The Place
‘Such a healing, calm place’ says a trusted reporter, ‘we go back year after year’.
It’s a recently renovated, unassuming farm-house (usefully located between Lucca and Florence) that belies a high level of comfort and meticulous attention to detail. New to the guide this edition, this is agriturismo done as well as it can be done – a real discovery.
Nothing is too much trouble but the welcome is never intrusive. Emilio, Sara, children and cats greet you in a warm and relaxed manner that makes guests feel part of a family. Sustainability is the enterprise’s middle name. The grounds provide organic vegetables for the table plus organic wine, honey, olives, beans and jams, all for sale to guests. Breakfast, a simple lunch and occasionally dinner are served in the adjoining converted outhouse, The Hut. A small trattoria with reasonable prices is in the hamlet just up the hill.
Each of the eight bedrooms has its unique home-like character and there’s a comfortable sitting room-library. The house gives way to rambling gardens with wild flowers and olive groves and a lovely view over the surrounding hills and the valley below. Relax on a lounger next to the elegant infinity pool, or use the bowling alley.
There’s a small childrens’ playground and an easy walk down to the donkeys and chickens. Walking or cycling in the surrounding hills could keep you busy for days, or there are cooking classes or you can help Sara with her bee hives or Emilio in the winery.