In a unique area, at the foot of the Apuan Alps, on the border between Tuscany and Liguria, is located this ancient farmhouse from the 14th century for sale.
This characteristic property, for sale in Liguria, has its origins in an old water mill with stone millstones that was enlarged at the end of the 18th century in the original part where a larger working area for the production of oil and the summer residence of the then noble family that owned the oil mill were obtained.
The oil mill remained active until the first half of the 20th century, after which the heirs transformed it entirely into a residential residence to spend long holiday periods in the tranquillity of nature.
The current owners carried out a skilful and careful renovation of the farmhouse in 2016, maintaining all its peculiarities; in fact, the millstones, presses, a waterfall and slate floors were restored. All these elements have been enhanced and used as architectural and scenic elements, making this a truly unique and charming dwelling. The property consists of a main house of approximately 760 s.qm currently divided into several units, a warehouse to be renovated of approximately 40 sqm with adjacent private parking area, where five cars can comfortably park, and a wonderful garden of 7000 s.qm.
In the park, composed of various terraces, there is an olive grove, various fruit trees and Mediterranean plants, a small Italian garden dating back to the beginning of the 20th century, as well as various walkways and streams of water that flow into the pool with goldfish and the cascade of the farmhouse; many suggestive corners where you can spend your time relaxing with the pleasant background of flowing water.The main entrance is directly from the road through an old wooden doorway that opens onto the large and evocative hallway where the important stone stairs flanked by the original oil,
decanting tanks divide the farmhouse vertically.
On the ground floor, on the left, there is a large hall with black slate stone flooring, a barrel-vaulted ceiling and stone walls, and characterised by the presence of the old chestnut press. Connected to this room is another area that could be used as a cellar.
On the right, with independent access also from the outside, we find a room to renovate with significant heights that could be used as an independent flat and easily connected to the other appartments.
Also on the ground floor, but with independent access from the courtyard on the street, is the entrance to the oldest and smallest, but decidedly charming flat. This flat is on two levels; on the ground floor we find a service area characterised by a long stone corridor with a large pellet stove and a small laundry/storage room. Going up to the first floor there is the living area proper with an elegant living room, a kitchenette that opens onto the veranda in the garden, where there is also a barbecue and a dining area. Two double bedrooms and a study, currently used as a room with a view of the waterfall, complete the appartment. Ascending the mezzanine floor of the main staircase of the farmhouse is the first flat, measuring approximately 110 square metres, whose spaces are moved by several steps that delimit the areas. The flat consists of an eat-in kitchen, where there is the original fireplace and the antique marble sink, a large living room with dining area whose eye falls on the peculiar wood stove, a bathroom with marble shower and three double bedrooms, one of which is particularly rich in history as it housed Giuseppe Mazzini. This flat also has an exit to the park and an area equipped for possible meals outside. Continuing down the central staircase, one reaches the second flat, where the large windows overlooking the park, the large stone millstones of the old mill intact, combined with the imposing chestnut gears, define and give character to the living area of this flat of approximately 110 square metres.
The living area is an open space where the modern kitchen, characterised by a marble sink and top, blends well with these particular architectural elements that take us back to a bygone era when this area was used as a workplace.
Going further up the old stone staircase, one reaches the sleeping area composed of two double bedrooms, one of which has a pleasant terrace where one can admire the surrounding hills, a single bedroom or study with a suggestive view of the living room below, a bathroom with shower, finished with marble and stone, and a laundry room in the attic.
The property is currently being used as a holiday home but is suitable for use either as a main residence for large families or for those who desire a charming residence where they can spend their time relaxing a few kilometres from the sea of the Tuscan and Ligurian coasts.
The owners are in the process of obtaining permits for the construction of a swimming pool, which will enhance this historic residence to the maximum.
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The farmhouse is located on the first hills on the border between Tuscany and Liguria. The sea of Marina di Carrara and Marinella di Sarzana is only 6 km away, Lerici, Forte dei Marmi and the historic center of Carrara can be reached in less than 30 minutes by car, Pisa international airport is 45 minutes away and Genoa airport 90 minutes. All the main services are located just 1.5 km from the property.
The last stretch of the eastern Ligurian Riviera that goes from Portovenere to Lerici is gathered around the Gulf of La Spezia, embracing between two promontories beaches, rugged coasts, blue sea, ancient villages and wild nature, better known as the Gulf of Poets. In fact, many were the artists, many of them English, who already in the nineteenth century discovered this strip of land and were enchanted by its rough and impetuous charm. Among them were David Herbert Lawrence, Shelley and his wife Mary, Montale, Petrarca, but also the famous Lord Byron, who is said to have sought inspiration for his works in a rocky ravine near Portovenere later renamed Byron's Grotto.
In Lerici, the most important tourist center of the Gulf of Poets, we can still admire the imposing Castle of San Giorgio, built between the 12th and 16th centuries, which still stands out between the sky and the sea with its unmistakable profile characterized by the mighty bastions and the very high pentagonal tower; inside the Castle of Lerici is the splendid Chapel of Santa Anastasia in Ligurian Gothic style. Here the predominantly hilly territory rises rapidly to reach panoramic routes from which you can enjoy a refreshing view of the entire bay.