Casale Vaticano, Monsummano Terme - Pistoia

The views from Casale Vaticano will live in your memory a long time. Set in sloping gardens above the two spa towns of Montecatini Terme and Monsummano Terme, within an easy drive of Lucca, the villa commands a grand panorama of the wide valley below and across to other distant blue hills. It will be difficult not to spend many hours in and around the villa’s large, elegant private pool, on the top terrace above the house. It’s a spectacular spot at every point of the day. But a more intimate terrace below, with a great barbecue, is another lovely space for dinner or coffee in some gentle shade.

A substantial traditional building, Casale Vaticano has been modernised to just the right degree – the stylish bathrooms and kitchen, mix of contemporary furnishings and soft, neutral fabrics set off original terracotta floors, high ceilings and touches of Tuscan flamboyance. This beautifully maintained property will absorb parties of up to eight people with ease. Pisa, Florence and even the beach at Viareggio, are all options for day trips.

Ground Floor

Hall
Feature table, cupboard, entrance.

Lounge 1
Sofa and chaise longue, coffee table, sideboard, fireplace.

Lounge 2
Sofa, armchair, chair coffee table, bookshelves, fireplace.

Dining room
Dining table and chairs, dresser, fireplace.

Kitchen
Fully equipped, table and chairs, sideboard, double doors to garden.

Bathroom
WC, sink, 'open' shower.

First Floor

Hall
Sofa, armchair, chest of drawers, blanket chest.

Bedroom 1
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe, table and two chairs.

En-suite bathroom
Hydromassage shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 2
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), sofa, table and two chairs.

En-suite bathroom
Bath with overhead shower, double sink, WC.

Bedroom 3
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), sofa, table and two chairs.

Dressing-room
Wardrobe.

En-suite bathroom
Hydromassage shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 4
Double bed (cannot be converted to twins), wardrobe, table and two chairs, cot.

En-suite bathroom
Hydromassage shower, sink, WC.

Our Thoughts
We love the quiet notes of luxury and clever style here. Upstairs, everyone gets an en-suite bathroom, while the white-painted traditional ceilings, fine-quality bed linen and light drapes make the bedrooms airily seductive. The pool terrace is very well furnished, not to mention its Jacuzzi. If you come at either end of the season and spend longer indoors, the ground floor skilfully blends tradition, designer looks and comfort. Everywhere, details delight – the palm tree and cypresses by the pool, Tuscan urns about the house, the wrought-iron chandelier in the hall. Enjoy it all.

Notes
Four bedrooms. Four en-suite bathrooms, guest WC with open shower on ground floor. The owners and their three cats, which roam the estate, live in a small annex on-site. They do not use the pool. The neighbouring villa, although attached, does not overlook the gardens or villa. Small dogs are welcome.
Approach road: Paved road

The large, salt-cleansed pool has Roman steps. Its well-furnished paved terrace is completely private and includes two tables and chairs for al-fresco snacks. There’s a shower and Jacuzzi, too. Pool size: 6x12 metres, 1.2-1.5 metres deep. It is open from last Sunday of April to first Saturday of October, weather permitting.