Silvery under a warm sun, gnarled olive trees border an emerald lawn at "Il Frantoio", echoing the sea shimmering in the distance. The trees are a memento of the days when this 17th century building in Fosdinovo, Lunigiana, was a working olive press on the grounds of a palazzo owned by the notable Malaspina family. A careful restoration later converted it into homes, one of which has now come up for sale.
The property takes up the end portion of the former olive press and has a strong vernacular feel. Set in a stone and brick façade, a French window leads to a bright living and dining area where vaulted brick ceilings and exposed stonework create a charmingly rustic atmosphere. An arched doorway gives access to a fully equipped kitchen. Beyond, there are two bedrooms and a bathroom.
Outside, a terracotta-tiled patio is the perfect place to dine and relax al fresco. Il Frantoio has a private lawned garden, but also enjoys access to the complex’s communal gardens and swimming pool.
That said, the beaches of Versilia are only seven kilometres away. Il Frantoio is also within easy reach of shops, restaurants and good transport links—Fosdinovo, the nearest village, is home to a medieval festival, the lovely town of Sarzana is five kilometres away, and three international airports (Pisa, Genoa and Parma) are 40 minutes to one hour and fifteen minutes’ drive away.
The asking price is €510,000 through L’Architrave Immobiliare (+39 0187 475 543, www.larchitrave.com).
