THE HOUSE

il Luppolo Nero's origins are modest. Originally built in the late 1400s, it was inhabited by poor "contadini," peasant famers, whose job it was to care for the surrounding olive trees, most of which are still on the property today. Unlike some regions of Tuscany where grapes are the main crop, our area is dominated by olive groves which produce some of the finest extra virgin olive oil in Italy.

il Luppolo Nero is a three-story stone farmhouse featuring three beautiful master bedroom suites, located on the second and third floors. All three suites are beautifully appointed, furnished with antiques from the local area, and each suite has its own private terrazzo with views of the Mediterranean Sea, Lake Massaciuccoli and the surrounding countryside. In the distance, one can see the Leaning Tower of Pisa and, on clear days, the islands of Corsica, Elba, Gorgona and Capraia. The first floor contains the living room and dining area, bathroom, cantina, as well as a very large, fully-equipped semi-professioal kitchen.

il Luppolo Nero has changed considerably since the original restoration in 1995, with the addition of the swimming pool area, a new master bedroom suite on the second floor in 2004 and, in 2009, an addition of a large semi-professional kitchen as well as a separate laundry room. The covered portico in the front of the house was extended, creating ample space for sitting or dining outside. In addition, two smaller bedrooms on the second floor were combined to create a large master bedroom suite, exiting onto a beautiful terrazzo, built above the new kitchen. In 2012, a terrazzo with direct views to Viareggio and the Mediterranean Sea was added to the third floor master bedroom suite. Finally, "la Baracchina," a one bedroom and bathroom cottage on the premises, was renovated, creating an additional living space.

With its three master bedroom suites, plus la Baracchina cottage, il Luppolo Nero can accommodate up to eight adults very comfortably, depending on the configuration. For children, one of the second floor master bedroom suites contains a queen-sized hide-a-bed, while the owners' master bedroom suite has a den/studio with a hide-a-bed. A cot can be be furnished for the third floor master bedroom suite for an additional person.

As a commitment to creating an energy-sustainable environment, photovoltaic and hot water solar panel energy has been installed and all new appliances are AA-graded. While the house has central heating, there are, in addition, two wood-burning fireplace inserts, venting heat to all of the bedroom suites. All master bedroom suites contain air-conditioning.

Our house reflects the style and ambience of an old "rustico." The bricks on our floors were retained or have come from similar-vintage houses; the old beams and rafters were replaced, using new chestnut wood, hand-cut in the traditional style; and the hand-made terracotta tiles on the roof are original. Attached to the house is a fully-functioning wood-burning "forno" (brick oven) for making pizzas.

Wherever possible, materials from that era were used and integrated into the restoration. Therefore, the interior of the house has "the feel" of the old house from hundreds of years ago, complete with period antiques from the area, but with all the comforts and conveniences of a modern home.

Il Luppolo Nero features a large, kidney-shaped in-ground swimming pool. Contained within the pool is a six-jet Jacuzzi system for utmost relaxation. The swimming pool is located just below the main house, nestled in between the olive trees, with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, Lake Massaciouccoli, the islands and, in the distance, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Furnished with Dedon lounging chairs, including the eye-catching Daydream piece, the pool area is also a perfect place to have a barbecue or dine in the shade under the hand-crafted iron pergola covered with wisteria.

The house is surrounded by the lush and varied vegetation of the Mediterranean, as well as a variety of fruit trees. Grapevines full of sweet concord grapes are found in several sections of our property. The backyard features the "zona relax," the massage area, located under a pergola covered with grapes looking out to the sea, next to a small pond, an area meant for relaxation, contemplation, yoga or meditation.

As it is important to be connected to family, friends, business and responsibilities back home, il Luppolo Nero not only has satellite television, but also high-speed internet access (DSL) and Wi-Fi capability throughout the house.