Tenuta San Giovanni Lucca - Borgo Ai Rovai

The house is very high up on a mountain and the road is a very small and crooked pathway. Getting all the way up in our van was no easy task. Our van broke down and then no taxis were willing to pick us up in the house. The house has no air condition and was extremely hot, especially the upper floors. The owners gave us extra fans which helped but was not enough. The kitchen equipment is old and not up to our standard. We could never really cook in the house. The outdoor barbeque area is quite shabby. We were greeted by two very loud dogs which barked a lot the whole stay. Would have liked to know beforehand that there would be loose dogs around.

One of the most outstanding, mysterious places weve been to. And we travel quite a lot! Personality of the hosts, attention, uniqueness of the houses themselves all this makes it a perfect place for a selected and conscious traveller. First thing that makes you jaw drop is the road leading upwards. Sometimes you wonder if your driving skills are what you thought they are. The views, however, are magnificent. The stone constructed houses are located on a hill and the next morning after your arrival at the sunrise you will know exactly this was the right choice. We first occupied older and then the smaller but a bit newer house. The bigger one feels like its years long inhabitants left just a moment ago. You have all equipment, almost all is in its original condition. Still, better to not be alone there, although hosts very friendly dogs help you feel safe and taken care of. The rooms are equipped with original beds, wardrobes and tables so you feel time has stopped some fifty years ago. The smaller house was much more to our taste. A bit more modern, air conditioned so less insects inside. Fully equipped kitchen, washing machine with dryer, dishwasher, small garden place with table to serve breakfasts. Not to mention oven, microwave if one wants to use them, fridge, coffee machines - literally everything. Except electric kettle perhaps ;) The pool is great. Does not quite fit the character of the place though, its ultra modern and the place located within forest and trees just feels like from the past. Not everything is perfect, do not expect surgical sterility within the houses - they are clean, bed clothes are perfectly fresh but the character is what it is. I personally would just have some nets against insects in the windows. Im just not sure whether its possible given how old the windows themselves are. Mind that you must have a car while staying here.