Villa Iris with private pool, 4 bedrooms, panoramic view, walk to restaurant
This converted farmhouse villa is located in the small hamlet of Montiperpoli, within walking distance of the historic centre of Castelnuovo in the picturesque Garfagnana region of northern Tuscany. A highly regarded local restaurant is just a five-minute walk away.
Set in an elevated position with panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains, the villa offers the perfect balance between peaceful countryside living and the lively charm of a nearby market town. It’s also ideally placed for day trips to the art cities of Lucca, Siena, Florence, and Pisa.
The villa accommodates up to 9 guests with four bedrooms: two en-suite double rooms, one en-suite twin room (which can be made into a double), and a full-size studio with a double bed, single bed, and en-suite bathroom.
Spacious and versatile, the property is ideal for families or groups of friends. The interior includes a large open-plan kitchen and dining area, perfect for cooking together with fresh local produce from Castelnuovo’s market. Glass doors lead directly outside, where you'll find a pergola for shaded al fresco dining and uninterrupted views of the Pania di Corfino mountain.
The villa sits in a large grassed garden next to a private 14 x 5 metre pool, offering ample space for both relaxation and play. The pool, accessed by ladder steps, is surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas, and is open from May to October (weather permitting). Its hillside position ensures privacy.
Layout: Ground floor: Open-plan kitchen/dining room, living area, and 1 en-suite double bedroom. First floor: 1 en-suite double bedroom (can be set up as a twin) and 1 en-suite twin bedroom. Second floor: Studio room with 1 double and 1 single bed, and a private bathroom with shower, sink, bidet, and WC.
Additional Information: – 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms – Pets welcome – Onsite parking (4 unsheltered spaces) – Heating charged based on usage during colder months – Property is not fenced - Pool is accessed by ladder steps and has sun loungers and sun umbrellas. The pool is 14 x 5 metres and 1.4 metres deep. It is open from May to October, weather permitting.
The villa’s welcoming owner, Enrico – a local outdoor enthusiast – provides a generous welcome pack to help you settle in and start your holiday the right way.
LOCATION
Villa Iris is in the hamlet of Monteperpoli and only 3km from the large market town of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. There is an excellent restaurant only 2 minutes walk from the villa.
The nearest neighbour is at the top of the field.
Castelnuovo, has many restaurants, cafes, bars, supermarkets and all other types of shops. There is a tourist information office, train station and a weekly market selling a wide variety of fashion, household goods, flowers, fruit and vegetables.
The nearby medieval villages of Cascio, Eglio and Sassi are really nice and worth exploring, as are many of the other villages in the area.
Other nearby places of interest are San Pelegrino, Corfino, Silico, Barga, Bagni di Lucca, Hermitage of Calomini (Gallicano), Grotta de Vento, Verrucole Fortress, and Castiglione di Garfagnana.
Lucca 50 minutes drive or train journey
Pisa 1.5 hour drive or train journey
Cinque Terre 1.5 hour drive or train journey
Florence 2 hours drive or train journey
Forti di Marmi and Viareggio are the nearest beach resorts, just over an hour's drive.
Lerici is a particularly nice fishing town further North on the coast, near the Cinque Terre.
You can take boats to the Cinque Terre at Viareggio, Forti dei Marmi and other places including Portovenere.
Other recommended places to visit include San Pellegrino, Bagni di Lucca, Hermitage of Calomini (Gallicano), Grotta de Vento, Verrucole Fortress, and Castiglione di Garfagnana.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: Garfagnana is the best are in Tuscany for walking. We have strong links with an outdoor actities company offering inexpensive world class mountaineering, canyoning, caving and mountain bilking, as well as guided hill walking.
Mountain biking, hill walking and horse riding are all available locally.
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Restored farmhouse with private pool, unbeatable stupendous views and WIFI!
Castelnuovo di Garfagnana
Restored farmhouse with private pool, unbeatable stupendous views and WIFI!
Tourist tax due to owner on arrival
Heating charged as extra and due to owner at the end of your stay
Please report any damages to owner
Please inform owner if you are bringing a pet
Pool open from May to October (exceptions can be negotiated)
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Property Registration Number IT046009B5926Y74Q9
About the area
Castelnuovo di Garfagnana
Located in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, this villa is in the city centre and on a river. Ariostesca Castle and Verrucole Fortress are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Orecchiella Park and Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park. Parco Levigliese and Parco del Levigliese are also worth visiting.
Does Villa Iris with private pool, 4 bedrooms, panoramic view, walk to restaurant have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Villa Iris with private pool, 4 bedrooms, panoramic view, walk to restaurant?
