AN OVERVIEW:     Among its attributes is the unrivaled peace and tranquility - coupled with a sense of privacy and security...without feeling isolated.   Although being only a 7 minute drive from the nearby village, and with near neighbors (farmers who also take care of the gardens, olive groves and vegetable gardens for the villa) there is nothing to disturb you.   The house is not on an airline flight-path nor near any heavily trafficked road.   Additionally, the air - and water - is pristine.  In fact the area is celebrated in Italy for these qualities.  Ancient Tuscan hill-towns with delightful Romanesque churches can be explored on the surrounding hills, while the area provides unique opportunities for thrilling outdoor adventures.  Yet the cultural delights of Lucca are only 40 minutes away, and Florence, Carara & Pietrasanta (marble quarries, galleries and working artists) are close by, as are the beaches of Forte di Marmi, Viareggio and others.
Lucca, Florence, Pisa all have a constantly changing cycle of exhibitions and cultural activities --- while, of course --- the art, architecture and museums alone, could keep you busy for a lifetime.  
The villa is located at the start of the Gargfagnana Valley:  the area is renowned for its physical beauty, benign climate (except, perhaps, in February) and the passion for the production of organic and artisanal foods --- prosciutto, cheese, honey, oil, chestnut products & porcini.   It's an area famous for its hiking trails.    Every season brings its own series of local events;  from summer jazz and rock concerts, outdoor Puccini festivals, celebrations of local food & seasonal specialities --- porcini, chestnuts, wild boar in the surrounding villages.  The regional olive oil is renowned.  September is porcini season and the grape harvest;  October/November brings olive picking and fresh oil, cinghiale (wild boar), and chestnuts.  Staying here an experience of going back in time to 'old Tuscany'.    
The area is renowned for the purity of air and water and the summer climate. (Our spa town was the favorite summer gathering place for 19C British & Russian aristocracy because of it's benign temperatures.) The Garfagnana valley  begins here and there is superb hiking, white-water rafting, paragliding, horseback riding, tennis and mountain biking, all available in the immediate neighborhood. The spectacular walled city of Lucca (the birthplace of Puccini) is 40 minutes away, as is the ski area of Abetone. The Cinque Terre, the beaches of Forte di Marmi and Viareggio are easily accessible, Florence & Pisa are  easily accessible by car, train and bus as are the towns of the Chianti.
A local farmer and his wife live in an adjacent - but private - structure, and take care of the grounds, gardens, and olive orchards.   They have worked with us for 30+ years and are delightul people - although speak little English;  but it does mean that there is usually someone on the extended property and can be helpful in emergencies and that security is not an issue.   The driveway is gated - guests are provided with remote access units.  
The villa is almost equidistant from the Florence and Pisa airports providing connections throughout Europe.
THE VILLA'S LIVING AREAS:    Living areas of are located on three levels --- connected by interior staircases.     • The entry/ground level comprises the main kitchen (with adjacent dining area);  the study/TV room with fireplace;  the entrance hall;  2nd study/office (with fireplace) that also serves as a living room for the adjacent double bedroom with ensuite bathroom.   The very large,  main living room (with wood stove) has the main dining area (seating 14) within an alcove with enormous arched windows that completely fold back and open to views of mountains, hilltop towns and the river valley.   There is an additional full guest bathroom on this floor.
THE GUEST ROOMS:   There are seven guest bedrooms & 6.5 bathrooms.                                                             • The upper level comprises two of the principal, double, guest-rooms.   One with fireplace, ensuite bathroom (2 showers); the other with ensuite bathroom and an adjoining, private loggia - sitting area (with a small kitchen) and large  windows which fold back to the same views as the living room, although even more dramatic.  Five of the bedrooms have screened windows and air conditioning...some with ceiling fans.
                         • The lower level consist of four bedrooms:   three located around a large central living room/playroom and sharing one and half bathrooms, as well as an additional bathroom up a flight of stairs.   Two bedrooms have fireplaces;  three have frescoes.   Two contain two single beds each;  one is a canopied bed with a private terrace looking over lavender terraces:  this bedroom is air conditioned.   Additionally, the former chapel is a very private suite --- with a bedroom and large sitting area, a private entrance to both upper and lower courtyards, air conditioning and an en suite bathroom.   The chapel bedroom and laThe full laundry is also on this level.
INTERIOR DETAILS:    Bathrooms and kitchens are finished with marble and hand-painted tile:   All have bidets and most have separate baths as well as showers.  (Of course, all linens & towels - including pool towels - are provided, and are of superior quality.)
The villa is furnished with an extensive collection of antique furniture, and contemporary art and has wireless satellite internet with coverage in the house, courtyards and pool areas;  satellite TV (and large, eclectic selection of DVD's), and a very large library;  Sonos music systems - with CD's and internet inputs; multiple fireplaces; a full laundry, and up-to-date mechanical systems. A ping-pong table, bocce court, Foosball, board games & toys provide other entertainment options.   There is a crib, high chair, child gates for staircases, and other equipment for infants.   (Guests with small children, should note that the house has stone and terracotta floors, a number of staircases and some low parapets.)   There is a gym equipped with rowing machines, cross-trainer, treadmill and full-body workout unit.
There are two kitchens in the villa.   The main kitchen has a gas/electric  7 burner chefs cooktop and two ovens.  A large refrigerator, food processor, various coffee-makers, toasters, microwave and other smaller appliances.  The smaller kitchen has a single large oven, 5 burner stove, toaster, microwave, and refrigerator.    Elsewhere, there is an additional refrigerator for use with large parties.  

