3 bedroom house, private pool, gym, mature garden, walk to pizzeria, great views
This lovingly restored and well-equipped house offers comfort, character, and a truly Tuscan atmosphere. It features a beautiful terraced and secluded garden with a private fenced swimming pool, ping pong table, outdoor BBQ/oven, and even a small workout area/gym for guests to enjoy.
Inside, the house is set over two floors. The main living area is on the first floor, while below is a cantina (not in guest use) where the owners store equipment. The interior includes:
A spacious living room and well-equipped kitchen, both furnished with charming period country pieces.
Three bedrooms – one double and two twin rooms – accommodating up to six guests.
Two bathrooms for convenience.
A highlight of the property is the fabulous dining balcony off the kitchen, perfect for al fresco meals while enjoying the stunning views across the valley. The beautifully maintained garden and lovely lawn offer plenty of space for relaxation and play.
The house is located in the ancient and picturesque village of Cardoso, overlooking the village church and the majestic Apennine Mountains. Cardoso has its own bar and pizzeria/restaurant, and is well known for its summer art exhibition and lively local food festivals.
The road from Lucca follows the scenic Serchio Valley—an easy, mostly flat drive. Despite the peaceful countryside setting, the property is only five minutes from the nearest large towns (Fornace di Barga and Gallicano) and within 10 minutes of many charming villages and excellent restaurants.
Large towns such as Barga and Castelnuovo di Garfagnana are within 20 minutes drive and there are many interesting cultural events here throughout the summer.
A train station just 10 minutes away connects directly to Lucca in around 40 minutes, making day trips effortless.
The art city of Lucca – 40 minutes’ drive
Florence, Cinque Terre, and vineyard tours easily arranged through Friends of Tuscany
Garfagnana is often called “Hidden Tuscany” – a region of breathtaking scenery and authentic rural charm, ideal for walking, trekking, and outdoor adventures.
See our Facebook page Friends of Tuscany for details of local events.
"Friends of Tuscany Ltd." manage all aspects of your villa booking with tailored information to get the most from your holiday. We can help to arrange a shopping delivery service, home made meal on arrival, wine tours, children’s activities, wild swimming spots, festivals, events, and restaurant recommendations based on our personal knowledge of the area built up over 30 years.
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Dogs not allowed in the pool - if damage is caused to the pool pump due to dog hair then the guest must reimburse the full cost to the owner
A damages deposit of €300 or £300 will be asked for by the owner on arrival
Tourist tax due to the owner on arrival
heating for 3 hours in morning and 3 hours in the evening is included up until April. After April, heating if required will be measured and charged
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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number IT046015C2KC5SO9AP
About the area
Gallicano
Located in Gallicano, this villa is in a rural area and in the mountains. Ponte della Maddalena and Casino' delle Terme are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Parco Levigliese and Parco del Levigliese. Travelling with kids? Consider Parco Avventura Selva del Buffardello and Parco Avventura Sospeso nel Verde. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby fishing, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails, mountain climbing and cave exploring.
Pontile di Lido di Camaiore - 55 min drive - 48.5 km
Getting around
Ghivizzano Coreglia Station - 11 min drive
Pisa (PSA-Galileo Galilei) - 82 min drive
Restaurants
#Trovaposo - 11 min drive
Kisoro - 9 min drive
Ristorante Pizzeria Il Guerriero - 30 min drive
Pizzeria le Macchie - 11 min drive
Il Garfagnino - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does 3 bedroom house, private pool, gym, mature garden, walk to pizzeria, great views have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at 3 bedroom house, private pool, gym, mature garden, walk to pizzeria, great views?
As of 8 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 3 bedroom house, private pool, gym, mature garden, walk to pizzeria, great views on 16 May 2026 start from NZ$447, 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 3 bedroom house, private pool, gym, mature garden, walk to pizzeria, great views pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at 3 bedroom house, private pool, gym, mature garden, walk to pizzeria, great views?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at 3 bedroom house, private pool, gym, mature garden, walk to pizzeria, great views?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 3 bedroom house, private pool, gym, mature garden, walk to pizzeria, great views?
Checkout is at 9:00 AM.
Where is 3 bedroom house, private pool, gym, mature garden, walk to pizzeria, great views located?
This family-friendly Gallicano villa is located in the mountains, 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Parco Levigliese, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Parco del Levigliese and Museo Civico del Territorio di Barga. Duomo di San Cristoforo and Santuario Mariano Eremo di Calomini are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Characterful family home. Great outdoor space. Lovely pool. Amazing view.
