Vacation Rentals by Owner

Special experience in a unique setting!

Guest: Vicki C. (Austin, Texas)
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:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

'La Nicchia'

Guest: Patty (Stillwater, MN, USA)
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:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Just great!

Guest: Bruce (Calgary)
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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Spring 2011 Stay Was Enjoyable

Guest: North Shore Travellers (Vancouver, BC, Canada)
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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A Perfect Place to Stay

Guest: Megan (Wilmington, North Carolina, USA)
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, age 55+, romantic getaway.

Idyllic Estate

Guest: Lillian (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 06/03/10 Review Submitted: 07/02/10

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:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Tuscan charm

Guest: Harry and Sue (United States)
Date of Stay: 05/04/10 Review Submitted: 06/14/10

We stayed in La Nicchia for two weeks and really enjoyed it. The apartment was exactly as it appeared in the photos and description but even more charming in person. The owners, Silvana and Nilo, are wonderful. Silvana is so kind and helpful (and speaks English well), and Nilo is an amazing craftsman. It is an excellent location for visiting north/central Tuscany being very close to Pisa. The town of Fauglia is small and quaint, and we really enjoyed walking to town to shop in the small grocery stores and have our daily gelato from the gelateria. Our experiences visiting with Silvana and Nilo and staying in La Nicchia made this part of our European vacation very special. We would highly recommend any of their apartments.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Angus & Shadi
Date of Stay: 12/18/09 Review Submitted: 12/17/09

"We stayed at la nicchia which is a lovely, spacious and comfortable studio appartment which is set in beautiful grounds near local amenities. More importantly are Silvana and Nilo who are lovely and truly helped us to see all parts of Tuscany including some beautiful vine yards!! We only stayed a week and are definitely looking forward to going back and have already recommended to friends and family for a lovely relaxing holiday. "

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Guest: Hedey and Bob (Vancouver, Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/29/09 Review Submitted: 10/29/09

During the past Sept./Oct.for one month we rented the apartment "La Chiocciola" situated in the main house belonging to Silvana and Nilo. The apartment is spacious, nicely decorated with authentic Italian furniture and well equipped for a month rental. As well there was a very large sunny terrace where we loved to eat most of our meals and generally relaxed. The property is very spacious and there is a feeling of tranquility. Fauglia is lovely, quaint village and we were able to buy our daily grocery needs. We did not have a car and were not able to bring our bicycles from home, but there were several bicycles at the villa that we could use. We explored the area around Fauglia in about a 40 km radius. It is a fantastic cycling area, even some of the hills to the villages! The countryside is great for walking as well. With cycling and walking we discovered so many interesting places. Bus transportation from Fauglia to Pisa is very good and then trains can be taken to Lucca, Florence and places further away. If a car is needed, it can be rented at the Pisa Airport. The MOST SPECIAL part of our month was our very amiable and kind hostess SILVANA. Her consideration of us and our needs was greatly appreciated. A month is a great length of time to be in one place. It becomes home. In fact we would say after we had been out cycling, walking or out further afield, "let's go home and relax"!

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Guest: Brian Lowe
Date of Stay: 10/22/09 Review Submitted: 10/21/09

Thank you for your hospitality during our stay in La Cappellina a few weeks ago. We really appreciated the warmth of your welcome and your helpfulness throughout our stay. We had a wonderful holiday, enjoying both the apartment and its location within easy reach of the big cities and the lovely beach at Cecina. The holiday apartment keeps all of the features of the original chapel, right down to the altar!, and at the same time creates a warm and welcoming room with equipment and furnishings needed for a relaxing holiday. The wooded surroundings create plenty of shade, and we left having explored only a small portion of the grounds. Many thanks for a really memorable holiday.Kind regards Tracy & Brian Lowe

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Guest: Ryan & Andreas (New York & Berlin)
Date of Stay: 08/26/09 Review Submitted: 08/26/09

My husband and I spent an idyllic 5 days in one of Silvana and Nilo's beautifully and lovingly restored apartments. Situated on woodland-grounds, they are part of the impressive Villa Negri. (One part was built in the 17th century and the other in the 19th century.) Silvana is a most gracious hostess. We missed the direct bus to Fauglia and so she picked us up at the nearby village that the bus had dropped us off. Our apartment was atop the main house where Silvana and Nilo lives. It has a large terracotta-tiled terrace which provides a panoramic view of Fauglia and the surrounding region. We loved the apartment with its antique handcrafted furniture, cool stone floors and modern tiled bathroom. Access to the apartment is via an antique wrought iron spiral staircase which, though giving us no problem, might be difficult for those with mobility issues. That said, we enjoyed coming home and climbing the ancient steps to our "bird's nest" and having Tuscany at our feet. The village of Fauglia is a real delight. Life here is, as has been for centuries, peaceful, quiet and family-oriented. We found the locals friendly and welcoming. Across from our house is a delightful eatery, run by Juliana and Maurizio who do all the cooking on site. Their ragu lasagne fresh from the oven is to die for! An the church's piazza is an excellent gelateria selling homemade Italian ice cream using local ingredients. For art lovers, there is a little gem of a museum housing a local artist's (Giorgio Kienert) works in the village's former jail. All of this has made it one of our most memorable trips ever. We look forward to returning to Villa Negri and Fauglia.

