This place was wonderful. We have stayed in many self-catering places in Europe over the last couple of decades and this place has by far the best views. I could sit all day and look at them. And, a couple of times, I did, once from inside when there was a big storm. The massive windows really helped with this.
Daniele, the owner, was very helpful before arrival and all his information was provided quickly and in detail.
The house is clean as a pin thanks to Anna and is very well equipped. The beds were very comfortable and, with the quiet that comes from being somewhat remote, we slept very well.
September is a great time to go to Tuscany. It is neither too hot and nor have the winter chills set in. Towns have slightly fewer tourists to crowd you out, although there are still plenty of them. Again, the view from many of these hill towns, like Montepulciano, are breathtaking. We did eat out a bit but as we learnt more about local produce we also ate in. The kitchen has everything you need to cook for a family. We were three but there was evidence that rather larger groups had stayed.
The neighbour, Giacomo, was there to help, although he speaks no English. He interrupted his olive harvest to safely retrieve a juvenile starling that got stuck in the chimney. His neighbour, Suzanne, who is Swiss and speaks good English, has a number of cats, one of whom has no teeth and was very friendly. But it was clear that if you don't like cats, they expect to be shooed away.
It should be said that it is about a mile from the nearest town and so somewhat remote but for us that is an ideal distance. It is a nice walk to get there. There are lots of really beautiful walks in this area, although it is best if you get your navigation right!
The very clean communal pool is supposed to be closed at the end of September but Daniele kindly arranged for it to be left open a few more days. It wasn’t that cold and certainly very refreshing. I can imagine that in the hot months it would be great to lean on the side of the pool and admire the view, which is even tremendous from there.
We have never stayed in any place twice but with this one we are very tempted indeed.