DUNCAN D.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2025
Dear Duncan,
Thank you for your lovely feedback. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the character of the house, the outdoor space, the pool, and of course the amazing view.
We’d be very happy to welcome you back, and if you book another Friends of Tuscany house, you’ll receive a returners’ discount as a thank-you.
Too far for restaurants and the road to villa was very difficult
LindaLou M.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 September 2024
Dear LindaLou,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. There is a restaurant in the village which is walking distance and many restaurants are within a 10 minute drive. The area is well known for having a lot of restaurants. Bear in mind this is a countryside villa in Tuscany, the road is a normal Tuscan country road.
Kind regards,
Molly
A lovely and well equipped house with a homely atmosphere where we were able to spend quality time together and rest. The natural environment is stunning with the most fabulous views from the terrace. There are beautiful villages to explore but as another guest commented, the draw of the pool and garden is so strong we didn’t often stray from their side.
Beautiful location with great views from the house. House is very spacious with very tradition Italian furniture. Plenty of seating, dishes and cooking implements etc. Bathrooms were well equipped. Pool was lovely with ample loungers and the grounds were well kept. The gym wasn't up to much, but we were there for a holiday, and the table tennis was great for the family. The only thing to be aware of is that the driveway is very steep in places with a sharp bend in it - we had a long estate car (Skoda Superb) and could not get round the bend in one go.
The house is situated just below a typical Tuscan hill top village. There are superb views across the valley to the mountains. The local village was friendly and the cafe sold great coffee, bar drinks and good food in the evenings.
We were pushing our luck with the weather in mid April but despite cold evenings, where the open fire was invaluable; the days were warm in the sun when it arrived.
The house looked after us and we loved the small but friendly kitchen with everything we needed for all the home Italian cooking we did. Lots to see and do in the wider area - or just chill around the pool.
colin w.
Stayed 11 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 6 December 2022
Dear Colin,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a lovely detailed review. It sounds like you made the most of your holiday, enjoying both the house and it's surroundings. There's a new restaurant in the village now too. The house is very comfortable to visit out of season like you did, we are pleased that you had a lovely stay.
Please keep in touch, I'd be happy to offer you a returners discount at one of the properties that I manage.
Kind regards,
Molly
Friends of Tuscany Ltd
Stayed for a week after a hot week in Rome. Awesome pool! House is fully equipped for a family of five, perhaps a little short on silverware and glasses. The dishwasher compensates nicely, however. Washer in the basement definitely helps to keep the luggage light.
Situated at 400m above sea level, great views across the valley. Very hot during our stay, not really cooling down at night. Open windows are a must, since there is no AC. Friendly staff, especially at check-in and check-out. Fridge was stocked with essentials for a light dinner at our arrival! That was a treat! Would stay there again.
Een prachtig oud gebouw, mooi ingericht en van alle gemakken voorzien, geweldig zwembad en fabuleuze ligging. Fijne ontvangst door Mara en Gio en verder ondersteund door Mony, niets is teveel voor hen, ze zullen er alles aan doen om het verblijf zo prettig mogelijk te laten verlopen.
John B.
Stayed 14 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 6 December 2022
Beste John,
Bedankt voor de 5* beoordeling. We zijn verheugd dat u een fijne vakantie heeft gehad, ondersteund door de eigenaren en huisbeheerder. Sinds uw verblijf is er ook een nieuw restaurant aan het dorp toegevoegd. Als u La Capanna opnieuw wilt bezoeken, bied ik u graag een herintrederskorting aan.
Met vriendelijke groeten,
Molly
Friends of Tuscany Ltd
Beste
Bedankt voor de 5* beoordeling. Ik ben zo blij om te horen dat je zo tevreden was. Als u La Capanna opnieuw wilt bezoeken, bied ik u graag een herintrederskorting aan.
Met vriendelijke groeten,
Molly
Friends of Tuscany Ltd
The photos do not do it justice, this place is even better than on the website. We loved the quiet, the view, the pool and tabletennis, used the BBQ and fireplace and watched the deer in the garden each morning.
The valley where this property is located offers a wide variety of things to do and with Pisa, Lucca and the coast only an hour away, we were able to explore all this too.
Mony, the property's manager, was very helpful and always reachable by Email. The only criticism I have it that we had to purchase pepper, herbs, handsoap, dishwashing tabs etc. Things that were regarded as staples in other properties. I bought and left some of these items.
