Castello 23 - European Villa Rentals and Holiday Villas

1126

257260

2/9/2007 9:35:42 AM

Hi we have just booked Castello 23 and would love to be given any advise about. 1. the apartment and what to bring. 2. the surrounding villages and towns. Anything to help make ours a true Italian vacation. Thanks

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AskOurCustomersPublic

Q: Hi we have just booked Castello 23 and would love to be given any advise about. 1. the apartment and what to bring. 2. the surrounding villages and towns. Anything to help make ours a true Italian vacation. Thanks

	DiscussionId	NoteId	ParentNoteId	CreateDate	Content	NoteTypeId	TypeName	DiscussionTopicTypeId	DiscussionType	NumViews	DisplayContent	DepartureDate
	1127	257261	257260	2/9/2007 9:35:43 AM	We absolutely loved it. It was the highlight of our month in Italy. The only thing other than clothes I would bring, but actually not bring, but possibly consider buying is brighter light bulbs. A common complaint everywhere in old villas/castles and the like - it was underlit to read by. The kitchen was completely furnished - so we didn't need anything on that score. We made do with what was there. We took the bus into Firenzi on one day and drove into the city on another. The bus line stops right outside the castle. We had dinner at the restaurant on the premises one night, but ended up cooking for most of the meals. Simply because we had such a great time shopping for meats and produce at the little market down the hill -chatting with the owner in our very broken Italian and his very broken English - he would inevitably give us little pastries for dessert etc. Since we had not only a car, but our bicycles with us, we took advantage of other small towns in the vicinity to explore and enjoy some of the fabulous cooking. The villa has its olive press and winery, so we enjoyed the fruits of the vine/tree. There is also a bar downstairs and the castle is loaded with history - we ended up buying the beautiful book on the property. There is one hiking trail nearby at least. There is also a concierage during the day to answer questions. It is truly the perfect place to stay in Tuscany. Let me know if I can answer any specific questions.	2	Answer	2	AskOurCustomersPublic	0	A: We absolutely loved it. It was the highlight of our month in Italy. The only thing other than clothes I would bring, but actually not bring, but possibly consider buying is brighter light bulbs. A common complaint everywhere in old villas/castles and the like - it was underlit to read by. The kitchen was completely furnished - so we didn't need anything on that score. We made do with what was there. We took the bus into Firenzi on one day and drove into the city on another. The bus line stops right outside the castle. We had dinner at the restaurant on the premises one night, but ended up cooking for most of the meals. Simply because we had such a great time shopping for meats and produce at the little market down the hill -chatting with the owner in our very broken Italian and his very broken English - he would inevitably give us little pastries for dessert etc. Since we had not only a car, but our bicycles with us, we took advantage of other small towns in the vicinity to explore and enjoy some of the fabulous cooking. The villa has its olive press and winery, so we enjoyed the fruits of the vine/tree. There is also a bar downstairs and the castle is loaded with history - we ended up buying the beautiful book on the property. There is one hiking trail nearby at least. There is also a concierage during the day to answer questions. It is truly the perfect place to stay in Tuscany. Let me know if I can answer any specific questions.
	1128	257262	257260	2/9/2007 9:35:43 AM	Hello, We LOVED staying at Montegufoni/Castello 23...It has the most breathtaking views from every window..We originally took some toilet paper with us, but the place had some already. It was a little chilly at night, but we found the wool blankets were extremely helpful. They're is a little grocery store at the bottom of the hill, 2 minute drive, to stock many items we needed, also about 10 minutes away was a coop I believe, it was in Monterspertoli, this was a much bigger grocery store. There is also a wonderful ceramic shop in Monterspertoli, we purchased bowls and serving dishes, they will ship the items home for you for a fee. There is a very good restaurant 3 minutes away. I don't recall the name but if you make a left out of either driveway it is up the street across from the gas station. Our favorite place to hang out was San Casciano, the town is about 15 minutes away. It has cute shops, a playground for kids, really great pizza. This town also has the most beautiful views. The refrigerator is pretty small at Castello 23 so we mainly had a little breakfast everyday and sometimes ate dinner in . It is really centrally located to sight see different towns. Florence is about 20-30 minutes away, Lucca is about 1 hour or so, but worth the trip. The Castello is pretty quiet and they have a place to eat downstairs, we were not impressed with this meal so skip it if you can. Also, there is a little place at the side of the Castle that serves espresso and fresh pastries in the am, you can sit outside. My husband and I travelled with my 3 year old daughter and mother-in-law. The only thing I will warn you about is that the front gate to the Castle gets locked everynight around 10 or 11ish, you have to go around the side to get in and it is very dark(no lights) so keep this in mind. Everyone is very helpful, so don't hesitate to ask for help. I have the most wonderful photos of the Castle if you want to take a look let me know. It's been a while since we went but hope to go back again someday with our new addition. I hope I was able to fill you in. Ciao Kim	2	Answer	2	AskOurCustomersPublic	0	A: Hello, We LOVED staying at Montegufoni/Castello 23...It has the most breathtaking views from every window..We originally took some toilet paper with us, but the place had some already. It was a little chilly at night, but we found the wool blankets were extremely helpful. They're is a little grocery store at the bottom of the hill, 2 minute drive, to stock many items we needed, also about 10 minutes away was a coop I believe, it was in Monterspertoli, this was a much bigger grocery store. There is also a wonderful ceramic shop in Monterspertoli, we purchased bowls and serving dishes, they will ship the items home for you for a fee. There is a very good restaurant 3 minutes away. I don't recall the name but if you make a left out of either driveway it is up the street across from the gas station. Our favorite place to hang out was San Casciano, the town is about 15 minutes away. It has cute shops, a playground for kids, really great pizza. This town also has the most beautiful views. The refrigerator is pretty small at Castello 23 so we mainly had a little breakfast everyday and sometimes ate dinner in . It is really centrally located to sight see different towns. Florence is about 20-30 minutes away, Lucca is about 1 hour or so, but worth the trip. The Castello is pretty quiet and they have a place to eat downstairs, we were not impressed with this meal so skip it if you can. Also, there is a little place at the side of the Castle that serves espresso and fresh pastries in the am, you can sit outside. My husband and I travelled with my 3 year old daughter and mother-in-law. The only thing I will warn you about is that the front gate to the Castle gets locked everynight around 10 or 11ish, you have to go around the side to get in and it is very dark(no lights) so keep this in mind. Everyone is very helpful, so don't hesitate to ask for help. I have the most wonderful photos of the Castle if you want to take a look let me know. It's been a while since we went but hope to go back again someday with our new addition. I hope I was able to fill you in. Ciao Kim