Vacation Rentals by Owner

Great cooking lesson, bad road.

Guest: Lorrie B.
Date of Stay: 05/02/12 Review Submitted: 05/20/12

We stayed in the two apartments for 11 nights in May 2012. We appreciated the many services Lella provides for a fee. The cooking lesson was hands-on and phenomenal. We really enjoyed the beauty of the Tuscan hills. I appreciated having Lella take my parents to church and a bit of sight-seeing while my husband and I took the day on our own. We did wish we had known in advance that the farmhouse is up a narrow road, with several hairpin turns, and a few blind curves, no streetlights and no guardrail. I suppose it is part of the charm of staying on a local farm instead of in a more touristy area, but my husband was afraid to drive the road at night which limited our dinner options. Also, it would be wise to have Lella cook a delicious meal for you the first night, as there are no supplies and you will need to shop at the nearby supermarket as soon as possible. Overall, we had a very nice trip.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers

Fantastic pasta lesson

Guest: Robyn (Kentucky, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/26/12 Review Submitted: 05/03/12

My family and I loved the cozy farm house, the convenient location for day trips throughout Tuscany, but the highlight of the trip was the pasta lesson.

Owner response:thank you Robyn !

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

We could not stay because the house was booked, but Lella arranged a gluten free cooking lesson

Guest: lisa r. (Upstate New York)
Date of Stay: 03/31/12 Review Submitted: 05/04/12

Lella was so generous with her time and her talent! She spent her day off teaching my adult son and myself how to make three different pastas and two different focacias from beginning to end, as well as the traditional chestnut cake. Maybe it was even a little too generous for one lesson. Making pasta and baked good without gluten is no easy trick, but Lella has done research and has invaluable experience. It was fun, a great lesson and delicious. Her welcoming home is in a beautiful area in the mountains north of Lucca. It's a little challenge to get there if you are traveling by public transport, but worth it! I would recommend it unreservedly!

Recommended for:

A Cosy Farmhouse 20 minutes from Lucca

Guest: Janet and Jennifer (New Mexico)
Date of Stay: 10/28/11 Review Submitted: 11/13/11

We stayed ten days at this cosy farmhouse and thoroughly enjoyed it. The setting is beautiful, the owner could not be more helpful and the apartments (the four of us rented both apartments) were comfortable and had everything we needed. It is not a fancy place. The rooms are small and the furnishings are plain, but it really has the feeling of a country refuge. It was perfect for four people. Though it can sleep more, we found the common rooms quite crowded when we actually had three visitors, for a total of seven people, for several days. We enjoyed our cooking lesson with Lella and highly reccomend it. Also, Leela had a delicious meal with home grown produce and local wine waiting for us when we arrived two hours late the first night. We all loved the long walks through the countryside in the company of the resident Newfoundland-type dog,Tino. This is a good location for day visits to Lucca and Pisa, but I would not reccomend it as a base for visiting Siena, San Gemignano, etc because it is too long a drive. Be aware that it will take 20 minutes or more to drive the 11 miles to Lucca because the road is very narrow and winding--not a task for a timid driver. One other point. My husband is in a wheelchair and it is very difficult to find a place in Tuscany that is accessible. Many places claim to be handicapped accessible but aren't. Abbaca-la really is. Thanks Lella, for everything.

Owner response:Thank you so much, it was really a pleasure to have you here.I look forward to meeting you again Lella

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, sightseeing.

Our stay

Guest: katie (australia)
Date of Stay: 10/01/11 Review Submitted: 11/20/11

We were fortunate to stay with Lella and her family at this magnificent farm house. Our stay was from 1st Oct - 6th Oct 2011. Our family of 4 had a lovely time and we cannot recommend this property highly enough. My daughter is in a wheelchair so we had both apartments for accessibility. For anyone considering staying who is in a wheelchair you will be pleasantly surprised by the trouble Lella has gone to for making your stay easy and memorable. The beautiful scenery, the lovely ambience and the property as a whole was remarkable. The highlight of my children's whole time in Italy was the night we had a cooking lesson with Lella and Tino ( the dog!!)

Owner response:Thank you Kate, I hope to see you, Emma and the rest of the family again at our farmhouse ! ciao Lella

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

True Tuscan experience and Bonus: we adopted another sister!

Guest: linda d5 (NJ)
Date of Stay: 09/23/11 Review Submitted: 12/12/11

My pretrip visions of what I hoped Tuscany to be were far exceeded by our experience at Abbacca-la the last week of September--rolling hills with beautiful vineyards & olive groves. wineries, quaint villages, ancient cities, amazing art in Fierenze & in the cathedrals we visited, mountains in the distance, clean air, fantastic food. The apartments provided plenty of room for 4 adult "girls" (not one argument between 2 sets of sisters!) & adequate (not modern), very clean facilities. Lella became our little "sister", driving us anywhere we wanted, showing immense patience when we couldn't make decisions, helping us really see & experience Tuscany, and her proud heritage. I can't say enough to praise her cooking, driving skills, pleasant personality and English language communication. We saw so much more with Lella as our guide, than we ever could have done on our own. She truly made "our" Tuscany the best! The only drawback I can think of--you must be prepared for a 20 min drive to & from the highway (beautiful scenery on the way) every time you go anywhere & you will need God to find Abbacca-la in the dark. Would also suggest a few more towels be provided. Very minor criticisms, considering the wonderful week we had. If I could give 10 stars, I would!

