Adorable retreat in the woods with pool, near Florence!

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Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Exceptional

Popular amenities

Pool

Pet-friendly

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Free WiFi

Explore the area

Toscana, Città Metropolitana di Firenze

Mulino a Vento - Fattoria Lavacchio

12 min drive

Castello del Trebbio

16 min drive

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

32 min drive

Florence (FLR-Peretola)

67 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Dining

Exterior

About this property

The Loggia is part of the Castellare property (we rent 4 independent homes). Loggia is made of stone, with beautiful window views from the kitchen, privacy, a patio with table and chairs. And the pool!

Property manager

Ms. Catina Cecioni

Languages

English, Italian

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Amenities

Pool

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Similar properties

Pool

Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 18

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 1 total)

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

This property accepts cash

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation

About the area

Pontassieve

Pontassieve is home to this farm stay. Uffizi Gallery and Gallery of the Academy of Florence are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Historic Center - Downtown and Ponte Vecchio. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Mugello Circuit or Nelson Mandela Forum.

Toscana, Città Metropolitana di Firenze

What's nearby

Castello del Trebbio - 16 min drive
Historic Center - Downtown - 30 min drive
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - 32 min drive
Uffizi Gallery - 32 min drive
Ponte Vecchio - 33 min drive

Getting around

Pontassieve Sieci Station - 17 min drive
Peretola Airport (FLR) - 67 min drive

Restaurants

‪Pizzeria Nappino - ‬10 min drive
‪Lago di Vetrice La Trota - ‬14 min drive
‪Ristorante Pizzeria Acone - ‬32 min drive
‪Ristorante Orlando - ‬25 min drive
‪Bar Il Galletto Gelateria - ‬24 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Adorable retreat in the woods with pool, near Florence! have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Adorable retreat in the woods with pool, near Florence! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total).

What time is check-in at Adorable retreat in the woods with pool, near Florence!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Adorable retreat in the woods with pool, near Florence!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Adorable retreat in the woods with pool, near Florence! located?

Situated in Pontassieve, this farm stay is 2.8 mi (4.4 km) from Mulino a Vento - Fattoria Lavacchio and within 6 miles (10 km) of Castello del Trebbio and Arno River. Path of the Gods and Olmo are also within 12 miles (20 km).

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Ed N.

1 Aug 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect tranquillity

A wonderful retreat from the bustle of life. Tuscany at it's best.

Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Frank N.

6 Jan 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Chilling over New Years

The perfect location for a vacation to slow down, walk, cook, read. Ideal for dogs.

Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2019

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Narendra S.

24 May 2017

Beautiful settings. Catina was very welcoming. Much needed respite from all the hustle and bustle.

Awesome experience.

Stayed 7 nights in May 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Alberto L.

2 Apr 2015

you will never want to leave this place

Seriously I don't know what to write, there is not enough words to describe how magical is this place.it's located in the most beautiful area in Tuscany, surrounded by olives trees, forest,you can see deer running around every morning,.. Just few minutes away by car of this little town called, Molino del Piano, where you can get all the goods you may need. Really well connected with Florence... We stayed at the loggia house, it's beautiful, clean, peaceful, just perfect!!! And the most important thing, you will have the opportunity to meet Catina and Giacomo, the hosts, they will take good care of you. If you visit This place you will never want to leave it.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Maree R.

28 Oct 2013

What Tuscan dreams are made of

Castellare is more than just a beautiful and historic farmhouse that once used to be a castle. It is a place where all your dreams that you every had about Tuscany and Florence are realised. The ambience sets the mood for tranquility and a sense of wellbeing. Catina and her family become your own as their kindness, generosity and hospitality is plentiful. My little girl and I stayed there for 6 weeks and we had the privilege of staying in La Loggia, La Stalla and La Staletta. Three magnificent rustic lodgings filled with character and charm. Castellare is close enough to commute to Florence but is a quiet retreat after a busy day. Those 6 weeks spent were some of the best weeks in our life because it was the whole package. The location, the accomodation and finally and more importantly, the people. If you are looking to stay in Florence / Tuscany, look no further then Castellare. I promise you, you won't be disappointed.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey F.

