History
The building was erected several hundred years ago as the servants’ quarters of the Castello di Tresana. Much of the history of the house is still a mystery to us.
The Castello was largely empty in the second half of the last century, probably due to the decline in the town’s population. Accordingly, it was left to decay. In 1998, our previous owner bought the house together from several families and carried out extensive renovation work. The house was used as a vacation home and for seminars with students.
Our “Castello”
We bought the building in spring 2012. Initially, we wanted it to be a place to relax and create, but above all a meeting place for friends. In the meantime, nice people can also rent it for vacations or events. We also acquired the west apartment of the house in 2015. This means that the entire building is now available to us and our guests.
The first major renovations were carried out between 2012 and 2014. The renovation and redesign work that is still required is only carried out during the winter season so as not to disturb our guests.
The vacation home
The house is located on the edge of the small village of Tresana. Around 30 families live here. The village and the people are very welcoming – you feel safe and welcome. Tresana is situated on a hill – typical for Tuscany. Accordingly, the Castello is also situated on an elevated position. It consists of several parts of the building, which are connected by numerous steps, individual terraces and an inner courtyard. These connections make it look like a small district of its own. From the main terrace, you have a breathtaking view of the Apennine mountains.
The house is always rented out completely and exclusively to one group or family. The building has seven bedrooms, each with two beds. In addition, the sofa in the living room can be converted into a double bed. The Castello has a maximum occupancy of 14 adults.
The house has old walls, some of which are over a meter thick. Some rooms have vaulted ceilings, unplastered walls and old floors. As was common in the past, some of the Castello’s rooms are not very large. We have therefore made every effort to furnish them individually and comfortably with the help of old furniture and matching accessories.
The house is not directly accessible by car. From the parking lot, an approx. 50 m long and ascending footpath leads to the house. Access to the parking lot is via an unpaved road.
Dogs are allowed after consultation.
Equipment
The house has a central gas boiler with solar support, which provides cozy warmth in the house and hot water in the bathroom and kitchen. There are also three wood-burning stoves. The cooking is electric. There is free WLAN in the house.
Kitchen
The kitchen was set up in a newly designed room between the dining room and the terrace. It is approx. 12 square meters in size and equipped with the typical appliances (refrigerator with freezer compartment, electric stove with oven, dishwasher…). Crockery, cutlery and kitchen utensils are also available for larger groups.
There is also a small dining table for three people.
Dining room
The dining room is right next to the kitchen. The two rooms are connected via two passageways. The dining room is approx. 14 m² in size and has a dining table for twelve people as well as a cozy fireplace. A staircase leads from here to the living room on the upper floor.
Living room
Above the kitchen and dining room is the approx. 30 m² living room. Two comfortable sofas (one can be converted into an additional double bed) and antique furniture invite you to chill out and relax. A satellite TV (German and national programs) and a music system with CD player can be used. A wood-burning stove also provides cozy warmth in this room. A staircase leads from the living room to the roof gallery.
Roof gallery
The gallery was newly created as part of a roof renovation. Here you can relax or enjoy the view of the Apennines.
Room
The vacation home has seven bedrooms, three of which have their own bathroom. The other rooms share two bathrooms.
Room 1: 16 sqm, 1.60 m double bed, access to dining room and outside, bathroom 1 (8.0 sqm) with bathtub and shower
Room 2: 12 sqm, 1.60 m double bed, access via living room, bathroom 2 (4.0 sqm) with shower
Room 3: 15 sqm, 1.60 m double bed, access via the inner courtyard, bathroom 3 (3.0 sqm) with shower
Room 4: 16 sqm with pitched roof, 1.60 m double bed, access via the inner courtyard, shared use of bathroom 4 (6.5 sqm) with two showers
Room 5: 20 sqm in two rooms, two beds 1.20 and 0.75 m wide, access via the inner courtyard and via the west entrance, shared use of bathroom 4 (6.5 sqm) with two showers
Room 6: 16 sqm with pitched roof, 1.60 m bed, access via the inner courtyard, shared use of bathroom 5 (3.0 sqm, shower)
Room 7: 8.5 sqm, two single beds (0.80 m), room is located in the garden house, access via the inner courtyard, shared use of bathroom 5 (3.0 sqm, shower)
Vaults
The house has a vaulted cellar with an adjoining kitchen and bathroom. The room was initially set up as a seminar room at the beginning of 2015. However, as the vacation home is mainly visited by families and groups of friends, we converted this room into a cozy vaulted cellar in 2018. Here it is also possible for larger groups to eat and celebrate. The room has a wood-burning stove.
Small bar
There is now a small bar in the former laundry room next to the main terrace.
Terraces
There are several terraces on the property:
- Main terrace with access to the kitchen and large table for outdoor dining
- Upper terrace with seating and hammock
- Lower terrace with an outdoor bathtub (hot water available)
- Pool terrace with wooden decking next to the pool, fire pit and second dining area
Pool
There is a pool (8.00 m x 4.00 m x 1.50 m) with a view of the valley. There is also a fireplace and another dining area.
Shopping & Eating
Tresana is a small village with no shops or restaurants. The nearest option is Barbarasco, approx. three km away. There are several bars and a good restaurant (Mauro) as well as stores for small groceries. The nearest larger town is Aulla, eight km away, with good shopping facilities.
To the sea
La Specia, Lerici and Marina di Massa can be reached in approx. 30 minutes via the highway.
Beautiful places in the area
Lerici (0.5 h), Pisa (1 h), Lucca (1 h), Florence (2 h), Cinque Terre (0.5 h), Portovenere (1 h). We also recommend the Alpi Apuane National Park and the Via Francigena pilgrimage route, which runs near Tresana. Or a visit to the marble quarries.
Airport
The nearest airports are Pisa and Genoa.
Car
Take the Aulla exit on the A15, where you will already see signs for Tresana.