Das Haus ist schön mit fantastischem Blick am Waldrand gelegen, abend und morgens kommen die Rehe bis ans Haus. Alles ist sauber und der Pool und der Garten sind gepflegt. Uns hätte an den Regentagen ein regensicherer Sitzplatz im Freien gut gefallen. Insgesamt war die Lage für uns prima, man kann in das kleine Dorf laufen und in der Bar etwas essen oder trinken, gleichzeitig ist das Haus etwas abseits gelegen. Man erreicht neben Lucca auch viele andere Städte in der Toskana und braucht ca. eine Stunde bis zum Strand. Mony hat sich immer um unser Wohl gesorgt und war sofort da, wenn wir einen Wunsch oder eine Frage hatten. Nochmals vielen Dank dafür! Wir werden hoffentlich wieder kommen!
Kristin B.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 6 December 2022
vielen Dank für Ihre 5* Bewertung. Wir möchten Sie eines Tages wieder einladen und können Ihnen über meine Agentur einen Rabatt für dieses oder ein anderes von mir verwaltetes Haus anbieten.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
Molly
Friends of Tuscany Ltd
Verified
8/10 Good
Karin Z.
13 June 2021
Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Tolle Lage und wunderschöner Garten
Das Haus liegt am Ortsrand, sehr ruhig und die Aussicht in die Umgebung ist wunderbar. Wichtig zu wissen, dass das Haus nicht mir grösseren Fahrzeugen als mit PWs erreicht werden kann – zu steil/zu enge Kurevn.
Der tolle Garten lädt zum Verweilen ein! Und der sehr saubere Pool ist der Wahnsinn!
Das Häuschen mit dem ‚Gym‘ ist nett, die Geräte sind jedoch älteren Semesters und sind schlecht unterhalten.(keine Batterien in Display, Ummantelung der Drähte sind kaputt,..). Wirklich zu gebrauchen sind die Geräte nicht.
Das Haus ist sehr geräumig und gut eingerichtet. Wir haben das Haus mehrheitlich sauber übernommen; nur der Kühlschrank und die Besteckschublade waren nicht oder schlecht geputzt.
Durch die kleinen Fenster ist es aber eher düster. Leider sind auch die Matratzen und Einrichtungsgegenstände etwas in die Jahre gekommen – der Schrank und die Kommode im grossen Schlafzimmer und alle Matratzen waren leider eher muffig vom Geruch.
Karin Z.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2021
Vielen Dank, dass Sie sich die Zeit genommen haben, La Capanna zu bewerten. Ich freue mich, dass Sie den Pool und den schönen eingewachsenen Garten genutzt haben. Ich habe mit der Besitzerin gesprochen und sie ist verwirrt, warum Sie gesagt haben, dass der Kühlschrank und die Besteckschubladen schmutzig waren. Sie werden zwischen jedem Gast mit Alkohol gemäß den COVID-19-Regeln gereinigt. Sie sagte mir auch, dass die Geräte im Fitnessstudio, abgesehen von den Displays, funktionsfähig sind. Dies liegt daran, dass sie von früheren Gästen beschädigt wurden. Sie bekräftigt jedoch, dass die Maschinen funktionsfähig sind. Das Haus ist ein traditionelles toskanisches Bauernhaus und daher sind die Fenster klein. Dadurch bleibt das Haus im Sommer kühl und im Winter warm. Es wird zwischen den Gästen mindestens 8 Stunden lang gelüftet. Nochmals vielen Dank für Ihr Feedback und ich freue mich, dass Sie Ihren Aufenthalt in diesem schönen Haus genossen haben und Sie wieder in diesem oder einem anderen Haus, das ich verwalte, begrüßen zu dürfen. Gerne biete ich Ihnen einen Wiederkehrer-Rabatt an.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
Susan
Friends of Tuscany
If you are looking for quietness, privacy, nature, and a beautiful house with an eating area overlooking the valley and the mountains, a garden with apple-, pear-, fig- and walnut trees and a gorgeous swimmingpool from which you look over the valley too, than this is the place to be!
It is only 30 km to Lucca, one hour to Pisa and 1 hour to Viareggio to go to the beach.
The checking in was done by Mony, she speaks very good English, and she kept in contact with us during our stay. Whatever questions we had she answered our whatsapp within minutes! A lovely and kind woman to communicate with!
No disco's, you do not hear cars driving around, only those from the villagers, no screaming children. A really very nice house. The owners have done a very good job!!
