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Frequently Asked Questions

We have set out FAQs below, and will add more as they occur. If you have a question not answered below then please get in touch via the form on our Contact page – having first checked the information provided on our Bookings Enquiries page and our Terms and Conditions page in case your question is answered there.

Retreat Schedule

Q: What is the retreat schedule?

A: Except for those few weeks when a course might be running, there is no schedule fixed by us – you manage your own time and ‘build your own retreat/getaway‘. In simple terms, what we offer is the time and space to enjoy a creative and/or reflective getaway: come to write, draw, paint – or to take ‘time out’ of a busy/stressful lifestyle to relax, read, and maybe reflect on a change in direction or re-balancing of priorities. We can suggest local walks, activities and eating options if required, and can point to any local festivals, fairs and other events going on during your time here, but you spend your time how you like, according to what you want to get out of your ‘retreat’, ‘getaway’, ‘break’ or ‘holiday’.

Because this is self-catering accommodation you don’t need to get up early for breakfast if you don’t want to, and you can take your meals when you wish; if there are other residents saying here you may want to coordinate some meals together, of course, depending on your (and their) dietary requirements and wishes.

In 2025 we plan on collaborating with a range of teachers/tutors to enable guests here to enjoy a more structured retreat, with courses such as Pen and Ink Drawing, Ecology and Art, Ecology and Writing, Sustainable Land Use, Buying and Renovating an Old Property in Italy. These will be publicised on a separate Courses page. We will also be thinking about how guests here can enjoy participating in online courses while here.

We will also be looking at building a directory of local classes and teachers so that guests might enjoy a stay here having arranged instruction in the following (NB – this will be at additional expense, although guests might be able to spread the cost with other residents). These are the areas we will look at first, but do get in touch if you are interested in other things:

Contact us if this is something that interests you.

Otherwise, write/study/paint when you want to – maybe learn to play the keyboard/compose a work on our Yamaha PSR 400 (self-study materials available); walk, daydream, relax when you want to – we just ask that if you want to watch a DVD (or stream a theatre performance etc) in the library (or elsewhere at the property on your own device), or use the keyboard, then please respect the Quiet Hours if there are other people in residence working on their projects (it is recommended to bring headphones/earbuds for laptops/tablets/smartphones).

In all cases, the hosts will be present at Casale di Clio in their own apartment – checking in on the main house to ensure all is ok now and then.

Occupancy Numbers/Other Residents

Q: How many other residents will there be staying at the same time as me?

A: There is no way of saying in advance for sure if you book as an individual – the other guest rooms may or may not be occupied. You might, however, decide to book as a group (e.g., with fellow members of a writing circle, book club, history group, hiking club, etc. – contact us if this is something that might be of interest, and we may be able to offer a discount if all guest rooms are booked in a coordinated manner like this) – NB we do not accept general group holiday bookings for exclusive use of the house, such as family groups or groups of friends who just want a nice holiday base – this is so as to maintain the ambience of a ‘retreat’.

If you think you would prefer that there are other residents here at the same time as you then you can always get in touch to check with us when that might be more likely. In any case, a sole resident should not feel isolated or lonely as the proprietors, Adrian and Tiziana, will be around, and occasionally popping into the main house to check all is ok (more or less – depending of the dynamics, sensitivities and wishes of residents staying here).

Since we are flexible about start/end dates, and stay duration, the number of other residents might change over the course of your stay – particularly if you stay for more than 1 week.

Double Occupancy

Q: Can I bring my partner – and if so, is there a supplement for double occupancy of a room?

A: We believe that in a relatively small retreat residence there is a risk that the dynamics and ambience of a retreat week might be altered for individuals that come to stay if even just one other room is occupied by a couple. In 2025, however, we are trialing ‘Creative Couples’ Weeks, when we will make three of our guest rooms (Dante, Hildegard and Leonardo) available for established couples – i.e., not two people booking as ‘a couple’ just so as to get a better rate compared to booking two separate guest rooms. During ‘Creative Couples’ weeks it is not obligatory to come and stay as a couple, and single guest bookings will be accepted – but guests booking to come and stay as a single guest should be aware that during this week it is possible that one or more of the other rooms might be occupied by a couple. Both partners in a couple do not need to attend to work on creative projects while here – it is quite acceptable for one partner to go off sightseeing (or relax/read/sunbathe!) while the other works on a project – but as this is still a retreat, they ought not make undue noise during ‘quiet hours’ e.g., by listening to music or streaming programs other than using effective headphones.

The room rate for double occupancy is 1.4 times the single occupancy rate.

Will I Need My Own Transport?

The short answer is no!

Pick-ups and drop-offs from/to the train station at Bagni di Lucca (Fornoli) can be arranged, making it easy to get here using public transport – especially if flying into Pisa Airport, since several trains a day go direct from Pisa Centrale rail station to Bagni di Lucca (otherwise change trains in Lucca). For more details look at our Getting Here and Around page.

