VILLA ARONTE

VILLA ARONTE

Sleeps 8
Bedrooms 4, Bathrooms 4
Carrara, Versilia – Tuscany, Italy

Belonged to one of the oldest churches in the diocese of Luni, Villa Aronte is set on a hilltop in Carrara and it offers views in every direction from Tuscany to Liguria. Kids will love the garden while adults will appreciate the proximity to Versilia with its golden beaches as well as the rocky coast of Cinque Terre in Liguria.

Previously this area was inhabited by the proud unbending “Apuani”, one of whom was Aronte, the shaman who foretold the future by interpreting the flight of birds, and also, by interpreting their entrails.

Aronte was celebrated by Dante Alighieri in his “Divina Commedia” : “Inferno” canto XX: “Aronta è ch’al ventre li s’atterga, che ne’ monti di Luni, dove ronca lo Carrarese che di sotto alberga,
ebbe tra ‘ bianchi marmi la spelonca per sua dimora; onde a guardar le stelle e ‘l mar no li era la veduta tronca”

Hence, this ancient convent is in the same place where Aronte and Dante could see both the sea and the stars, the very same we see from the garden of Villa Aronte.

Hercules, Jupiter, and Bacchus are portrayed in a bas-relief of Fantiscritti now preserved in the Academy of Fine Arts in Carrara. This relief bears the hallmarks of the most important sculptors from Michaelangelo to Canova.

According to legend, an ancient temple dedicated to Hercules was situated in the vicinity of the Convent before Pieve San Lorenzo was built. This temple was important for the sailors of antiquity sailing on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Local winegrowers remember this legend and seem to feel its power on the night of San Lorenzo, 10th August, when the Earth possesses the power of Hercules and pulls the stars towards itself.

ACCOMMODATION 

The living area is distributed over three floors. During the restoration, traditional techniques and materials have been used to preserve the architectural features of the past. From anywhere you can enjoy the impressive view of the sea.

The large hall on the ground has a white Carrara marble and grey Bardiglio floor. The remains of the impressive wall paintings from the 16th century have been professionally restored, showing the previously significant religious use of the room. Today, this space is the dining room.

GROUND FLOOR

Kitchen: The spacious kitchen has a chestnut wood ceiling, a floor of the antique terracotta mezzanine, and an impressive marble kitchen sink, a touch of Tuscan life. The large work surface, also in marble, invites one to prepare delicious meals, which then can be enjoyed al fresco in the cloister which is adjacent to the kitchen. (dishwasher, fridge with freezer, oven, microwave, gas hob)

Lounge: The large hall on the ground has a white Carrara marble and grey Bardiglio floor. The remains of the impressive wall paintings from the 16th century have been professionally restored, showing the previously significant religious use of the room. Today, this space is the dining room. Living room with TV and Fireplace, Bathroom, Laundry, and pantry.

BEDROOM AND BATHROOM

FIRST FLOOR 

Bedroom 1:    Queen-size bed, Double master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. The chestnut wood floor and ceiling give the room a pleasant and cozy atmosphere. Through one of the windows, you have a view of the ceiling paintings of the grand dining room. The floor and wall coverings of the bathroom are made of marble, cut from a block, and exposed like an opened book with the drawing visible. This room is accessible both via the elegant internal staircase, as well as via a separate staircase from the courtyard.

Bedroom 2: French size bed with en-suite bathroom with shower air conditioning, hairdryer, and toiletries. This beautiful and spacious bedroom has also a ceiling and floor of chestnut wood. From here you have direct access to a lovely little terrace above the cloister which is partially shaded by a Wisteria – Pergola. From this terrace, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the entire property and the sea.

SECOND FLOOR

Bedroom 3: Queen size bed with en-suite bathroom with shower air conditioning, hairdryer, toiletries, and three windows at different heights which provide magnificent views of the sea.

Bedroom 4: Queen-size bed, en-suite bathroom with shower, air conditioning, hairdryer, and toiletries.

FEATURES & AMENITIES

• Fully equipped kitchen
• Alarm system
• Air-conditioned bedrooms and dining room
• Heating system
• TV Sat
• DVD players
• Wi-Fi access
• Baby crib
• High chairs
• Washer

OUTDOOR FEATURES

• Table tennis
• Solar panels
• Outdoor furniture
• Alfresco dining
• BBQ
• Gated property
• Parking
• Security System

STAFF & SERVICES

Included:

• Change of linens and towels (for stays of 7-days or more)
• Concierge service
• Manager
• Utilities
• Toiletries

At Extra Cost – advance notice may be required:

• Chef service
• Child care service
• Villa pre-stocking ( groceries and/or wine)
• Daily breakfast delivery
• Cooking class
• Maid service
• Dry cleaning service
• Private Driver
• Airport transfer
• Activities and excursions

RENTAL CONDITIONS

• 4 Day minimum stay
• Rentals are from Saturday to Saturday
• Short rentals considered on request
• Arrival between 4 and 8 p.m.
• Departure by 10.00
• Car essential
• Child friendly
• Pets: Upon request

DISTANCES

• Closest town: Carrara 4 km
• Distance to shopping: grocery shop for essential food 3 km
• Closest restaurant: Pizzeria 1 km, Restaurant “Extra” 3 km, “Lorenzo”
• Other restaurants & pubs: Carrara 4 km, Forte Dei Marmi 19 km, Sarzana 20 km, Lerici 22 km,
• Closest beaches/sea: Marina di Carrara 4 km, Marina di Massa 7 km
• Closest bus stop: 7 km
• Nearest highway: Carrara 4 km
• Nearest train station: Carrara 4 km
• Nearest Airport: Pisa (PSA) 58 km

SITES OF INTEREST

Cinque Terre: ferry companies depart daily from Marina di Massa, Bocca di Magra, and Lerici

Beaches: Marina di Carrara 4 km, Forte dei Marmi 19 km
Cinque Terre: by ferry boat 30 mins from Lerici,

Places to see: Carrara/marble quarries: 10 km, Versilia 19 km, Sarzana: 22 Km, Lerici: 22 Km, Pisa: 59 km, Lucca: 52 km, Cinque Terre: 48 km, Porto Venere 48 km, Portofino: 98 km, Genova: 119 km, Firenze: 123 km.

ADDITIONAL RULES 

Policies and requirements

Cancellation

• Cancel up to 60 days before your trip and 100% refundable.
• Cancel within 60 days of the trip and the reservation is non-refundable.

House rules

• No smoking
• No Pets
• Check-in is anytime after 4 PM
• Check out by 10 AM

All credit card holders must be aged 25 years and older at check-in.

According to Italian law (ART.109 – TULPS), the Hosts and/or managers of any touristic structure are required to register their Guests with the authorities before allowing their access to the facilities. To facilitate the registration, process you will be required to provide complete contact details (name, last name, address, telephone number, etc. ), a copy of the passport, and the authorization to hold these details by law (D. Lgs.196/2003) on privacy protection, before you arrived at the property. This information cannot be used to promote, sell, or solicit any service or product to you and is required only for the individual responsible for the rental agreement.