Casa Volpe is a 200-year-old barn lovingly converted into a cosy 30-square-meter mountain retreat in Paretola. The restoration preserved its authentic character—thick stone walls, heavy wooden beams, and that special quiet you only find off the beaten path. Modern comforts blend seamlessly with original features, while a traditional cantina beneath houses the washing machine and extra fridge for your convenience. Set within diverse wildlife habitats, you'll experience genuine nature immersion where wild animals and insects are part of the authentic charm—occasionally finding their way indoors as part of rural life! After exploring ancient forest paths to hidden waterfalls or discovering abandoned stone villages, there's nothing quite like returning to your private pool nestled in the garden, where you can float beneath mountain views with a cold drink within reach. Village life here continues as it has for generations, unhurried and genuine. A car is essential as there's no bus service, but shops in charming Licciana Nardi are just ten minutes away. You'll park in the village piazza and stroll 200 meters through narrow stone lanes to reach your door. The winding mountain road has some narrow sections that most drivers handle easily, though those less confident behind the wheel should research the route beforehand. The approach to the front door may be challenging for guests with mobility limitations. Winter stays include wood for two nights, with more available locally. From here, the Cinque Terre coast beckons at 50 km, while Pisa and medieval Lucca are about an hour away, and Florence just two hours. Aulla's train station, 14 km distant, opens up even more possibilities. Perfect for nature lovers seeking authentic tranquillity, where morning adventures lead to afternoon swims, and your evening entertainment might be savouring wine on the terrace, listening to cicadas sing as night falls. This is the real Italy many search for.

Lisa and Ronan discovered the old farm building in 2002 - then just stone walls and animal manure! Over the following years, they worked with local craftsmen to restore it, keeping the original character while making it comfortable for family life. They moved from Ireland with their two young children in 2008, spending nearly two years living in the village while the final work was completed. Those years gave them deep roots in Paretola. They learned the rhythms of village life, made lasting friendships with neighbours, and discovered all the best spots for morning coffee and evening walks. Though they've since returned to Ireland, they come back regularly - not just as owners checking on a property, but as people returning to a place that became home. Tamara and Francesco, who live locally, look after the house and are your first point of contact. They know the area inside and out and can help with everything from the best day to visit the market in Licciana to recommendations for dinner. Lisa remains involved, too - she's just a message away if you have questions or need suggestions for your stay. The house reflects this personal connection. It's furnished and equipped the way Lisa and Ronan would want to find it themselves, with comfortable beds, a well-stocked kitchen, and those small touches that make the difference between a rental and a real home away from home.

Paretola sits just 2.2 kilometres from Licciana Nardi, but it feels delightfully remote. This small hamlet spreads across the hillside in Lunigiana, the mountainous northern part of Tuscany. The village is a collection of stone houses along narrow lanes that wind between gardens and chestnut trees. The buildings are typical of the area—thick stone walls, slate roofs, and small windows that look out over the valley. What makes Paretola worth visiting is its quiet hillside location. Morning mist often fills the valleys below, and old walking paths lead into the surrounding chestnut and oak forests. The residents here live quietly, tending their vegetable plots, keeping chickens, and gathering mushrooms and chestnuts when the seasons turn. Many of the older houses show signs of careful restoration by families who've discovered this peaceful corner, while others remain as they have for decades, their shutters weathered grey-green and their stone walls softened by climbing roses and wild grape vines. From Paretola, you're about 50 kilometres from the Cinque Terre coast, an hour from Pisa, the seaside town of Viareggio and beautiful medieval Lucca (Puccini's hometown), and roughly two hours from Florence. The train station at Aulla, just 14 kilometres away, connects you to many of these destinations and more. But the real discovery might be how much there is to explore right here. The Lunigiana forests stretch in every direction, crossed by old mule tracks that lead to waterfalls tucked into rocky gorges and abandoned stone villages. Some days, the best trip is the one that starts at your front door.