La Chiusa is a private villa in Lucca built starting in the 15th century. Having been in the family forever, the current owner has lovingly transformed it into a fully air-conditioned, 5-bedroom, luxury mansion.

Location just over 1 mile (2 km) outside the walled city of Lucca brings all of Tuscany within your reach, with downtown Florence about 1 hour away by car or train, and half an hour to Pisa and the beaches of the Riviera.

You would enjoy the elegantly furnished living areas that open out to the terrace by the garden. Ancient stone walls surround the vast park-like grounds planted with persimmon fruit trees, roses, wisterias and grapevines. The sunny terrace is lined by terracotta planters with a profusion of geraniums. The outdoor 'al fresco' seating group is a pleasant setting for coffee in the morning and drinks in the evening. Inside the private garden is a 26 foot diameter newly built, round, in-ground swimming pool complete with chaise lounges for your enjoyment in the summertime.

Lucca was made famous and wealthy centuries ago by the silk trade. The artist-owner continues this tradition with a private drapery studio with historical fabrics on the property. The owner keeps the gardener's cottage for herself and this separate house is not easily seen from the villa.

The high quality interiors of La Chiusa include many antiques and period pieces, very skilfully decorated to make the villa feel like a home, not like a museum. On the ground floor are the public rooms that open out to the garden terrace. The living room has a baby grand piano and numerous armchairs and comfortable sofas for a large gathering. The separate study has a sofa-group and fireplace; amenities include a large screen satellite TV, CD-stereo, and collection of travel books and magazines.

From the living room you continue into a large dining room, an intimate breakfast room, and the fully equipped country-style kitchen. Here you also find a separate laundry room with washer and dryer. 1 double bedroom is also on this ground level; has a small bathroom with shower.

The grand staircase brings you up to the second level and into the most elegant sitting room, the Salone. From the Salone you enter the bedrooms. This second level has 4 double bedrooms, two of which are furnished in period style with frescoed walls and ceilings that are pictured here. Of the 3 bathrooms, one has a large double Jacuzzi whirlpool. All 3 bathrooms have showers.

The full-time care-taker has an apartment on the attic floor of the villa with private access. House-keeping is included in your rental and a professional chef and sommelier are available for special dinners. Ask us about custom-made programs for cooking lessons, wine tasting, art, architecture, history and guided touring.