We rented this wonderful home for three weeks in June 2013. Like so many other reviewers, we are well traveled. This was the best vacation we've ever had. The home is spectacular, the pictures on the website do not do it justice. The grounds are more mature than the pictures show, and the fragrance of the jasmine, lavender, roses, and other blossoms as they drift by on the almost constant breeze is intoxicating. There is little noise, except for the constant melody of songbirds. The views from the house, in all directions, are exceptional. There is no more delightful experience than having breakfast out by the pond, lunch while lounging by the pool, an afternoon nap in the hammock, and then a long leisurely dinner alfresco on the patio surrounded by friends, family, and the spectacular Italian countryside. An this is just the outside of the house. Inside, you will find the perfect fusion of rustic elegance and contemporary finish. The bedrooms are all oversize, with king beds as opposed to the queens so often seen in european rentals. The bathrooms are spacious as well, with large, modern showers. The kitchen is large and inviting, with all modern appliances. The house is also immaculately clean.
The location is perfect, halfway between Rome and Florence. The train station is 20 minutes away, and the trip to either city takes about an hour and a half, which makes for the perfect day trip. There are also dozens of villages within an hours drive or so. Each one has its own individual character, but all are charming, with delightful central piazzas with blooming flowers in window boxes, at least one pizzaria or ristaurante with outside seating, local residents going about their daily business, and a church dating back to the middle ages. It would take weeks to see them all.
But the ultimate is to have Iside (ah SEE day), the master chef from La Pirolina, the Michelin star rated restaurant just 2 miles from the house, come to the residence and give you a personal cooking lesson. From the simplest of ingredients and fresh herbs and vegetables from the garden not 50 feet away from the kitchen, she will prepare a meal for you that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Thank you, Patrizio (architect/owner) for creating this beautiful estate home. This was a vacation like no other. We will savor it and talk about it for years, and our children will talk about it for years after that. "Do you remember when we were in Tuscany..."
We will be back.
