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 Our pretty little village of Brandeglio sits above the Val di Lima, a beautiful green valley in the Garfagnana National Park in northern Tuscany, 16 miles (25km) north of Lucca. This region is characterised by fast flowing rivers surging through breathtaking steep-sided valleys, covered in dense forests, inhabited by many kinds of wildlife. The Lima joins the river Serchio at Bagni di Lucca and journeys towards the historic walled city of Lucca and the sea, passing through the famous 13th century Devil's Bridge at Borgo a Mozzano on the way.
 Brandeglio overlooks the old spa town of Bagni di Lucca, situated along the river with a selection of shops, bars banks and restaurants. There are ancient thermal baths and the very first Casino in Europe is still here. Many famous English poets such as Shelley, Keats and Byron had connections with Bagni di Lucca and artists have loved Bagni di Lucca for its crisp, clear light conditions in the Tuscan hills. There is so much to paint and photograph at all times of the year, from bright, sunny summer views through autumn golds to impressive winter snows.
If you like an active holiday, this whole area is a paradise for walkers and cyclists, with established routes and points of interest in both Lima and Garfagnana valleys. In Bagni di Lucca there are tennis courts offering coaching, public swimming baths with amazing views, thermal spas, horse-riding nearby and even canoeing in the fast flowing rivers.
The famous hill-town of Barga, long associated with Scotland, is only 40 minutes away in the Garfagnana valley, along with the fantastic caverns of the Grotto del Vento, with various English speaking tours available. The Orrido di Botri is a mysterious series of gorges cut deep into the mountainsides by water action and there are surreal gorges and magical canyons carved through the Apuane Alpes, also known as the Marble Mountains, as this is where Carrera marble is quarried. You can even visit the quarries.
The road up to Brandeglio is a scenic drive in itself. After following the main highway along the dramatic river valley, you turn onto a smaller road which climbs up a steep hill, weaving its way through dark, mysterious pine forests and sweet chestnut groves, all the time giving tantalising glimpses of villages, valleys and hills through the trees. The village of Brandeglio appears at the top of the next hill, with spectacular panoramic views of the many surrounding valleys. On the way, you may see porcupines or deer and if you are really lucky, even wild boar among the trees, and eagles and hawks soaring above. In early summer, firelies light up the woods and gardens from early evening.
The village is what most people think of as a typical Italian hilltop village, with its elaborate 16th century church, shrines, piazza, fountains, narrow cobbled streets and ancient, shuttered houses. Castagni d'Oro is situated towards the edge of the village, just 50 metres from the piazza, with its own parking facilities.
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