overall impression: The accommodation was incredible and much larger than we expected. The view was amazing and we felt like we were tucked away in our own little private world in Tuscany. All of the flowers and trees growing around the property added to the beauty and charm of it all. It was wonderful to open up the window in the morning from our bedroom and see the figs growing on the tree right in front of me. There were also olive trees, kiwi trees and even grapes growing right on the property.
highlights: We enjoyed many great meals at the villa. We were able to cook inside or out and the kitchen was well-equipped. The dining on the terrace was excellent with a nice view of the sunset. There were also fresh herbs planted all around that you were welcome to use for cooking.
The surrounding area was beautiful and offered many opportunities for great walks. We ventured out a few times onto both the winding roads and some footpaths to many interesting viewpoints over the valleys. There are even some old ruins for anyone who wants to do an upward hike of about an hour. The views from the ruins were incredible, however, and well worth the effort.
All in all, the whole holiday was pleasant. We spent quite a few days just relaxing at the villa and a few days traveling around the area. The whole Tuscan region of Italy is beautiful.
unpleasant surprises: It was not easy to try and communicate with the local housekeepers. They came everday to take care of the plants and to clean the pool, but they often had something to explain to us or we had something to explain to them and it was not easy (even with an Italian guide book). We managed, but often by resorting to caveman gestures and smiling a lot.
I would not recommend this villa to anyone who wants to do a lot of driving around in Tuscany and visiting other areas. It is very much out of the way and it takes quite some time to get to anywhere from the villa. But, if someone is looking for a quiet, relaxing stay, this is definitely the place to be. It takes almost a good hour to get into Lucca from the villa even though it isn’t that far. The roads are very narrow and coming down the mountain can take quite some time.
Another comment is that the pool is not heated. Even in August, the nights in this area were very cool. The pool water was always quite cold. It was a little too chilly for some in our group, although the kids didn’t seem to mind.
Amy

Overall impression: spectacular! it was well stocked and very comfortable. The outside
area was well groomed and the swimming a delight.
Highlights: The dinner with Fabio, whom you recommended. The evening was a highlight and the food amazing. [our comment - Fabio is a private chef, his email is oibaf67@hotmail.com]
Unpleasant surprises: The road to the villa, it was much more challenging than any of the literature suggested.
Helen Sak

Overall impression: We liked it. We liked the villa and liked the property. We liked the proximity to Lucca. The kitchen was well equipped for the gourmets in our group. The pool was beautiful and well maintained. The view was great. We spent much time on the terrace.
Highlights: Cooking meals, the terrace and grounds, Cinque Terra, Florence, San Gimignano, shopping in Lucca, picking fresh figs, meeting Gabriella Simonetti and her daughter, Federica, who could speak some English. She spent hours on the phone with our airline trying to get the lost luggage of one of our group.
Unpleasant surprises: The unpaved road leading to La Comitissa. Some in our group found it daunting, but by the end of the week we were experts in navigating it.
Robert and Judy