Entire home

Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca

Photo gallery for Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca

Outdoor dining
Combined shower/bathtub, hair dryer, bidet, towels
Outdoor pool, a heated pool
Dining
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

6 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10350 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
    Washer
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Breakfast available
    Breakfast available
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca

Al Bastini is a beautiful, peaceful and well-equipped 18th century villa-farmhouse with glorious panoramic views. Set in 7 acres of land with old olives and fruit trees, and surrounded by unspoilt olive groves and forested hills, it forms a perfect haven from which to explore this part of Tuscany. The house is furnished in traditional Tuscan style with local stone, antique cotto floors, high chestnut-beamed ceilings and a wood burner stove. The accommodation sleeps 10 people in 4 double bedrooms, 2 single bedrooms & 4 bathrooms. The extensive facilities include a brand new gourmet kitchen with high end range cooker, 2 fridges and 2 dishwashers; air-conditioning; WiFi broadband; 50” Smart TV & DVD player; a full size billiards table, table tennis; and an excellent grand piano.

Around the house, the landscaped gardens feature a heated and gated 10 x 5m pool, a herb garden, flowerbeds and terraced lawns. There are 3 al fresco eating areas in both sun and shade to choose from - a covered loggia, a stone barbecue and a pool-side pergola - all enjoying the wonderful views. There are ample quality garden chairs, sunbeds and hammocks for relaxation for your family and friends.

Just 15 mins drive from the centre of the famous medieval city of Lucca, Al Bastini is within easy reach of the historic cities of Pisa, Florence and Siena and the coast. You are close to Lucca’s many historic villas and to charming villages dedicated to agriculture and viniculture.

A few minutes from Al Bastini by car are the shops and restaurants of the village of San Macario in Piano. A further 5 minutes away are 3 large supermarkets and in another 5 minutes, you will arrive in Lucca. Both Pisa airport and the beautiful beaches of the Versilian coast can be reached in 30 minutes.

Tuscany (and at further distance, Umbria) are full of wonderful places to visit - the obvious ones being Pisa (30 mins drive), Florence (1 hour by road or 75 minutes by train from Lucca), Siena (1½hours) and San Gimignano (1½ hours).

We can organise excellent chefs to cook wonderful dinners at Al Bastini for you and your guests and we can also provide cookery lessons. Organised sightseeing trips and vineyard tours of the many excellent Colline Lucchesi vineyards and olive mills can also be pre-booked.

For the lovely, cooler months – ideal for sightseeing and walking – Al Bastini has a wood burner and full central heating – and a well-stocked library of books, guidebooks and DVDs. Lucca is fully open all year round and is wonderful “out of season” – including its charming Christmas market season, New Year fireworks, and Easter procession.

Our super responsive and very knowledgeable English-speaking house manager will be happy to support you during your stay with anything you may need..

The house is reached by a fully tarmacked private road, kept in good condition. The road climbs a hill and has a sharp bend (that can be seen in the photos for reference) that may be preferable to do the first time in daylight to see the layout.

Al Bastini now benefits from a new open-plan gourmet kitchen, a new outdoor wood-fired pizza oven and grill and and 4 new bathrooms. The new saltwater swimming pool and sunbathing area was also recently refurbished.

Do not miss the opportunity to sample the sheer beauty and tranquillity of Al Bastini.


Property manager

Alex Lester

Languages

English, French, German, Italian

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Fenced private pool
  • Heated pool
  • Massage
  • Outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 6 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 private bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Bidet
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio
  • Terrace

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Heated pool
  • Table tennis
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 3,767 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 23

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed GBP 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is required for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

Stunning 18th Century Villa Superb Views Pool 8 km Lucca House
Stunning 18th Century Villa Superb Views Pool 8 km House
Stunning 18th Century Villa Superb Views Pool 8 km Lucca
Stunning 18th Century Villa Superb Views Pool 8 km
Stunning 18th Century Villa Superb Views Pool 8 km Lucca House
Stunning 18th Century Villa Superb Views Pool 8 km House
Stunning 18th Century Villa Superb Views Pool 8 km Lucca
Stunning 18th Century Villa Superb Views Pool 8 km Lucca House
Stunning 18th Century Villa Superb Views Pool 8 km House
Stunning 18th Century Villa Superb Views Pool 8 km Lucca
Stunning 18th Century Villa Superb Views Pool 8 km

