La Corte del Falco

We could head out on short hikes right from the house, and Pistoia, Lucca, and Carrara were easy to reach. Shops are nearby, and the view alone opens your heart to Tuscany's beauty. La Corte del Falco is an idyllic place to unwind. Fabrizio was such a warm host, and even turned the briefest raindrop into a lovely moment. Our dog was welcomed with open arms, something we've rarely experienced elsewhere. Coco and Luca, the two house cats, often came over for cuddles, while keeping a respectful distance from the dog.

The owner was incredibly kind and friendly, and the animals were gentle and sociable, though we hardly saw them. The apartment was super clean and had EVERYTHING, including cooking and eating utensils that were brand-new and spotless. I'm picky about that. It was close to the highway and the Esselunga supermarket in Montecatini, and you can find everything in Pieve a Nievole. It warmed up easily, though it was cold when we arrived because the heating wasn't on. After a few hours it was comfortable. The only flaw was the rather small oven, but it worked. I hope to come back in nice weather and use the outdoor veranda each apartment has. Highly recommended!

The countryside here is peaceful, even with all of Tuscany's big sights nearby. Florence, Pisa, Lucca, and Siena are each under an hour away by car, then you can return to a quiet cottage in the evening. The traditional Tuscan courtyard sits among vineyards and olive groves, with a fantastic view of Montecantini Alto. We got a warm, almost family-style welcome, plus dessert and cantuccini in the evening. Coffee supplies and a few snacks were already there for guests. There are three apartments, and the very friendly owners live on site. Everyone can use the refreshing whirlpool. Monica also shares the daily weather forecast, and there's plenty of information available. We didn't hear any of the barking dogs people often mention. Odri the dog and two cats roam around freely, along with geckos that help keep mosquitoes away. The apartments are rustic but tastefully furnished and spotless. They may be old, but there was no musty or damp smell. Ours had two fully equipped bathrooms, each with a shower and toilet. Air conditioning is planned for next year. Bring mosquito repellent, though. Once you use it, the mosquitoes really do leave you alone.

The owners were so kind and friendly, and the clean, comfortable apartments had everything we needed to feel at home. It's a lovely place for a relaxing holiday in the Tuscan countryside, with a strategic location for visiting the region's cities. Truly enchanting.