THE FACTS ABOUT IL BACCATOIO

Italy

Pietrasanta, 30 minutes' drive north of Lucca, is unfairly dismissed by The Rough Guide as 'no more than a busy marble centre with one or two old buildings'. In fact, the lively old town is surprisingly attractive, its long medieval roads lined with art and antique shops, cafés and restaurants. Like nearby Cararra, the town is known for its marble quarries, sculptors and craftsmen, and a new sculpture is always arriving, or being removed, from piazza Duomo; major art exhibitions and festivals are also held each summer. The busy beach resort of Viareggio, the Apuan Alps and Pisa are all a short drive away. Il Baccatoio is a converted grain and olive mill three kilometres from the old town, the former family home of a contemporary-art collector. It is a creative space, warm and lived-in, with a 12-metre swimming pool and sun terrace set in rolling lawns. The owners have moved into a cottage in the grounds, and rent out the house along with its extensive collection of etchings, paintings and sculptures. The well-equipped country kitchen, with its marble work surfaces and dining terrace, is the heart of the house. There are four bedrooms, one downstairs with a shower room (and separate entrance) and one best-suited for children. SLEEPS Six adults and two children comfortably PRICE £3,555-£4,975 per week, including maid service and two hire cars CONTACT The Owners' Syndicate (020 7801 9807; www.ownerssyndicate.com) FLY Ryanair (0871 246 0000; www.ryanair.com) to Pisa (40km away)