When we began planning for our Mediterranean cruise and short post-cruise visit to Italy, I started reading about Tuscany and various places to go there.
For some reason, I was drawn to Lucca, and one of the books I read was "A Garden in Lucca", which tells about the purchase and renovation of a wonderful property outside Lucca, named Villa Massei, by Gil Cohen and Paul Gervais.
So, I wrote a couple of emails to the owners of the property, asking if we could join a group to tour the property. I was instructed to call when we got to Lucca, and they would see if an appointment could be arranged. Lucky us - we were given permission to visit! And, for us, it was one of the special highlights of our trip!
View down the hill from Villa Massei:
Lawn area was perfectly manicured:
Front of property:
This walkway heads toward the fountain:
Fountain area:
115-year-old camphor tree:
The grotto:
Inside the grotto:
Guest house - available for rent:
Sculptured hedges and plants:
What a gorgeous view:
Bill and author and co-owner Paul Gervais:
Nancy says goodbye to a beautiful place:
Bill says goodbye too:
Comments (8)
I'm really enjoying the Lucca pictures. Thanks for sharing your travels.
Posted by Kim | February 27, 2009 5:03 AM
Posted on February 27, 2009 05:03
Beautiful garden, indeed. It is great that you got to visit it. I love the fountain area.
Posted by candi | February 27, 2009 10:52 AM
Posted on February 27, 2009 10:52
Stunning photographs! I love the distance perspective on that walkway to the fountain!
Posted by Eden | February 27, 2009 2:30 PM
Posted on February 27, 2009 14:30
I got a longing in my stomach looking at these photos! You capture the beauty of Tuscany very well.
Posted by Chiocciola | February 27, 2009 3:44 PM
Posted on February 27, 2009 15:44
WOW - have they ever done a stunning job with that garden. You were lucky to have experienced such beauty.
Posted by Jerry | February 28, 2009 2:44 AM
Posted on February 28, 2009 02:44
What a wonderful treat to be able to see this villa garden in Lucca. Thank you. It must have been esp. meaningful for you and Bill. Your trip is wonderful to view through this blog!
Posted by Barb Cabot | February 28, 2009 8:46 AM
Posted on February 28, 2009 08:46
Wow, how beautiful. I love your photos! Just imagine staying there. I never knew about this garden.
Posted by girasoli | March 1, 2009 1:29 AM
Posted on March 1, 2009 01:29
What a great opportunity. I've read the book but didn't have nerve to email the owner for a tour. It sounds wonderful.
I've also enjoyed your posts about your cruise in 2004. It was a lovely trip.
Posted by marta | March 3, 2009 6:20 PM
Posted on March 3, 2009 18:20