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> SlowTrav > Italy > Vacation Rentals > Reviews > Tuscany Chianti Review 4319: La Pietra Grezza, Lilac Apartment
2bed/1.5bath apartment near Cellai, Tuscany Chianti WhenOctober 5-12, 2009, one week LocationThis comfortable apartment is located in a beautiful Tuscan farmhouse, which is very nicely restored, about eight miles south east of Florence - a perfect launching point for traveling to all of the beautiful Chianti villages. We visited Florence, Greve, Radda, Siena, Castellina. San Gimigiano, Lucca and Arrezo - all within a 20 to 60 minute drive - and the driving was as beautiful as any we have done in USA or Europe. The apartment has amazing views of the Tuscan countryside from apartment windows and commanding vistas of the Chianti region from the yard. It is quiet, somewhat isolated (in a good way)and very comfortable. Nearby AmenitiesA car is needed (unless you are a hiker)as the farmhouse is about one mile up a beautiful winding road that reaches the elevation needed for the wonderful views. The drive up to the house is on a twisty, fairly steep one lane road so good clutch skills will be needed on a standard transmission car. There are small food stores within a few miles, restaurants within 15 minutes. Access to Florence is via 20 minute drive or by taking a bus at the bottom of the hill (a mile from the house), which may be preferred choice because of the lack of parking in Florence. The House/ApartmentThe apartment furnishings, beds, appliances (dishwasher and clothes dryer) kitchen were all very adequate - nothing fancy but all you would need for a short or long stay is there. Very clean, well cared for. Just one other apartment in the house plus the owner, Alberto Pigani's apartment. There is another house nearby, which does not detract form the peacefulness and privacy of this apartment. GardenThere is a beautiful private outside patio with grill, table, umbrella. No view but pull your chair around the corner of the house and you look at most of Chianti. Spectacular stars. Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living AreasThe furniture was all you would want, in good shape, comfortable, nothing fancy but plenty of space to spread out. There were only two of us so the space was way more than adequate. The place would be ideal for two couples. Bedrooms/BathroomsBedroom were good sized, comfortable beds, beautiful views out of each, plenty of closet space. KitchenWe cooked four dinners there and found everything we needed including graters, sieves, tomato crushers, etc. Pots and pans are well broken in but work fine. Nice to have dishwasher. Problems or BonusesWe told Alberto he needs to get a WiFi set up - it is, unfortunately, essential for many travelers. The major bonus is Alberto, the owner. He is friendly, welcoming, always available and is truly committed to making your stay enjoyable. We asked a lot of him and he helped us cheerfully and with good humor - a great ambassador for the region! We felt the rates were very reasonable for such a nice place. Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?We would go out of our way to stay here again and have already recommended it to friends. If you want to experience Tuscany at its best at a reasonable cost, this is a great place. Things to do in this areaVirtually all of the villages and cities from Florence through the Chianti region are easily reachable, and the connection to the A-1 is about 10 minutes away. This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com. |
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