ENTERTAINMENT AREAS:   The Pool:  the  13m x  5m (40 x 15ft) tiled pool ( it also has a small child paddling area) is on its own, completely private, terrace with magnificent views over the surrounding hills, forests and villages and has shaded grape & wisteria arbors, seating, dining and lounging areas.  The villa has multiple places for entertaining guests - both inside and outside.  Outside:  The property is 10 ha. (20+ acres)  of lavender terraces, olive groves, vegetable gardens,  pool  walking paths and chestnut & acacia forest.  
There are two courtyards - one with ping-pong,  Foosball, a basketball net:  the other has a shaded dining table & cocktail seating area (and working 18C. pizza oven) and both gas and charcoal barbeques.  In addition to the pergola with dining table at the pool (seats 14), there is a hammock pergola near the pool;  &  seating around the bocce court.  There is a smaller  dining area for breakfast and dinner outside the kitchen.   
  Inside, is the large salon with comfortable seating and separate dining area;  and a further dining area (seats 8+ ) is in the huge kitchen   A study/TV room with fireplace;  a second small sitting room on the ground floor; a large "playroom" with games; and a seating loggia (with small kitchen) with wonderful views on the top floor.   
The pool & hot tub are tiled and filtered with a salinator purification system, and a number of solar units help provide hot water, and service various mechanical systems.  The pool is normally available from the beginning of June to mid-September.  Please discuss having it open earlier or later in the season with us.  
Guests have access to  a variety of catering options - from gourmet chefs to local pizzaiole (pizza-makers), available by arrangement, as is a masseuse. Organic seasonal fruits, vegetables, olive oil and honey are all produced at the villa. A holiday planning service is available (by arrangement) to help plan your  time here,  or just to schedule and book activities:  possibilities include cooking lessons, guided winery and artisanal food tours, hiking, & river rafting  in addition other recreational and educational tours and activities for both adults and children.  Public tennis courts are available in the local village.
 On your arrival, a 'Meet & Greet' service is provided  by the property manager to familiarize you wit the house and it's systems - and will meet with you prior to your departure.  Alessia is also available for any emergencies or assistance.    A local maintenance person is on call. The nearby village has a small emergency clinic and ambulance service, as well as banks, supermarkets, pharmacies, a newsagent (English papers can be ordered) some restaurants and cafès.  FedEx packages can be received at the local café
The airports in Pisa (1 hour) and Florence (75 minutes) provide easy access, and the area is also served by bus and train service.  A car is, however, necessary.    An excellent car service English speaking) or both airport pickups and local touring is also available.
A housekeeper comes in to the villa  (10 am to 2 pm) for 4 hours per day, three times a week for basic cleaning - vacuuming, dusting, cleaning bathrooms and kitchens.  She is not expected to clean dishes, do personal laundry or make beds, but these - and other services - are available by arrangement directly with her.  All basic bathroom supplies - including hair dryers, soaps, toilet paper etc are provided...as are all cleaning supplies for the kitchen and the house. Salts, spices, candles etc are provided for the kitchen.
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS:   If you're familiar with Italian houses you will know that electrical supply is an issue, and running multiple appliances simultaneously, is often not possible:  this is not a problem at Fronzola.     The house is heated with hot-water radiators fed with a very large, efficient wood furnace.   The staff keep the furnace fed with fuel during winter months.    The hot-tub is heated with a combination of solar and gas heating.   Summer hot water is provided with a combination of solar and - when necessary - wood pellets.  Gas and electricity are metered.

Villa Lavanda

Our stay at this beautiful Italian villa was absolutely unforgettable, it is hard to even put into words. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by the wonderful House Manager Allessia, with genuine warmth and hospitality that made us feel instantly at home. The villa itself is stunning, combining authentic Italian charm with every modern comfort one could need. The home was built in the 1700's & is truly a special place but yet had all of the modern necessities, including a pool & even a gym..although doing a walk up and down the driveway daily is also a great option :) 

Each morning we woke to breathtaking views, peaceful surroundings, and the sounds of the Italian countryside. The grounds were impeccably maintained, offering the perfect place to relax, unwind, and truly enjoy la dolce vita. Every detail of Fronzola reflected care, elegance, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the region & the home itself. 

The location was ideal but still tucked away, allowing easy access to local villages, restaurants, and attractions while still providing complete tranquility and privacy. There were days we simply didn't leave the compound, lounging by the pool talking, drinking delicious local wine and truly enjoying our surroundings. 