Owner response:Thank you so much Susan, hoping to see you again very soon

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

B from Wisconsin,USA

Guest: B from Wisconsin (West Bend, WI, USA)
Date of Stay: 09/13/11 Review Submitted: 11/30/11

We spent a delightful week in mid-September at Abbaccala farm house. Lella was extremely helpful with her excellant English skills. She gave us wonderful suggestions for local eating establisments and our pizzia-making experience was great fun. She also helped us with reservations for a winery not too far away and suggested a visit to a local Villa. A hike up the mountain above the farm to the Roman catheral bombed out during W.W. II was one of the highlights of our stay. By the time we left we also were beginning to figure out the road signs and felt quite accomplished making the hairpin turns up the mountain to the farm. It was a perfect Tuscany experience.

Owner response:Thank you for staying with us Lella

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+.

Abbacca - la is a great place to stay when visiting all around the area.

Guest: Matt (Minneapolis, Minnesota USA)
Date of Stay: 08/29/11 Review Submitted: 11/13/11

We enjoyed the peaceful and beautiful area surrounding Abbacca - la during a weeklong stay. We visited Florence, Tuscany and the beaches - it's a great place to base from. The location is among hillside vineyards that produce tasty table wine. It's high enough on the hillside to be cool at night throughout the summer months. Ask for dinner and a cooking class of any type. Their dog, Tino, is wonderful. We'd go back to stay again.

Owner response:Thank you so much, and I ant to let you know next time you'llfind a new puppy at the farmhouse because Tino is now a dad ! ciao Lella

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful Italian country retreat

Guest: Dave (Rhode-saint-Genese, belgium)
Date of Stay: 08/20/11 Review Submitted: 11/14/11

My wife and I visited with our 3 young sons (10, 7 and 4). We were a bit nervous with activites for the boys, but we ended up having a fabulous time. Lella was great and the cooking lessons were fabulous. The whole family enjoyed making the pasta, but enjoyed eating it even more. It was a fabulous location and we could not have asked for a better hostess. Thank you Lella!!! Very convenient location to see the beauty of Tuscany. Don't hesitate to ask Lella for suggestions and recommendations. The Johnson's

Owner response:Thank you so much, and I ant to let you know next time you'llfind a new puppy at the farmhouse because Tino is now a dad ! ciao Lella

Recommended for:Families with young children, sightseeing.

Two weeks of real life

Guest: Olga (USA)
Date of Stay: 08/15/11 Review Submitted: 11/13/11

My seven-year-old daughter and I spent two wonderful weeks at Lella's house. I love to travel but this was the first time I dared to take a kid with me. It was certainly a different type of vacation compared to the ones I am used to while traveling with adult friends if mine. However, Lella's place was the ideal property for this kind of adventure. Plenty of easy to reach day-trip destinations intertwined with just slow and relaxed days at Abbacca-la. We are so fond of our memories of Lella's cooking classes! I got my kid to eat tomatoes after all!! I thought that was an impossible task!! Biking Lucca's ramparts was another favorite. She learned how to handle a two-wheel bike as a result of this trip. Tuscany with its charming villages, thermal baths at Bagni di Lucca, Pisa, seashore, peaceful vineyards are all within reach. And please, don't be scared of the road that leads to the house. Look at it as a part of adventure.It only seems bad the first couple of days. At the end of our first week I could have a glass of wine and get up there in no time. Pay for automatic transmission if you are not comfortable with a stick and you will be fine. Thank you Lella for the wonderful time we've had, you attention, and genuine warmth we felt while at Abbacca-la. And yes, looking at the pictures, I can't help but think - "It is time to learn how to work to live, not live to work" :)

Owner response:Dear Olga and Taya,thank you for your nice review. I'm happy if you could appreciate "It is time to learn how to work to live, not live to work" staying at "Abbacca-là"...... hoping to see you soon again Lella

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

gluten free cooking lessons with very friendly cook

Guest: Sira (Holland)
Date of Stay: 08/01/11 Review Submitted: 11/14/11

I had a lovely week near Lucca with Lella. She is very friendly and helpful. I stayed there on my own and can really recommend it if you are a solo traveler and like time on your own. When she organized a cooking class for the other guests, she invited to join in. I have a strict gluten free and lactose free diet and that was no problem at all,... in Italy! We made a perfect pizza and baked foccacio's and roasted vegetables in her wonderfull wood heated outdoor pizza oven. Also the chestnut pie was lovely. It was a great experience in a very peaceful place.