About the area

Map
Lucca, Toscana

What's nearby

  • Walls of Lucca - 15 min drive
  • Piazza Napoleone - 17 min drive
  • City Wall - 17 min drive
  • Piazza dell'Anfiteatro - 18 min drive
  • Guinigi Tower - 19 min drive

Getting around

  • San Giuliano Terme Ripafratta Station - 15 min drive
  • Pisa (PSA-Galileo Galilei) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Il Ciancino - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Ristorante Hotel La Pania - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Ristorante Prato Verde Holiday Prato Verde SRL - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Bar La Salute - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Catch Club - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca located?

Located by the sea, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Walls of Lucca, Porta Sant'Anna, and Porta San Donato. Puccini Museum and Lucca Botanical Gardens are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Al Bastini - villa with glorious views & pool, 15 mins from Lucca Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 52 out of 58 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 58 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 58 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 58 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 58 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jane E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stunning property
Al Bastini is a peaceful idyll on the outskirts of Lucca. Very much a home from home with everything you might need readily available to make your stay all the more enjoyable. We had the most amazing time and would definitely return. Thank you so much.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gorgeous villa near Lucca
Beautifully appointed spacious and prestigious villa with spectacular views and wonderful facilities. Tastefully decorated throughout, perfect for families/groups wanting quiet getaway destination with excellent, high quality facilities (swimming pool, a/c throughout, billiards table, grand piano, table tennis, multiple large fridges and advanced, well designed kitchen). Lots of outside space and shaded areas. Good communication with manager, who was responsive and keen for us to enjoy our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth W.

Liked: Cleanliness
One week is not long enough
We spent a week at Al Bastini and we wish we could have stayed longer. The location is perfect and the views are fabulous. The house had a great layout for our family of 4 along with 3 of our adult friends. We took daytrips from the house, but also enjoyed just staying at the house to swim or play ping pong. The kitchen is fantastic and through the management we booked chef Morena to prepare dinner for us one night. Morena and the food were so amazing, that we immediately asked her to come back the next night. Our only regret, was not booking Morena to prepare dinner every night. We did have an issue with the downstairs bedroom air conditioning not working, but management immediately responded to my message and had a technician out the next day to try and resolve the issue. A big thank you to Alex and Tanya for their help and great communication. I highly recommend staying at Al Bastini, and we definitely plan on going back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ian H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent
A beautiful secluded family retreat for a great holiday break
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Philip B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous holiday in the heart of Tuscany
A lovely, lovely house with so much space and amenities. Tremendous views particularly in the evening as the sun sets. We loved eating in the Loggia after early evening drinks outside with some late night snooker and swimming. It's very quiet for sleeping at nights and the kitchen is both beautiful and well thought through including 2 dishwashers! It's definitely worth making use of the local chefs. We were surprised how quick it was from Pisa airport and Lucca has a lot to offer with the walk around the walls a must and some fabulous restaurants. Pisa and Florence aren't too far for day visits. All in all a superb place to stay. It must be best in class.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Duncan B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Location, location, location
Our first trip to Tuscany and what a place to stay! The villa and location are outstanding in every sense. The view from the property is stunning: a classic Italian scene; but it is the quietness of the wooded valley that makes it a very special place. The pool is another striking feature- it is large and set in a beautiful position within the garden. The villa itself is stylish and comfortable. The newly refurbished kitchen is outstanding- with every appliance/gadget on hand for foodies wanting to cook for themselves or for visiting chefs. We had amazing meals cooked for us by Morena and Fabrizio- both highly recommended. Finally, the property's location close to the fascinating historic town of Lucca and only half an hour from the coast makes this villa a not-to-be missed destination!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anthony M., Tring UK

