Stunning location and views, lovely property, wonderful hosts
This was, without doubt, the nicest property we have stayed in in Italy! The apartment itself was small but beautifully presented, spotlessly clean and very well equipped. The views from the terrace were amazing - right across the valley and with ever-changing light. This was a great base to explore a hidden part of Tuscany not many people discover - but the best part was meeting Stuart and Helen, who were wonderful hosts. They were informative, attentive and friendly, making us feel welcome and giving us hints and tips throughout the week. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our stay in this wonderful place, and cannot recommend it highly enough.
If you want a total chill out, look no further. From the first communication, through planning and pre-ordering our specific larder; to arrival, greeting, chatting over a bottle or two of wine; right through information, laundry and departure, Stuart and Helen couldn't have been more helpful, accommodating and delightful.
As to the apartment, it's perfect. Small but perfectly formed with everything needed for a relaxing holiday. Great shower, really comfortable bed, fully equipped kitchen, lovely sitting out area.
Finally the view - unrivalled is the only word for it.
I've run out of adjectives so that'll have to do :)
We hope to return here, and rarely do that!
Jenny and Gordon
We loved our stay at this property. The owners were friendly and helpful, always willing to offer advice.
Everything we needed was available to us, and the offer of a starter pack of the shopping we needed to start us off after a long trip was very useful, and enabled us to just chill out and enjoy the view s on the first day.
The property is a little remote from the nearest town, but with easy accessibility to several lovely places. This property is one we would certainly return to, and indeed hope we will next year.
Loved Stuart's & Helen's place. Slightly tucked away in the hillside, but we'll worth it. The accomodation was more than we expected, having stayed around Tuscany before. Host's were excellent, giving help or letting us relax as we wanted. We are going to try our utmost to return as soon as possible. Met their dog, Reggie, and a real lovable / crazy character, who lovely when he gets to know you. We loved the apartment, well meeting our needs. Thank you Stuart & Helen for our brilliant 10 nights with you & would highly recommend this stay.
We had a fabulous week enjoying the accommodation and hospitality provided by Helen and Stuart - friendly but never intrusive. Loved the apartment and the area. Lots of places to visit in easy reach but no need to leave the valley if tranquility is what you want. The view really is as good as it looks in the photos: the apartment is even better! Perfect place to unwind.
D&C, Edinburgh
Stunning secluded location only a few minutes' drive to Pescia.
Our hosts, Helen & Stuart left the UK in 2014 to start a new life in Tuscany. They purchased a 300 year old farmhouse, renovated it and somewhat tamed the 12 acres that came with it. They now as they put it "Live the dream" and sharing their dream was a real joy. The ground floor of the farmhouse is a self contained apartment, which has everything you need for an enjoyable stay. A bottle of wine, milk, bread, eggs and bottled water were provided for our arrival, the perfect welcome to the start of a wonderful holiday.
Chosen for its traditional simplicity and sun filled terrace with great views, Olive Farmhouse fulfilled our goal of not only a lovely place to relax but also within short drives of all the major towns and cities. Alternatively, there is a wide choice of hill walking or minor typically twisty Tuscan roads leading to gorgeous hilltop hamlets and occasional restaurants. We were greeted warmly by our hosts and over a glass or two of excellent local wine, enjoyed hearing their story of adventure making a new life in Tuscany. Enjoy!
Perfect place to explore fascinating Northern Tuscany. Amazing valley with ten spectacular hill towns. Then a handy local station to park the hire car and arrive via air conditioned train to the centre of Lucca, Florence,
Pisa, Siena etc. Small but very well equipped private appartment to enjoy fab views, church bells and lovely clear mountain air. Great hosts, who couldnt do enough if asked but entirely respected our privacy, friendly locals and easy to escape from the tourist trail. We would thoroughly recommend it.
Stayed here twice already, and be back out there in a couple of weeks.apartment is lovely and has everything in it that you could possibly need, even a safe at no extra charge which is a big bonus. The owners are so accommodating , nothing is too much trouble, right down to pick ups to and from airports at a very reasonable charge, so if you do not want to hire a car this is a great service. The views are beautiful, nothing nicer than to sit outside with a nice glass of wine and just soak these views up, easy enough to get trains to several lovely places. Looking forward to my next visit.
We spent a couple of weeks in July/August 2014. We'd had some email correspondence with Stuart the owner as we were to be their first guests! We drove down through France to a warm welcome, a kitchen full of the essentials and food to last us until we could get to the shops. Stuart and Helen were the perfect hosts and helped us with local knowledge so we could plan visits and shopping with ease. The apartment was tastefully decorated and very comfortable with the space well thought out and very functional. The surrounding countryside and villages are beautiful and a trip into Lucca and Florence are a must. Going again? You bet.
Perfect location for a perfect family holiday this is second time we have visited Italy but the first time with our two year boy. What a treat, picked up for on the airport and driven back to the apartment. Quaint and very well decorated this apartment had everything and more you could ever need. Owners also provided milk, water and OJ as we arrived to late to visit the supermarket, they also provided a travel cot to save on the amount of toddler paraphernalia we had to bring already. We woke in the morning after a very comfortable nights sleep to the most stunning views of the hills opposite and the valley beneath, perfect.
We spent our week visiting the local towns and villages, eating and drinking the most amazing food and wine. Our son was well catered for, exploring the 12 acres of land surrounding the farmhouse and helping out with the animals living there too, a little boys dream We'll be going back for sure, to do all the things we've not had time to do. We'll be booking soon as not surprisingly I hear they are getting booked up already. Great prices and location makes this a place not to miss.
Qui vous reçoit ?
Vous ĂȘtes reçu par Stuart Smith
After holidaying in Tuscany for many years (and getting married in Siena in 2012), my wife and I moved to rural Tuscany in spring 2014 for a complete change in lifestyle. We left an office job and a plastering career to attempt to live a more self-sufficient life on an old olive farm. Life since our move has certainly had lots of challenges, but the rewards are great and we love our little piece of Italy.
After many years of holidaying in the south of Tuscany, we found this part of the region when on holiday near Lucca. What we love about the area is that, while close to the wonderful famous sights of Tuscany, it is a little way off the beaten track and further from the crowds. While Florence, Lucca and Pisa are all under an hour away, we also have the benefits of living in the foothills of the mountains, with beautiful scenery, cycling and walking opportunities from our door, and even a ski resort a little over an hour away..
While our property is tranquil and secluded, the village of Pietrabuona - with pharmacy, post office, restaurant and grocery shop - is just minutes away, and we are just 6km from the town of Pescia with all the amenities of a larger town (including rail links to Florence and Pisa). We are very happy to share our local knowledge with guests.