Owner response:thank you Sietske ! Lella

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect family get-away; peaceful; cultural experience; relaxing

Guest: Julie (Scotland)
Date of Stay: 07/30/11 Review Submitted: 08/16/11

We are already trying to figure out if we can return next year! Our kids played in the (small) pool every day, we drove every morning into the neighbouring villages, pizza lessons with Lella was a true highlight, local town Lucca is the perfect Tuscan city (not as jammed as Florence, but near to it!), small fruit farmers with roadside stands everywhere, an hour to the Mediterranean, ten minutes to pebbly rivers (good for rock throwing). Our best Italian stay, ever. Not super-luxury, but better than that: true, local, authentic. Lella and Piero make their home your own.

Recommended for:Families with young children, romantic getaway.

Home away from Home!

Guest: Stuart (Fairfax, CA USA)
Date of Stay: 07/20/11 Review Submitted: 01/15/12

Our first words when we arrived was "This is Perfect" and boy was it. There wasn't one detail missed, this home felt magical, authentic and beautiful. This was our families first trip to Italy and we picked a winner! The only thing wrong was that we should have booked two weeks we would have loved that. One week wasn't enough. We fell in love with Lella and her family. They are so kind and very special good people. We enjoyed our hot cappuccino and breakfast each day delicious home made yogurt. The views are breathe taking out the bedroom windows. We were lead by the giant black love dog "Tino" on many wonderful hikes. Our two teenage children enjoyed there newly found family friends. The cooking class was priceless! So special and tasty! We enjoy making semi-frado for dessert now that we are home in California. We even make homemade pasta, thanks to Lella's receipt and great lesson. Be sure to ask for restaurant suggestions "Erasmo'" We did lots of day trips and always looked forward to our return to our home away from home. We even got to enjoy a family dinner in the authentic Italian kitchen with the whole family very special memories.

Owner response:Dear Michelle, thank you so much for your kind review! you know that your new "Italian family" is waiting for next stay....

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful Tuscan Farmhouse! Wonderful People!

Guest: Alana (Zuni, NM)
Date of Stay: 07/12/11 Review Submitted: 11/02/11

My husband and I had a great time staying here for 4 nights. It is quiet and peaceful and beautiful. It is about a 20 minute drive to Lucca (down a very twisty road) and Lucca was by far one of our favorite spots in Italy! Lella is delightful and her cooking lesson was inspirational. The pool was very refreshing too. We would love to go back to Abbaca-La some day.

Owner response:Thank you Alana, I hope to see you soon !

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Eccellente!

Guest: Iowa 6 (Ames, Iowa via Edinburgh Scotland)
Date of Stay: 06/22/11 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

Our family of 6 greatly enjoyed our stay at Abbacca-la from June 22-29, 2011. The agriturismo is located high in the hills of Tuscany and proved to be a wonderful location to relax and to explore Pisa, Lucca, Barga, Florence and the Cinque Terre. The old stone renovated farmhouse is nicely furnished with quaint bedrooms, beamed ceilings and comfortable beds. There is a nicely appointed farm kitchen with inside and outside dining areas. The property offers plenty of stunning views of the surrounding picturesque countryside. The sunsets were beautiful. We all enjoyed cooling off in the above-ground pool and in the distance are the ruins of a 14th century pilgrim church. There is a large, friendly, mellow dog named Tino who roams the property. Our children affectionately called him Aslan and we all enjoyed his company. The owner, Lella, is a delightful person, who speaks wonderful English and is helpful with travel advice. Our only regret is that we did not have time enough to sample her cooking. We would definitely recommend this property.

Owner response:thank you !!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wish I was still there!!

Guest: Mary (NY)
Date of Stay: 06/14/11 Review Submitted: 06/24/11

Abbacca La is a charming, comfortable farmhouse with incredible views that make you feel that your home right away. The rooms are clean, comfortable, well maintained and fairly large. It is located on a small mountain with magnificent views yet within a short drive to Lucca. The description and pictures were accurate (although I didn't realize the road up to the farmhouse would be as steep and narrow as it was!) The owner, Lella, was friendly, gracious and provided us excellent meals (including wonderful olives grown on the farm and homemade jams) as well as a cooking lesson. She demonstrated incredible patience with us when we had our cooking lesson. The ravioli was delicious in spite of our clumsy attempts. Our stay at the farmhouse was an ideal vacation. The stone cottage provided a peaceful setting and relief from the heat. It was great to see the incredible views of the mountains while cooling off in the pool. And we did day trips to Lucca, Florence, Pisa and Barga. (Thanks for recommending Barga to us we enjoyed it, Lella) Lella’s dog, Tino, is the friendliest, sweetest, dog ever. I miss him already! (Lella if you if ever want to send him to NY, please let me know. LOL) I would recommend this eco-friendly farmhouse to anyone who wants a retreat and yet have the ability to see the nearby sites of Lucca, Pisa, and other cities.

Owner response:Dear Jetta,thank you so much for staying at our farmhouse and for this great review ! I hope you can come back soon Lella

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Stay at a Great Property

Guest: New Yorker (New York)
Date of Stay: 04/15/11 Review Submitted: 05/25/11

Stayed at Abbacca-là with our two kids. Had a great stay. The big apartment is nice and cosy and was perfect for our family. It is not a fancy place, but very practical, clean, and perfect place for a visit for a family. The area is beautiful and this house is a great base for visiting Lucca and the area. The host, Lella, is great. She helped us figure out what to do and where to visit, the breakfasts are great and the whole experience is fun. Will definitely go back there next time we are in the area.