Liked: Cleanliness
Luxurious, peaceful retreat!
Located in tranquil woodland surroundings, this is an ideal destination for your holiday. Lucca is just a short drive away, offering numerous excellent dining options and plenty of attractions. Exploring the ancient city walls is a must-do activity, either walking or hiring a bicycle! Lucca, being the birthplace of Puccini, hosts various opera festivals, making it a paradise for music enthusiasts. Be sure to check out the host's recommendations for local village butchers, a restaurant, a winery, and an ice cream parlour. We enjoyed a delicious cordon bleu meal prepared by the Villa's highly recommended in-house chef, thanks to the well-equipped modern kitchen! The swimming pool offers a serene space for leisurely exercise and sunbathing, boasting stunning views of the lush valley. We eagerly anticipate our next visit to this Tuscan paradise!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing vacation in Tuscany!
We are a group of 10 friends who travel together often and planned a summer trip to Tuscany to celebrate some milestone birthdays. We spent quite some time researching homes before landing on Al Bastini for its incredible views, convenient location in Lucca, privacy, ample space, but most importantly air conditioning and swimming pool for August! The home and the vacation overall were pretty close to perfect. The house manager was an incredible help to us as we were asking questions about the villa, planning day trips, and renting cars. She emphasized what a perfect location Lucca is, and she was right! We were able to discover some of Lucca and also take day (or partial day) trips to Pisa, the Puccini Festival, Cinque Terre, Chianti, and the beach. Luckily we also had time at the house - to enjoy the pool, cook in the beautiful kitchen, have a private chef cook us dinner and another make pizza for us in the outdoor pizza oven. Our only complaint is that maybe we should have booked two weeks instead of one! Thank you Al Bastini, we hope to see you again soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Triin T., Tallinn, Estonia

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect holiday villa
Our Al Bastini stay was a dream. With awe-inspiring views, the villa’s expansive terraces became havens for relaxation. The rooms embody spacious elegance and local charm, blending modern comfort with countryside aesthetics. The newly renovated kitchen (with dual dishwashers and fridges) exceeded expectations for food enthusiasts like us. Outdoor BBQ and pizza oven experiences, courtesy of Chef Fabrizio, were absolute highlights. Thanks to gardener Thomas, the beautifully maintained garden's fresh produce added authenticity to our meals: the kids loved picking ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and small zucchinis. The saltwater pool was the epitome of relaxation: we spent countless hours floating, reading, and enjoying the ambiance. Al Bastini's standout was great service: Alex, Iris, and Tanya ensured smooth reservations, check-in/out, and prompt assistance. Our stay was flawless. Seeking beauty, comfort, and tranquility? Al Bastini is your haven.
Stayed 28 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ethan L.

Liked: Cleanliness
La Dolce Vita!
We are so grateful to have celebrated our first wedding anniversary at Al Bastini, which offers a quintessential Tuscan experience that exceeded even our wildest expectations. Nestled into a wooded hillside, Al Bastini has the most breathtaking panoramic views which are both unspoilt and private. We were left speechless when first stepping onto the terrace, and we continued to be wowed each and everyday as the sky changed from blues, to pinks and reds in the evening and then became littered with stars in the night sky. Opening the shutters every morning to this view was a treat in itself. We opted to spend most of our time lazing by the private pool which provided the perfect relief from the late summer sunshine. There would be ample space for 10 to swim and sunbathe, so for just two of us it was a very special and secluded treat. Many evenings were spent on the terrace, or loggia, whiling away the hours watching the sunset with a glass of wine in hand. On occasion we made use of the beautifully crafted outdoor barbecue, and pizza oven. Al Bastini is well located, with local restaurants, gelaterias and supermarkets just a few minutes away by car. The beautiful medieval town of Lucca is 15 minutes away and was a daily destination for lunch, dinner or drinks. We fell in love with the town, with its cobbled streets, medieval walls and eclectic shops. We were reluctant to leave the serene surroundings of Bastini, but ventured by car to the hilltop town of San Gigmiano, Siena, and the Tuscan capital, Florence, by train from Lucca. All are well worth a visit, if you can drag yourself away from the house and pool! Bastini provides the perfect base for exploring. To complete our experience we enjoyed privately cooked dinners from two of the chefs available to hire via the property managers. Morena and Fabrizio treated us to the most impeccable service and exquisite cuisine, and to our favourite, tiramisu! On the rare occasion the weather was inclement, the indoor facilities of the house were more than sufficient entertainment. Whether watching the vast array of satellite TV channels on the comfy sofas in the living room or playing snooker/pool with a late night aperitif, we were not left wanting. Italian’s have a phrase, ‘la dolce vita’ which loosely translates to ‘the good life’ and, after the past two weeks stay at Bastini, we can fully appreciate and understand it’s meaning. Alla Prossima!
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect holiday villa
We loved our stay at Al Bastini. The views are stunning and the pool is the perfect place to relax on a hot day. Rooms were comfortable and the snooker table was great fun! It is only a short drive to the attractive historic town of Lucca and in the heart of the Tuscan wine region so plenty to do when we wanted to leave the comfort of Al Bastini. A wonderful trip that we hope to repeat in the future!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Pat D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spectacular spot
I have rented several properties for family gatherings through VRBO, but none has been as wonderful as Al Bastini. Everything about our week-long stay was perfect--the setting, the villa, the fabulous salt-water pool, the easy proximity to Lucca and surrounding towns and beaches, and the support from the property manager and the house manager, who helped us find chefs to cook for us and a boat trip to Cinque Terre. It is a very special place. Everyone loved it. Pat D. Washington, DC August 2022
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