This villa was not simply a place to stay; it was an experience that created memories we will treasure forever. We left feeling refreshed, grateful, and already dreaming of our return. For anyone seeking an authentic, luxurious, and truly special Italian getaway, I cannot recommend Fronzola enough! 

Grazie mille for an extraordinary stay. We hope to return again soon! 🇮🇹❤️

Magical

Tuscany in September. Where else can be better? We had the joy of traveling with a small group of adults to the Villa. There wasn’t a moment where someone was asking oh have you seen this and did you see that. The views, the furnishings, the pool, and the pizza oven made for a memorable trip. The team members employed to manage the villa make the time even more special. Don’t miss your opportunity to stay at this special place. Prenota subito!

Already planning a return trip

My wife and I spent a week at the Villa with 5 other couples who are close friends, and it was magical. We had Chef Paola come twice (her food will leave you wondering why you ever thought you'd had fine dining before!), and Ivano the pizzaiola also came and prepared creative and wonderful pizzas that were cooked in front of us in the courtyard's wood-fired oven. We did take at least a short day-trip each day, but spent most of our time at the Villa, in the pool, in the hot tub, wandering the roads above and behind the Villa, playing bocce, having lunch under the giant and fragrant flowered trellis by the pool. The Villa and its grounds are so generously proportioned that it was easy to be with others when we wanted to, or enjoy some verdant solitude. The Villa truly transcends a place to stay and enjoy--it is a state of mind, and being there with friends was really just a lovely slice of heaven for all of us.
THANK YOU!

Six Couples in Heaven

Dear Jonathan and Ellie, We are so grateful that you open your beautiful home to others! Your villa is even more wonderful than when we first visited it years ago. Your aesthetics, curated art and objects, abundant books, comfortable and beautiful furnishings, and your sense of style in restoring this amazing home perched on the hillside amongst lavender, olive, apple, and fig trees, grapevines, abundant vegetable garden, and sun-kissed herbs, made our Tuscan holiday very special. It is so memorable to be immersed in such tranquility, nature, culture, history, and beauty! 

We’re so appreciative of Jonathan’s responsiveness as he answered questions and provided sources for planning this visit. We loved your villa team, from your manager to your beekeeper, who helped organize local cooks and cooking lessons. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with a beautiful orchid, and very special treats of delicious chestnut and acacia honey from your hives, and olive oil pressed from your olive trees. A variety of local maps and information was insightful in planning our day trips. We so appreciate your gracious and warm hospitality everywhere we turned (with no detail forgotten!) from the lovely table and bed linens, bath products, and many candles. The villa was spotless, beautiful, and effortlessly elegant. We felt honored and welcomed with the trust you placed in us to live amongst your treasures. 

The pool and the gardens are stunning, including the views, with inviting places to sit and enjoy the beautiful surrounds to the hillside of lavender, and rows of rosemary. Inside, yours is a fully appointed home with every comfort, including gracious bedrooms, lots of lovely places to spread out, and a kitchen equipped for cooks and food lovers. We appreciated the timber ceilings, your collections from around the world, lovely historical furnishings, objects, and art - the art! - plus a spacious living room, to a cozy sitting room filled with books, soft sofas, pillows and throws. It is a home filled with good energy. We delighted in all that surrounded us. 

We also very much appreciated Alessia, Sandra, and Ivano. Sandra was so informative about the bees, honey, and hives, and explained traditional Tuscan cooking. With her two friends, she organized, cooked, and served wonderfully delicious dinners. They wove in one’s grandmother’s special recipes, and included updated twists on traditional dishes during our cooking lesson. Ivano was also amazing and we had lots of fun participating in a pizza-making class. He is an expert at wood burning pizza, bread, and pasta! We learned - and ate and ate - and loved the whole experience. The fact that we were using an historic pizza oven from 1737 made it more special. 

When not indulging in these special experiences, we enjoyed your vegetable and herb garden, and your apple trees. Each morning, I’d open the arched window to look over the valley, to take in the spectacular view with clouds hugging the hills below, and listen to the birds. Evenings were magical, with the golden glow of sunsets, and our candlelit dinners watching the moon rise over the distant hills. We loved Fronzola 13 years ago, and wanted to spend more time there. Although memories and expectations may not align with reality, this visit did not disappoint at all. The villa was more beautiful than our very positive memories of it, and I loved it even more. We brought together family and friends to enjoy time together. Thank you both so much for enabling this wonderful experience. We hope to visit Villa Lavanda again in the future.

Tranquility, culture, history, and beauty

Spent a week at the villa and it's the kind of place you never want to leave. I don't think it's possible to feel as rested anywhere else. We were hosted impeccably - a pizza night and a masseuse were arranged for us. The house had everything we could need and was the epitome of comfort. You know it's somewhere special when you don't want to leave the moment you arrive. We did some day trips to Lucca and Florence, but honestly could have lazily spent every waking moment lying by the pool, playing 'bocce' below the villa or lazying reading in cool corners of the house. We cannot wait to return!

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