Owner response:thank you for your nice review. It was nice to have you here and we look forward for your next stay Lella

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

A meaningful experience

Guest: Julie Bower (New York)
Date of Stay: 04/07/11 Review Submitted: 04/25/11

We are a family who loves travelling , while visiting Tuscany, we bumped almost by chance into this enchanting place. It goes without saying that we have enjoyed one of the most breath-taking Italian landscape, but most importantly , you really enter into a fabulous natural world. The whole atmosphere is warm and cozy, we have been surrounded by a cheerful hospitality , not to mention Lella's delicious food . We have eaten exquisite local dishes and unforgettable home-made cakes, which seemed to me , to be truly honest , almost food for gods. No doubt we'll come back to find again such peace of mind and body .

Owner response:Dear Julie, thank you so much for your kind and unexpected words !!! It was really nice to have you here with your nice family and I hope (I'm sure) to meet you again one day Lella

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Abbacca-la well beyond expectations....

Guest: Bob (Maryland)
Date of Stay: 03/19/11 Review Submitted: 04/16/11

My wife and I and our two grown daughters spent 5 wonderful days at Agriturismo Abbacca-là late March 2011. We used the location as a base for visiting Lucca, Florence, Pisa, Siena, and Cinque Terre. We found and booked our stay at Abbacca-la on the internet, and overall, were very pleased and satisfied with the place relative to what we envisioned based on the web-site information. We stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment that was fully furnished and equipped to enjoy Tuscan life to its fullest. The comfortable beds were made with sheets that had been air dried in the fresh Tuscan sunshine. Everything was very clean, modern, and well-maintained. The back windows open to a picturesque scene of snow-capped mountains and fields. The house is set in the hills overlooking the walled city of Lucca in the town of Acquilea. For anyone conscious of our impact on the environment and 'green-living' Agriturismo Abbacca-la is the ideal destination for a relaxing vacation with minimal eco-impact but within easy reach of wonderous history, art, wine, cuisine and all the other trappings of life in Tuscany. Our hosts were exceedingly nice and friendly, and went the extra distance to do everything they could to make our visit as memorable and fun as anyone could want. The last evening of our stay we spent enjoying a cooking lesson given by the hostess and her husband. This evening of learning Italian cooking and conversation, amongst visits to Florence, Lucca, Siena, Pisa, and Cinque Terre, was the unanimous highlight of our stay at Agriturismo Abbacca-la. If cooking sumptuous food made from fresh ingredients, and a respect for healthy eating is of any interest at all, we highly recommend that you leave time for a cooking lesson at Agriturismo Abbacca-la. Comparing notes and recollections on the plane ride home, we all agreed that our stay at Agriturismo Abbacca-la would be one of a very small number of vacations and memories that we will hold dear forever.

Owner response:Dear Bob, it was really very nice to have you staying here with your nice family and I felt you were happy. Thank you so much for your beautiful review that anyway could surprise me Lella

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful apartment with amazing views

Guest: xchick (Brightwood, Oregon, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/28/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

We rented both apartments and found them to be very spacious (especially the bathroom upstairs.) Lella was very helpful with reservations and horseback riding and managed to squeeze in a pasta making class around our schedule. Since it's an apartment rental and not a hotel, we'd recommend getting provisions from the town before heading up the hill and making sure to find the place the first time before nightfall...it's a tricky road the first time. The resident Newfie, Tino, is the icing on the cake for making it feel like home.

Owner response:Thank you for your comment Lella

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Live life as a local in Tuscany but with expert guidance on food, wine and touring!

Guest: CaKaren (Folsom, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 11/20/10 Review Submitted: 12/04/10

Abbacca La is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Its location on top of a mountain is spectacular but yet you are only 10 minutes from Lucca. The owner, Lella, is very gracious and provided us with a spacious and comfortable apartment - there was even a dishwasher! She provides excellent meals and cooking lessons. Learning to make homemade pasta and tasting her recently harvested olives were the highlights of our trip. Lella also provided us with day trip ideas and maps for getting to and from a destination/ Her English is excellent so communicating was very easy. This is the second time I have stayed at an agritourismo accommodation in Tuscany. Abbacca La exceeded my expectations in that it provided more personal interaction with the owner and life in Tuscany. At the same time, the apartment provided total privacy to come and go as we pleased.

