Enjoyed Most:
The villa was spectacular, even better than the photos. The grounds and surrounding areas were beautiful. It has been recently renovated and the owner spared no expense. The bathrooms, kitchen, decor was all perfect. Air conditioning was a huge plus, I don't think I'd rent a villa without it, since the bugs and mosquitoes are plentiful, especially in the evening. Another plus with the villa is that all bedrooms, with the exception of one that had twin beds, were equal in size with king beds and attached baths. There was no master suite, so to speak, so it made it very nice for all the guests. Everyone liked their rooms and no one felt cheated. A nice thing especially if your sharing with several couples. The linens were high quality, as were the pillows, etc. Hair dryers were provided, along with bath and beach towels. They did have soap, but it was liquid, so we did purchase our own bar soap for the showers.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The location is great. It is not too remote which made it nice for many day excursions. Pisa, Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano, and the Chianti wine country are all very do-able from the villa. A week is not too long, however, many days we just relaxed by the pool enjoying our long wine-filled lunches, and only ventured into Lucca in the evenings. Within walking distance, there is a great casual restaurant with a very charming owner who was willing to prepare items for us to take back to the villa if we wanted. I can't really think of anything negative to say. It was a truly fabulous week!!!
Tips or Restaurants:
What made our experience even more special was Bartek, the caretaker/chef. He was charming, helpful, and also a great cook. He did his best to accommodate anything we threw his way from cooking special meals, to grocery shopping for us, suggesting restaurants, setting up wine tours, etc. His knowledge and great disposition certainly made our trip memorable. I can't say enough nice things about him. There is a washer and dryer, however it takes twice as long as in the States. don't know why We did 2 loads and it took all day, however, the maid is certainly willing to help you out with that.
Elyce, July
Enjoyed Most:
The location, garden, pool and house are all beautiful.
Enjoyed Least:
If you want diversity in activities, this place has a lot to offer. The beach, mountains, Lucca, Florence and Pisa are all within reach. This part of Tuscany is busy, however, with a lot of traffic. Not easy for biking. It was suggested to us that the southern part of Tuscany is more remote and has more rural roads for cycling.
Surrounding Area:
There is a lot to do in the area. Very easy to fill a week.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Vorno is 1 block away. Lucca is a 15 minute drive.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring your credit card and pin number. It is easier to get euros from money machines that are everywhere than it is to be at the bank during their hours.
Shirley, July
Overall:
This is a wonderful property with a wonderful owner and excellent staff. It is an ideal place from which to explore Tuscany. It is easy access to A11 and Florence as well as to the beach. Lucca is a great, great town and you could spend days wandering and shopping and listening to the summer concert series there. It would be hard to imagine a nicer villa - but n.b. that this is an elegant property with antiques and formal spaces, it is not a cozy farmhouse, but a serious villa. Nevertheless our young children of 8 and 6 loved it there.
Enjoyed Most:
Everything.
Enjoyed Least:
It would be helpful for the property to have a clothes dryer.
Surrounding Area:
Lucca is one of our favorite towns, now. The walk through the back gate into Vorno is charming and a wonderful way to walk to and from dinner at Il Bimbetto in Vorno.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Vorno. Yes - down a fragrant path next to a vineyard and olive orchard. Vorno has one establishment that serves as bar, restaurant and corner store and a church.
Tips or Restaurants:
Il Bimbetto is wonderful in Vorno - you could eat there many nights as much for the food as the walk to and from - the owner is Italian-born but raised in Ohio - many Americans seem to eat here regularly. Lucca has a number of nice restaurants that are very convenient to the villa - the best being Buca di S. Antonio. La Mescita in Pisa is a great restaurant but no English is spoken and it is hard to find. Gelateria Venezia is the best gelato in Lucca. Remember to pack toiletries and call in advance to have the refrigerator stocked and wine purchased.
Derek, July