ROBIN O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Al Bastini 2022
Have been holidaying around Lucca for 20 years plus and Al Bastini has never been matched in terms of favourite house for my family and I. Ideally situated 15 minutes from Lucca and shops but still only 40 minutes to Pisa airport, 50 minutes from the coast and an easy day outing to the Cinque Terre. The house sits on the side of a quiet valley with an unrivalled view over green hills and total peace. No road noise and hardly any lights can be seen in the evening While the bedrooms/bathrooms are comfortable (master suite in particular is great) and airconditioned and the snooker room, piano room luxury sitting room with full music and TV are all great to have, what really makes the house is all the many places to sit, read, eat and enjoy the sun and the view. The kitchen has everything you need for a keen cook and you can eat in the superb covered terrace off the kitchen with view overlooking the valley or outside by the BBQ/pizza oven (or even in the dining room!). The pool is close but set just the right distance form the house and has plenty of chairs and loungers . It also benefits from a new non chlorine saline filtering system that makes swimming very pleasant. Tanya the onsite manager was super efficient and Tomas the gardener helpful and pleasant.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Alan S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Overall fantastic
Not much to add to the other great reviews! Place and location is amazing so long as you don’t mind a hilly curvy drive - and I happen to. My one qualm, and it did make a significant difference during our 2 week stay, is the mattress quality. 2-3 of the upstairs mattresses are decent, however the downstairs beds have mattresses to be ashamed of. You can literally feel individual springs through them causing pressure points uncomfortable sleep throughout the night.
Stayed 13 nights in Jun 2022

2/10 Terrible

Andrea B., Suwanee, GA USA

Disliked: Cleanliness
Property has BEDBUGS. Flippant response from owner.
We came home with BEDBUGS and the owner was the most concerned with my review. I woke up one morning in this villa with bites all over me. Two others with us had bites too. I went to my dermatologist the very next day after our return. She thought they were bedbug bites. I called an exterminator and scheduled an inspection. I texted the property manager and she said they must be mosquito bites. She said she had an inspection done and there were no bedbugs. I came to find out that her inspection was done by the cleaning staff! They are not trained professionals and don't know what to look for. They come out at night to feed and then they go into hiding places. Some people show the bite marks and other people show no signs at all AND it can take up to ten days for the bites to even show up on your skin. I was so lucky to have such a severe reaction as that prompted me to go to the doctor and then call the exterminator. The exterminator came and we did have bedbugs. I had to pack up my entire house contents into black bags, seal them with duct tape and put them in my backyard in the high heat so any bedbugs that may be on my things would die as they do in high temperatures. On the day of treatment, we had to leave the house and after they finished treatment, we had to wait four hours before we could return home. We were having a heatwave in Atlanta and the temperature got up to 99 degrees that day and my cat had to be locked outside in the backyard for the whole day. I now have to wait a couple of weeks for them to come back and do another inspection to make sure they got them all before I bring all of my stuff back inside and unpack. I told this to the house manager and she said that they disinfect the bedding/mattress. I received an email from the property owner and he reiterated that my bites are from mosquitos. He offered me 500 euros to leave a positive review. Their lack of concern was shocking. I implored him to have the house inspected by an exterminator. I told him my main concern was future guests taking them home with them as we did. He seemed more interested in why the exterminators were going to such lengths and that in the Uk, exterminators don't put you through that. His flippancy was overwhelming. He started each email out with "without prejudice" to protect himself. I have no interest in suing or in his offer of 500 euros. I simply wanted the problem at the villa resolved. I have no idea if they are taking the proper steps.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Matthew I.

