afternoon visits from a fish/seafood van and a fruit and vegetable van. Once you have settled in you will be free to spend time in your study bedroom, the library, the living or dining rooms - or in the kitchen, rustling up something to eat - perhaps in collaboration with others who are resident. When you fancy a day off, among local attractions are fantastic public swimming pools 20 minutes away in Bagni di Lucca (open in Summer). The living room has a new wood-fired stove, and the kitchen has a new wood-fired cooking stove - installed along with a new wood-fired and solar central-heating system throughout the house in Autumn 2023; all adding up to ensure optimum levels of coziness in cooler months. Guests have the use of a range of outside areas, including a small dining and BBQ terrace, a balcony (with stunning valley views!) adjoining the dining room, and the garden. Please note: this is a non-smoking house, though smoking is permitted on the outside dining terrace and in the garden. Casale di Clio is named after Clio, the ancient muse of history - and this is reflected in our library's collection of history books, focusing on British social history, as well as on 16th/17th theatre - i.e., Shakespeare and his contemporaries. The library has an eclectic range of other materials, including self-study art and writing books - and a significant collection of permaculture and sustainable land use books (as inspiration for current work in Casale di Clio's woodland and growing area). You will also find board games, jigsaw puzzles and the yoga mats in the library. This is where we keep the Yamaha keyboard - for those who want to compose, or learn to play using the self-study materials. The little-known Tuscan gem Lucca (with the Old City circled by intact historic walls) is reachable with public transport for day-trips, and if you come with your own transport then Florence, Pisa, Vinci and the sea are within day-trip range. There is no timetable of classes and there are no set meal times for you to adhere to - providing you with the flexibility to build your own retreat timetable based on what you want to achieve in your time here. Each weekday morning and afternoon 'quiet hours' are scheduled to allow guests to focus on their projects. This is a self-catering retreat; the kitchen is available for use, with 2 cooking stoves, a large fridge-freezer (with allocated space for each resident), a sink, cupboard space and a small dining table. The dining room (with a large dining table and chairs) is also available - as are the balcony, outside dining/BBQ terrace, and garden, where food may be consumed.

Private Space Offered