Set amidst the dramatic landscape and medieval villages of the Garfagnana region, Casa Barile is a beautifully restored villa that perfectly blends traditional Tuscan charm with modern comfort. With its stunning mountain views, private solar-heated saltwater pool, and spacious layout ideal for families and groups, it’s a place where guests can truly unwind and experience an authentic part of Tuscany.
The main house and adjoining barn are cleverly connected at first-floor level by a furnished terrace, accessible from both the spacious kitchen and dining room of the main house and the sitting room of the Barn. This thoughtful layout makes Casa Barile ideal for two or three families or groups of friends who wish to share a holiday while still enjoying their own space and privacy. Guests can gather for al fresco meals on the terrace, taking in the magnificent views, and then retreat to their own areas for peace and relaxation.
The main house is arranged over three levels. The top floor features two of the three bedrooms — a master double with en suite and balcony overlooking the terrace, and a twin bedroom with bathroom. On the ground floor, a third bedroom (which can be made up as a double or twin) occupies the converted cantina, alongside a games room with board games, table tennis, and table football and a laundry room. From here, an internal corridor leads to the lower floor of the Barn and directly outside.
The barn is set over two levels, with a double and a twin bedroom below a comfortable living room and large kitchen-dining room. The living room has retained the original brick wall with ventilation holes called Mandolati, once used to keep the barn cool. This wall has been elegantly enclosed with large glass windows that can be fully opened, creating an effect of natural air conditioning.
Both the house and the barn have their own fully equipped kitchens and inviting sitting rooms, offering guests plenty of flexibility and independence. Cots are available for little ones, and a mid-week linen change ensures comfort throughout your stay.
Outside, the solar-heated saltwater pool is the perfect place to relax, featuring wide, shallow entrance steps, a poolside shower, and a dark pool lining that keeps the water pleasantly warm — a few degrees higher than usual. Guests can also enjoy the two terraces, the games room, and an outdoor dining area on the front patio — ideal for long, leisurely meals surrounded by the scent of the lavender and rosemary bushes in the garden.
The 5 acre fully fenced and gated garden is large and beautifully maintained, with fruit trees and flowering shrubs adding to the charm of the setting. From every angle, the views are simply breathtaking.
Layout
Main House (Casa)
-Entrance hall with original features, including stone steps and a beautiful chestnut-beamed ceiling.
-Living room, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
- Large kitchen and dining room with doors opening directly onto the adjoining patio that connects the Casa and the Barn – ideal for outdoor dining.
Upstairs:
- Spacious master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, private balcony, and spectacular mountain views.
- Twin bedroom with its own bathroom.
Downstairs:
- Double bedroom.
Bathroom.
- Games room with table tennis and table football, opening directly onto the garden.
- Internal hallway with access to the lower floor of the Barn.
Barn
Ground floor:
- Laundry room with washing machine and utility facilities.
- One twin bedroom.
- One double room.
- Two bathrooms.
Upper floor:
-Bright hallway with guest W/C.
-Spacious living room with fireplace and French doors leading out to the shared patio/terrace.
-Well-equipped kitchen and dining area, perfect for family meals.
There is a mid-week linen change and light clean included in the price.
We can arrange for mountain bikes to be hired and delivered to the house.
Home cooked meal delivery on request.
Location
Casa Barile is located in the peaceful village of Fosciandora, in the heart of the Garfagnana region of northern Tuscany – an area renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery, delicious and inexpensive restaurants, and warm hospitality. Fosciandora lies in the scenic Serchio Valley, surrounded by chestnut forests and medieval hilltop villages.
Although the road up to the house is winding in places, guests soon get used to it, and it’s only a five-minute drive to the main road leading towards Barga, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, and Lucca. At the foot of the hill there is an excellent and very affordable pizzeria.
The lively market town of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, just ten minutes away, offers a good choice of restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops, as well as a vibrant weekly market. The charming town of Barga, only fifteen minutes away, is famous for its historic centre, cultural events, and excellent dining options. The nearby village of Riana hosts a popular annual wine festival, while many of the surrounding villages hold summer celebrations devoted to local food, wine, and music.
Exploring the area
From the doorstep, guests can enjoy wonderful walks through unspoilt countryside. Fosciandora is also in an ideal position for exploring northern Tuscany and beyond. The spa town of Bagni di Lucca can be reached in around thirty minutes, and the beautiful walled city of Lucca is about a forty-minute drive away. Pisa, with its world-famous Leaning Tower and international airport, is under an hour and a half away, and Florence can be reached in around two hours by car. The spectacular Cinque Terre coastal villages make a wonderful day trip at about two and a half hours’ drive, while the nearest beaches on the Versilia coast, such as Viareggio or Forte dei Marmi, are just over an hour away. For those heading further afield, Lerici on the Ligurian coast is about one hour and forty-five minutes away, Bologna can be reached in roughly two and a half hours, and Siena in about three hours.
Activities and transport
The surrounding area offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, including hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, canyoning, and even a thrilling zip line and treetop rope course in the area. For a refreshing swim or a scenic picnic, there’s a lovely wild swimming spot about fifteen minutes away.
Train stations in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and Castelvecchio Pascoli provide convenient links to Lucca and other Tuscan destinations for those who prefer to travel without a car.
The Garfagnana region truly embodies “Hidden Tuscany” — a land of unspoiled landscapes, welcoming people, and authentic charm. Casa Barile offers the perfect base for exploring the cultural treasures of Lucca, Pisa, and Florence, as well as the peaceful beauty of northern Tuscany’s mountains and valleys, while providing a serene retreat at the end of each day.
Approximate Distances from Casa Barile
Castelnuovo di Garfagnana – 8 km – 10 minutes – Closest main town, with shops and restaurants
Barga – 10 km – 15 minutes – Beautiful medieval town overlooking the valley.
Bagni di Lucca – 20 km – 30 minutes – Thermal baths, cafés, and riverside walks.
Lucca – 45 km – 1 hour – Walled Renaissance city; scenic drive down the Serchio Valley.
Pisa – 75 km – 1 hour 30 minutes – Via Lucca and the motorway; easy day trip.
Florence – 115 km – 2 hours 15 minutes – Best route via Lucca and the A11 motorway.
Siena – 165 km – 3 hours – Longer drive, mostly motorway.
Bologna – 130 km – 2 hours 30 minutes – Over the Apennines via Abetone or A11/A1.
Cinque Terre – 110 km – 2 hours 15 minutes – Scenic route via Aulla or La Spezia.
Lerici – 95 km – 1 hour 45 minutes – Lovely seaside town and gateway to the Gulf of Poets.
