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> SlowTrav > Italy > Vacation Rentals > Reviews > Tuscany North Review 1461: Tuscany Net, Il Cigliere
2bed/2bath cottage on a farm near Empoli, Tuscany North 
WhenOctober 2004, 1 week LocationA lovely drive out of Empoli just off the road to Vinci. Next to the owners house, but very private. Behind an electric gate, secure, and quiet. Surrounded by olive groves and some woods, but the views to the East and North were spectacular. Loved the area. For going into Florence, we would drive into Empoli, park at a lot that was free for the day and take the train. Drives from Il Cigliere were to Vinci (8k, Lucca, Pisa, San Gigmignano, Sienna) all easy to get to as long as you know what exit to take. Nearby AmenitiesThere was a small grocery store about 5 minutes away towards Empoli that was fine for staples and a COOP about another 5 minutes further on. Car is needed although there is a bus stop 5 minutes away by foot. Restaurants around in all directions, but mostly we ate dinner at home from food we bought at the market in Florence. The House/ApartmentIt's an old chicken coop that has been fabulously renovated. The owners have created a magical place with modern furniture, I think, mostly from IKEA, but oh so comfortable. This is the only apartment on the property and very very quiet. Two wonderful cats to keep us company especially when we missed ours at home. GardenThe outside setting was simply amazing. First, just off the kitchen is a loggia with a small table for morning coffee. Here you could sit and watch the sunrise and the start of the day. Then steps down to another patio area and more steps down to a large patio with a wonderful stone barbeque. Just the perfect spot for beefsteak Florentine! No pool, but because there's only one apartment, it's like owning your own house! Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living AreasThe furniture was comfortable and in great shape. Plenty of space for the 2 of us. Everything was spotless. Bedrooms/BathroomsOur bedroom upstairs was simply devine. A large very comfortable bed not too hard with plenty of ventilation on all sides. The upstairs bath was complete 5 piece and the tub was a jacuzzi for 2! Downstairs, the bath was just as nice but with a shower stall. KitchenSmall but well stocked. 4 burner stove top, microwave, small fridge, teapot, coffeemaker, toaster and pantry. Cooked some great meals there. Problems or BonusesThe best surprise was that it far surpassed the description on the website. We were blown away by the grace and elegance of it. A perfect place for our honeymoon. The only bad surprise was finding that the last train back to Empoli from Florence left at 11:15 (23:15). After walking from the Opera House to the train station to find it closed, we ended up spending most of the night in an all night McDonalds. Never, never thought I'd appreciate McDonalds! But it was also the funniest night of the trip! Agency and Representatives (and price)The agency was prompt and accurate in charges. Handled everything by the internet. We were there on off season (mid October) and the price was especially nice, about $650 for the week. Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?Absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants to see the Northern part of Tuscany including Florence. This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com. |
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