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Review 2276: Le Manzinaie, Le Viole

www.lemanzinaie.it

Recommended
Review by Donna from IL

apartments on an estate near Montepulciano, Tuscany South

When

July 15 to July 22, 2006, One week

Location

Le Manzinaie is in the countryside near Montepulciano. The owners have worked to develop a lovely setting in which to enjoy the area. The screening trees and bushes, as well as the flowers, give it a great sense of privacy. Nearby there are many towns of historic interest to compete with the scenery. We attended an Italian language school in Montepulciano every morning. (The school is Il Sasso and we highly recommend it.)

Nearby Amenities

You do need a car to get around in the area, although Fiore offered our grandson the use of a bike any time he wanted to go for a ride.

The House/Apartment

We stayed in the separate house, Le Viole, which I am probably spelling wrong. It was wonderful. We have stayed in many apartments in Europe and know not to expect all the modern conveniences, but here they are. There's even a microwave. Lovely bathrooms. Stenciled walls and little touches that make the place special. No air conditioning, of course, but the living area and both bedrooms have ceiling fans which combined with the thick walls keep things under control heat-wise. In addition to the main house there are apartments on the ground level of the main house. I believe they have four or five other apartments there. We talked with all the people staying there and they all seemed quite pleased. One couple from Canada had been there for five weeks.

Garden

The house has its own garden area screened by bushes with a table on a patio. All around are lawn and flowers and the pool area, which is screened by greenery. The pool was exceptionally nice. Large and clean, with chairs and umbrellas.

Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living Areas

The furniture was in good shape, attractive, sturdy wooden pieces typical of country life, blending together for a very pleasant feeling. The house was very clean. While there was a table in the kitchen, we tended to eat out on the patio when we ate in.

Bedrooms/Bathrooms

The beds were very comfortable, the rooms were decorated with style and heart, and the bathrooms were first rate.

Kitchen

I used the kitchen to cook several meals. It worked fine. The refrigerator is the typical smaller than monster size, but very functional for one's needs.

Problems or Bonuses

We just loved the proprietors. Marsia, Fiore and their daughter Alice made one feel at home and well cared for, all without making it look like an effort. They hosted a huge dinner for all the guests on Monday which helped us all to get to know one another, as well as not having to eat for several meals thereafter. They even offered to help us with our Italian lessons. Fortunately, we did not have much homework. They gave the guests free run of their vegetable garden for really fresh additions to meals.

Agency and Representatives (and price)

We booked directly with Le Manzinaie. They spoke English very well. The prices were exactly what was quoted.

Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?

We would stay here again in a heartbeat. We are already talking about next year. It is a very special place. Honest.

Things to do in this area

We were in classes in Montepulciano until 1:30 p.m. so we only got to Pienza and then Florence on the weekend. We went for a country hike from Montepulciano to Montefollinico with the school and also had an Italian cooking class.

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.

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