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Guest: Fisher - Degenhardt
Date of Stay: 08/16/09 Review Submitted: 08/15/09

-Dear Mrs. Sivestri, Both of us have greatly enjoyed our stay in La Nicchia. Not only did the detailed description in the site fulfill all our expectations, especially concerning the complete privacy, but also the lovely and detailed furnishings and the excellent craftsmanship with which the house has been planned and redecorated. All this has intensified our feelings of wellbeing in your house.We would like to thank you especially for the exclusive guided tour of the main building: it have greatly impressed us.With cordial greetings we wish you good luck for all your plans and intentions hoping that many more guests will enjoy themselves in your gorgeous house in future.Sincerely yours,Peter Degenhardt and Hartmut Fischer(July 2009)

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Guest: Vicky & Rachael
Date of Stay: 06/22/08 Review Submitted: 06/21/08

Dear Silvana Just to say thank you once again for letting us stay at your wonderful chapel in Fauglia. We had a fantastic time, especially, cycling around the country roads. Please let us know when your orangery is completed, we would love to come back. Thanks again, Vicky & Rachael

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Guest: Marlène,Yves and Marie-Pierre
Date of Stay: 05/30/08 Review Submitted: 05/29/08

It was fantastic to wake up every morning with the beautiful and diversified songs of the birds who inhabit the trees of this magnificent property. The owners, Nilo & Silvana really succeeded the restoraration of this little chapel. It's so nice, clean, intimate and peaceful. It's good to seat at one of the many sundecks, just to rest or to drink a good glass of wine after a long day visiting museums villages, etc... Silvana is a really nice and discrete woman who kindly answers all your questions and helps you if you need it. Her abilities in both french and english is definetly helpful, and enjoyable. We really appreciated the time we passed in this “little paradise". Marlène S, Yves et Marie-Pierre P"

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Guest: Gert and Marja
Date of Stay: 05/29/08 Review Submitted: 05/28/08

"Beautiful, fully restored old chappel.All house hold goods were in good order available. Each week clean linen is provided. Our hostess Silvana and host Nilo are very friendly and hospitable. We will never forget the last evening we spent together with tasting the home made sausages and wine!! Silvana and Nilo, thank you very much for our more than pleasant stay for two weeks!"

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Guest: Dianne and Tim
Date of Stay: 05/13/08 Review Submitted: 05/12/08

Dear Silvana, Thank you for letting us rent your lovely accommodation "La Cappellina". We had a wonderful time. You and Nilo were so very gracious and helpful during our visit. Hopefully, if we ever return to Italy, we will see you again. Also, thanks for all the good tips you gave us regarding places to visit. Again, thank you for your kindness and hospitality. Dianne 13/05/2008

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Guest: Madelaine & Alison
Date of Stay: 04/21/08 Review Submitted: 04/20/08

I just wanted to email to say thank you for a wonderful week spent in "La Nicchia". My friend Alison and I had a lovely relaxing week in your beautiful apartment. Although we did not hire a car we found the public transport to be affordable, convenient and reliable. We had particularly pleasant day trips to Pisa, Florance and Lucca. We wish you and your husband all the best for the future and wouldn't hesitate in recommending your accommodation to others.Kind regards, Madelaine & Alison

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Guest: vadim and olesya
Date of Stay: 11/12/07 Review Submitted: 11/11/07

This nice and pretty house is in whereabouts of the big ancient castle surrounded by wood. Owners have given us a warm welcome and hospitality. Kept all charm of the old house. The village is located in very suitable place, close to Pisa, Lucca and Florence. We had a great pleasure staying in this remarkable place and would be glad to come here again

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Guest: mark and amanda
Date of Stay: 09/10/07 Review Submitted: 09/09/07

Thank you for letting us stay at your beautiful property.We had a wonderful time and will surely return in the future.We also tell all our friends and family about your property and how kind and helpful you were during our stay!Thanks for the card and the wine,it was a lovely gesture.Thank you again Mark and Amanda

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Guest: Corinne
Date of Stay: 08/05/07 Review Submitted: 08/04/07

Charming. Capelina is beautiful, roomy, comfortable and original. The owners are very accessible and really sympathetic

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Guest: laurie perlini
Date of Stay: 04/25/07 Review Submitted: 04/24/07

The rental unit in which we stayed was beautiful and immaculately clean. It was also charmingly decorated. We found a couple nice coffee bars in the town, a short distance away, grocery stores, and a very nice restaurant. The owner is a delightful person and everything about our stay was quite wonderful - I only wish we had had better weather. We rented a car and found Pisa, Siena, Volterra and Florence to be accessible from Fauglia. The photographs do not do the apartment justice, it is much cuter and cozier than they suggest. I wish we could have stayed longer and I would love to go back some day, the sooner the better.

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Guest: richard and katrin
Date of Stay: 10/16/06 Review Submitted: 10/15/06

We both had a fantastic time, travelling around. It was especially nice to be able to join in with the grape harvest at Nilo's fathers, and to be invited to the meal that evening.We are looking forward to the opportunity to return again next year - in time to taste some of the wine that we picked this year! Katrin is continuing to practice her Italian, and I too have bought a book - so when we return I will also be wanting lessons.Thank you again for your hospitality. Richard & Katrin

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Guest: Lynn and Robert
Date of Stay: 10/14/06 Review Submitted: 10/13/06

Thank you for a lovely holiday in your property we really enjoyed the peace and quiet in such beautiful surroundings.We hope one day to return to visit you.Thank you again

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Guest: Caroline and James
Date of Stay: 08/27/06 Review Submitted: 08/26/06

We certainly enjoyed our stay in Fauglia. Also, as I mentioned the tour you arranged at the winery and also the lunch we had there was wonderful. I would recommend it to your other guests. We really appreciated all the information you provided on things to do in the area. We used many of your maps and information and I hope put it back in the booklet okay. I left a few additional things we obtained. Again, thank you for everything . Ciao! Carolyn and James

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