Weekly vacation rental villa near Lucca, Tuscany...

Most vacation renters at Villa Aquilea have been groups of three to five couples, or two families with children, or grandparents with children and grandchildren, and there is always plenty of space for everyone. 

Guests often rent the villa for a week-long group vacation celebration of an anniversary, wedding or birthday, or simply to experience the joys of life in Tuscany, together with friends and family.

Here are some details about the villa itself.  Furnishings are elegant and simple – an easy mix of local antiques and comfortable newer pieces.  The ancient chestnut-beamed ceilings are still exposed throughout and all the floors are polished terra cotta. Colors are local earth pigments; soft tones of ochre, burnt siena and cobalt blue. The overall effect is timeless and relaxing.

The main entrance to the Tuscan villa is on the middle floor, at the top of an external staircase typical of important villas in the Lucca Tuscany area. Inside is a beautiful dining room, with a gorgeous table (which extends to seat up to 20 guests for special occasions), a stone fireplace, English- language bookshelves, and a marble staircase.  To the left is the heart of the house — a typically Tuscan kitchen, with dishwasher and other top-class Italian appliances and a huge wooden table perfect for sharing meals with many people. The kitchen opens onto an outdoor dining setting on a large terrace under a vine-covered pergola. Here, the views are unparalleled: spectacular sunrises, warm afternoons, evening dining and moonlit nights with the lights of Lucca and other Tuscan villages glowing in the distance. The middle floor also has a nice double bedroom with en-suite bathroom and shower.

Top floor. The upstairs has a very spacious living room, which was originally used to store the olives during the harvest period. It is now furnished with a marble fireplace, a large desk with computer, TV/DVD, comfortable sofas and an antique chestnut game table. Also on the top floor are three bedrooms with double beds, two full bathrooms (one with shower, one with bath), laundry and a private outdoor terrace.

Ground floor. The ground floor has its own walk-in entrance and is also connected with the upper floors by an internal staircase. It has a large well-equipped kitchen, bathroom with shower, laundry room, and two bedrooms (a large bedroom with a double bed and sitting area, and a walk-through bedroom with bunk beds).

Keep in touch while on vacation...The villa has (1) telephones, also for international calls (2) a computer with ADSL modem for free unlimited email and internet access (3) a wireless WI-FI system -- you can log onto the internet directly from your laptop (4) we also supply two mobile/cellular phones so your group can stay in touch with each other, and us, as you explore Lucca and Tuscany (5) we supply each group with a preprogrammed GPS satellite navigation system to use in your car, so you can easily find your way around Tuscany Italy.

The [enclosed] DVD [about our vacation] was a 3-week project of love that kept me looping back to the vacation, not wanting to let it go. I guess I got  carried away… Please feel free to use any part of it you want. I would like everyone to know what a wonderful experience can be enjoyed at the Villa….  The B. family is definitely coming in May. That is OUR week, so don't get any funny ideas about renting it out to anyone else!  Clyde B., Raleigh Durham North Carolina (guest at Villa Aquilea 2006, 2007 and 2008)

Just a quick note to say thanks for the wonderful holiday we had at your villa. We had a great time, which was in no small way due to your terrific hospitality. We’re now back in the swing of things here in East Bridgford, but with the photos just back from the printers, our thoughts keep turning back to Tuscany...Gerry H., Nottinghamshire England (guest at Villa Aquilea Lucca, Tuscany 2005)

I have thought of Aquilea often since my visit. It remains the highlight of the year for me. I so enjoyed it; the camaraderie, dining al fresco, the wine and coffee, the trips to Lucca and the few errands (always completed with a cappuccino stop), meeting Mario and Rafaella, my travels to Cinque Terre, the house and garden and—best of all—card games on the terrace. It was brilliant. Thank you ... Please keep me informed about the wine and/or olive harvest. I may well be back again soon. Thomas O’Malley, Dingle, Ireland (guest 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and returning 2009)