Liked: Cleanliness
Mamma mia!
Mamma mia! What a fantastic Tuscan gem. A glorious villa nestled within a gorgeous, unspoilt Tuscan landscape. Beautifully and sympathetically furnished, with everything needed to live la dolce vita, from a state-of-the-art swimming pool to an epic pizza oven and grill - and so very much more besides. Everything worked - and one got the sense that if something didn’t, the highly organised and attentive house management team would engage and resolve, rapido! The support staff were unobtrusive, obliging and human. We had an exquisite dinner cooked one evening by one of the local cooks recommended by the villa. We’d never been to Lucca before - but what a destination in it’s own right - as well as a marvellous base for other Tuscan forays. ‘Oh, to be in Italy - and specifically Lucca - now that May’s there’ [sic, apologies to Robert Browning]. Al Bastini is an authentic Tuscan holiday delight - with all boxes fully ticked for an immersive worry-free holiday. In fact our only complaint was that our time was over far too quickly. Oh but the views - those views were to sigh for. La dolce vita, on steroids. Grazie mille.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary M., Eye, Suffolk UK

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect autumn break
Wow, what a location, the views from Al Bastini were mesmerising, making it very difficult to tear ourselves away from the terrace and the coffee machine! The heated pool was the perfect temperature for early morning swims while the sun rose over the hills. Well equipped kitchen and great spaces for us all to cook eat and relax in comfort and style. Wonderful local restaurants on our doorstep and dozens of quality eateries in Lucca. We used local chefs Tamara and Morena on two separate evenings, as recommended by the owners. They were so friendly and cooked up a real Tuscan feast for us. We visited a fabulous beach only half an hour away with superb fish restaurants and glorious warm water for swimming in the October sunshine. We made a smart call to visit in October with less tourists than we expected but still warm and sunny... what could be better than that. Thoroughly recommend AB for an autumn Italian fix. We will be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mark O., London

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic visit
Al Bastini has a wonderful setting with panoramic views from all parts of the terrace. It is a delight to sit or lounge on the terrace and take it all in. The lovely pool is conveniently located on the terrace and all is set up perfectly for outside relaxation. There is table tennis and snooker/pool/billiards for indoor entertainment and the covered loggia is ideal for outside dining in the evening. There is a great restaurant down in the village connected to the butchers for those liking a good walk to and from an excellent lunch and Lucca is only 20 minutes away by car with all of its charms. Florence, Pisa and the beach are all within easy drives so Al Bastini is a good location for Tuscan exploration We went early October and the weather was still warm and ideal for site seeing and relaxation, although a jumper at night might be required We had a lovely time at Al Bastini
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Anu V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful family holiday!
It was wonderful stay! The house is charming, comfortable, stunningly beautiful nestled on a hillside with breathtaking views. We all wished we could have stayed longer. Ask to have a private chef, Morena. She is just superb! Thank you so much for your hospitality!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