It is not at all necessary to have your own transport once you are here if you are happy to spend your time here in and around Vetteglia, taking local walks (including to local shops for food supplies and/or to the local bar/trattoria for drinks/meals), and/or using the local bus service to get into/back from Bagni di Lucca or Montefegatesi (maybe walking one way, if you are a keen walker).

If, however, you are likely to want to visit Lucca and/or other destinations that are outside walking and convenient public transport range, then you will need to have your own transport available – we do not provide an excursion/tour service. Similarly, if you think you might regularly like to head down to Bagni di Lucca – e.g. to attend the Swimming Pool, Thermal Baths, Tennis Club, or Bars/Restaurants – then you ought to arrange your own transport. Car-hire services are available at Pisa and Florence airports, and there is a car-hire service in Bagni di Lucca that might be available (we can provide details, but do not arrange car hire on behalf of guests).

If you want to do some significant sightseeing while here, then (i.e., beyond the immediate locale), you will need your own transport. There really is no need for this though; only one of our guests brought her own car in 2024, and then it was not used much while here.

Art Materials

Q: Do you provide art materials?

A: We have a number of wooden painting/drawing easels of different sizes: a smaller table-top version, and larger floor-standing easels. While we would expect experienced artists to bring their own preferred materials, the library or Art Barn may also contain some water-colour paints, and possibly other materials, depending on what has been left by previous residents. Otherwise, if you might like to paint or draw while here then you should consider bringing materials – especially more expensive or specialist products. Art supplies can be purchased locally, and/or you can arrange for supplies to be delivered here to coincide with your stay (although be aware: deliveries, whether via the postal service or couriers, are notoriously slow/unreliable in rural Italy! Plan ahead).

For those wishing to try painting or drawing as a beginner, the library contains self-instruction books, including Painter’s Progress: An art school year in twelve lessons – as well as introductory drawing books by Adrian Hill.

Drawing & Painting Locations/Spaces

Q: Where can I paint or draw?

For those who wish to draw or paint in plein air there is plenty of subject matter in and around Vetteglia; the ancient local villages and hamlets are very atmospheric, and the hills, mountains and River Lima provide further subject matter – the closest mountain being Monte Prato Fiorito, which overlooks Casale di Clio. For those with their own transport there are a wealth of other picturesque locations nearby, including ‘The Devil’s Bridge’ at Borgo a Mozzano, Barga, Lucca, and various spots in the Garfagnana; there are also several colourful small festivals throughout the year that would provide interesting subject matter. The easels may be taken out on any expeditions.

Painting or working with liquid/messy materials is not allowed in the bedrooms. We have begun turning our barn into a multi-purpose workspace, suitable for use as an art studio; it is very basic at the moment, and although it can be used, until the barn space is completed there are other spaces at Casale di Clio that are suitable for painting or working with art materials that are liquid and/or might potentially be messy – notably: the library, balcony, terrace, courtyard, and the dining room (if no other guests are in residence); in all cases we will provide sheets to mitigate damage from spills of paints etc. Contact us if you would like to know more about the painting spaces and locations.

Aircon

Q: Do you have air conditioning in any of your rooms?

A: No – but room fans can be made available, on request, in the case of very hot weather.

Languages

Q: What languages do you speak at Casale di Clio?

A: Between us we speak English and Italian.

Travel Requirements

Q: Do I need to have an ETIAS digital travel authorisation to come to Italy?

A: ETIAS is currently (Oct 2023) not scheduled to come into effect until mid-2025 – the EU’s official ETIAS website sets out what ETIAS is, and who will need to apply.

Electricity

Q: what voltage is the electricity in Italy, and will I need a travel adaptor to power my laptor or other items?

A: Italy’s domestic power supply is 230V at 50Hz. Rooms at Casale di Clio have Italian round-pin sockets, coupled with Schucko type sockets. To check if you need an adaptor please check on the internet, using sites such as this or this.

Drinking Water

Q: Is the water supply at Casale di Clio potable?

A: Yes, we drink it. Like much of Italy, there are public drinking fountains scattered around (there are 2 that we know of in Vetteglia – but those are likely to be the same supply that we receive at the house). Locals also use a couple of natural springs near to us (walkable distance, but not particularly close).

Food

Q: Are things like condiments available in the kitchen – or do I need to buy everything required for my cooking?

A: Salt, pepper, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and malt vinegar can usually be found in the kitchen – along with some herbs and spices, including chillis; there is fresh rosemary from the garden and fresh sage nearby. There is usually some tea and coffee available, although specialist teas and extra supplies should be bought if you are a heavy drinker (or connoisseur) of either tea of coffee. There are two well-stocked small stores in walking distance, and a couple of supermarket stores in Bagni di Lucca.

Recycling

Q: Are waste materials sorted for recycling at Casale di Clio?

A: Yes, we explain the system to residents upon arrival.

Lighting and feeding the wood-stoves and boiler

Q: Are residents allowed/required to light and feed the wood-stoves and boiler?

