Ancient Family Chapel Turned Into a Delightful Holiday Setting

• Ideal Tuscan Setting

  Ideal Tuscan Setting

  • Guest Glenn & Tracy
  • Date of stay 08/01/12
  • Review Submitted 08/20/12
  We recently spent almost a week at 'La Cappelina,' the upstairs suite in the converted chapel at this property. The friends we were traveling with stayed at 'La Nicchia,' the downstairs suite in the converted chapel. Both suites were elegantly finished, wonderfully appointed and very, very clean. Photographs do not do justice to how lovely these rooms are. The town of Fauglia is lovely with a wonderful restaurant and an excellent Pizzeria. Our hosts were absolutely lovely and very helpful in providing everything we needed, including valuable advice about the region. The location is ideal for exploring Tuscany. We took day trips by train to Lucca, Florence and Cinque Terre. The bus to Pisa stops almost right outside the gate of the property. It is a 25 minute ride to Pisa and the main train station there. We also rented a car for a few days and this put Volterra, San Gimignano and Sienna within very short drives. We would absolutely recommend staying at this location to anyone who is looking to visit and explore Tuscany.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, girls getaway, families with young children, pet owners, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

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• Our First Tuscany Experience

  Our First Tuscany Experience

  • Guest Vivien and Jeff
  • Date of stay 05/23/12
  • Review Submitted 06/20/12
  The La Nicchia apartment is set in the lovely rural countryside of Fauglia, yet nearby cities and the cliffside towns of Cinque Terra (an experience not to be missed) are easily within reach. Silvana was always ready with suggestions and directions if needed. Photos do not do justice to the apartment - architecturally we felt transported back in time yet the modern amenities were available to us. With the alimentaria (grocery store) nearby we enjoyed sipping our wine on the patio and wooded surroundings. Sivana and Nilo are restoring a grand summer house on the grounds and we were fortunate in their showing us this lifetime dream of theirs. This is a delightful spot. We thoroughly recommend this as a wonderful rental, whether this is your first time in Tuscany or a return trip.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with young children, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+.

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• Tthe best experience of our trip!

  Tthe best experience of our trip!

  • Guest robin and jack
  • Date of stay 10/01/11
  • Review Submitted 06/20/12
  My husband and I spent a month in Italy last fall, and truly cherished our time at Silvana's and Nilo's "castle". The accomodation was spotless, quaint, private, and steeped in history. We both agreed that it was superior to any 5 star hotel! To be able to shop for the local Italian foods and cook when we wanted to, or eat out at the unique restaurants in the area was a real bonus. You won't meet more gracious hosts than Silvana and Nilo. We spent an "Italian Thanksgiving" with them that will be forever imbedded in our memories. We were glad to have the flexibility that a car provided, to travel to all the cities and towns in the area: Florence, Sienna, Pisa, Cinque de Terre, Livorno, and numerous nearby beach cities on days when we needed a break from the sightseeing. Bikes were provided and we used them almost daily to explore the area and of course to keep fit riding the Tuscany hills! We would highly recommmend any of the apartments on the grounds (we had a tour of them all) to everyone. Our 2 weeks here, was without question, the highlight of our trip, we'd go back in a heartbeat!

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

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• Charming Locale!

  Charming Locale!

  • Guest East Coast Traveler
  • Date of stay 05/25/12
  • Review Submitted 06/14/12
  We recently spent a week at La Limonaia - one of the converted apartments on the villa. We don't like hotels - you can't really get the flavor of a place unless you live more like a local. The accomodations were beautiful and full of old world charm...beautiful wood and stone...exactly what you want in a Tuscan getaway. You have the option to cook in the apartment - but I highly suggest checking out the local restaurant La Gattaiola - delicious food and great atmosphere! We had a rental car (which I really recommend) - we drove to Sienna and Volterra for day trips. We drove to a nearby town to catch the train to Florence (you don't want to try to drive or park in Florence!). We spent most evenings drinking wine on the lovely terrace outside the apartment. We had been on the road for a couple of weeks when we got to Italy, and we were able to do our laundry on-site, which is a huge convenience. No clothes dryer, you hang them out old style, and I swear our clothes have never felt softer or smelled better! I enjoyed chatting with Silvana and her husband - and loved their dogs "Weiss" and "Trillo"...they were such fun dogs!! I would definitely recommend staying here!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

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• Special experience in a unique setting!

  Special experience in a unique setting!

