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Borgo Bernardini, a former hamlet tucked away among the gently
folding Lucchese hills, provides a gracious and luxurious Tuscan retreat. Originally
a hunting lodge, where noble guests of the Count Bernardini resided while engaged
in the time-honored contest between man and beast, the borgo later was used as
lodging for the count's multitudinous staff. Modern renovation has rendered it
a magical oasis. Rambling old walls surround weeping willows, fountains and formal
gardens. A gorgeous floodlit salt water swimming pool and ample area for outdoor
barbecuing and dining promise many pleasant hours spent under the Tuscan sun.
There are numerous sitting areas and a courtyard for dining al fresco, most notably
the gracious table near the magnificent peschiera, a goldfish pond on grand scale
complete with flowers in terra cotta pots, waterlilies, and fountains with lights
at night.
In the immediate area you will find tennis facilities, horseback
riding stables and a golf driving range (with full golf courses located in nearby
Montecatini or Versilia). The location is convenient to the beaches of the Versilian
Riviera (1/2 hour), to splendid hiking in the Cinqueterre (1 hour), and to nearby
Lucca, as charming a medieval town as any in Italy, offering Romanesque churches,
exquisite gardens, wonderful restaurants and elegant shops. It also draws music
lovers, as Puccini was born here. Stroll, bike, or picnic on Lucca's ramparts,
a series of surrounding walls originally constructed in Roman times. From atop
the walls on a clear day you can see the Apuan Alps.
The attention paid
to the renovation of Borgo Bernardini has rendered it truly magnificent. Clearly,
the owner would settle for nothing less than the best. Fully air-conditioned and
heated throughout, the villa has twelve uniquely decorated double bedrooms, each
with large beds, a phone, individual temperature control, and a modern en-suite
bathroom with Jacuzzi bath and shower. Eight of these rooms have queen-sized beds
and 4 have twins that can be made up separately or together as queens. The sense
of style overflows into the many reception rooms and living areas: the magnificent
banquet hall that seats 24, the formal drawing room with views across the landscaped
peschiera, the card and billiard room, and the domed music room.
Additional
rooms include: an office with telephone, fax, Internet access and computer facilities,
a TV lounge with large-screen satellite TV and video player (English and Italian
videos), a workout room, a wine cellar, a laundry room and four powder rooms.
A central music system reaches the entire villa, and many CDs are provided, but
some guests may prefer to hear the tinkling of keys on the beautifully restored
1890 Steinway. Six mountain bikes are made available for guest use. A crib and
highchair are also available.
2012 Prices
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BORGO BERNARDINI 