EAC V.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 12 October 2020
Thank you for your detailed 5* review. If you would like to return to La Capanna or to another house I manage, I would be happy to offer you a returners discount. Please keep in touch.
Kind regards,
Susan
Friends of Tuscany Ltd
Fantastic location amazing views.
Lovely traditional well equipped property with great outdoor area and pool.
carol c.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 12 October 2020
Dear Carol,
Thanks for the lovely review. I would like to invite you back one day to this house or another one I manage and I would be happy to offer you a returners discount.
Kind regards,
Susan
Friends of Tuscany Ltd
Abbiamo soggiornato alla Capanna l'ultima settimana di agosto in 6 persone e il nostro cagnolino. La casa è incantevole super accessoriata ,la vista dal terrazzo stupenda e,grazie al bel tempo, abbiamo potuto sempre mangiare fuori all 'ombra del pergolato. La piscina è stata un luogo dove potersi rilassare nuotando o giocando in acqua o semplicemente prendendo il sole. Per chi come noi ha un cane la zona della piscina è interamente recintata. Il giardino è stupendo con tanti alberi da frutto ed abbiamo potuto raccogliere i fichi maturi in questo periodo. L' accoglienza da parte di Mony è stata eccellente e l ' incontro con il proprietario molto piacevole , ci ha consigliato sulle escursioni da fare nei dintorni. Ottimo ristorante in paese consigliamo almemo una cena. Speriamo di poter tornare la prossima estate , la Capanna ci ha davvero conquistati!
Wir, 6 Personen, verbrachten 14 Tage in diesem wunderschönen Haus. Alles war sehr sauber. Wir genossen den riesigen Garten und den besonders großen Pool an dem wir uns gerne aufhielten. Besonders war auch die Terrasse für 6 Personen, bei dem wir das Frühstück und Abendessen mit dieser tollen Aussicht genießen konnten. Vielen Dank für Alles Moni, die uns Vorort betreut hat. Vielen Dank an die Bar Robur für das sehr leckere Essen.
4 Sterne nur deswegen, weil der Garten Nachbar darunter 3 Tage hintereinander bis 3-4 Uhr morgens lautstark gefeiert hat und an anderen Tagen Jungendliche auf dem Sportplatz in der Nähe.
Ein Vorschlag zum Schluss: Ein Kühlschrank für kalte Getränke in der Nähe des Pools hätte was😃
Udo B.
Response from VrboOwner on 20 October 2020
Thanks for taking the time to review your stay. It sounds like you had a fabulous time and made the most out of the excellent facilities as the nearby restaurant. I have passed on your review to the owner who sends his best wishes. It is unfortunate that the nearby neighbours were noisy for a couple of days, but we have never had experience of this before so it is a one off. If If you would like to come back to this house or another one I manage I would be happy to give you a returner’s discount.
Kind regards,
Susan
Friends of Tuscany
We stayed in the house for 10 days in the summer of 2020. The house is located in the Garfagnana mountain area, just outside the small town of Cardoso. The house is renovated by the family over the years with a lot of love and care. Although the interior and design was not specifically to our taste, this was not disturbing. The house has a nice balcony/terrace next to the kitchen where you can sit and eat with an amazing view. It could be a bit dark inside the house, as it was an old house and there were not too many windows. However, we spend most our time outside, so this did not matter too much. Upstairs there are three bedrooms and a second bathroom. The master bedroom is very spacious. The floor upstairs is made of wooden floorboards which can be a bit noisy when walking over them (particularly at night).
The garden is large with many fruit trees and a nice pool. A two minute walk away was a soccer pitch where our kids had lots of fun! Please note that the garden has sun all day, but does not have any sun after 17:30 or so, as it faces north-east.
The town can be reached by a small footpath next to the house in five minutes. There is a restaurant with a nice terrace and a small bar with some basic groceries (eg bread). The town of Cardoso is small but beautiful, with smalls streets and stairs: as if you walk through the Middle Ages. We also did a hike from the town further up the mountain which was beautiful. Another recommendation is the town of Barga: a 20 min drive away.
Communication was always quick and when we needed help with something, someone from the town would be there quickly to help us with practicalities.
One last tip: when you arrive do NOT take the road through the town. Based on the map we thought this was the way to the house, but we got stuck. The actual way to the house passes the cementary and is reached via a small exit before you reach the town.
