This villa is so classic Italian with marble floors, high ceilings, garden setting and flower pots on the veranda. We felt very relaxed and comfortable in this beautiful home. Lucca , nestled in the Tuscan countryside is quaint and the people are very nice and friendly, even though I only knew a few Italian words. People in the restaurants and grocery store all spoke some English. Martina was there to greet us when we arrived and met us to check out. She gave us some incredible recommendations to restaurants and wineries. She was very responsive and accommodating. I already want to go back!

Our group of four couples had a wonderful five-night stay at the Villa Sant'Alessio in June 2015. Located across the river from the historic walled city of Lucca, within 5-10 minutes of the autostrada, and with nearby grocery store and restaurants.

The two-story villa includes two large "master" bedrooms with attached bathrooms (one w/ shower only; one with shower and tub) and two large bedrooms with a shared bath. (There were also two small rooms that would work for child or single.) There was also a large half bath on the first floor, off the kitchen and dining areas. Hairdryers and necessary electrical plugs provided, which was convenient for foreign visitors. All four bedrooms had large windows and armoires for clothing storage (and the small rooms were handy for storing luggage and extra items).

The ground/first floor had a large combined dining room and living room, opening through large sliding doors onto a front terrace. There was plenty of room for our entire group to relax with wine and antipasti, share meals, and plan the next day's excursions. There was also a nicely equipped kitchen, with large refrigerator/freezer, cook top, oven, dishwasher, sink, linens, and prep/serving table. (That floor also includes a breakfast room and large half bath.) Everything was spotless and plenty of linens were provided.

Martina surprised us with a welcome gift of biscotti and Vin Santo from a local shop and was very helpful, explaining how to access the Wi-Fi and offering suggestions for dining, shopping, and sightseeing. The Wi-Fi was a little temperamental, but essential and workable for our very "wired" group, which made heavy use of laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Due to unusually hot weather, we made good use of the clothes washer (accessed through lower level, adjacent to caretaker/gardener couples' apartment), drying racks, and iron. Martina (and her mother) were very responsive, when we had questions about how to operate the washing machine and the dishwasher.

We especially enjoyed Lombardo, an excellent restaurant about 10 minutes' drive up the hill (recommended by Martina), with great food and views. (We returned twice.) We also enjoyed a nearby restaurant featuring fire-roasted meats, in the same area, which had a lovely patio and friendly, English-speaking host. We also used the small Weber grill at the villa (after picking up groceries and supplies at a Conad grocery nearby.

It was wonderful to open the shutters wide, allowing fresh air, sunlight, bird songs, and the sound of church bells to flood in. Plenty of on-site parking space for our two cars. Handy access to disposal receptacles for recycling and garbage just across the road from the property. Easy driving distance to Pisa, Florence, seaside towns, and Cinque Terre for day trips, but try to save a day to explore Lucca (churches, piazzas, towers) and walk or bike along the top of the walls.

The villa was a much better value than the four hotel rooms we would have needed for our group, and it offered superior options for us to gather as a group, but plenty of space for private time, as well. Martina was very responsive to e-mail messages and flexible about scheduling times to pick-up and return the keys. Our deposit was promptly refunded. We would love to return!

This was a very beautiful house to stay in close to Lucca in St'Alessio. Surrounded by well kept garden & lawns overlooking lovely old trees, a church spire and country lane with more beautiful historic properties. It is close to Lucca but provides peace & tranquility & waking up to birdsong. Martina, and caretakers could not have been more helpful. I would recommend it to anyone.

We were met by the most charming owner who was only a phone call away if we had any questions. She recommended delightful restaurants and even surprised us with a tray of sweets on more than one occasion. I cannot say enough about the beautiful villa. The place was immaculate inside and out. The atmosphere was magical; stunning marble floors, lovely, comfortable furnishings and a kitchen complete with everything you could possible need. We made day trips from the convenient location and had a wonderful grocery store within a mile of the house. Easy wifi......all the comforts of home and then some. Bright, airy, palatial! What are you waiting for?