Avis Peaceful Tuscan farmhouse, magnificent views. Near Lucca, Pescia, Florence, Pisa

Dear Jean Louis & Isabelle, We are very sorry that you didn't enjoy your stay at Il Rivo more. We have been visiting the house for many years during all the seasons and have always loved the location, view, tranquillity & ambience of the house itself. Our guests over the years have reflected these experiences too as proven by their reviews (all validated) on the website. We have tried to keep the house as original as possible, while providing modern facilities, and we believe that is what most people would want and expect of a 'Traditional Tuscan Farmhouse'. While the upper floor is light and airy, the living room is relatively dark and cool and provides welcome respite in the heat of summer and makes it cosy in winter. As a former working farm, it was originally used for farm storage and occasional animal refuge as befits a Tuscan farmhouse. To introduce more light into the room we did however put in French doors opening onto the terrace. The kitchen is indeed much as it might have been in your grandparents day - and quite deliberately so - we wanted to keep it as authentic and Tuscan as possible but with all mod cons: full height fridge/freezer, dishwasher, modern gas hob and separate electric oven, Pavoni espresso machine etc. The furnishings and fixtures are intentionally sourced from local suppliers and craftsmen using ‘Castagno’ (chestnut wood), Sorana stone, and marble from Carrara. We are very surprised that you found the outside 'nothing extraordinary' with 'limited view'. It may not look on to the 'Grand Canyon', but over the last twenty years we have always found the view wonderful, and the terrace a perfect size and position from which to appreciate it. Our guests too have often commented on ‘the best view in the world’, and ‘a brilliant place to escape in a beautiful environment’ to quote but a few. I’m not sure what you expected to see in northern Tuscany but being surrounded by densely wooded hillsides with views across the valley to the neighbouring hillsides dotted with medieval villages certainly pleases most people. The main terrace has plenty of space for garden lounge chairs and has a vine clad pergola and table, it has accommodated families and groups of five to six friends with plenty of room to spare with no complaints at all, so more than enough room for a couple. The road is as you say narrow, though actually much 'improved' and widened since we first arrived! It is, we've always felt, part of the character of the area. There is little traffic as it is used by only four houses, drivers always toot their horns to warn they are coming and there are several passing areas. In fact, large gas lorries, delivery vans and farm vehicles seem to have no trouble negotiating it. We can't, I'm afraid, do much about the dogs! This is the rural countryside after all! I was concerned about your complaint and followed it up with other guests who visited Il Rivo this year, worried that they too may have been irritated by barking dogs. I also enquired with our neighbours. Thankfully everyone reported that they hardly noticed any barking apart from when a dog in the valley may have been disturbed by wild boar occasionally at night. It did nothing to interfere with their impression of the peaceful ambiance of the house and surroundings. The road up to Vellano is not busy at all and is actually on the other side of the valley! Having been through these points, it’s clear that ours was not the right choice of house for you, and you would surely be advised to book a more sanitised, less traditional one in future. There are plenty of these available, though we're sure you will find them much more expensive and less ‘Tuscan’. We believe Il Rivo represents particularly good value for money for a 3-bedroom, family sized house with outside space in a beautiful setting. Regards, Michelle

Dear Rick, I understand how frustrating your situation was and I do hope you managed to sort out your daughter’s car. I recognise how you feel disappointed with how things ensued, and I am sorry that this situation occurred. The booking cancellation policy states that if a holidaymaker cancels within 14 days of the start of the rental that no refund is due. This offers protection for an owner against last minute cancellations. You cancelled the day before the rental was due to start and I had already paid the turnaround fees which, for a house like this in Tuscany, are particularly high (almost as much as the rental fee for the five days booked) and also meant I had no opportunity to secure another booking to replace yours. For my own financial protection I need to abide by the rules stipulated in the cancellation policy. Your situation was unfortunate and outside of your control, as it was mine. I did try to help you with offering some advice on how to deal with the situation by possibly hiring a small car to get to Il Rivo - this would hopefully have been cheaper than booking last minute accommodation in Venice. I also suggested contacting your travel insurance provider to claim back any losses incurred by the situation. I am sorry that you had to deal with frustrating circumstances and felt negatively towards myself. I did genuinely want to help you and your family as I do all my guests, we work hard to make Il Rivo a nice experience for visitors. I do hope you managed to still enjoy your time in Italy. Yours sincerely, Michelle

We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay Brenda, and explored the local area, there are many places still to discover so you’d be welcome back anytime! All the best, Michelle

A woman of few words! Thank you Lyn for making it a good one! Very glad you enjoyed your stay at Il Rivo.

We are so glad you continue to appreciate Il Rivo's innate character and enjoyed visiting again! Come back anytime! Best wishes, Michelle