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Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 5 Apr 2008)
Excellent location and views. We went during March when it was not particularly warm, but still had a wonderful time. We had snow on one day and that only enhanced the beauty of the locale and the kids had a wonderful time! Great local walks, beautiful little villages to visit locally, excellent fresh local produce seafood available at local markets.
A few caveats: access to the property involves a 1km walk from the car park, not really practical for small children, the elderly or individuals with disabilities. Beware of the fuel surcharge: we spent 260 euros for 7 days, adding considerably to the total holiday cost; excellent gourmet meals served by the owners but at premium rates - probaly cheaper to eat out, significantly cheaper to cook oneself.
Owner reply:
Access to the property is 500m along a track negotiable with a small car. They had been informed of this before their holiday. We supply a car for our guests and they also had a small car but they insisted on walking.
They managed to use quarter of a tank of fuel in the week heating the house to 30C even when they were out for the day. We supply free fire wood for the wood burning stove (which would have heated the entire house) which they declined to use.
The winter surcharge for gas is based upon the amount used.
They didn't have a gourmet meal, they had supper left for them on arrival. Our rates are competitive with the local restaurants and surely it is always cheaper to cook for yourself than have a chef come to cook for you?
Review submitted by Peter from Amsterdam (Submitted: 14 Aug 2007)
Nice house, beautifull location, kind cowners. We had a good time.
Review submitted by Laurie from Winthrop, Washington, USA (Submitted: 15 Jul 2007)
Lavacchio was a fantastic choice for our group of 13. We could inhabit the entire property comfortably and the owners were very friendly and helpful. It was nice that they spoke both English and Italian. The property is accurately represented on the website: charming with much attention to comfort and detail, centrally situated for day trips, quiet and yet fun for teens.
Review submitted by Howard from Macclesfield, UK (Submitted: 28 Aug 2006)
Property is excellent and in a very peaceful spot with superb views to Serchio valley and the surrounding mountains. High standard of refurbishment in the property itself which is accompanied by a large swimming pool (certainly much larger than current photos on this site would suggest). Access to the house is via a narow road which, if you don't want to negotiate with your hire car, can be driven along using the supplied Ford Fiesta (aka the Lavacchio banger!).
Nearest restaurant is 15 minutes walk away and many more within a 15 minute drive; a 5 minute drive takes you to Gallicano for local shops and supermarkets as well as a train station to access Lucca (and beyond).
The property also has its own pizza oven and the very friendly owners offer a pizza evening if you're that way inclined.
Summary - if you want peace and quite and total relaxation while surrounded by superb countryside, good food, wonderful hill walks then you cannot go wrong selecting this property.
Review submitted by Barbara from Kent UK (Submitted: 30 Jun 2006)
A hillside paradise - the views are amazing and the way the property has been renovated makes the most of the beautiful setting. The owners have achieved the perfect combination of comfort and rustic charm and their generous and thoughtful hospitality made our holiday truly memorable. We’ll be back.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 17 Feb 2005)
Really amzing - the tastiest three weeks of my life: Jamie Murray, Uzbekistan.
Glorious weather under a Tuscan sun,fabulous company with great food and wine: David Sweet, NZ
Heaven in the hills: Colin Pettigrew, NZ
Fantastic. Five star service. We will definitely be back: Morag McLean, Perthshire, Scotland