As of 9 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Villa Iris with private pool, 4 bedrooms, panoramic view, walk to restaurant on 10 June 2026 start from NZ$474, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Villa Iris with private pool, 4 bedrooms, panoramic view, walk to restaurant pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at Villa Iris with private pool, 4 bedrooms, panoramic view, walk to restaurant?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Villa Iris with private pool, 4 bedrooms, panoramic view, walk to restaurant?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Villa Iris with private pool, 4 bedrooms, panoramic view, walk to restaurant?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Villa Iris with private pool, 4 bedrooms, panoramic view, walk to restaurant located?
Located in the heart of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, this villa is within 1 mile (2 km) of Duomo and Archaeological Museum. Ariostesca Castle and Pontecosi Lake are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Thanks for the great rating. Northern Tuscany is often overlooked, but if you like mountains and lush green country, Garfagnana is arguably the most beautiful area in Tuscany. We provide info for great walks, restaurants and outdoor activities.
Owner Enrico has been really helpfull and friendly. The Villa is on 4 levels (one for the pool, 3 for the building floors) which gives you more privacy but also makes it harder to stay together if that's what your group wants. 1 restroom for each room is a luxury. However, they they would need some renovations, as wel as the kitchen.Great common areas such as outside patio, inner dining room and big sofa areas. Beautiful landscape. Overall very good if you are looking for a rustic retreat in the countryside
To say the property was great, was an understatement, but the difference was a hospitality of the owner, who went above and beyond every single day to ensure we were home safe, and had everything we needed to make sure we did not go hungry or get lost.
We loved the great views from the house and the pool. The common area has a great sofa, the kitchen is spacious and has everything you need.
The week we went was a little rainy and cold and the house was a little cold for this weather.
Everything else was nice.
Being the first time we spent significant time in the Italian Alpines, our stay exceeded our expectations. The area and views from the property are beautiful and lend themselves to relaxing, peaceful days. The house is about an hour from major cities and the shore, so a bit out of the way if you want tour every day.
The house is spacious and has plenty of room for two families with kids. There is plenty of space for the kids to play and romp and the pool will keep them busy for many hours. The house is adequately supplied and all the utilities worked well. Enrico was a gracious host bringing us local cheeses, breads, and recommending great restaurants in the area. A very relaxing, easy going Tuscan vacation.
Villa Iris was a beautiful place. My friends and I had a very relaxing and comfortable trip on this stunning property!
The rooms were large with en suite bathrooms and the kitchen was well equipped with all we might need for our stay. The wifi was very good and extended all the way down to the gigantic pool, which we absolutely loved. The host was very friendly and helpful when we needed to replace the gas canister. Compared to the listing, the Villa was even better in person!
It’s important to note that the Villa is VERY remote - if we came again we would definitely rent a car! However, the view is so beautiful that we didn’t really mind being stuck close to home. Castelnuovo is a sweet and quiet town, about 30 minutes walk down the mountain.
Overall, we had a lovely time and hope to visit again some day.
Lily S.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 29 August 2023
Thanks for the great review. Although we recommend guests hire a car to be able to explore the area fully, people do book Villa Iris without a car like yourselves. The villa is only 30 minutes walk to the market town of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. There's also a train station in the town and most importantly a great restaurant only a few minutes walk. There's also taxi services available. I'm really happy to hear that you would like to come back.
I've passed on your kind words to Enrico.
I can offer you a returners discount if you would like to return to this villa or another that I manage.
Kind regards,
Molly
Friends of Tuscany Ltd
The Villa is in a beautiful location with amazing views. Perfect for exploring Northern Tuscany and the the hill villages close by. The nearest town is within a 30 minute walk, but be warned coming back is a steep up hill all the way.
The Villa is rustic and tired in places. Some of the beds, pillows and linen could do with being updated but I think this is reflected in the price.
Unfortunately, the weather was not the best “pool” weather, so we only used the pool a few times. Be warned the ground around the pool is a little rough and footwear here is a must.
The outside table is large enough to easily get 9 people around it, but would benefit from being paved. As it sits on quite rough ground. And the bbq, whilst sturdily built, sits on its own, some distance from the kitchen. Situated halfway up the bank from the pool on a steep grassy slope. The lack of a grill to fit the bbq brickwork made the already awkward positioning an untenable proposition for it to be used.
Access to the Villa is via a short mud track, off the main road, through a lightly wooded area. This is steep and the parking area is difficult to access, with two trees one either side of a short slope up to a grassed area in front of the Villa. This is made more difficult in wet weather. And you may have to consider parking outside the Villa at the top of the track.
On the whole though this is a beautiful rustic Villa, with amazing views in a great location and plenty of room for several families.
