A 5 bedroom restored former Mill in Northern Tuscany
Dimora alla Cascata (The Mill) is currently divided into 3 apartments and has an established rental income but could easily be converted into a large family home. It is being sold as a whole.
Dimora alla Cascata is a beautiful restored mill set adjacent to a small waterfall in a medieval village near Fivizzano. Set at about 380 m asl in the foothills of the Tuscan Apennine mountains, the village is dominated by a huge Malaspina castle now owned by a famous Italian sculptor. Nearby (15 mins walk) is the larger market town of Fivizzano providing a full range of facilities - bars, banks, supermarkets, several good restaurants, primary and secondary schools, sports facilities and a fine hospital.
The area in which the Mill is set is known as Lunigiana – ‘land of 100 castles’ – a relatively undiscovered part of Tuscany far removed from the touristy areas south of Florence. Traditions are strong, hospitality generous and the pace of life relaxed. It is a land of scattered medieval villages and castles set in lush green hillsides covered in olive groves, leading to the foothills of the mountains with hidden flower meadows, chestnut woods and eventually shady pine forests – a walkers paradise within some of the most dramatic landscape to be found in Tuscany.
Lunigiana is bordered by the colourful Gulf of the Poets including the famous Cinque Terre. The beaches of the Versilia coast are within easy reach at just 40 mins drive. Excellent road and rail links give easy access to many famous cultural centres such as Lucca, Florence, Parma, Bologna and Milan. Several airports including Pisa - 1hour, Genoa – 90 mins, Parma – 1 hour, Florence and Milan, which are used by many low cost carriers, serve the area.
Accommodation
On the upper level of Dimora alla Cascata, there are two large double bedrooms with room for extra beds if required. The comfortable living room contains a wood burning stove in addition to the full gas central heating and is connected to the fully equipped kitchen/dining room through an archway. A good sized, tiled shower room is located off the kitchen. Outside, the terrace is complete with a large barbecue and room enough for family, alfresco dining or relaxing next to the waterfall. There is always the sound of water cascading over rocks at Dimora alla Cascata as the millstream flows past the property. Beyond the terrace is a small grassed area with frontage access to the stream and a wonderful view of the medieval castle and village.
The Middle level has views towards the village and the millstream. Pedestrian access is straight to the door past the old village laundry and spring with is still well used. The mountain water from this spring is famed locally for superb drinking. This apartment has been sympathetically restored and retains some of the terracotta tiles typical of the area, original chestnut beams and the exterior doors of the former Mill. There are two large double bedrooms, one with room for a single if required, a fully tiled shower room and a large open-plan living area with fully equipped family kitchen. The log burning stove compliments the gas central heating and ensures a cosy atmosphere during chilly winter evenings. There is a small breakfast terrace just outside the door and a larger paved terrace with frontage to the stream.
Located on the lower ground level floor of the Mill is the studio apartment. This retains much character with a wood burning stove, beams, terracotta floor and original doors and has a good sized living area and a fully equipped galley kitchen with shower room off. The access to the terrace is through a small loggia down a short flight of steps. This private terrace is perfect for relaxing in the sun and enjoying the wildlife as it is set adjacent to the stream just below the pretty waterfall. On the same level is a laundry area, a log store, small garden store and a large workshop area with access to a further small terrace adjacent to the stream. Finally a useful cantina/store is located at lower ground floor level down a small flight of steps.
Access to the Mill is pedestrian only but the village carpark with ample parking is located a short distance away opposite the property over the road bridge.
Holiday rental website
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