Owner response:Thank you Karen, I'm very pleased you enjoyed your stay at "Abbacca-là". I'm waiting for you again during your next visit to Tuscany ciao Lella

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Stay near Lucca

Guest: Tom (Reno, NV, USA)
Date of Stay: 11/03/10 Review Submitted: 11/25/10

Our group of two couples stayed with Lella, Piero and family in their attached appartments for a week in early November, 2010. It was, perhaps, the highlight of a month of highlights in Italy. The property is nestled in an agricultural area just minutes from the historic sites of Lucca. What a wonderfully comfortable accomodation in the scenic hills a few miles north of Lucca, a breath of fresh air literally and figuratively. The appartments are clean, comfortable, fully equipped and have beautiful views of the valley below and mountain and ruins opposite. Lella is a thoroughly gracious hostess who cooked one meal for us and gave us a cooking lesson for another evening meal. Their family dog, Tino, a particular favorite with all of us, keeps watch over the property but is really a big lap dop. You'll love him! Lella's is convenient to Lucca, Pisa, Cinque Terra and the lovely small mountain town of Barga but you will need a car to access these sites. There are scenic roads to walk, olive trees and vines, and a particularly delightful store/bar situated on the sharpest hair-pin turn imaginable about a mile below on the winding road from Lucca to Abbacca La. We all agree we can't remember having a better time than our days at Abbacca La and we highly recommend both Lella and this location. We traveled in the "off season" and we highly recommend that as well, weather still good and small crowds..

Owner response:Thanks !!! What a nice review, also Tino ( the dog) wants to thank you for your kindness I hope to see you gain one day Lella

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A bit of heaven

Guest: Steffi (Manorville, NY U.S.A.)
Date of Stay: 10/15/10 Review Submitted: 11/02/10

The description and previous review were very accurate. The location is centrally located in the Tuscany Region making travel to wonderful cities, towns and villages convenient (within 2 hours). Once you master the drive to Abbacca-la you can begin to take in the beauty of the landscape. Lella is a very gracious hostest and her cooking is fabulous. We really enjoyed our cooking lesson on our last evening. It was a great way to end a thoroughly enjoyable week. I highly recommend spending time in Lucca. I would have (if I had more time) enjoyed renting bicycles to tour all the cobblestone streets in this charming town. I highly recommend Abbacca-la as a comfortable, clean, central location for those who want to experience life in Tuscany.

Owner response:Dear Steffi, thank you for having choosen our farmhouse and for your kindness Lella

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Sisters Forever!

Guest: New Yorkers having fun in Phoenix (Western NY)
Date of Stay: 09/23/10 Review Submitted: 11/29/11

2 sets of sisters began our European vacation with a week stay at Abbacca-la September 23-30, 2011 - and what a wonderful week! From the moment she picked us up at the train station, our hostess, Lella, couldn't have been more gracious and accommodating. We rented both apartments and had way more than enough room - so pretty and quaint!! The views from the property and the surrounding areas were amazing! Lella also acted as our guide and driver for the week, and her service was worth every penny! We were able to relax without worrying about directions, train schedules,traffic, etc. Lella took us wherever we wanted to go and made great suggestions about our itinerary. Another bonus is Lella's cooking. DELICIOUS and convenient. We ate breakfast every day (yummy homemade yogurt, jams, bread - soooo good!) and Lella cooked us two wonderful dinners. We wanted to have a cooking lesson, but we simply ran out of time. The week went by so fast. We all want to go back sometime soon. After our stay in Tuscany, we went on a 12 day cruise to the Greek Isles. But, my favorite part of the journey was Abbacca-la. We would highly recommend this wonderful paradise, and you cannot go wrong with the driver-guide service. Lella, you are the best and you will be our sister forever! We love you! Your friends from Batavia & Syracuse, NY P.S. I wrote a review a year or so ago about a property we rented in Phoenix. Thus, the "nickname" referencing Phoenix. I was unable to change it. This property is near Lucca, Italy and it is fantastic!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Visiting in Tuscany

Guest: Buckeye (Dayton, OH USA)
Date of Stay: 09/14/10 Review Submitted: 10/25/10

The farmhouse is out in the countryside. It has beautiful views of the surrounding areas. It is not luxurious but is certainly very neat and clean. The owner could not have been nicer to us or more helpful. She rented a van and took us all over Tuscany from morning till night. Anywhere we wanted to go she made the arrangements and cheerfully took us. She was our interpreter and friend. Our trip would not have been nearly as wonderful without the owner taking care of us. We took the cooking lessons and had a great time making pizza and an Italian dessert. Her family helped out with the cooking in a wood burning oven outside. It was delicious. I would recommend it to anyone. I would definitely recommend staying at the "Abbacca-La Farmhouse to anyone. We were able to visit Lucca, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Sienna and many other beautiful sights from the farmhouse. The owner couldn't have been more helpful to us.

Owner response:Dear Buckeye, thank you. It is true we really had a great time together ! ciao Lella

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Lella was Amazing!

