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 don’t set a retreat schedule (though we can suggest local walks, activities and eating options) – you spend your time how you like, according to what you want to get out of your ‘retreat’, ‘getaway’, ‘break’ or ‘holiday’. Have some ‘me-time’ and feel the stress melt away!
We are now scheduling ‘Course Weeks’ for 2025!
Below we list some of the types of stay that you might enjoy here; there may be others, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you think you would like to come and stay for slightly different experience – we will give it consideration. Our offering is essentially the same for each: we provide accommodation and a supportive environment in a wonderful location – you bring whatever you want to work on.
The Many Possible Reasons to Come and Stay
- Writing Retreat
- Art Retreat
- Courses
- Musical Composition Retreat
- Photography Retreat
- Study Permaculture & Sustainable Land Use
- Write up Dissertation/Thesis
- Sabbatical/Reading Week
- ‘Retreat with a Treat’ (concert, spa visits, yoga classes)
- Local History Study & Appreciation Holiday
- ‘Relax, Reflect & Recharge’ Getaway
- Walking/Nature Retreat Holiday
- Italian Language Self-Study Holiday
- ‘Build-Your-Own’ Retreat
- Research the area when considering a Move to Italy!
- Plan buying and renovating an Italian property!
- Tennis Retreat: coaching and matches at local club
- ‘Digital Nomads’ welcome!
Local History
With Clio being the Muse of History, we ought to share some of the local historical associations – of interest in their own right, but also offering potential inspiration and a start point for writing projects and other creative endeavours. Among the highlights (not in historical date order!) are:
- Bagni di Lucca’s fame in the ‘Belle Epoque‘ as a pre-eminent resort for royalty, aristocracy, musicians and other ‘high-society’ members – offering thermal baths, cultural entertainments and convivial company;
- the oldest public Casino in Europe is in Bagni di Lucca – now serving as a cultural venue for art exhibitions, small-scale musical/theatrical performances, social events, etc.;
- British Romantic Poets and Writers Mary and Percy Shelley, and Lord Byron, gravitated to Bagni di Lucca for temporary residence early in the 19th Century. As well as enjoying bathing in local mountain streams and walking in the beautiful Sweet Chestnut woods that cover the hills, Percy Shelley was particularly fond of Monte Prato Fiorito, which overlooks Casale di Clio – did Percy one day amble through Vetteglia?!;
- a little later in the 19th century, poetic couple the Barret-Brownings also made occasional residence in Bagni di Lucca – a riverside walk is dedicated to them;
- Etruscans, Romans, Lombards and Celts are thought to have frequented the Lima Valley – for trade and to establish strategic strongholds; Vetteglia itself is thought to be named after a retired Roman General granted land for a homestead;
- engravings in a rock wall ‘of a thousand colours’ in the nearby Limano area attest to a human presence dating back to 1500 years BC;
- the rocky slopes of Monte Prato Fiorito contain various pagan engravings, some believed to be related to ancient witches Sabbaths held on the mountain;
- Hanibal of Carthage – credited with crossing the alps with elephants while on campaign in the 2nd Punic War against the Roman Republic – is believed to had made camp at what is now Fornoli, where the Lima Valley joins Serchio Valley;
- at nearby Montefegatesi, an impressive monument to Dante attests to the belief that he passed this way when exiled from Florence;
- the church at San Cassiano di Controne, a pleasant walk from Casale di Clio, is the oldest documented church in the Lima Valley, with records dating back to 772. It is believed to have much older origins, perhaps being situated on the site dedicated to the Goddess Diana; there is a good case that the church has Templar connections – it certainly has some very interesting engravings!;
- during World War II the ‘Gothic Line’ passed through the area, and the Battle of Sommocolonia took place a little further up the Serchio Valley.
Many resources can be found on the internet relating to the above – one particularly interesting and wide-ranging local blog is: From London to La Costa (and Lucca and Beyond).
Thinking of a ‘New Life’ in Italy?
Do you dream of moving to Italy to live?; maybe you are already starting to think seriously about the possibility – or even starting to make plans. If Tuscany is on your radar – perhaps the glorious Garfagnana, or another area with wooded hills and mountains criss-crossed by paths and ancient mule tracks, valleys with clear rivers and streams, and timeless villages with traditional seasonal celebrations – then consider coming here to experience life ‘in the hills’.
As well as getting out and enjoying the countryside, you can relay here and browse the several books on the shelves that deal with buying property in Italy, house restorations, and life in Italy (yes, we do have a copy of Under the Tuscan Sun!). This is an area where many non-Italian expats have created first and second homes; you might hear their voices in the local restaurants and bars and there are active social media groups that can also provide local tips and information.
If you are considering a Move to Italy – or buying a property here – then our Location page provides enough information to give you an idea of whether this area/region/type of countryside/environment might be for you – though you will only know for real by spending a week or two here!
Fantastic Facilities at Bagni di Lucca
Whatever the reason for coming to Casale di Clio, we are sure that you will have a wonderful time in this little-known and intriguing corner of Tuscany!