We hope to return to this spacious, well-maintained and beautifully decorated apartment, "La Lucciola", in a restored farmhouse surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, just ten minutes or so outside the town of Certaldo.
Our hosts, Miriam and Carlo, kindly met us at the train station in Certaldo and led the way in their car through town and to the house. As you turn off the main road, a long driveway leads up and down the hills through the groves to the house. In the distance across the miles of farmland you can see the tall towers of an ancient hill town.
The country house "Nazzano" is divided into private apartments, and there is also a house next door and another just up the lane. We liked the feeling of being alone on our hill out in the country and still having some people nearby.
Mornings and evenings, my husband and I enjoyed the terrace of La Lucciola, with its splendid hilltop views and the grassy yard where pears, roses and pomegranates were growing. We walked down the country lane at twilight and gazed at the moon. The expansive, peaceful setting was very refreshing to us after staying the previous week in a city apartment.
Day trips to the many old hill towns nearby, including Certaldo Alto, San Gimignano, and wonderful Volterra, were very pleasant in our rental car. Each town has spectacularl architecture to marvel at, as well as shops, museums, great restaurants and amazing old churches. One morning we took the train from Certaldo to Florence and enjoyed the easy walk from the station to the tourist sights. Miriam and Carlo were very congenial and helpful with sightseeing tips, guide books and information on the local area.
The listing description for the apartment was accurate regarding the facilities, which were clean and modern with touches of old Tuscan style. The kitchen was fully supplied and easy to use. The bed was very comfortable, and there was ample storage space for our things in the bedroom and the bathroom.
We would certainly recommend this house to friends or family members looking for a lovely Tuscan getaway!