Guest: Sharon (Northern Ky/Greater Cincinnati Area)
Date of Stay: 09/14/10 Review Submitted: 10/21/10

Traveling with eight women would have been a challenge for anyone, but not Lella. It was truly a vacation for us, to leave everything to Lella. She was ready with a smile every morning to take us on a new adventure. Eating in Italy was so much fun, because Lella knew what each of us liked, and was able to order our meals with ease. I believe we sampled a little of EVERYTHING. We went to the popular tourist spots, shopped the local markets, suntanned on the beach, relaxed at an amazing outdoor hot spring/spa, and sampled the local food and wine. We visited the factory where Lella takes the olives she grows on the farm to make her own olive oil, which we used during the wonderful cooking lesson we all enjoyed on our last day. The farmhouse is nestled in the Tuscany hillside with peaceful, country roads to walk, and an amazing view of the mountains. If you want to experience the REAL Italy - THIS IT IT! Call Lella! Ciao, Sharon

Owner response:Dear Sharon, thank you so much for your comment.....I'm still missing you and the other ladies..... ciao Lella

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Lovely Farm House in Tuscany

Guest: MM (Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 09/13/10 Review Submitted: 11/15/11

Our stay at the farm house was delightful. fantastic views,very nice accommodations And Lilla's cooking is not to be missed. MM Wisconsin

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children.

Guest: Florence Toronto (Toronto)
Date of Stay: 05/18/10 Review Submitted: 05/18/10

My family (three adults, one child and two teens) thoroughly enjoyed our week-long stay at Abbacca-la. What a scenic location--everything you imagine Tuscany to be--and Lella, her husband, and their two dogs were so welcoming. The accommodation is not fancy, but more than adequate, and besides, we spent 90% of our time outside, hiking, cycling or exploring our new favorite town, Lucca. If you go, you have to schedule a cooking lesson with Lella, who is a first-class Tuscan chef. It was the highlight of our trip, and my kids are still talking about the gourmet pizzas, tomato/bread salad, and eggplant pasta.

Recommended for:

Lucca

Guest: Cecilia S. (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/10/10 Review Submitted: 08/11/10

My family stayed with Leila for a week in May. Her farmhouse was wonderful and her hospitality even more wonderful! The best part were the amazing dinners she prepared for my family...my children are still talking about her cooking...The rooms were not fancy, but perfectly fine for families especially with children. The heat was not turned on in May so it was cold in the house, and you do need a car as the area is not walkable...but Leila was always willing to transport us when we needed to get to the train for a small fee.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Best part of our vacation

Guest: Florence Toronto (Toronto)
Date of Stay: 04/14/10 Review Submitted: 05/18/10

My family (three adults, one child and two teens) thoroughly enjoyed our week-long stay at Abbacca-la. What a scenic location--everything you imagine Tuscany to be--and Lella, her husband, and their two dogs were so welcoming. The accommodation is not fancy, but more than adequate, and besides, we spent 90% of our time outside, hiking, cycling or exploring our new favorite town, Lucca. If you go, you have to schedule a cooking lesson with Lella, who is a first-class Tuscan chef. It was the highlight of our trip, and my kids are still talking about the gourmet pizzas, tomato/bread salad, and eggplant pasta.

Owner response:thank you for your review

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Erika
Date of Stay: 04/12/10 Review Submitted: 05/18/10

My family (three adults, one child and two teens) thoroughly enjoyed our week-long stay at Abbacca-la. What a scenic location--everything you imagine Tuscany to be--and Lella, her husband, and their two dogs were so welcoming. The accommodation is not fancy, but more than adequate, and besides, we spent 90% of our time outside, hiking, cycling or exploring our new favorite town, Lucca. If you go, you have to schedule a cooking lesson with Lella, who is a first-class Tuscan chef. It was the highlight of our trip, and my kids are still talking about the gourmet pizzas, tomato/bread salad, and eggplant pasta.

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A true Italian experience for our family!

Guest: A, J, A, J (Calgary, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/26/10 Review Submitted: 04/29/10

This was our favourite place to stay on our trip to Italy. We all loved the farmhouse apartment that was "home" for the time we were there and it really, truly, felt like a home away from home. Lella's cooking was outstanding and we were so glad we had arranged to have her homecooked meal the day we arrived. We would highly recommend taking a cooking lesson from Lella and enjoying what you have made. Our 10 and 13 year old girls loved making the pizza dough. We have never eaten so much or so well in our lives! The olive oil that Lella and Piero make is out of this world!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: k nagle (-)
Date of Stay: 02/21/10 Review Submitted: 02/21/10

We( 5 women) had a wonderful time at Abbacca-La Eco -Friendly Farmhouse. Lella, the owner took us to places we never would have seen on our own or with a tour. She is wonderful, full of information regarding many places she took us to, she knows the train system very well and when we needed some help with information or when we had trouble explaining things, she spoke italian and got the answers for us. We enjoyed her company every day we were with her and especially enjoyed all of the wonderful places she took us to plus she gave us a history lesson on top of all of the other things she did for us. You will enjoy spending your days with Lella, especially when she brings you on tours and the breakfast she served each day was wonderful. We also enjoyed the cooking class and dinner we had one night. Lots of fun. She made us feel right at home and she felt to us as if she was part of our group.

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Guest: eleonora1 (milano italia)
Date of Stay: 01/06/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/10

sono fuggita dallo smog milanese e mi sono ritrovata in un posto delizioso c'era perfino il sole,ambiente molto curato, ospitalita'sincera e che dire della cucina di Lella una vera maestra che ti prende per la gola assolutamente da provare.

