The villa is beautiful. We couldn’t fault it. We were three adults and two fully grown late teenagers and it still felt very generously spaced, beautifully decorated and very well equipped. The private elevated terrace is really special for evening dining, and the pool is big enough for a proper cool down and swim at the end of a balmy day.
It is shared with four other apartments, but still felt private and peaceful. And, let’s face it, sort of people who rent villas in Tuscany are normally pretty good company when you do bump into each other around the pool!
Jim is the perfect host. He project managed the restoration of the villa himself a few years ago and so knows it inside out. He really couldn’t have been more helpful and responsive, whether it be showing me why the coffee machine didn’t work (clue- it helps if you put the lid on!), or advice about a myriad of local places from bars, restaurants, ice cream parlors and bread shops to trains or the best beaches.
In terms of location, whether this villa is right for you depends what you want from a Tuscan holiday. If it is your first time and you want to concentrate on Chianti, the Tuscan Hill Towns, Sienna etc, it may be a bit too far north. But if you are looking for a peaceful, relaxing holiday, with easy access to authentic Italian food, wine and slightly less touristy towns, it is great. Lucca, our favourite Tuscan City, is only about 20 min drive. The beach is about half an hour, as is Pisa. And there are plenty of smaller towns ever nearer. We especially liked Monte Carlo (no – not the French one!) for evening meals about ten minutes away. Florence is very easy to get to by train from local towns. Volterra, San Giminaro etc are about 90 minutes away- still accessible but not on your doorstep.
We expected a lot from this villa, based on the reviews, and for once, our expectations were exceeded. We will be back!
PS: One minor point- the private track up to the villa is quite stony. It looks a bit daunting the first time, but you soon get used to it. But if you are hiring a car, you might want one with reasonable ground clearance. It doesn’t have to be an SUV/4WD (we had a Ford Focus and it was fine) but I would not take a sports car.
PPS: For Florence, book museum tickets in advance online and take a train from Pescia or Pistoia. Having done it both ways, it is a lot less stressful than trying to drive and park there!