Het huis is prima om met meerdere mensen te verblijven en goed uitgerust. We hadden helaas de pech dat het weer niet meewerkte en hebben meer tijd in huis dan buiten doorgebracht maar de grote woonkamer en keuken zijn daarvoor prima geschikt. Houd er met een grote hond rekening mee dat deze de woonkamer (op de eerste verdieping) waarschijnlijk niet via de binnentrap bereiken kan, maar de stenen buitentrap gebruiken moet. Het contact met eigenaren is erg prettig. Ook komen ze regelmatig het zwembad schoonmaken. Het perceel is groot, maar wordt verdeeld over drie woningen.
Großartiges Haus in wunderschöner LageDas Haus ist sehr schön mit vier Schlafzimmern und Bädern, super ausgestatteter Küche und großem Wohnzimmer. Die Lage und der Pool sind toll. Wir waren mit 9 Personen und Hund da und haben uns super wohl gefühlt. Kleiner Minuspunkt war, dass nicht alle Duschen warmes Wasser hatten.
Claudia B.
Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2025
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the house, the pool, and the beautiful location, and that your whole group – including your dog – felt comfortable.
Regarding the showers, we’d like to reassure future guests that all of them do have hot water. A couple of the showers have a specific way of working, which the owner explains at the beginning of each stay: it’s important to turn on both the hot and cold water taps together – if the hot water is turned off completely, the boiler will stop. We’ll make sure to give an extra-clear explanation in the future to avoid any confusion.
Best wishes,
Molly
Friends of Tuscany Ltd
Das Ferienhaus liegt in einer wunderschönen Umgebung und hat auf den ersten Blick viel Charme. Leider trüben einige Mängel den Gesamteindruck:Haus & Ausstattung: Die Duschen funktionieren nicht zuverlässig – meist kommt nur kaltes Wasser. Im gesamten Haus gibt es Probleme mit der Beleuchtung, manche Lampen funktionieren gar nicht. Einen Hausschlüssel zum sicheren Abschließen gab es ebenfalls nicht.Außenbereich: Der Pool war leider nicht sauber, was sehr schade ist, da er eigentlich zum Entspannen einlädt. Die Liegen am Pool sind in schlechtem Zustand – unbequem und teils kaputt.Kommunikation: Die Ansprechpartner vor Ort sind zwar freundlich, aber getroffene Absprachen wurden nicht immer eingehalten, was für Unsicherheit gesorgt hat.Die Lage ist traumhaft und das Haus hat grundsätzlich Potenzial, aber in diesem Zustand können wir es leider nicht weiterempfehlen. Mit einigen Verbesserungen könnte es jedoch ein echtes Juwel sein.
Jörn K.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 October 2025
Dear Jael,
We’d like to clarify a few points. A new boiler had been installed this year, ensuring reliable hot water throughout the house. Please note that to maintain consistent hot water, it’s important to use a mix of the hot and cold taps in the shower—if the hot tap is turned off completely, the boiler will also switch off. Keys are always provided for this property, and all lighting has since been checked. The pool is cleaned two to three times per week, and any loungers found to be damaged are promptly removed and replaced.
Had any of these issues been mentioned during your stay, the owners—who are always prompt to assist—would have addressed them immediately. We are pleased that most guests enjoy a comfortable and relaxing experience in this beautiful location.
Best regards,
Molly
Das Haus war exakt wie im Inserat beschrieben. Die Zimmer relativ gross mit einer Kommode als Stauraum und Haken an allen Türen. In der Küche war alles an Töpfen, Tellern, Schüsseln und Besteck vorhanden. Das Highlight war natürlich der Pool, der für uns 8 Personen einfach perfekt war. Unsere Ansprechpartner waren jederzeit verfügbar und alles gleich repariert oder ausgetauscht.
Sabine S.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2025
Dear Sabine,
Thank you for your lovely review! We're so glad to hear that the house met your expectations and that you found everything well-equipped and comfortable for your group. It's great to know the pool was a highlight – it's one of our favorite features too!
We’re also pleased our local team could assist you promptly whenever needed. We'd love to welcome you back again – and as a returning guest, you’re eligible for a returner's discount if you book another Friends of Tuscany property.
Best wishes,
Molly
Friends of Tuscany
Wir haben hier einen wunderschönen Urlaub verbracht. Das Haus passte perfekt zu uns und der Pool war sehr groß mit wunderbarem Ausblick auf die bergige Landschaft. Enrico war sehr nett und hat uns oft mit toskanischen Spezialitäten überrascht.
Wunderschönes rustikales Toskana Haus, sehr freundlicher und hilfsbereiter Vermieter, toller Blick auf die Berge, ruhig und abgelegen ❤️
Daniel C.
