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> SlowTrav > Italy > Vacation Rentals > Reviews > Tuscany North Review 3054: Sea and Country Villas, Il Castelletto
6bed/6bath villa near Massa, Tuscany North WhenAugust 2007, 1 week LocationThe villa is located on a hillside overlooking the town of Massa and then further on, the Mediterranean sea. It is in a secluded location with a beautiful view. The only drawback was the town of Massa was not very appealing for tourists and it was a lengthy drive down the hillside and through the town of Massa to get to the autostrada to other towns and locations. Nearby AmenitiesNo nearby amenities - you need to drive approximately 10 minutes to a grocery store or other shops. The House/ApartmentYes, the villa is a restored 14th century watchtower for the nearby Malaspina Castle. The villa is in impeccable shape, gorgeously renovated with an indoor elevator and all modern amenities including six beautiful bathrooms with lovely Italian tiles. The location is wonderfully peaceful and quiet, on a private gated property with a few other private homes nearby which are not visible to the villa. GardenThere is a gorgeous outdoor gathering place with seating and dining tables large enough to accommodate our family of 11, covered by a lovely awning to allow remaining outside in any weather, also a private pool with gorgeous views and an outdoor hot tub (which unfortunately was not hot). Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living AreasThe house is absolutely beautifully furnished, clean, lovely, filled with gorgeous antiques. The owner has impeccable taste. Bedrooms/BathroomsThe bedrooms are lovely and most beds are very comfortable with one or two a bit soft. There are six bedrooms and six bathrooms so there were obviously ample bathrooms, all lovely. KitchenThe kitchen, though not large, is perfectly functional with top of the line appliances and ample supplies. We used the kitchen every day and a private cook came and prepared delicious meals for us in the kitchen. Problems or BonusesThe only surprises were good - the villa is even more gorgeous than the pictures reveal on the website. The location was a slight drawback but as you can see, we were extremely delighted with this villa and would recommend it wholeheartedly. The owner is warm and helpful. We can't say enough good things! Agency and Representatives (and price)The agency was perfectly helpful, spoke English and represented the villa well. Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?Obviously - yes! You do need a car and to feel comfortable driving on winding roads (though by no means treacherous), and be prepared to travel good distances by car to get to locations for sightseeing (though there are many fabulous places to visit in under an hour's driving). Things to do in this areaThere are many wonderful towns to visit, the beach at Forte di Marmi (20 minutes), the Cinque Terre, lovely towns in the Apuane Alps and other gorgeous towns of the Italian Riviera. There is obviously also the many Tuscan towns not far, Lucca, Siena, Florence. If willing to get in your car and go, you'll never be able to visit all the wonderful towns nearby. Don't forget to walk or drive to the nearby Malaspina Castle! This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com. |
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