Externally, an unassuming cottage on a narrow unpaved track, Le Vie Cave delivers surprise after surprise, from its dramatic views and designer interior, to the stainless-steel kitchen and eyrie of a garden, complete with private pool and glorious gazebo. The space Perched high above the spa town of Monsummano Terme, the villa offers a wide choice of pleasures: pamper yourself with a wellness day at nearby Grotta Giusti, the largest thermal cave in Europe; enjoy the much overlooked riches of Pistoia – ‘Tuscany without the crowds’ – just down the road; or venture a little further to Lucca, Florence or Pisa; not forgetting the beach at Viareggio, which is less than an hour away. With three bedrooms, three bathrooms and plenty of choice when it comes to delightful places to enjoy a long, cool drink, secluded sunbathe or quiet hour or two in the shade, the villa copes well with a full house of six. But its intimate scale, hidden near the top of an escarpment, has been equally enjoyed by parties of two. You’ll love planning where to go next but also when to fit in mornings and evenings ‘at home’. Le Vie Cave stands out from the crowd. Its position is both private and privileged – something you can’t help but feel in the lovely garden, tucked high against a rock face, catching both sun and spectacular views. The gazebo, with its good-quality furnishings, invites you to spend hours there. Similarly, you’ll want to linger over al-fresco dinners on the terrace immediately outside the kitchen: lit by a chandelier, with lights twinkling from the Nievole valley below, this is a romantic spot. The villa’s stylish and well-appointed interior also makes it a good candidate for low-season stays. Ground floor Lounge-Diner Day bed, armchair, dining table and chairs, sideboard, two chairs, fireplace, main entrance. Kitchen Fully equipped, door to furnished terrace. Bedroom 1 Double bed (cannot be converted into twin beds) wardrobe, TV. En-suite Bathroom Shower, sink, WC. Bedroom 2 Double bed (cannot be converted into twin beds) a day bed can be added to this room should two beds be required, wardrobe, TV, chest of draws. Bathroom Shower, sink, WC, TV. Bedroom 3 (Accessed only from the garden, no window) Double bed (can be converted into twin beds) wardrobe, desk, chair, TV, French door to exterior. En-suite Bathroom Bath with overhead shower, sink, WC. Private Pool: Length: 9 metres Width: 3 metres Depth: 1.4 metres Entrance: Metal ladder Opening times: May to September Fenced: no Furnished: sunloungers and a gazebo furnished with a sofa and two armchairs Cleansed: Chlorine Distance from villa: 15 metres Local charges Tourist tax: 1.00 € per person, per night for the first 7 nights, some exemptions apply. Dog up to 30kg: 7.00 € daily charge per pet Charged based on usage: Heating Villa Arrival guide Approach road: Unpaved, even Parking: Private, onsite parking Ground floor Lounge-Diner Day bed, armchair, dining table and chairs, sideboard, two chairs, fireplace, main entrance. Kitchen Fully equipped, door to furnished terrace. Bedroom 1 Double bed (cannot be converted into twin beds) wardrobe, TV. En-suite Bathroom Shower, sink, WC. Bedroom 2 Double bed (cannot be converted into twin beds) a day bed can be added to this room should two beds be required, wardrobe, TV, chest of draws. Bathroom  Shower, sink, WC, TV. Bedroom 3 (Accessed only from the garden, no window) Double bed (can be converted into twin beds) wardrobe, desk, chair, TV, French door to exterior. En-suite Bathroom Bath with overhead shower, sink, WC.