8/10 Good

Christopher M., Durham, NC

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location for exploring Tuscany
We enjoyed our stay at this spacious villa and would recommend it to others, despite a few negatives. Pros: The location (10 minutes outside Lucca, a great city in and of itself and to use as a base for exploring Tuscany), the grounds are immaculate, and the view is sublime. We loved the pool and the excellent air conditioning in the bedrooms and living room, as the weather was very hot during our stay. The outdoor eating area was great (bring bug spray!), right next to the kitchen and with a wonderful view. Plenty of space for our party of 8 (4 adults, and 4 teens), with 6 bedrooms and 4 full baths. The pool table and ping pong table were very fun. Kitchen is functional and well equipped; we made dinner several nights and had a chef come one night for a pizza making lesson. The communication with the on-site manager and thru VRBo was excellent, making check-in and check-out easy. They provided helpful suggestions for activities and made reservations for us. The cons: the villa was burglarized during our stay, resulting in the loss of a watch and some jewelry. We realize this wasn't the fault of the owners but it was distressing, to say the least. The house manager wasn't particularly sympathetic t start, but she later helpfully went to the police station with us and the owners contacted us directly to demonstrate their concern. Other more minor issues: the 1/2 mile driveway up to the villa is very steep and twisty; it is challenging at night or with a manual car and would be very tough in winter. The bathrooms needed some work (clogged drain in master, for example). But overall we had a very good time at this villa and would recommend it.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Ann P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stunning Location and Beautiful Rustic Villa
Al Bastini is a spacious well equipped villa, it benefits from a fantastic private pool and several areas to relax and enjoy stunning views of the outstanding beauty of the area. The additional benefits of the games room with billiard table and outdoor table tennis, grand piano in the lobby, added to making the overall stay very memorable. (We are fortunate enough to have talented pianists in our family members.) Al Bastini is in need of a little refurbishment, however, this said there is everything you could possibly need for your stay. We used the services of a chef for one of our evenings, organised by Tanya the Property Manager. We selected a four course menu for the 10 of us, the meal was delicious, quality ingredients used for everything, and we can highly recommend this option. The road up to the villa is a slight challenge, so arrive in daylight if possible as negotiating this in the dark is not to be recommended. The property is ideally set to visit a number of interesting locations but due to COVID at the time of our holiday we spent our time in our family bubble at the villa. Due to this we cannot provide feedback on these local places of interest or the beach. There are plenty of places to shop in the nearby town of Lucca the largest supermarket being the Co-Op. The manager and owner of this property could not have been more helpful throughout the entire booking process, keeping in touch via e-mail answering queries etc, so a big thank you to Alex. We wish Al Bastini well for the future and say thanks for a wonderful family holiday.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Janie J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peace and Wind Chimes
Our 6 weeks Al Bastini were really perfect. 20 people over the period and it all worked. Our host Les and Erlana went above and beyond to please. The gardener and care taker extraordinaire Thomas became our translator, our driver, and our friend He keeps everything in top shape. We chose Al Bastini because of the total space. Inside and out. The gardens were my favorite. The Wind Chimes in the breeze and the birds singing were magical. The pool (we heated) was perfect temp for my California and Florida guest. Best of all, early morning coffee on porch overlooking the valley and Lucca in the distance. We will never forget Al Bastini.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Janie J.

Liked: Cleanliness
We have one more week and i will wright a review at that time.
A piece of my heart will always be here.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Superb location. Tuscan Hills near beautiful Lucca. House was spacious and had nice pool, pool room
Would definitely rent this house again.

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl Y.

Liked: Cleanliness
Exceeded Expecations
Les, your home was just spectacular!! Where do I begin....The villa was much more than we had expected, it's stunningly beautiful nestled on a hillside with breathtaking views. Old charm with modern convivences, spotless with ample room for all of us ( 9 people). Our favorite spot was the loggia where we would start each morning with coffee and breakfast then end each night with a glass of wine. The pool was refreshing as the temperatures were in the 90 each day. Our party of nine had such a wonderful stay we will be taking about it for years to come. Great location we visited Florence, Sienna, Cinque Terre, San Gimignano and Lucca. A special thank you to Alex for assisting us with booking a wine tour, a chef and answering all of my many questions, she was a pleasure to work with. Morena our chef for one evening was just superb. We all wished we could have stayed longer. Thank you so much for your hospitality and sharing your home with us as it truly made our trip to Italy that more special. Ciao, Cheryl
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019