  • Guest Vicki C.
  • Date of stay 05/02/12
  • Review Submitted 05/16/12
  Just returned to the US and Texas from a month long trip to Italy and England and have to say that staying at La Nicchia was one of the most unique and enjoyable parts of the trip for me. We arrived without a car and quickly decided that a rental would be helpful for exploring the wonderful country surrounding the chapel. Silvana was so pleasant and helpful-arranged a visit to a local winery where we tasted the delicious wine and foods produced there. The apartment was exactly as pictured and the outside spaces proved to be a wonderful plus for some private dinners we cooked with local goods. The frogs and birds were providing the music-quite romantic. The pizzeria in town was also quite good. I would recommend this property for others who are interested in a taste of village life, close to all wonderful places to visit, then come back to the serene setting for evenings to regroup. We also appreciated the use of the grill-cooking for us is a must. We did visit the local butcher and had made our own special dinners, with plenty of local wine. We laughed in the evening because it was a little chilly as we prepared for sleep-not something we are used to in Texas! Fantastic week at the chapel! Vicki and David from Austin, Texas, USA

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

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• Spring 2011 Stay Was Enjoyable

  Spring 2011 Stay Was Enjoyable

  • Guest North Shore Travellers
  • Date of stay 05/06/11
  • Review Submitted 12/28/11
  My wife and I stayed in the "upper room" in the main facility by the Chapel. The setting was lovely and peaceful. The owner's two dogs were a bit noisy but that did not bother us. There is a great restaurant in town. Ask for very specific driving instructions to the property (ref. gate). The room was clean.

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• 'La Nicchia'

  'La Nicchia'

  • Guest Patty
  • Date of stay 10/08/11
  • Review Submitted 11/03/11
  We recently spent a week at 'La Nicchia'. This was my first trip to Europe. What a delight! Silvana and Nico were very welcoming and had thought of everything we could need during our stay. Silvana was helpful in planning our daily outings (having a rented a car) and with local information. Fauglia has a exceptional gourmet restaurant, local panine and pizza shops, an incredible butcher shop and local market. The older community men were seen daily outside, enjoying each other, taking in the towns activity or playing a game of card. If we looked a bit lost the residents, young and old would try to help us. I feel like I actually got to experience the real Tuscany by staying at 'LaNicchia'. After a day trips we would enjoy a glass of wine in the spacious green spaces and then prepare our evening meal. Nico has tastefully renovated the chapel. Words fail to describe the beauty of the indoor and outdoor spaces. Thank you Silvana and Nico for sharing your refined, inviting and tranquil chapel. Jim & Patty

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+.

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• Just great!

  Just great!

  • Guest Bruce
  • Date of stay 09/20/11
  • Review Submitted 10/13/11
  What a great place to stay! We rented La Limonaia which was the estate orangery that had been converted into a lovely living space by Silvana's husband, Nico. The attention to detail was much appreciated and did not go unnoticed : ) Silvana was an excellent hostess and was able to answer all of our questions about the area, where to go, what we should do and anything else we needed. The area is absolutely beautiful and perfect for day trips to Pisa, Volterra, Lucca, the coastline, etc, - definitely rent a car to take advantage of all the area has to offer. Thanks for everything Silvana, it was great to meet you! Bruce and Catherine

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+.

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• A Perfect Place to Stay

  A Perfect Place to Stay

  • Guest Megan
  • Date of stay 04/06/11
  • Review Submitted 05/30/11
  My husband and I stayed a week in the renovated chapel and it was amazing! The church is carefull restored and Silvana has thought through all of your needs. I can't begin to explain how amazing it is to wake up with the sun streaming through the stained glass windows! The estate itself is beautiful. We kept finding new spots to sit and enjoy our wine after a day of sightseeing! I would recommend taking the bus/train into Pisa -- very easy to do! But, a car is wonderful to have here as there are so many little towns to explore and the car gives you freedom. Be sure to try the restaurant in town -- wonderful food! I am gluten free and the owners wife even managed to feed me gluten free pasta! The hiking around here is wonderful. You have to get off the main roads and onto the secondary roads -- we hiked through vineyards olive groves. We loved the little town of Fauglia! If you like to cook in you have to go to the local butcher. He is so lovely and his meats are wonderful and fresh. We spend about 2 months a year in Italy and have rented all over the country. If you decide to stay here you will not regret it! Thanks so much Silvana for sharing your wonderful estate with us!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+.

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• Idyllic Estate

  Idyllic Estate

  • Guest Lillian
  • Date of stay 06/03/10
  • Review Submitted 07/03/10
  Dearest Silvana, I'm back in the U.S. and have very fond memories of my stay at your beautiful apartment. The wine was superb, your accommodations impeccable and tastefully furnished and your assistance was most appreciated. It was wonderful to be in nature on a 17th century estate. I must return as it is one of the better experiences I've ever had in Italy. You are a most gracious and generous hostess and I value our time together and your willingness to give from your very busy life. I look forward to seeing you again and visiting the quiet, friendly village of Fauglia. Lillian lillianabel.com

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, girls getaway, families with young children, pet owners, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Low season :€420/week from07/01 to31/03- from 14/04 to 28/04-from 29/09 to 15/12
Middle season:€490/week from 01/04 to13/04-from 29/04 to23/06-from 01/09 to29/09
High season:€590/week from 24/06 to 31/08
Christmas/New Year/Easter ..  €490/week
2 apt together or 2 weeks 10% discount.
All charges-included, Supplement for heating depending on the season,
Deposit requested.
We have other units available in the same property.

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.