Stayed 11 nights in May 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Deborah W.
28 September 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, location
Mainly good
Overall we enjoyed our stay. The location is stunning and peaceful with an uninterrupted view of the mountains from the garden. There is plenty of space with two sitting room areas. The kitchen/diner is cosy and great for group meals, or there is a traditional Tuscan restaurant within walking distance if you don’t want to cook. The friendly local contact responded quickly when the gas bottle ran out. There are masses of beautiful places to visit just a short drive away.
However, although three of the bedrooms are fine the fourth, in the attic, is spartan and uncomfortable. It had not been made ready when we arrived, though we booked four bedrooms, and had shabby bedding and an atmosphere of disuse.
Also, the swimming pool was murky due to water issues and we were discouraged from using it. It seems that it had been unusable for some time but we were only told on arrival. Vrbo should have informed us beforehand considering the pool is such a prominent selling point on the property listing.
Deborah W.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 29 August 2023
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comprehensive review. I have passed it on to the owner. He has informed me that he will be carrying out some renovations to the 4th bedroom to make sure that it is to the same standard as the other bedrooms. In regards to the pool, previous guests had allowed their dog to use it and therefore the pump had been blocked and was not functioning, as it should have been. It only takes 1 day for a pool to become cloudy if the pump is not working correctly and the owners did not know until changeover day, the day of your arrival. The owners have now replaced the pump so it will function properly in 2023. Thank you again for taking the time to leave a review, despite the minor issues that you mentioned it sounds like you had a good time at Villa Iris, making the most out of the excellent location.
If you would like to return to Tuscany, I'd be happy to offer you a returners discount at any of the properties that I manage.
Kind regards,
Molly
Stunning views across the valleys. A simple, rustic villa within walking distance of a great restaurant and 5 minutes drive from town. Lunch at the local is a great bargain and not to be missed. The local team of Giovanella and Enrico couldn’t have been more helpful providing support when needed and even gifts of food and Prosecco. Would recommend taking mosquito repellent in light of the non-tiled areas around the pool and dining area. In reach of Lucca, Montecatani Alto and Barga as well as a number of other hilltop towns.
David W.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 29 August 2023
Dear David,
Thanks for the great review. It sounds like you really enjoyed the lovely location of the villa, taking advantage of the brilliant local restaurant and market town of Castelnuovo. As with all of Italy we do recommend that guests bring mosquito repellent. However, luckily due to the altitude of this property, mosquito's are not as bad as other parts of Tuscany. Many Italians travel to this area for this reason.
If you would like to return to this villa or another one that I manage, I'd be happy to offer you a returners discount.
Kind regards,
Molly
In deze vakantiewoning hebben wij een heerlijk week verbleven. De keuken is groot en van alles voorzien, het zwembad is fijn en de slaapkamers zijn allemaal lekker ruim met een eigen badkamer. Eigenlijk heeft het huis maar 1 nadeel, de ligging. Om in de grotere Toscaanse steden te komen moet je best ver rijden. Lucca en Pisa zijn wel goed te doen. Het huis heeft hele goede wifi, zeer gewaardeerd door onze 3 pubers.
Katja B.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 29 August 2023
Dear Katja,
Thank you for your lovely review. I am glad you and your family enjoyed your stay at the villa. The house is conveniently located to visit Lucca (50 minutes), the beach (50 minutes), Pisa (1.5 hours), Florence (2 hours), Cinque Terre (2 hours) and all can be reached by the local train station which is 10 minutes drive away. Locally there are many lovely towns and villages to visit, all within 20 minutes drive.
If you would like to come back to Tuscany to this property or another property that I manage I'd be happy to offer you a returners discount.
Kind regards,
Molly
Friends of Tuscany Ltd
About the host
Hosted by Molly McKean
We are a family run business providing accommodation, activities and specialised information about Tuscany, in particular the Garfagnana area, since 1994.
Call us to discuss your next Italian holiday on (UK)0044 (0)131 538 1911
Special villas, farm houses and apartments with pools From luxury to rustic – lazy days and interesting activities Friendly service offering special places and hidden gems in Tuscany and now Umbria. We know all the owners personally and we have first hand knowledge of the area. Local information - cafes, restaurants, shopping, festivals, excursions and activities.
Why they chose this property
This is an excellent opportunity to spend time in the Tuscan countryside as well as explore the famous cities. The owner has links with outdoor adventure activities and we can help arrange this for you.
What makes this property unique
Has a studio apartment upstairs Fabulous views Delicious welcome pack with local produce opportunity to experience 'unknown' parts of the area with a tour guide