You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
The True Paradise In Tuscany - Villa del Cardinale
Beautiful villa from the 1600 renovated with high level of beauty and comfort. Originally, the villa was built by the famous Cardinal Francesco Bonvisi as his private study and meditation retreat. The property offers a gorgeous view over the Lucca valley and yet is located just 5 minutes' drive from the walls of Lucca and 20 minutes from the airport of Pisa. Firenze (Florence) is only 45 minutes away by car. The estate is surrounded by 16 acres of olive trees and boasts 4 large bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, Studio with double bed sofa, heated swimming pool, Patio for al fresco dining. One of the bedrooms has a suite with sofa where two young persons can sleep. In addition to the 4 large bedrooms, the study has a double bed sofa to accommodate 2 more persons - thus providing accommodation for 12 persons in all. Air conditioning in all rooms. Furthermore, we provide a baby bed and chair.
Our key holder will enthusiastically assist you in organizing an unforgettable stay, with wine tasting experience, or help you find a Tourist guide, or guide you to the most exclusive and exciting shopping. We have two amazingly clever Chefs de Cuisine that you can book for in-house dining or other important culinary experiences.
In the nearest neighborhood there are two hotels that can accommodate larger groups.
Property manager
Fabio Manzetti
Languages
English, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish
Add dates for prices
Property amenities
Beach
Beach towels
Beach sun loungers
Pool/Spa
Private pool
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Hot tub
Massages
Internet
Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
Electric car charging station on site
Onsite parking
Car recommended
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Microwave
Oven
Dishwasher
Coffee/tea maker
Paper towels
Blender
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Dining
Breakfast available for a fee
Dining table
Bedrooms
6 bedrooms
Bed sheets provided
Sofa bed
Bathrooms
5 bathrooms
Shower/tub combination
Bidet
Soap
Shampoo
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Hair dryer
Living spaces
Fireplace
Living room
Dining room
Wood stove
Entertainment
Smart TV with cable/satellite service
DVD player
Video library
Books
Stereo
Outdoor areas
Patio
Barbecue grill
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Washing machine and dryer
Near laundromat
Work spaces
Printer
Climate control
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Wheelchair accessible
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Concierge services
Limited housekeeping
Chef
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a hospital
In a village
Things to do
Fitness facilities nearby
Golfing on site
Hunting nearby
Cycling nearby
Winery tours nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Golf nearby
Hiking nearby
Sailing nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
General
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Comprehensive food waste policy
Comprehensive recycling policy
Unit size: 3767 sq ft (350 sq m)
Similar properties
Luxury Tuscany Villa with Private Pool, 13 Sleeps. Lucca 10 km.
Luxury Tuscany Villa with Private Pool, 13 Sleeps. Lucca 10 km.
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number IT046017C2OPW5IKFM
We should mention
All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed USD 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property
Property is also known as
True Paradise Tuscany Villa Cardinale Lucca
True Paradise Tuscany Cardinale Lucca
True Parase Tuscany Carnale L
The True Paradise In Tuscany - Villa del Cardinale Villa
The True Paradise In Tuscany - Villa del Cardinale Lucca
The True Paradise In Tuscany - Villa del Cardinale Villa Lucca
About the neighborhood
Lucca, Toscana
What's nearby
Walls of Lucca - 8 min drive - 5.2 km
Piazza Napoleone - 10 min drive - 6.3 km
Cathedral of St Martin - 11 min drive - 7.1 km
Guinigi Tower - 12 min drive - 7.5 km
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro - 12 min drive - 7.8 km
Getting around
Lucca Station - 9 min drive
Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) - 24 min drive
Restaurants
Pizzeria Zio Jo - 5 min drive
Hotel Villa Cheli - 6 min walk
Pasticceria Bar Sottopoggio - 7 min drive
Pizzeria Irma - 7 min drive
Cucina dello Scompiglio - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does The True Paradise In Tuscany - Villa del Cardinale have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
Is The True Paradise In Tuscany - Villa del Cardinale pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at The True Paradise In Tuscany - Villa del Cardinale?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The True Paradise In Tuscany - Villa del Cardinale?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The True Paradise In Tuscany - Villa del Cardinale located?
