Villa Rental Chianti Tuscany Near Florence

A: City of Lucca is just amazing and definately Florence.

A: The nearest airport is in Pisa

A: From Rome maybe 45 minutes. From Los Angeles 14 hours depending on the flight conditions.

A: We thought Poggio Antico was terrific, especially for its location. We took lots of day trips to fabulous places like Sienna, San Gimignano and Florence. The pool was great after a long, hot day. The bedrooms were very comfortable (tv in every room, although we never turned them on!) and the outdoor terrace was lovely for dinners. My only complaint was that there were no real wine glasses! We would definitely go back.

A: We had a very lovely week at Poggio Antico, even though we picked a hot week to visit. The house is really very beautiful and the views all around are wonderful. The location is central to Tuscany and an easy ride into Florence and other surrounding towns. It is very close to the house across the lane and they do have a couple of dogs that they keep outside that do bark. We didn't hear them every night, but we did hear them. Even with that, I might pack a pair of earplugs, but I would defintely consider Poggio Antico if I went back to Tuscany.

A: Everything at Poggio Antico was first rate: the villa was furnished with beautiful antiques, the view was spectacular, and the grounds were lovely with huge planters of hydrangea and roses. We spent quite a bit of time on the terrace and in the pool. We would happily return any time. In June, it was a bit hot in the upstairs bedrooms since there was no air conditioning, but it cooled off with the help of fans and opened windows, and the beds were quite comfortable with plenty of pillows. One bathroom was small, but it was of no consequence given the property's many assets. Don't hesitiate - it's a gem!

A: No, I don't think the villa would be to big for 4 adults (18 is close to an adult to me), parents could have downstairs bedroom and each teenager their own room and bath. We enjoyed our stay there so much.

A: 1. The views are 360 degrees and wonderful. All vineyards and olive groves. 2. There are 3 bathrooms all with showers, although they may be smaller than people in the US are used to. 3. The pool is an above ground pool but very nice size and since you are at the top of the hill, the surrounding views are very nice. The pool side patio is very nice as well. 4. The house would fit 6 people very easily. There are 3 large bedrooms which would each sleep 2. You could probably go 8 or 9 in the house comfortably.

A: Of the 4 villas that we have rented in Italy, This is the only one that I have seen that has window screens on all the windows. I'm not sure about August because we always go in October, but I would recommend this villa to anyone. It is a beautiful property with very nice owners.

A: It was not hot at all; however, I think our weather for late August was uncharacteristically cool. I would not hesitate to go to the property. It was very special and the owners were delightful. A big win.

A: i am happy to answer any questions. however, since we were there the last week in may, i cannot answer about august. i can simply say that the nights were very cool, and the days were quite comfortable. there were six of us and each of us agreed that the villa was the very best part of our trip to italy - without a doubt. sorry i cannot tell you more. -kelly

A: I have had hip surgery two years previous to renting the property. In addition I have two bad knees (from palying sports when much younger). Your husband will have no problems with the grounds and his knee. The only concern would be the stairs going up to the 2 upstairs bedrooms.... but I did not have any issues while staying on site. There is a downstairs bedroom and washroom... so if it was a concern then you could always use the downstairs facilities. As for rating this property it is definitely 4 star! My wife and I really enjoyed our stay there and would like to go back; My one complaint about the star rating would be that the owners frequently visited the property to carry out work on the grounds while we were there. The owners are very very nice and kept to themselves and did not go inside the property while we were there but we found it a bid odd that we rented this place and they were present I think all but one day. I am not 100% sure why that is but all in all we became very friendly with them and so we did not mind it. Regards, Mark.

A: Hello! My husband has had knee surgery before as well so I understand. The area getting in and out of the house should not present a problem. In fact he can get go the whole perimeter of the property without encountering any hills, etc. There is a bedroom downstairs with a bathroom right outside the door. The other two bedrooms are up the staircase along with two more bathrooms. He can easily enjoy this beautiful house downstairs. The kitchen, living room, dining room are all downstairs and access to the wonderful pool and outdoor eating area are just outside the kitchen. As to your other question, I am having trouble answering it. It is a very different (and for me wonderful) experience living in a home for a week versus staying in a hotel. It felt like we were coming home everyday after a day of sightseeing. The house is well-appointed, has everything you need and the beds were comfortable. I found mattresses all over Italy to be firm but my husband and I like that. If I was rating it as a villa it would definitely get a 4 star rating. My husband's only concerns for your husband is the amount of walking in Italy (depending on how healed he is) and driving a stick shift (it would bother his knee at times). Other than that, we are hoping to go back to Poggio Antico. It was a fabulous trip. Hope this helped! Have a lovely time.

A: The grounds of Poggio Antico are flat, beautifully groomed and maintained, with no hazzards that I can think of, other than maybe getting out of the pool. Maybe one or two steps to enter the house. The home has a very nice bedroom and bathroom downstairs, as well as two more beds/bath upstairs. Definately 4-star. It exceeded our expectations in every way. (there were 6 of us) and owners were delightful.

A: There is a SITA bus service to Florence from the local villages of Baccaiano or Montagnana. The bus terminus in the centre of Florence is very close to the railway station of Santa Maria Novella and one needs to catch the buses for Certaldo or Montespertoli alighting at Baccaiano or Montagnana. for a schedule follow this link and click on ICE37 http://www.piubus.it/index.php?option=com_content&task;=view&id;=13&Itemid;=27 By car is is about 30 mins to Florence

A: hi Mandy, I went to Tuscany and stayed at Poggio Antico in May 2010 with 5 of my girlfriends. The weather then was absolutely perfect, and we loved the house. It exceeded our expectations, and we felt at home right away. We didn't want to leave! I have traveled in Italy in November about 8 years ago, through Rome, Sorrento and in Sicily. The weather was rainy and cold some days, though we had some decent non-rainy days too. I would recommend May as the best time to go to Italy, especially if you want to be outdoors a lot (which you will). Anna

A: Dear Florence Travelers We drove into the heart of Florence every day and were always able to find parking. Our daughter lived on Via San Antonino near the train station. There is a parking garage there. My advice is figure out where you want to go and follow the signs. Know the major landmarks along the way and that will help. Trying to use a map will make you crazy in Florence itself. Expect to get lost. We did but were always able to follow signs or landmarks to familiar areas. Driving in Florence is more intense than San Francisco but not as crazy as Rome. Good luck!!

A: Hi Nancy, I always rent a car. There is a parking lot just down the street from the American Embassy and about 7 blocks from the Pote Vecchio. I was referred to this area by the owners of Poggio Antico and it wasn't too difficult to get to. Driving within the very center of Florence isn't possible Mostly walking/moped streets) but walking around once you park is the way to go. Alessando and Renata will give you a map and show you exactly where to park. Drivers near the city can be a bit aggressive but don't be intimidated! It is a fun adventure. :)Cheers.

A: Yes the car rental place should be open at that time. There will be some stores open as well on Saturday. The CO-OP or you will see it spelled as COOP stores are the ones to stop at and buy your groceries. Sunday is a day you don't want to try and purchase any thing much, they close everything up in the afternoon until Monday. Sunday is a good day to relax hang out at the Villa and cook dinner there.