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Guest: Trish14 (Harwich, Essex, UK)
Date of Stay: 11/15/09 Review Submitted: 11/15/09

Another fantastic visit to Lella and Piero's beuatiful farmhouse. We were welcomed like old friends and the friends we took were equally astounded by the gorgeous views and generous hospitality. Can't wait to visit again xx

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Guest: Doug and Sue Butler (Rochester Minnesota USA)
Date of Stay: 11/04/09 Review Submitted: 11/04/09

Thankyou so much for your wonderful hospitality. Susan and I will always have fond memories of you and your picturesque setting, in the hills above Ponte A Moriano. Our evening Cooking Class was particularly enjoyable. You were very helpful giving us directions and suggested sites to visit. We could not have wished for a better experience. Your friends in Minnesota.

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Guest: Les Nicoll (Harwich UK)
Date of Stay: 10/27/09 Review Submitted: 10/27/09

We realy enjoyed our visit beautiful apartment, stunning scenery,wonderful hosts. we didn't want to leave. We cannot wait to return.

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Guest: Hilary Wren (Sydney, Australia)
Date of Stay: 10/19/09 Review Submitted: 10/18/09

This beautifully restored farm house, set amongst olive groves with fantastic views of Tuscany is the ideal relaxing holiday location. The icing on the top is the host family, who made my mother and I so welcome and accommodating; it was like being with family. I thoroughly enjoyed learning to make home made pasta from scratch and then enjoying the fruits of our labour with a glass of local wine. The surrounding countryside is beautiful, but watch out for the hairpin bends in Aquilea. This is a good location to tour the Tuscan countryside and I found Lucca most interesting. The farm house is ideally situated almost mid way between Florence and Pisa, just over an hour either way. I would highly recommend this beautiful, charming holiday accommodation and I know I will be going back there one day

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Guest: pippak (Los Angeles CA USA)
Date of Stay: 10/17/09 Review Submitted: 10/17/09

Our stay at the beautiful, tranquil "Abbacca-là" was all that we had hoped for ... and more. We were greeted and helped by Lella and her family with care, attention and helpfulness in every aspect of our stay. Whether it was information about things to do, a referral for a horse-riding class, her superb and utterly memorable meal, directions to restaurants and shops, or ideas about how to spend a major holiday in a closed-down country, she was our Source!It was a joy to return from a scorching day and enter the cool stone-walled house, or dip into the fresh pool. My 6-year old daughter discovered that life on a farm can be "amazing"! And we would love to return to savor the Tuscan way of life.

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Guest: Suzanne28 (Lake Villa, IL)
Date of Stay: 10/12/09 Review Submitted: 10/12/09

We could not have picked a better place to stay. Lella is the best hostess you could want. The farmhouse is beautiful, very clean, and comfortable. We had breakfast at her home every morning. She also gave us a cooking lesson. That was so much fun. We rented her car, which was very handy. This is a great place to stay for going on day trips. Lella, can help with directions too. I hope to go back someday. Thanks Lella.

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Guest: Suzanne
Date of Stay: 10/10/09 Review Submitted: 10/09/09

This is a fantasy place to stay. It is located just North of Lucca. It is great for day trips. Lella can help you with directions too. Her place is very clean and spacious. We stayed with 4 adults. The property is beautiful with olives and grapes growing. We ate breakfast at her place every morning and she gave us a cooking lesson,that was a lot of fun. We also, rented Lella's car, which was very handy. If you are wanting to visit the Lucca area this is a great place to stay. We would stay here again. Thanks, Lella

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Guest: Jerry and Jennine Ambrose (Azle, Texas)
Date of Stay: 08/08/09 Review Submitted: 08/08/09

Home away from home! We had a wonderful vacation in Italy while staying at the Abbacca La Farmhouse in the beautiful mountains of Tuscany, and the view was breath-taking! I've eaten many Italian meals because my family is Italian, but Lella's Pollo alla Cacciatora or Chicken Cacciatore was such a blessing on our arrival there. If you want to visit Italy, and be touched by the local people then you will want to go here. The quiet,peaceful,and safe atmosphere in the privacy of their gated farmhouse made enjoying our day trips worry free. We've been to Italy many times so we've seen many things there. However, the new fun activity was spending the day at the beach of Forte De Marma, and taking in the market near the beach. We have to thank Lella for these directions, and a wonderful American family from TN that we met while staying there. We thank you All! Graci Jerry and Jennine Ambrose from TEXAS!

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Guest: Travelling5 (Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/28/09 Review Submitted: 07/28/09

Lella's home was a great base for our family (2 adults and 3 children) to see all the wonderful sites in the area. We were able to bike the wall of Lucca, see the underground caves, drive to Cinque Terre, take a train to Florence. It was a perfect homebase for our siteseeing. I agree that the drive up to place is a bit harrowing, but once you get there the view is spectacular. Everything inside was perfect too--there was plenty of room, very clean and very homey--the kitchen had everything you would need to make a nice meal. With the weather being nice we were able to take our meals outside and enjoy the company of the dogs too. Lella was also available to help us out whenever we had a question. I would definitely recommend her home.

