Private chef available on request for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and cooking classes.
A villa surrounded by the green hills of north Tuscany.
Nestled in the greenery of the Garfagnana , in the heart of Northern Tuscany , Villa Raffaelli is a historic residence dating back to the 1500s , now transformed into an elegant holiday home perfect for families and groups of friends . A stay here means experiencing something authentic, combining the charm of an ancient noble residence with the unspoiled beauty of the Tuscan mountains.
The Garfagnana valley is a pristine place, untouched by crowds, yet just 50 minutes from Lucca , an hour and a half from Pisa , and two hours from Florence . The sea near Carrara ‘s famous marble quarries is only an hour away, while the breathtaking Cinque Terre can be reached just a bit further on. Villa Raffaelli, set in northern Tuscany’s beautiful natural landscape, is the perfect base to explore central Italy while enjoying the peace and charm of a genuine mountain atmosphere, away from the busy crowds of Italy’s more famous destinations.
History, Hospitality, Nature.
Today, Villa Raffaelli preserves its historical charm with original frescoes, antique furnishings and authentic architectural details, without sacrificing modern comforts such as a swimming pool, heated covered hot tub and spacious, welcoming rooms. The villa has been carefully restored, keeping alive its timeless atmosphere.
Thanks to its ideal location, Villa Raffaelli offers the chance to explore a different side of Tuscany, away from the usual tourist paths. Discover mountains, medieval villages, scenic hiking and e-bike trails, and enjoy genuine Tuscan cuisine in authentic local restaurants.
From 1582 to today.
Built in 1582 on the remains of a medieval structure, the villa belonged for centuries to the Raffaelli family, a notable household from Lucca deeply connected with politics, culture, and the Church. Among its most distinguished residents was Raffaello Raffaelli, a historian and writer who spent much of his life in Fosciandora, captivated by its tranquility and the landscapes of Garfagnana, about which he wrote extensively.
The villa has witnessed the political and social transformations of Tuscany through the ages, from the era of the Republic of Lucca to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. In the early 1900s, it became home to a family that moved to Italy from America, before passing into the hands of its current owners, who have cared for it for more than 70 years.
Useful information
Villa Description
Villa Raffaelli spreads across two floors and offers spacious and welcoming spaces, perfect for families or groups of friends looking for an exclusive holiday in Garfagnana, in the heart of Tuscany. The villa has six tastefully decorated bedrooms furnished in a classic style and five modern bathrooms. On the ground floor, natural stone floors reflect the original charm of the villa, which, combined with thick stone walls, create a warm and cozy atmosphere in winter, ideal for gathering around the fireplace, and a cool retreat in summer. The antique terracotta floors on the first floor enhance the historical elegance, while large windows provide breathtaking views over the courtyard and Italian-style garden, framed by the spectacular backdrop of the Apuan Alps.
Piano Terra
On the ground floor, one of the most charming rooms features original frescoes and includes a double bed (160×190 cm) with a medium-density foam mattress. This room has a private bathroom equipped with a freestanding bathtub, WC, and bidet. Also located on this floor is the dining area, featuring a large stone fireplace, a long wooden table accommodating 10-12 guests, and two fully equipped kitchens with gas stoves, refrigerators of various sizes, a washing machine, and ironing facilities. A convenient additional bathroom with WC, sink, and hand shower completes this floor.
First Floor (North)
Going up to the first floor via the main stone staircase or the service stairway, you reach the bedrooms. In the north wing is a single room with red tones, featuring a memory foam bed (90×180 cm) and a private bathroom with shower. Next door, the blue room, enhanced by a pink period canopy, is furnished with a double bed (160×190 cm) in soft memory foam and has a private bathroom with WC, bidet, and shower.
First Floor (South)
In the south wing, via the frescoed Renaissance-style salon or the villa’s original library, you’ll find three more bedrooms: one with two single beds (80×190 cm), one with a double bed (160×190 cm), and one with a double bed (150×190 cm) plus a single bed (80×190 cm) in medium-density foam. These rooms share two modern full bathrooms with WC, bidet, and shower. Even though they are interconnected by doors with latches, each room maintains its own privacy, in full respect of the villa’s original layout.
Included services and features
Address & how to get here
Villa Raffaelli is located at Via Nicola Raffaelli 2, 55020, Fosciandora (LU), in the heart of the Garfagnana, one of the most authentic and untouched areas of Northern Tuscany. Unlike the more famous Tuscan hills, the Garfagnana offers spectacular mountain scenery, with woods, streams, and lush valleys — perfect for those who want a vacation immersed in nature.
The villa is easily reachable by car, and it’s recommended to arrive with your own vehicle so you can explore the area freely. For those traveling by train, the closest stations are Fosciandora-Ceserana and Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, both a few minutes away. The closest airport is Pisa, about an hour and a half away by car, while Lucca is about an hour and Florence two hours.
This strategic location lets you enjoy a unique experience in a historic villa in Garfagnana, with the tranquility of the mountain countryside but also the ability to easily visit the most beautiful cities of Tuscany.
Arriving from Florence (south)
From the A11 / E76 highway, take the Lucca Est exit to get to Lucca. At that point follow the directions as described in “Arriving from Lucca.”
Arriving from Pisa (airport)
Take State Road 12 to get to Lucca, then follow the directions to Castelnuovo di Garfagnana as indicated in “Arriving from Lucca.”
Arriving from Lucca (last stretch)
To reach Lucca, take the Lucca Est exit on the highway, then follow the signs for Castelnuovo di Garfagnana: after circling the tree-lined walls of Lucca, continue on Strada Regionale 445 della Garfagnana, which follows the valley floor all the way to Castelnuovo Garfagnana. A few minutes after the Ponte di Campia, about 4 km before Castelnuovo Garfagnana, there’s a turn-off toward Fosciandora; once you leave the valley road, go up about 3 km until you reach the town of Fosciandora where, past the parking area and the small playground, you’ll see signs for Lupinaia on the left and La Bora on the right, while in the center there’s a short climb leading to Villa Raffaelli. Parking is in front of the villa or at the start of the climb.
Arriving from North/Aulla (to be avoided)
Attention! Your GPS may suggest passing via SRT445, but it’s actually not advisable to use this winding road; it’s better to take the A12/E80 highway to Lucca and continue along the valley floor as indicated in “Arriving from Lucca.”
Payment Options
At Villa Raffaelli, we offer various payment options for maximum convenience. In addition to traditional SEPA bank transfers, both domestic and international, we also accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), with transactions possible both on-chain and via the Lightning Network, for faster payments with lower fees.
Accepting Bitcoin means providing a secure, decentralized, and global payment method, ideal for anyone wanting an alternative to traditional currencies. If you prefer paying by credit card, you must book through Airbnb or Booking, where you’ll find our property and can take advantage of more flexible cancellation policies.
Bitcoin & Crypto
You can pay directly in Bitcoin (on-chain or Lightning Network) and other cryptocurrencies with an additional discount on the stay.
SEPA Transfer
You can pay by domestic or international SEPA transfer directly from your online banking or your preferred bank.
Credit cards
To use a credit or debit card as a payment method, you will need to book through an online travel platform (OTA) such as Airbnb or Booking.com
Blog and Ideas for Your Vacation
The Villa Raffaelli blog is the ideal starting point for planning your vacation in the green valley of the Garfagnana in the north of Tuscany. Here you’ll find tips on what to do and see, the best typical restaurants, the most spectacular trekking and e-bike routes around the villa, and plenty of unique activities and experiences to enjoy during your stay. Whether you love nature, food and wine, or adventure, our blog has plenty of ideas to make your vacation unforgettable!
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