The building of Frantoio del Monte boasts an age-old history that shows part of the events of the local economy. Under the Burlamacchi Family it was one of the six mills in the country, operated by the waterpower of the nearby stream. Then it was used as a granary and cellar with enormous butts wich contained over 2000 litres wine and were built on the spot, because there were no openings large enough to let them pass. Then it was used for rice polishing. The country was marshy and rice was one of the best resources. In the garden you can see vats in marble used to peel rice.The families that governed the country after the Burlamacchi's were: Spada-Cenami, Poletti and finally Spinola. Spinola countness had its oil-mill under the villa that you can see along the road to Lucca, but it was too noisy. So she decided to move it to remove it in 1939. So "Frantoio del Monte" became the new oil-press for the whole country up to 1960. After a period of inactivity it was bought by the Gemma's family from Viareggio that put it back in action until 1990. The building was then restored and transformed into an elegant Residence with 6 flats and a small cottage, wich was originally stable and barn, by maintaining however the original rustical charachteristic, in particular the ceilings supported by the typical wood-beams. From "Frantoio del Monte" is possible to reach Lucca km 12 - Pisa km.15 - Firenze km.80 - Siena km120- Elba Island (Crossing from Viareggio) - 5 Terre (5 lands from Viareggio) - Carrara marble quarries km35 - Torre del Lago Puccini km 10 - Viareggio km. 10 - Versilia Beach km. 10 - Tennis 50 mt. - Golf 25 km.. Small panoramic villages hidden in the shadow of silver olive trees are visitable: Mommio Castello, Corsanico, Bargecchia, Balbano, Pieve a Elici, the Gualdo and Montiggiano peaks. In the Village of Massaciuccoli you can visit rests of a thermal spa complex. villas and houses together with ceramics dating from the 2nd century BC to the third century AC, these can currently be found in the Civic Museum alongside the remains of the Roman Villa. On request, owners cen guide the guests for excursions to these villages. To reach Frantoio del Monte:
Highway A11 Viareggio/Firenze - Exit Massarosa - To the left direction Lucca SS 439 - Bozzano - Quiesa - straight on for another km - 50 m. before the house there is a placard with the indication "Residence Frantoio del Monte" - On the left at n.2989 you find the structure.