This family-friendly Lucca villa is located in a rural location, within 3 mi (5 km) of International Academy of Italian Cuisine and Lucca Polo Fiere. Puccini Museum and Lucca Botanical Gardens are also within 6 mi (10 km).
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The True Paradise In Tuscany - Villa del Cardinale Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
What a beautiful spot! The perfect house for our family celebrating a special anniversary. The bedrooms allowed each couple to have privacy. The views were stunning. The photos on the website don’t do it justice!
We took full advantage of the personal chefs recommended by the house information book. Wow! Best meals ever!
The only thing is, you really do need to have a car. Lucca is almost an hour walk on a busy road with limited sidewalks,and the walk back is obviously uphill all the way.
Definitely recommend this villa for a group stay.
Comfortable and well equipped though you have to hunt for things sometimes. Excellent pool, beds and living areas. Mosquito spray essential in August!
Philip J.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Connie Z.
8 July 2017
Great villa for 2 families with kids
We spent a week at the villa the last week of June. We were 2 families with a total of 4 adults and 5 kids. The villa was perfectly laid out for us all and the location was perfect for day trips to explore Tuscany. Maria cooked a delicious meal for us all to enjoy. We had a fabulous time and highly recommend staying here!
The property exceeded expectations! The villa is charming, a wonderful combination of old and new. It has been renovated to excellent modern standards with respect to appliances and facilities, without losing its old-world charm. There is ample and excellent help. The owner Fabio was completely accessible by phone or email, and was always helpful. The proximity to Lucca, a charming walled city, and to the rest of Tuscany, made wider visiting east. We had a wonderful stay.
It was everything I was looking for my 50th birthday celebration. Plenty of room for entertaining guests. A true Tuscan experience. Lucca is minutes away and a true delight. Enjoyed getting to know the community. The property manager and staff were incredibly helpful in getting to know the area and the owner was a fabulous host. We enjoyed the locally produced olive oil tremendously. We will come again!
Beth W.
Stayed 29 nights in Jun 2019
10/10 Excellent
Aaron H.
15 June 2018
Perfect location and host to truly enjoy and experience Tuscany.
We could not have enjoyed our time at the Villa more - the property and house are stunning, the pictures do not do it justice. Fabio is a wonderful host, the welcome and support we had from him and his 'team' was ideal. We are already trying to determine when we can come back. The rooms were so comfortable, the kids played in the pool while we sipped wine under the shade of the olive trees. The location is also ideal, very short drive to Lucca and grocery stores. Would recommend this very highly to anyone.
Visited Villa della Cardinale with my family and another; 10 people total. The Villa had more than enough space as our kids were able to room together easily. Beautiful property with a stunning view over Lucca.
Fabio and Beatrice were both very responsive and easy to work with. Our families had an amazing time and loved the ease of seeing much of Tuscany from our home base. The Villa is very well positioned for day trips.
Air conditioning and the swimming pool were great on the warmer June days. La Pearla, a coffee shop and pasticceria at the bottom of the street is a hidden gem as well!
A well maintained property on a lovely hill. The rooms were large, with each having a bathroom. The area around the pool was great. Wished the sun was able to heat the pool enough to enjoy, but it was too cold. The two items that were slight negatives, but we aware about when booking, was the stairs and the road up to the property. The stairs were steep and the bottom two steps were sloped forward and required caution when coming down. The road to the property had some very large pot holes. But overall, a beautiful place and very relaxing site.
Steven E.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Dan C.
25 June 2018
Fantastic house, setting and ownership - a real joy not to be missed
We are a family of 8, including collectively 6 children and significant others in their late 20’s and early 30’s. The house was perfect for this family gathering - 4 large bedrooms, large den, well-stocked kitchen, great pool, and multiple outdoor eating and lounging areas. The views from the house are fantastic; Fabio, the owner, is incredibly responsive and helpful; Maria, the chef, cooked us a delicious homemade meal. Lucca is an easy 5 minute drive away and a charming walled city with an endless supply of restaurants and shops.
We had an absolutely terrific time and we highly recommend the villa to anyone who wants a relaxing Tuscan experience.
