In beautiful settings with private gardens, experience the Tuscan dream

SelvaPiana as a project is something of a rarity; attaining planning permission for new build properties in Tuscany is almost impossible, the very lack of over development is part of Tuscany’s appeal. Set in the beautiful Garfagnana valley just north of Lucca, this development is truly unique. Dennis Cardosi, SelvaPiana’s Director explained ‘we have been given the opportunity to create something exceptional, we set the architects a brief to design traditional style properties whilst incorporating modern comfort and hi-tech facilities.’ SelvaPiana’s self styled motto ‘Crafted with passion. Inspired by life’ describes the company’s philosophy perfectly: building homes with charm, character and comfort. ‘We have resourced the finest materials and local craftsmen to ensure we can complete what we set out to achieve.’ stated Cardosi. A gated private woodland road is the beginning of SelvaPiana and from the outset the developer’s respect for the landscape is apparent with their intention to protect and enhance the beautiful Tuscan countryside. 

The properties are on individual plots with private gardens, the living space on each property has been carefully thought out to incorporate maximum use of space, light and views, it is evident they have thought carefully about what buyers would want and as a result, the specification is quite outstanding, Jane the Marketing Director explained ‘we wanted to incorporate tradition and technology, style and comfort, our carpenters individually craft every door and window in solid chestnut, the stone surrounds are handmade, the hi- spec kitchens will have marble or granite surfaces, the bathrooms are elegant and the additional features such as fireplaces, wooden beams and beautiful flooring will complement the traditional exteriors. On a more technical side we are installing remote switch system’s to turn on the heating via a mobile phone, a central vacuuming system and satellite cabling, we have also incorporated effect lighting into certain areas with the use of down lighters and wire spot systems, we want our clients to know they are buying something very special down to the last detail.’

Worry not
Banish thoughts of burst pipes and leaky roofs, or spending months trying to get planning permission, having to find an architect and builders let alone any language barrier and the time consuming process of keeping a watchful eye on the work, these are the very problems The Tuscan Dream has set out to dismiss and Dennis is confident they have achieved their goal, ‘our aim is to provide our clients with a stress free purchase, we can arrange hotel bookings and assist with transportation for viewings, we have secured the services of a UK based Anglo/Italian solicitor, we offer mortgage facilities from either UK or Italian banks and have an interior design service available. Our show home, due to be completed spring 2009, will have a state of the art, real time web-cam link so clients can view the property day or night wherever they are in the world without needing to travel on-site to see what is available, as time is such a precious resource to people these days, we believe this innovative way of initially viewing the show home and location will prove to be an effective marketing tool.’

SelvaPiana is surrounded by an atmosphere of serenity that is not easily rivalled, the spectacular panorama is far removed from the typical images of Tuscany, nestling in the Garfagnana valley between the Apuane Alps and the Appennines covered in forests of chestnut and pine, vineyards, intertwined with the tumbling Serchio river, surrounded by scores of turreted villages with meandering cobblestone streets, brimming with colourful bars, tiny stores filled with local delicacies and wonderful aromas exuding from the restaurants. According to Jane ‘this is an enchanting location where you can immerse yourself in the appealing Tuscan way of life; people looking to buy here have an affinity to the lifestyle. It is a land for all seasons from the hot sunny days of summer with fire flies twinkling in the night sky, to the snow capped mountains of winter. Even autumn and spring offer sparkle to their seasons with the rolling morning mists and ripening vines in autumn and the warming nights and flower filled hillsides in spring. Our family has holidayed here for many years, we love the safe environment it provided when the children were growing up. The people here are so warm and welcoming, they take the time to enjoy the simple pleasures and life is very civilised.’

Getting there
Despite SelvaPiana’s idyllic location it is easily accessible, being only an hour from Pisa’s recently expanded airport which has 20 scheduled airlines, offering flights to over 50 national and international destinations and has become a hub for low cost flights across Europe. According to a local estate agent ‘this has had a marked effect on the increase of British and European buyers looking for a weekend getaway location rather than the further a field destinations which limits the usability of a holiday home.’ The stunning historical walled town of Lucca is less than 45 minutes away, full of charming shops, bars and restaurants it hosts art exhibitions and concerts from classical to modern music. The beautiful spa town of Bagni di Lucca, renowned for its therapeutic treatments, is under 30 minutes away and the local town of Barga, named one of the most beautiful in the country as well as Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, the capital town of the region are just a short drive. All kinds of sporting activities are within easy reach including golf, fishing, canoeing and tennis, there are beautiful paths and tracks for hiking and cycling and skiing in winter at Abetone and Cimone is only an hour away. With so much to offer it’s no wonder people say ‘every time we visit it becomes harder to leave.’