Watermill Cascade

property no. 106

Tuscan Watermill
Posara, Lunigiana

Around the courtyard and behind our three-storey Tuscan house there are two ancient watermills, one built in the 17th century and the other, in the 19th. Their millstones and workings are still intact and we are slowly restoring them. Waterpower was used not only for producing wheat, maize and chestnut flour, but also for crushing and squeezing olives for their oil.

The Apartments: Two apartments are in the three-storey Tuscan house in the mill courtyard, with views over the gardens and the mountains beyond; two others are set above the older watermill, with river and valley views; the fifth is set beside the olive press and the artists` studio and looks out over gardens and the river.

Apartment One (sleeps 4) has a large sitting room, with a wood fire, opening through an arch into a dining room with a fine old mahogany table and dining chairs. The newly fitted kitchen, with fridge and cooker is big enough in which to eat breakfast. On the floor above are two double bedrooms, one with twin beds and the other furnished in Italian Chippendale style, with a huge double bed. There`s a balcony overlooking the courtyard and gardens.

Apartment Two (sleeps 2) has a modern bathroom and kitchen/dining room and a huge bedroom, with easy chairs and an antique double bed. There are views over courtyard, river and mountains. Inside the entrance there is a wonderful wisteria stencil that leads you up your own marble staircase. It`s the ideal holiday home for a couple and honeymooners have been known seldom to leave it!

Apartment Three (sleeps 4) has a cosy sitting room, a large kitchen/dining room, two large double bedrooms, one with a double bed, the other with two singles. The bathroom has recently been renovated. Guests in this apartment have the exclusive use of a sunny roof terrace overlooking the river.

Apartment Four (sleeps 2) has a large sitting/dining room with the kitchen in one corner and patio doors to a small balcony.