Dan C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Kim R.
26 July 2017
Our dream home for a week!
What a beautiful place to make lifetime memories! Villa II Cardinale is absolutely stunning: beautifully & comfortably furnished! I receive so many ooohs and ahhhs when I share photos of this historic home with friends! Every detail is so well thought out. The home, its gardens and pool are immaculately maintained. Views from every window and outside sitting area are spectacular - quintessential Italy!
The owners' hospitality is extremely generous: we were greeted by the owners' representative with a great overview of the home, sparkling wine and olive oil from their olive trees and were given hugs and cookies from a local bakery when we left! She checked in on us throughout the week and gave great recommendations for places to visit and restaurants to dine. The home is in a great central location for making day trips. Lucca, now our favorite Italian city, is perfect for tourists yet isn't touristy or crowded. It's just a short drive from the villa. We also made excursions to unforgettable towns and cities including Barga, Bolgheri, Carrera, Livorgno, Volterra, Pisa, Florence, Cinque, Terre and more.
The owners were extremely dedicated in making sure that everything was perfect for our stay - so delightful that we've encouraged them to come visit us if they come to Virginia! We highly recommend staying at Villa II Cardinale for the perfect Italian vacation!
Three married couples spent 7 nights at this wonderful home. It was so tranquil and quiet we all fell in love with the location. The sunrises in the morning, the singing birds, the cool breezes, the great gardens, the comforts of home away, - all made this villa a place that we hope to return to someday.
There are three floors in the Villa. The kitchen, separate dining, and a small office/bedroom with full bath on the ground floor. The living room and a master bedroom with large bathroom is on the next floor. The top floor has a large bedroom with small bathroom (shower only). The other bedroom on top floor is smaller, but has a sitting room, and larger bath with tub.
There is a separate building (the annex) with a 5th bedroom and large bathroom. The clothes washer and dryer are also in the annex.
The building location is high on a hill, which resulted in pleasant breezes most days. We could see the buildings in old Lucca as well as the aqueduct that runs across the valley. This Villa is the highest home on the hill – so there is absolute privacy.
We never ate in the dining room as the weather was so nice – there is a table for 10 located outside under a freestanding roof. Additionally there was three other areas outside to sit (patio outside kitchen; table for 6 under olive trees; Cabana next to pool) which meant there was always somewhere in shade or sun to relax.
Maria came one night to serve a wonderful home cook Tuscan style meal. The left overs were great the next day as well.
The beds were very comfortable, water pressure is good, and everything in kitchen was functional and well stocked with every dish you need. Given it is an old building – there are quirky things such as un-level floors, a low kitchen doorway (watch your head), and minimal electrical outlets, it is very well done from the perspective of plumbing and kitchen appliances.
We had rented a large Fiat Talento van (9 passenger). Driving up the road to the Villa meant brushing up against the olive trees along the road. Also the parking area at the Villa required some back and forth to turnaround the large van – small car would be ok. Can’t imagine not having a vehicle – while close to Lucca – it is not walkable.
With Lucca 5 minutes away we frequently went there for meals. We drove to LaSpezia (1 hour) to see Cinque Terre via train. Florence is only an hour away (park at Villa Costanza parking on autostrada and take Tram into town) and Pisa is only 20 minutes
We had a great holiday in the lovely Villa Cardinale. We celebrated our 50 years marriage by spending a week in Tuscany with our 2 children and their families, 10 persons in all.
Villa Cardinale is a charming and wellequiped House with 5 bedrooms and 5 en suite bathrooms. The 6th bedroom is a Walk-trough room with sleeping possibilities. 1 bed- and bathroom is in an Annex, which our teenager grandchild loved.
The pool area is fantastic, Also for children. Also the outdoor eating place was great and we used it every day.
We Will mention, that there are Many steps in the House, and that our 3 cars fully filled the parking place near the House. However, there is an Extra parking possibility by the lover gate.
Finally, there is a god instruktion book in the House with very valuable recommandations om restaurants, shopping etc.
Wir waren mit 10 Personen (Erwachsene und Teenager) eine Woche in der Villa und haben den Auftenthalt sehr genossen.