A: Residents do not have access to the main central-heating boiler – we look after that. Procedures for the wood-stoves in the living room and kitchen will be explained to residents upon arrival.

Smoking & ‘Vaping’ (E-cigarettes)

Q: Are smoking and/or ‘vaping’ (E-cigarettes) allowed at Casale di Clio?

A: Neither smoking nor vaping (E-cigarettes) are allowed in any indoor areas at Casale di Clio; that includes in bedrooms ‘puffing out of the window!’ – as an old house, Casale di Clio is not 100% air-tight, and any indoor smoking or vaping smells/chemicals will inevitably spread throughout the house. Smoking/vaping is not permitted in the internal courtyard, due to the fumes/smells inevitably, even in very small amounts, making their way into any open windows (including those of room Leonardo and of our neighbours). Nor are smoking/vaping permitted on the balcony attached to the dining room (smoke, smells and chemicals will easily be blown into the dining room).

Smoking and vaping are permitted on the sheltered outside terrace (with a table and chairs), where ashtrays are provided – or in the garden, where one of the ashtrays from the terrace can be taken. Please do not dispose of cigarette buts/remains anywhere other than in the ashtrays provided – also, please do not dispose of them in (or otherwise litter) the environment elsewhere in Vetteglia.

Alcohol, Drugs (and Behaviour) Policy

Q: Is Casale di Clio an alcohol-free venue?

A: No, it is not; we enjoy a glass of wine, a beer, and/or an aperitivo as much as anyone else – and outside of ‘quiet hours’ we welcome socialising and a convivial atmosphere in the house. We do, though, hope that residents will drink ‘sensibly’ and definitely not become inebriated to the extent that they pose a risk to themselves or others, an inconvenience or (perceived) threat to others (including other residents, ourselves and/or our neighbours) – or to the extent that damage is caused to the accommodation or any property. Any antisocial behaviour that adversely impacts another resident, ourselves, or our neighbours will result in the antagonist being asked to leave Casale di Clio at the earliest opportunity, without any refund of rental paid (and they will be held liable for any damage caused). The bottom line is this: we want residents to enjoy their stays here – but not at the expense of others’ enjoyment. We hope that this makes sense – we were unsure of the need to spell this out, but thought it best to do so!

Q: What about illicit/recreational drugs?

A: Please do not bring illicit/recreational drugs to Casale di Clio or use them here.

Quiet Hours

Q: If I am the sole paying resident staying at or present in Casale di Clio is there some flexibility in the Quiet Hours guidelines – e.g., playing the radio or watching a DVD in the library?

A: Yes, of course – though please still respect the Italian laws on noise nuisance (see Terms and Conditions), and please bear in mind that the we will possibly be working on our own projects in the same set of buildings.

Room Security

Q: Are rooms secure, and do you offer the use of a ‘safe’.

A: All guests rooms have a modern cylinder lock; we do not offer the facilities of a safe. Residents are responsible for the safe-keeping of their possessions while resident at Casale di Clio. We do not hold insurance to cover residents’ loss of, or damage to, their possessions while resident at Casale di Clio.

Residence Notification

Q: Does my residence at Casale di Clio have to be notified to the local police/authorities?

A: Yes, we are obliged to report the presence of residents through official channels – both to the local comune (who use this to record the tourist tax due) and to the questura (police); we will therefore need to copy details from your passport/ID Card at arrival; be warned: no passport/official ID card means no check-in (and loss of deposit!).

ATMs

Q: Where is the nearest ATM?

A: Bagni di Lucca has ATMs.

Booking Extensions

Q: Will I be able to extend my stay while at Casale di Clio?

A: This will depend on how long you have already stayed here and our forward booking commitments at the time. We limit each resident to 4 weeks residence at Casale di Clio in any one calendar year.

Deposits & Refund Policy

Q: What is your policy on deposits and refunds?

A: Please see our Terms and Conditions page, where the payments process and our refunds policy are set out.

Access & Facilities for those with Mobility Issues

Q: Is your accommodation suitable and equipped for those with mobility issues?

A: We are sorry, but no: access to and around Casale di Clio is not suitable for those with mobility issues; there are too many steps and changes of levels to get to and around the premises – and as an historical stone house it is not feasible to make the necessary adaptations.

Availability of Specialist Care/Support/Supervision

Q: I sometimes require specialist medical/social care, support or supervision, including for my mental health – are you equipped or trained to look after me should this be the case while I am resident at Casale di Clio?

A: We are sorry, but no – we are not equipped or trained to provide any specialist medical/social care, support or supervision to residents, including for mental health issues; indeed, we are not allowed to offer any such services. Prospective residents will be asked at the point of making a booking enquiry to declare that they are not likely to have any such requirements during a prospective residence here.

Reviews

Q: do you have any reviews from people that have stayed at Casale di Clio – and may I add one if I have stayed?

A: Yes, see the bottom of the home page.

Any Other Questions?

If you have a question about staying at Casale di Clio that is not answered above, or on our Terms and Conditions page, then do get in touch via our general Contact Form.