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Guest: Boofy (Ballarat, Australia)
Date of Stay: 07/12/09 Review Submitted: 07/11/09

This comfortable farmhouse is situated in a magnificent setting. From soaring mountains to olive groves and vineyards, it is Tuscany at it's glorious best. The highlight of our stay, however, was the warmth of the greeting we received and the hospitality Lella and her family afforded us. We stayed with our 4 teenagers and we loved it. Highly, highly recommended.

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Guest: Paul and Melonie (Athens TN USA)
Date of Stay: 07/05/09 Review Submitted: 07/05/09

We had a great visit with Lella at the farmhouse. I highly recommend you let her cook a real Tuscany dinner for you. We did this our first night there as we were tired from already traveling Siena. This was perfect way to get comfy in our new "home: that night.Local wine, her own olive oil and four courses! After a nice walk, we slept like babies! So much space was great after being in small European hotels! My daughter has two new best friends, the friendly dogs Tino and Rex! Great location for day trips to the beach, Lucca, marble mountains, Florence (take the bus from Lucca it was so easy!), Vinci, Collidi, Bagni di Lucca...just a great week. Her homemade yogurt and jams were also the best!

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Guest: Lesley & Bridget (Bristol - UK)
Date of Stay: 06/01/09 Review Submitted: 06/01/09

A wonderfully located agriturismo just a short drive north of Lucca. Simply decorated and adequately appointed but sufficient to make self-catering easy. The hosts are genuinely welcoming and speak good english but were happy to let me try out my GCSE italian without laughing out loud. A good location for many activities. I was able to visit Siena, Florence and the Cinque Terre easily. But if you wanted to be outdoors-y I'm sure there would be plenty to keep you busy. there is a riding school just up the road I believe. The road to the village has some serious hairpin bends, but once you get used to them, they are not so scary. But look out for the dog in the middle of the road in Aquilea. Two large but well behaved dogs amble about the property and are totally loveable. Lella and her family are wonderful hosts. They are helpful and obliging and are delighted to show you the joys of living in rural Italy. I was lucky enough to be invited to share the Mayday festa complete with roast piglet cooked in the traditional wood fired oven. Fantastic. I hope to return soon along with some friends to take some cooking lessons and enjoy the local wine and the fabulous views across the valley.

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Guest: BethJ (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 04/08/09 Review Submitted: 04/08/09

My family (me, my husband Michael, our 2 daughters and their husbands and our 17 month old granddaughter) stayed in this charming farmhouse March 23 - 30, 2008. We had a wonderful vacation! The views are spectacular and Lella is an excellent hostess. We greatly appreciated the delicious dinner she cooked the evening of our arrival. Our little granddaughter was thrilled to see the friendly "neigh neigh's" (horses) and "bock bock's" (chickens) as well as the huge friendly dogs. We walked a lot and drove to Lucca, Florence, Pisa, and several small towns. Thanks Lella! We look forward to seeing you and your family again. Best wishes, Beth and Michael

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Guest: SharonP (Rochester, Minnesota USA)
Date of Stay: 03/31/09 Review Submitted: 03/31/09

My friends and I stayed at "Abbacca-La" Farmhouse for a week in March and so enjoyed our stay. Lella could not have been more helpful and kind in helping us find our way around the area...especially dealing with train schedules. We felt like we were staying with "family" rather than a just a rented apartment! Lella even admitted to worrying about us when we didn't get back until late one night! The meal she prepared for us was fantastic ...again we felt like we were with family. I feel like I've made a life long friend and certainly recommend "Abbacca-La" as a warm wonderful place to stay. Thanks Lella....I'll think of you and Italy while I watch the seeds you gave me grow in my garden! Sharon

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Guest: chels.and.alex (Miami, FL, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/29/09 Review Submitted: 03/29/09

My boyfriend and I had an amazing first time in Tuscany, largely thanks to Lella and family. The dinner she made on our first night was fabulous, and the family made us feel welcome. The countryside is, of course, beautiful. It is also amazing that Lella and family live such an eco- friendly lifestyle, using solar power etc. Thanks for an amazing trip Lella (our Italian mamma) We can't wait to return =) Chelsea and Alexander

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Guest: Devora (Tampa, Florida)
Date of Stay: 02/04/09 Review Submitted: 02/04/09

Lella and Piero, I need to tell you that I am so appreciative of the visit that I spent with you in October of 2008. I have been sharing all my pictures and wonderful memories of my stay with you- since I had never traveled alone I was somewhat concerned about my decision to travel to Italy as a single senior citizen. But no fear -- all discussions with you before I left tampa told me I had made a good decision- and THEN I met you both- a warm welcome perfect accommodations, cooking class, lemoncello, private guided tours by Lella, wonderful meals provided by you and just the wonderful feeling of feeling at home. Even Tino and Rex were part of the ambience. Hopefully I will be back again this autumn-with much improved Italian. Best regards,Diane

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