Quercesecca

My husband, our 3-year-old boxer, and I spent a week in September at the Rosmarino house. Everything was spotless, from the mosquito screens to the full set of dishes and utensils, plus the really nice towels and sheets. The garden was well kept, with two loungers and an outdoor table that sat in the pine trees' shade at lunchtime. The other house, a little farther from the road, gets sun all day. We're very happy with our stay and plan to come back next year. The only thing I'd suggest is adding a few towel hooks in the bathroom.

The first-floor apartment has a lovely view over the rooftops and the garden around the farmhouse. There's a staircase to get up there, but it gives you more privacy than the ground-floor apartments. Inside, it's spacious, practical, furnished in proper Tuscan style, with a fireplace, and spotlessly clean. We stayed with our dog in July in the "Umberto D" apartment. There's no air conditioning, but all the windows on opposite sides help, and there are two fans if needed. The kitchen has a fridge-freezer and oven. A microwave would have been more useful, though. The renovated bathroom is very functional. Outside there is lots of well-kept greenery, a picnic area, barbecue, and plenty of parking. We felt right at home and would gladly return. For dogs, "Fuorirotta Beach Club" is a 10-minute drive away, followed by a ten-minute walk through a pine forest.

The receptionist was really friendly, and the rustic property has a lot going for it, especially its location and quiet setting. Still, it's too basic, with no microwave or washing machine and not much attention to detail. The value for money isn't great. To me, it seems like the owners' short-sightedness is the issue, which is often the case in Tuscany. What a shame, it has so much potential. See photos!

A very old, classic Tuscan farmhouse, but I wouldn't recommend staying here. There are steps inside the house and the access stairs don't feel safe. It's poorly maintained, even though the outside and garden are well kept. I strongly advise against it.