Neighbouring boar more a joy than a pest
WHEN the temperature was dipping to minus 10 I found myself imagining life in the sun, and escaping to somewhere like Tuscany, but to be honest my favourite spots are high up in the mountains and likely to be pretty cold as well this winter.
Even so, a small stone house in a Medieval hamlet perched several thousand metres above sea level is a lovely thought. I decided to investigate and it was not very long before I found this beauty: Casa Dalia, a typical Tuscan village house near Bagni di Lucca, dating back to the 14th century.
The house is on three floors and has recently been restored.
And just to top the attraction off there is a pizzeria in the village and all within 56km of Pisa Airport, and 106km to the delights of Florence.
Before I get into the wildlife of the area, I know readers will be thinking of the price - wait for it 65,000 Euros is all. What’s the catch? There is none, and although central heating would be good, the running costs are minimal.
To be honest I thought it must be a mistake and when I spoke to the estate agent she laughed and assured me that the price was correct and further, that the vendor may consider a sensible offer!
Tightly planted streets hug the hillside and you can almost touch the houses on both sides with your arms outstretched, perfect for chatting from opposite windows and passing the time away.
The view from the top floor window towards the wooded mountain side is typical of the area and is where I would spend most of my time.
There can be no more evocative sound coming from within the depths of the forest - the snuffling and trundling - of wild boar is a delight and throws one back to medieval days, and I confess to make me think of dinner.
Although seen as pests by locals, these magnificent creatures are worth the trip alone and can be a highlight of the trip. Sunset is a good time to keep your eyes peeled for their distinctive silhouettes, long snout and a surprisingly elegant trot. Think Shrek on Strictly.
In case there are any wild boar listening, I will whisper - please try Pappardelle Cinghiale, the national dish of Tuscany which is made up of boar meat.
The most aggressive animal in Tuscany, but not through any fault of their own as their poor vision leads them to feel vulnerable is the porcupine.
It seems that they adopt an “if in doubt, attack” mentality and are usually spotted during the night time.
Any found near your holiday accommodation during the day may be cranky and steer clear of any that are rattling spines, grunting loudly or stamping their feet.
Their ability to burrow under fences and penchant for roots, chianti grapes and tubers, infuriates both gardeners and winemakers alike.
During my first few days, after viewing the house and discovering that it had been sold, I was told that the number of wolves in Tuscany has risen sharply in recent years.
Some say that there are more than 100 wolf packs with several hundred animals. I find that hard to believe but plan another trip soon to find out for myself.
Wolves are shy and almost never attack humans, and they of course are very important for the ecosystem.
Therefore, from the point of view of nature and nature conservation, the spread of wolves is very welcome and in my view it is long overdue to be re-introduced to the British Isles.
The wolf will never be popular with everyone, but for my money let’s stop going for the easy option like beaver, although already a great success, and let’s welcome, European bison, lynx and yes, wolves.
Oh hang on, while I’m on the soap-box let’s hear it for the wolverine.