We are planning for a holiday from 14 January to 8 February 2018. We have had a single house sitter in the past but we feel the task and location are better suited to a couple.
The house is a traditional Tuscan house with beamed roof and terracotta floors. It is double glazed, has gas central heating and a wood burning stove. We are on a public asphalt road on the edge of Fiano village (pop. c.500) and have beautiful views down the valley to Lucca 17km away. The village has 2 trattorias, a bar/pizzeria, a baker and a small general shop (10 mins walk) which sells the basic essentials for daily life. The nearest supermarket, post office and bank/ATM are 15 minutes by car. We have a garden and a large terraced field with olive trees which is fenced and dog-proof. No outside garden maintenance is needed in February - just check a few overwintering plants in the greenhouse and syphon rainwater off the pool cover.
Fiano sits in the foothills of the Apuan Alps and is surrounded by sweet chestnut woods. The walled city of Lucca is about 30 mins away by car and is a delight. We are about an hour from Pisa airport and the coast.
We have 2 whippet dogs which are quiet in the house and very easy to look after. The dogs are easy-going and are used to having house sitters. As long as they get fed at around their usual times, a few biscuits at lunchtime, and a daily walk, they are happy. There are many beautiful walks from the house with views of the Appenines in one direction and the sea in the other.
We have broadband internet access, Italian TV and some UK TV channels (Sky News) by satellite. Other UK TV channels can be watched via an iPad and AppleTV .