19 Jun 2013

An idyllic escape

Catina (our host) could not have been more wonderful. The farmhouse is beautiful, spotlessly clean and very cosy. The location is stunning and our barbecue evenings on the terrace rivalled any restaurant experience. In addition to providing homemade cookies and tiramisu, Catina was warm, friendly and went the extra mile to make our stay as special as it was. Please be aware that the location is up an unmade road with multiple hairpin bends. This was not a problem for our small car but may be a challenge for something larger. This of course made the location very private and secluded. Our personal recommendation is to visit Il Maccherone restaurant in Doccia - an authentic local place with awesome food. We could not recommend this more.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Richard M., United Kingdom

8 Jul 2012

Idyllic rural setting in wooded hills

4 different villas adjoining a farmhouse where the owners live. Delightful garden and swimming pool surrounded by olive and fruit trees in the wooded hills. Relaxing place to get away from it all but easy to get to Florence (a car is essential here). The only sounds are the wildlife; we heard beautiful birdsong as well as deer and wild boar. When it is hot it is hard to tear yourself away from the pool, but Florence and the sights of Tuscany are too good to miss. Catina is Italian but speaks fluent English and is extremely welcoming, helpful and charming. I recommend using the trains as Italian driving is a little crazy. There are trains to Florence from Sieci which is nearby and the parking is free. When you go to Florence you must visit the Mercato Centrale, near the station, which is an experience. You can eat in there for less than the streetside tourist cafes, and it is used by locals which is the best recommendation. We had frittura mista, which was mixed fried seafood, and a glass of white wine standing at a fish counter, and it was excellent. We normally say that we won't go to the same place twice for a holiday, but in this case we will make and exception and go back next year.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

29 Jun 2011

Wonderful vacation at Castellare!

We would highly recommend this place to anyone staying in Toscany. Me and my family (wife and our 1 year old child) stayed here for 4 nights in June 2011 while we were exploring the nearby area. It was very important for us to be close to the places we came to visit because of our child and we easily went on one-day tours to Sienna and Firenze. Castellare is situated, I believe, in one of the most beautiful places in Toscany on a small hill completely surrounded by forest. The drive there from Molino del Piano is among green hills and wineyards and we could have been driving around for hours just enjoying the views. The house is an ancient building with an interesting history which Catina writes about in her "welcome-book" which gives a lot of information about the apartment, the area, what to do, where to eat and more - a great idea. In this book Catina also recommeds a wine tour at Castello del Trebbio which is a small beautiful fortress situated in Santa Brigida very close to Castellare. Of course, we went and we would recommend this interesting tour to anyone. The apartment (we stayed in the Stalla which is a two-story apartment) is very spacious, clean and ideal for a family as Catina provides everything needed such as baby chair and cot. The kitchen is well equipped and we could easily cook food when needed. Catina has keept the apartment in its medieval spirit and made it cosy and comfortable. In the garden there's a big swimmingpool, unfortunately, the weather wasn't that warm when we were there and we didn't use it although it looked so inviting lying in the green field below the house. It is such a quiet and peaceful place and we spent much time just relaxing at the terrace listing to the birds sing and drinking our coffee. Our child loved to explore the nature around the house and was very happy. We want to thank Catina very much for her hospitality and good spirits. She was helpful and answered any questions we had and when we had to call a doctor one evening she was so understanding and helpful and made it all very easy for us (she also went to the farmacy the next day to get the medication). We would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a quiet and romantic vacation in the heart of Toscany.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

11 Nov 2010

Our Honeymoon In Italy

We stayed in the Villa last year in October. Our trip could not have been better. Catina was an excellent host and the location was fantastic. We went to Pisa,Firenze, Venice and Rome all from this location. We also drove down to Naples for 3 days. This location ansd small towns will allow you to experience the real feel of Italy. Thank You Catina for a wonderful experience. This review is a little late but I would stay here again when we return to Italy.

10/10 Excellent

Torsten H.

29 Oct 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hervorragende Unterkunft

Die Unterkunft war top. Vielen Dank für Wein und Kuchen.

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dunja G.

13 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

zalige week in tof huis

We hadden een zalige week in het smaakvol ingerichte vakantiehuisje van Catina. Het huis was koel en van alle gemakken voorzien. Onze jongens waren niet uit het zwembad te krijgen. De ontvangst was super, heel hartelijk, vol leuke gesprekken, goede tips en verschillende lieve attenties als zelfgebakken appeltaart en tiramisu. Mooie omgeving, vlakbij Florence, la dolce far niente! Kortom, een topweek! Dankjulliewel 🙏 😍

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

MICHEL M.

3 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Séjour 1 semaine

Semaine parfaite à 20mn de Florence dans la montagne au calme.Piscine super .logement rustique mais avec tout ce qu il faut.tv .WiFi.frigo .MAL.Catina et Jack sont très accueillants et super gentils++.Gateau et Tiamisu super de Jack. Tres bonne semaine vacances a 20mn de Florence.nous avons passé une tres bonne semaine.merci encore

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Richard G.

