Dimora Dayan

About this property

Set amongst vineyards and olive groves, just a stroll from local restaurants and shops, Dimora Dayan is an 18th century holiday villa which is filled with warmth and charm, surrounded by beautiful gardens brimming with summer colours and scents.

 

This is the type of home you will fall in love with due to its authenticity and welcoming ambience. It’s been tastefully furnished with a mixture of old and new with comfort in mind in every room. You will feel instantly at home when you arrive, greeted by the lovely owners who will have taken great care to prepare the house for you and provide a delicious welcome buffet for your first evening.

The large villa has been split into two wings, each with five bedrooms, joined by a door downstairs, making this an ideal set up for two extended families or a large group of friends. Each wing of the house has its own living space and charmingly styled traditional kitchen, as well as air-conditioned bedrooms, nearly all of them en suite. The lovely owners have also added satellite TV in each of the two living areas as well as complimentary use of a PC, printer and Wi-Fi in each wing.

Winding steps lead through the glorious gardens to the sunny swimming pool, surrounded by hedges, sweet scented roses and terraced olive trees. Discover the outdoor gym and the enchanting play area and be surrounded by the aromas of rosemary, sage and thyme as you explore the corners of the vast grounds.

Flowering dahlias, summer hibiscus and petunias add plenty of colour to this verdant space and the jasmine covered pergola is a magical place for your morning coffee or an evening glass of Tuscan wine. Gather for al-fresco meals by the villa under the covered terrace whilst children play or set out summer lunches by the barbecue. Dimora Dayan is all about spending time with loved ones in a relaxed, authentic and beautiful setting.

The owners can provide breakfast if you wish, as well as arrange groceries for your arrival or a private chef for part of your stay. They can advise you on the best vineyards to visit, where to sample local olive oils and book guided tours of some of the enchanting towns and cities nearby such as Lucca, Pisa and Florence.

Indeed, this is a wonderful location for exploring the best of northern Tuscany from idyllic villages such as Collodi and Vinci to the sandy beaches of Viareggio and even as far as the Golfo dei Poeti and Cinque Terre historic seaside villages.

Yet, surrounded by the sound of birdsong and the scent of citrus trees, oleander and fragrant herbs, as you spend summer days by the swimming pool and gardens, it will be hard to leave this delightful Tuscan paradise.

In a private setting surrounded by 2500 acres of beautiful grounds filled with olive groves and summer blooms, Dimora Dayan is just 12km north-east of Lucca and about an hour away from Florence – a perfect position for exploring this wonderful part of Tuscany and beyond.

Despite the rural feel of this lovely setting, you just have to wander down the lane, passing olive groves as you walk with the distant view of the mountains, and within around 1 to 2km you will reach a handful of local restaurants, shops and a supermarket in the local village/residential area.

Lucca (12km) is a splendid place to spend memorable days exploring the city walls by bike or foot, finding lovely spots for pretty picnics and getting lost in the historic centre. Wander around the winding lanes and come across enchanting piazzi, idyllic cafes and charming shops, always admiring the stunning architecture around you. You will yearn to return again and again to discover a little more of this captivating town each time.

Pisa (31km) is also close enough to visit for the day – a beautiful city filled with character and charm whether gazing at the Leaning Tower alongside crowds of tourists or exploring the atmospheric riverside with its bars and restaurants.

Florence (76km) is around an hour by car or pick up the train from a local train station such as Pescia (10km). Spend a superb day out visiting the world-famous museums and art galleries, picnicking in the Boboli Gardens, or just soaking up the enchanting ambience across this magical city.

There is also so much in the local area to discover. Start with a morning out to Collodi (11km), an idyllic village which was home to Pinocchio’s author – younger guests will adore the theme park, Pinocchio Land, as well as the butterfly house next door.

The spa town of Montecatini Terme (21km) will also appeal to everyone with its amazing architecture, spa centres, impressive boutiques and the historic funicular that takes you to the hilltop village above with spectacular views.

Walkers and nature lovers alike will appreciate the wetlands at the vast Padule di Fucecchio or drive north to the Apuan Alps, around an hour away, for more challenging hikes with breathtaking views. There is also horse-riding as well as plenty of cycling and mountain biking opportunities across this region and beyond.

Another joy of this part of northern Tuscany is the close proximity to the sea with the super beaches around Viareggio (42km) and Forte dei Marmi (51km) under an hour away. If you are seeking incredible coastal scenery then drive as far as the Golfo dei Poeti, ending in La Spezia (90km), the gateway to the unesco World Heritage site, the Cinque Terre National Park.

Accommodation

Dimora Dayan features two wings, each with five bedrooms, connected via a door downstairs between the living and dining areas.
Villa Interiors (Wing I)

Ground Floor

-    Open-plan living and dining room (via step) with doors leading to garden
-    Kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, oven, fridge-freezer, kettle, toaster, microwave, coffee maker and fireplace
-    Bedroom 1 with double/twin bed and en suite bathroom with shower and WC. Doors lead outside. Bedroom suitable for guests with restricted mobility

First Floor (stairs accessed from living area)

-    Bedroom 3 with double/twin bed and en suite bathroom with bath and WC
-    Bedroom 4 with twin beds and en suite bathroom with shower and WC
-    Bedroom 5 with double/twin bed and en suite bathroom with bath/shower and WC
-    Bedroom 6 with double/twin bed and en suite bathroom with bath/shower and WC
Villa Interiors (Wing II)
Ground Floor

-    Smaller living area with doors leading to garden
-    Kitchen-diner, well-equipped dishwasher, oven, fridge-freezer, kettle, toaster, microwave, coffee maker and dining table by fireplace. Doors lead to garden
-    Bedroom 2 (small) with double bed and en suite bathroom with shower

First Floor (stairs accessed from kitchen-diner)

-    Bedroom 7 with double/twin bed and en suite bathroom with bath/shower and WC
-    Bedroom 8 with double/twin bed and en suite bathroom with bath/shower and WC
-    Bedroom 9 with double/twin beds
-    Bedroom 10 with double/twin beds
-    Bathroom with shower and WC (shared between bedrooms 9 and 10)
   
Outside Grounds

-    Swimming pool (12x6m, depth: 1.4m) open approximately May to September. Surrounded by hedge with a security gate
-    Poolside sun-loungers, tables and sun-shades
-    Al-fresco shaded terrace with table for up to 20 guests
-    Barbecue
-    Other al-fresco dining/lounging areas
-    Outdoor gym (on covered terrace)
-    Table tennis and table football
-    Play area
-    Vast gardens, partly terraced with steps
-    Fenced grounds with electric gate
-    Parking

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Air-conditioning
-    Heating
-    Fireplace
-    Satellite TV
-    DVD players
-    CD players
-    Office area with PC, telephone and printer
-    Outdoor gym
-    Table tennis and table football
-    Hairdryers
-    Mosquito nets
-    Washing machine and dryer
Guests can also request a 10-person price to rent just one of the wings (not available June to mid-September unless a last minute request). In this case the swimming pool, grounds and outside facilities will be shared with the occupants of the other wing. You may request which wing you prefer, but this will not be guaranteed.