Alle fünf großen Schlafzimmer haben sehr gute Betten. Auch das Zimmer neben dem Esszimmer hat ein richtiges Doppelbett (kein graues Schlafsofa wie auf den Fotos). Das Zimmer im Nebengebäude ist etwas dunkel, aber ok.
Besonders toll fanden wir die verschiedenen Sitzmöglichkeiten rund um Haus und Pool. Die Küche ist gut ausgestattet und groß genug.
Danke an Vivian und ihr Team!
Vi var en familie med 6 voksne og 3 børn, og huset passede perfekt til vores ønsker og behov og med en beliggenhed tæt på Lucca, en af Toscanas smukkeste og mest velbevarede byer.
Den lokale kontaktperson var yderst hjælpsom og imødekommende. Alt i alt et meget vellykket og mindeværdigt ophold.
Nous avons passé un séjour formidable en famille dans cette magnifique demeure au charme ancien et typique de la Toscane. Le confort est excellent avec des literies de très bonne qualité, la climatisation et une salle de bain dans chaque chambre. Les vues sont à couper le souffle, les différentes terrasses qui entourent la villa et les plantations d’Olivier nous ont plongé dans une nature exceptionnelle. Enfin, les propriétaires et le personnel étaient très à l’écoute et arrangeants. Nous recommandons vivement !
La maison est très confortable pour passer des vacances en groupe, chacun peut y avoir son espace. Le point de vue est magnifique, la maison bien décorée. Béatrice est là pour nous accompagner tout le long du séjour. La maison est proche de Lucques ce qui est sympathique pour les sorties et les courses. Nous avons passé une excellente semaine.
Die Lage der Villa ist wirklich außerordentlich. Absolut ruhig gelegen schaut man ins Tal und die herrliche Landschaft der Toskana. Die Villa hat viel Charme.
Von der Villa aus erreicht man in wenigen Minuten Lucca und auch Pisa ist praktisch um die Ecke.
Beatrice war immer für uns zur Stelle und hatte immer Antworten auf unsere Fragen ( wo gibt es schöne Strände, welche Sehenswürdigkeiten usw. ).
Wir waren begeistert und würden die Villa jederzeit wieder buchen.
Jürgen Bartmann
Nous avons passé un merveilleux séjour. La maison est une ancienne bâtisse. Parfait pour les amoureux de l’ancien. Le cadre est fabuleux. Beatrice est d’une très grande efficacité et d’une super gentillesse ! C’est un véritable plus pour le séjour !
Nous étions 2 familles avec 8 enfants au total. Il nous a manqué un peu de place dans la cuisine (pour ranger nos affaires) et des grands plats.
First of all I would like to thank Beatrice for being absolutely beyond amazing with making sure everything was perfect during our stay.
The property is located a mere 10 min drive from Lucca and close to the motorway which is convenient for excursions and day trips to Pisa, Florence, Volterra etc . Lots of space in and outdoors and a lovely pool are a beautiful setting for a tranquil holiday.
Thank you very much for a great stay
We enjoyed one week of holiday in Villa Cardinale. The villa was very clean when we arrived. The pictures on the website give a good view of what to expect, although it is even more beautiful in reality. The view from the hill is spectacular.
Beatrice, the lady coordinating the maintenance of the villa, was very helpful and gave us a lot of advice and help with selecting and booking restaurants and places to visit. We had the private diner prepared by Maria twice during the week, this is highly recommended! To summarize: we had a wonderful stay with our family.
We spent two weeks at Villa Cardinale and had a wonderful time all the way through! The house, the interior, the location but most of all Fabio, Beatrice, Martina and Isabell were fantastic! Questions were always answered promptly and always with a smile!
Tuscany is one of the nicest regions in the world but in combination with this property, with all the amenities it offers and the people who care for it and it’s guests a holy place to be!
Warm Thanks to all for this too short „escape to heaven“!
Nicola & Family & Friends
Nous avons de nouveau passé un très agréable séjour dans cette belle et grande maison de famille, décorée avec goût et très confortable. La literie est excellente et l’ensemble de la villa invite au bien être. Nous reviendrons !