Bagni di Lucca and the entire region of Garfagnana is beautiful. We drove up to the mountains, experiencing some spectacular views, passing through some lovely villages. In Bagni di Lucca, there are some nice bars and restaurants, for those without a car, the train station is in Fornoli, a good 3km from Bagni di Lucca, the trains enable you go North, or to Lucca.
Regarding our property, we had two issues, firstly in the 30 degree+ heat, we were only alerted to the fact that there were fans for us to use after texting the owner, as to where the washing machine was. It was in the cellar, which we had no access to, until I contacted the owner who obliged by providing us with a key to the cellar. It was in here where I came across the fans. My 9 year old son struggled to sleep on the first 2 nights before the fans became available.
The only other grouse, or rather disappointment, was the size of the swimming pool. As I have a 13 year old and a 9 year old, all of us are keen swimmers, the pool is an important part of our holiday. There is no indication as to the size of the pool on the website, and it is unclear on the photograph. The pool is tiny and inadequate other than for a short cool down at the end of a hot day. Fortunately Bagni di Lucca has a fantastic outdoor pool facility in the centre of town, and for 20 euros a day, the 3 of us could spend 5-6 hours each day in a large pool, diving area, decent cafe, sunbeds etc.
The sunloungers by the farmhouse pool are not in sight of the actual pool, which for those with very young children would be a concern.
Take the pool away though, and for occasional swimmers this is a beautiful property which the owners have obviously put a lot of work into over the years, the windy road up from town is a challenge but takes only 7 minutes and the BBQ area and patio are perfect for families, and the views are breathtaking.
