Tuscany: The Lance Manor

The Manor is a beautiful, small medieval castle built between 1400's and 1500's. It was a fortress of guard for the the villages in the area. It was built of mellow stone and was a Ghibelline's manor. It is set in a wonderful and dominant position,and is only 700 metres from the village of Lanciole.
The history tell us that the Ghibellines, who sided with the holy roman Emperor, fought against the Guelphs who supported the Pope over the right to rule the nothern part of Italy. In the Manor Castle there are two independent wings/cottages the Fairy and the Elf. The Village where the Manor is located lies in the hills to the north of Pescia and Montecatini, a very picturesque area ideal for touring or relaxing in delightful surroundings. The Castle itself is perfectly restored, conserving the old characteristics but with all the comfort, so you will feel really "at home". Has been trasformed in villa during 1700's so he addes to the simple knights style in one more elegant countenance. In the park, at the top there is also another small cozy cottage, that was the knights quarter, called the Tale, rebuilt and restored during 2007 ideal for a couple or a small family, very romantic, please take a look to his link. The manor can accomodate if rent in total 8/9 people, but if you are more and if you would like to rent all the cottages, is possible to accomodate until 12 people, special offer if you are interested in all the houses. The Manor Castle sits on an hill and it's surrounded by miles of woodland where you can enjoy long walks and the whole area is a patchwork of medieval hilltop villages which are all worth a visit. Lanciole, though tiny, has a bar/pizzeria which also sells a few basic foodstuffs. In ancient times the village was known to have produced "lancia" or spears and other arms.Many legends and tales have been said of the manor castle, what the knights made, the hunting, the battle for the supremacy on the guelphs villages... and did find a code invented to manage the work of the people in the villages of the area. The area makes a good base for touring being within easy driving distance of many famous places including Lucca, Pisa, Pistoia and Florence.

Amenities
Private pool,External Hot tub, barbeque, terrace, fireplace, laundry, patio and fenced park

Activities in the Area
Tennis, skiing, dining and shopping nearby museum the nearest at 15 minutes by car, golf club at 20 km far away, Horseback riding at ten minutes by car. Fishing and trekking. Public transportation available 10 minutes walking.
Florence 52 km from the village, Lucca 30 km, Pisa 42 km, Pistoia 27 km, Ski resort at 40 km, Viareggio sea at 45 km far away fresh bakery and foodstuff available on request 4 times a week carry from the shop to your door.

The lake in Macchia Antonini

The manor tower