Information for a friend

 Hi Angie, I will be glad to give any advice from our own experience as buyers and owners. It took us a couple of years to find the right place for us, but Bagni di Lucca was always a favourite. It was just a matter of finding the right property at the right price.We actually found our watermill through one of the agents who advertises in the IM property pages; however, we contacted practically every single agent in the area and I can PM you a list of the ones we found particularly helpful.Also, the region is fairly large and perhaps your friends should look at all the properties not only in Bagni but also in the Garfagnana, the Lunigiana, we also looked as far as Pescia and the surrounding hills.A very important point is to gather as much information as possible about the area and this takes time and effort; however, it saves time and money in the long run.Ask your friends to join the community and also the Northern Tuscany group. There are very helpful people there. The old forum helped us a lot with advice and the new community will continue to do so.

Further to Gala's advice, here is the link to all the Groups in the former Forum - http://www.italymag.co.uk/forums/groups/

 Hi Angie and Robert, Have sent you a PM Regards Jinty

Before plumping for an area, it's always good to look at what you need from your location i.e. is it near rail network, airport, seaside, shops,Bars/Restaurants or a town. It can be quite annoying when you find, in winter, that everything that was open in Summer is now shut and failities are not available until spring again......

 We found that property prices in Bagni di Lucca are excellent value for money, particularly because you are only 25 minutes away from Lucca and the road is very good. Pisa airport is less than an hour away. Florence an hour and 15 minutes, but you can also catch the train at either Lucca or Pescia. There is a train station and regular buses. Plus it is a beautiful location with plenty of services that are available all year round. Obviously, your friends will have to carefully look at properties as there are some which are excellent and some which leave much to be desired. As in every other town.

Gala as ever you are such a good source of information, thanks so much. Jan my friend is a much published author so peace and quiet are good for her, partner needs good access to family and friends, we will see how we go.A

If your friend wants quiet, beautiful scenery, the sea, mountains with skiing, unbelievably friendly people, great food, the Cinque Terre, 1 hour from Pisa airport, 65 mins from Genoa airport, friendly Boar and high speed train connections then she needs to be in LUNIGIANA. PS I'm assuming, perhaps wrongly, that Jan is female.