1 Jun 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nature and relaxing holiday

Place and environment was so nice. A lot of details for relaxed holiday like swimming pool, barbecue lots of books in many language and subjects. All the recommendations like shopping or wine tour for example were excellent and hardly to find without the nice recommendations from Catina. Every time again!

Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Katrin G.

23 Apr 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wunderbar!❤️

Das Objekt „Loggia“, das wir gebucht hatten, ist ein kleiner Hausteil des gesamten Ensembles „Castellare“. Wir waren dort zu viert (Mama, Papa, 13- und 11- jährige Kindee), was natürlich zu etwas Improvisation geführt hat, da das Haus eigentlich für 2 angedacht ist. So hatten wir die Couch im Sofa dauerhaft ausgeklappt als Bett. ( Übrigens war die Couch sehr bequem zum Schlafen) Catina ist eine wundervolle und herzliche Gastgeberin! So empfing uns ein selbstgebackener Kuchen und eine Flasche Wein. (Das Rezept vom Kuchen hat sie auch verraten) Schon im Vorfeld hatten wir einigen Kontakt über einen Messengerdienst und Catina war wahnsinnig bemüht, meine ganzen Fragen zu beantworten. Toll!! Einziger Wehrmutstropfen ist die private Auffahrt zum Hausensemble, da diese sehr, sehr hubbelig ist. Ansonsten liegt es sehr ruhig im Wald. Alles in allem kann man sagen: Es war wunderbar - eine ganz klare Empfehlung!!

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sandra B.

7 Nov 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

It couldn't get any better

Our stay in Castellare was perfect in any respect. Catina and Giacomo are fantastic hosts and were always kind and helpful. We felt entirely at home in our cosy loggia from the first day on. We surely hope to visit this beautiful place again!

Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Manuela C.

31 Aug 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Friedvoller Ort, himmlische Ruhe

Tolles Haus, wunderbare Gastgeber, wir bekamen frischen Kuchen, Tiramisu und Wein. Sehr zu empfehlen das Restaurant Artemide.... Auto von Vorteil, da wirklich sehr einsam.... Aber traumhaft!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

A v.

1 Jul 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Smaakvol ingericht huis midden in de natuur

Gastvrije hartelijke ontvangst. Leuk ontworpen en ingericht klein huis, eenvoudig maar aangenaam. Buiten alleen het geluid van vogels. Steil hobbelig bospad naar het huis toe moet je -en moet je auto- voor lief nemen. Boven word je beloond!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

8/10 Good

Tina B.

21 May 2019

Auszeit nahe Florenz

Ein wunderschönes Fleckchen Erde, Natur pur und nach Trubel Florenz richtig wohltuend. Begrüßung mit Kuchen , Wein, Nudeln, Gemüse und später Köstlichster Tiramisu sowie einer Rundfahrt sehr sehr nett. Das Appartement geschmackvoll. Einzige Anregung: ein Frühstück wäre toll und eine Art Wanderkarte für das Grundstück und Umgebung. Hatte leider viel Regen, aber bei Sonne für Naturmenschen auch mit Hund klasse. Sehr schön.

Stayed 8 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Allison F.

13 Oct 2018

A little heaven

If you are looking for peace, quietness and just would like to read, hang loose at the pool you would be at the right place here. Catina and her husband are lovely hosts. We arrived and had a nice little appartment with a charming interior. The cake and bottle of wine that Catina or probably her husband :) baked was delicious and a surprising welcome. The road to the proparty is a bit special. It is realy a dirt road. Try all the tips that Catina gives you in a little book that is prepared. Again it shows the effort that Catina and her husband are doing to make your stay an exceptional experience. Even though there are 4 appartments, each has his own little quiet patio. Dogs are welcome and can run arround in the big garden. If you are planning to make big cooking, that could be a little challange. It has everything in the kitchen for basic cooking but the big meal will be a challenge. Overall they are doing a fantastic job and we only can recommend to go there.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Pascal M.

12 Sept 2018

FANTASTIC PLACE!

Catina and Giacomo are such amazingly nice persons who run a fantastic place! They are always available to suggest places to visit, tips to make your stay unforgettable. Very close to Firenze, hidden from any crowed place, the site allows for total rest in contact with a luxurious nature. Comfort is at its best, along with wonderfully decorated houses which respect the Tuscany atmosphere. What a pleasure it was to stay there. Only regret: wish we could have had stayed longer there.

Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lucie D.

28 Aug 2018

If you are looking for heaven, dont look further ! Its at Catellare

What can we say ? We have had the best holidays ever in Castellare a week ago. The place is a jewel hidden in Toscany. It takes abit of courage to get there if you are not familiar with narrow roads, but the drive is worth the stay. We planned to visit Toscany, but once we were there, it was really difficult to take the car to visit the surroundings as it felt good just to enjoy the nature and relax. Our little house was really well decorated, absolutely clean, and the basics supplied. Everything is carefully thought. It is, really a 10 stars out of 5. Not mentioning Catina's welcome cake and bottle of wine :) (Oh! and if you are lucky enough, Giacomo will make you the best tiramisu ! Enough said about the place ! Now, the hosts... Catina has been extremely helpful, replying everyone of my message previous to our trip. You will find a booklet she wrote about almost everything (story of the place, things to do around, places & restaurants to go to). This is not just a place to stay. Its a place to live. Our only regret is that we did not have more time to spend with Catina and Giacomo. We truly hope that we will keep in touch and visit again in the future. Our home will always be open for you as well. If you are looking for something different, a place with a soul and people to meet, I highly recommend you Castellare. Thanks again for having us, these will be memories for a lifetime. Lucie, Philippe & Achille

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

8/10 Good

Karsten L.

29 Jul 2018

Fantastisk sted, roligt afslappende.

Det rigtige sted for voksne, der ønsker at opleve et Toscana uden for turistfælderne med en god bog, et glas vin eller blot nyde solen ved poolen. Der er masser af fantastiske restauranter i området af høj kvalitet med originalitet og rimelige priser. Og så er værtsparret jo i sig selv fantastiske.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Barbara B.

8 Nov 2017

Lovely place !

We enjoyed our stay very much ! The old house is a cosy, lovely place and for kids exciting to discover. Also our 8-year old daughter was happy about the visits of Bruno the black cat. Catina had baked a very tasty welcome cake for us! She helps whenever you need advice. Thanks ! Highly recommended! Barbara

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Erik L.

4 Jul 2017

Es war einfach sensationell bei Catina !!!

Wir würden jederzeit wieder dahin kommen !!!

Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Macarena M.

20 Oct 2016

Fantásticas instalaciones, el trato recibido y un entorno inmejorable!!

Excelente trato de la propietaria, todo muy limpio y cuidado. Repetiremos!

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2016

About the host

Hosted by Ms. Catina Cecioni

My name is Catina, and my family and I (my partner and my son) also live on the spot. This property was bought by my grandparents, and it has always been a holiday home for family and friends while I was growing up. I have been the first permanent resident though, for now almost twenty years, and I adore living immersed in nature in close proximity with the wildlife. Expecially deers. The restructuration of the house took some time during which I started really enjoying all things "home", from furniture to textiles to ceramics. Offering guests a holiday retreat with the warmth and care of a home , in the peace of nature, has become a passion as well as my job.

Why they chose this property

Castellare's unique feature is it's location, completly sorrounded by nature. A driveway of about 700 meters connects the buildings to the main road, a charming winding street called Via di Parga with some breathtaking views. Then the driveway in the woods, where one feels the strains of contemporary life stay behind as the transformative power of nature takes over. Every time I come back from the center and the driving in traffic , I feel restored.
The house appears after the last curve as the most cherished retreat, a place where I have always felt welcomed, from the day I moved in, and it was just the cat and I. Although Castellare really conveys the feeling of being out of time, the neaby village of Molino del Piano (about 5 km away , downhill), embraced me like family. The people have something magical about them, as they are open and friendly and kind, and we easily bonded. To try and participate to local life, like going sometimes for breakfast or a coffee at the local bar ("bar" in Italian is a caffetteria), play tennis in the village courts, or even try the weekly appointment at the free cinema, may give a glimpse to what it means to live in the area. It's a life of simple pleasures, lots of smiles, friendship and all the inspiration one can wish for in perfect reach, may it be the opera , art to last for a lifetime of awe, the discovery of surprising corners of nature, the wandering in one of the most beautiful regions of Italy.

What makes this property unique

The benefit I try to offer guests if the comfort of a cozy home, where it's a joy to return to after a day of adventures. I like that we are small, with just four accommodations. It's not luxury that I love, but the uniqueness of handmade things, silence, and the stories of people from the world. There are many mega resorts in Tuscany, but very few settings like this, unspoilt, and a bit magic.