Rebecca P.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 25 August 2020
Dear Rebecca
Thanks for your detailed review. I've passed on your review to the owners.
I'd like to invite you back to Tuscany one day and can offer you a returners discount to this house or any of the other houses I manage. Please stay in touch :-)
Best Wishes,
Susan
Friends of Tuscany Ltd
Perfect! Lovely renovated house in an idyllic setting. Super pool and gardens and amazing views from the sun terrace. Walking distance to the local village which has a friendly bar with great pizza and pasta. Lots to see and do within easy driving distance- Lucca, Pisa, Grotto del Vento, Barga, hillwalking and national parks. Lovely unspoiled forest containing charming little mountain villages. Owners left wine, bread, cheese and local meats which were greatly appreciated.
Pauline B.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 31 March 2020
Dear Pauline,
Thank you for the fabulous review. Delighted to hear you enjoyed the area as well as the house. It is a great location! If you would like to come back to Tuscany, to this house or another one I manage, I can offer you a returners discount.
Best Wishes,
Molly
Friends of Tuscany
De woning is gelegen tegen een oud dorpje aan, op ong 300 meter. Het uitzicht is prachtig over het dal van de rivier Serchio. De tuin is mooi met veel fruitbomen waar de graag gebruik van maakten. In de omgeving kun je fraaie wandelingen maken, ook zomers omdat je hoog kunt wandelen. Het huis is smaakvol ingericht, met vooral bij het zwembad comfortabele ligstoelen.
Marc B.
Stayed 21 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 31 March 2020
Dear Marc,
Thank you for your 5 star review. Id like to invite you back to this house or another one I manage and can offer you a returners discount.
Best Wishes,
Molly
Friends of Tuscany Ltd
Très bon accueil , maison fantastique avec une vue incroyable ! Rien n y manque et est très propre ! Beaucoup d espace et grande piscine ! Parfait
gilles J.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 31 March 2020
Thank you for the lovely review. Please contact us if you would like to return. We'd be happy to give you a returners discount.
Best Wishes,
Molly
Friends of Tuscany Ltd
We had a great stay in Cardoso, the house is lovely, the gardens are stunning and the pool is like something from a postcard, overlooking the Tuscan mountains, plus theres a beautiful terrace off the kitchen. The kitchen itself is well equipped, and there is a hair dryer, iron & board, TV/ DVD player, washing machine - so all the amenities you could need are covered. Check in was straightforward and the hosts were friendly, even letting us check in an hour early. Lastly the location is stunning, the views are amazing, plus you can easily walk to the local bar/ restaurant, or drive into Barga in 15 mins. I would highly recommend a stay here, its idyllic.
Gerard R.
Response from VrboOwner on 31 March 2020
Dear Gerard,
Thank you for the 5 star review.
I would like to invite you back to this house or another I manage and can offer you a returners discount.
Best Wishes,
Molly
Friends of Tuscany
Verified
8/10 Good
Elen B.
24 September 2018
Great
We really enjoyed our stay at La Capanna. The property is spacious with a fantastic pool and a lovely terrace. The area is very nice, although you will need a car as the house is quite remote and taxis are incredibly expensive.
Elen B.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 31 March 2020
Dear Elen,
Thanks for the review! Please do get in touch when you would like to return to Tuscany. I would be happy to offer you a returners discount.
Best Wishes,
Molly
Friends of Tuscany
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Andrew S.
29 August 2018
We had a great family holiday at La Capanna!
The property was like a dream - a beautifully restored farmhouse in a beautiful location with modern amenities. The Tuscan dream! We loved the pool and, for me, I enjoyed the well equipped kitchen to cook up great food from local produce.
The local services and supermarket in Gallicano were all we needed for our stay, including a local vet.
The proximity to Lucca, Barga, Castelnouvo G. etc means you are never short of options for trips.
The Mara Meo pizzeria etc on the main road is exceptional quality and value as well as dog-friendly.
Cardoso itself is beautiful but sleepy with a couple of bars and the one in the middle of the village offers bread and basic provisions - be prepared to travel to the excellent Conad supermarket in Gallicano for most supplies.
We loved it. We would love to go back soon! X
Andrew S.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 31 March 2020
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for La Capanna. It sounds like you made the most of the fantastic position and did a fair bit of exploring. Great to hear! The house is perfect for families or groups of friends to experience Tuscany at it best. I'd love to welcome you back here or at another villa I manage and I'd be happy to offer you a returners discount.
Best Wishes,
Molly
Friends of Tuscany