Costola, perfect for groups! Private pool, stunning mountain views. Chef option

**Use as wedding venue - we still have some availability at the end of June and late September/early October for weddings in 2027. For weddings in 2028, please contact us before making a reservation to confirm availability and arrangements. Please do not book accommodation for a proposed wedding without prior agreement**

It is difficult to describe just how special this extraordinary property is! Nestled in a tiny, peaceful Tuscan village, this beautifully restored 15th-century monastery and separate converted barn enjoy wonderful privacy, breathtaking mountain views and 15 hectares of private grounds, including olive groves, chestnut woodland and open meadows.

With 11 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and accommodation for up to 32 guests (24 in beds plus 8 on sofa beds), this is a truly exceptional setting for large family holidays, groups of friends and special celebrations.

Both buildings are included in the rental price, giving guests exclusive use of the entire estate.

One of the property's greatest attractions is its flexible accommodation, divided into independent apartments, allowing couples and smaller families to enjoy their own space whilst offering wonderful facilities for everyone to come together.

Whether celebrating a milestone birthday, enjoying a multigenerational family holiday or simply spending precious time with friends, there is plenty of room to be together without feeling on top of one another.

Celebrations, dining and entertaining

This property really comes into its own when everyone wishes to gather together.

The monastery has a spacious communal dining room seating approximately 35-40 guests, a comfortable lounge with projector screen and a professional-style kitchen specifically equipped for cooking for large groups.

The kitchen has a six-ring hob, hotplate, small fryers, large oven, chest freezer, tall drinks fridge, industrial dishwasher and coffee machine, together with generous supplies of cooking equipment, crockery, cutlery and glassware.

Outside, the enchanting historic courtyard provides a wonderfully atmospheric setting for long, leisurely meals beneath the Tuscan sky. Surrounded by ancient stone walls and magnificent arches, with original reclaimed flagstones underfoot, it is particularly magical when illuminated in the evenings.

There are extensive outdoor cooking facilities, including a traditional wood-fired pizza and bread oven, grills, a large barbecue, electric oven, hob and sink.

For those who prefer to relax rather than cook, we can arrange local catering on most days, including special celebration meals. A wonderful way to enjoy authentic Tuscan food together without the work!

Beautiful historic interiors

Dating back to the 1400s, the monastery has been lovingly restored to preserve its remarkable character, with high chestnut-beamed ceilings, traditional terracotta floors, fireplaces, ancient stone staircases and beautifully shaped ceilings.

Warm Tuscan colours, original architectural features and windows framing the surrounding countryside give the interiors a welcoming, timeless atmosphere.

The accommodation is arranged in independent apartments, most with their own kitchen/living/dining area, making the property particularly suitable for families and groups of couples who appreciate having some privacy.

Apartment kitchens offer cooking facilities, fridge/freezers and dishwashers. Full ovens are available in the communal kitchen and the converted barn apartments rather than in each individual unit.

Accommodation - The Monastery

The magnificent three-storey monastery is entered through an impressive original arched wooden doorway.

Ground floor:

Apartment 1: Kitchen/living/dining room, double bedroom and shower room.

Apartment 2: Kitchen/living/dining room, 2 double bedrooms (one with an additional single bed) and shower room.

Ground floor:

Apartment 3: Kitchen/living/dining room opening onto a beautiful private terrace, double bedroom and en-suite shower room.

Apartment 4: Studio-style double bedroom with 2 additional single beds, connected to Apartment 3 but also enjoying its own independent entrance via a large terrace overlooking the gardens. Private shower room

Apartment 5: Kitchen/living/dining room, double bedroom and en-suite shower room.

Second floor:

Apartment 6: A romantic apartment with open-plan kitchen/living/dining room, double bedroom and shower room. A beautiful private terrace, accessible from both the bedroom and living area, offers spectacular views.

The monastery has 6 bathrooms, plus an additional cloakroom in the communal area.

Accommodation - The Converted Barn

Situated separately within the grounds, close to the swimming pool, the beautifully converted barn offers two further independent apartments.

Ground floor:

Double bedroom with additional single bed and en-suite shower room.

Double bedroom with access towards the pool area.

Further shower room.

Kitchen/living/dining room and terrace.

Ground floor:

Double bedroom with en-suite shower room.

Twin bedroom with en-suite shower room.

Kitchen/living/dining room, covered terrace and balcony.

The barn is particularly useful for families or friends wanting a little more independence whilst remaining close to the rest of the group.

Swimming pool, gardens and outdoor facilities

The magnificent private swimming pool (13m x 6m, 1.5m deep) enjoys a truly spectacular position overlooking the ancient village, wooded valley and mountains beyond.

With such incredible views and the wonderful sense of peace that pervades the estate, it can be difficult to tear yourself away!

Outdoor facilities include:

Private 13m x 6m swimming pool with breathtaking views.

Large historic courtyard, beautifully illuminated for evening dining.

Wood-fired pizza/bread oven, barbecue, grills and extensive outdoor cooking facilities.

Numerous terraces for relaxing and dining.

Rose garden with large umbrellas providing shade.

Attractive arched garden area.

Ping pong.

Laundry facilities.

15 hectares of private grounds with olive groves, chestnut woods and open fields.

Three resident donkeys, safely enclosed in their own fenced area.

With so much space and such a wonderful setting, guests can choose between relaxing together around the pool, enjoying meals in the historic courtyard or simply finding a quiet corner to appreciate the scenery.

A little about the area

Costola is set in a tiny unspoilt hamlet on the sunny side of the beautiful Garfagnana valley.

This peaceful corner of northern Tuscany has retained its traditional character, with ancient hilltop villages, dramatic mountain scenery, chestnut forests and a slower pace of life.

Despite its wonderfully rural location, there are plenty of interesting places to discover nearby.

Castelnuovo di Garfagnana (10 minutes): The local market town, with shops, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, railway station and a lively Thursday morning market.

Barga (15-20 minutes): A beautiful medieval town with charming streets, impressive architecture, excellent restaurants, summer concerts and atmospheric evening events.

Lucca (50 minutes): Explore this beautiful walled city, cycle around its famous Renaissance walls, wander the historic streets and piazzas or enjoy its wonderful cafés and restaurants.

Pisa (1 hour 15 minutes): Visit the famous Leaning Tower and magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli.

Grotta del Vento (40 minutes): Discover spectacular caves and fascinating underground formations. There are also opportunities for canyoning and other outdoor adventures in the area.

Verrucole Fortress (25 minutes): A fascinating restored medieval fortress with breathtaking views. Nearby is the Buffardello adventure park, offering tree climbing and zip-wire activities for adults and children.

Versilia coast (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes): Enjoy a day at the beach, travelling via Lucca or taking the spectacular mountain route through the Apuan Alps.

There are also lovely lakes, rivers, walking routes and countless traditional villages to discover. The beautiful lakes of Vagli and Pontecosi make enjoyable outings, whilst the surrounding mountains offer endless opportunities for picnics, exploring and simply enjoying nature.

The real beauty of Garfagnana is its authenticity, offering the opportunity to experience a quieter, less touristy side of Tuscany.

Airports

Pisa approximately 75 minutes; Florence 1 hour 50 minutes; Bologna and Genoa 2 hours 30 minutes; Milan approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.

Important booking information

The advertised price includes up to 25 guests. For groups of 26-32 guests, an additional charge of €50 per extra person per stay applies. Please send an enquiry with your group details before booking.

Accommodation is provided for 24 guests in beds, with sofa beds for up to 8 additional guests.