Just got back from a week at this wonderful little piece of Tuscan paradise. Set in the middle of vineyards and out of the way from the summer bustle of Siena and Florence, the Il Cerretaccio villa is a great place to relax and slow down. We scored perfect weather, as expected in July, and the manager Alessandro was always available to make sure that our questions and needs were met.
Highlights:
- Pool: the water temp was perfect, the pool was super clean and we spent a lot of time there, surrounded by nature and colorful landscaping.
- Alfresco dining: take advantage of the solid kitchen and make some great family meals to be enjoyed in one of the two outdoor dining rooms with panoramic vineyard views.
- A/C: This is one of the few rentals in the region that offers A/C in most rooms, which was very welcome!
- Alessandro: The manager was always around to answer questions and help out with directions. His family makes *stellar* wine, and we purchased about a case of his family Chianti which was outstanding.
- Location: the nearest town is 10-15 mins away, so you are on your own. Day trips are pretty far (Siena is about 30 mins away), so consider spending full days at the home and full days sightseeing, you probably can't do both in one day.
Hickups:
- Internet is really slow and since the villa has solid stone walls, don't expect internet connectivity throughout the property or even in specific spots. It makes sense, you are in the middle of the vineyards on vacation. But if you are hoping to get some work done, it's not really going to work.
- The drive: the directions to the villa on the HomeAway app are just wrong, and took us for a ride all over southern Tuscany. Not sure I am supposed to disclose the exact location of the villa on HomeAway in a review, but it's really easy to get good directions on Google Maps if you just enter the name of the villa directly.
- The villa is actually separated into 2 different buildings, something that is not stated clearly in the house description. The two buildings are about 100 yards apart, so not under the same roof even. Something to obviously consider!
- Critters: you are in the middle of the countryside, so unexpected visitors might show up from time to time.
Overall, we would return in a hurry. The place is great and truly exemplifies old farmhouse Tuscan living.
