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La Pietra Grezza, Rignano Sull Arno,: Outstanding apartment in Tuscany + B&B
We have rented holiday homes in Ireland, England and France, but our stay with Alberto and Donatella in their Hunting Lodge in the Tuscan hills was sheer delight. Our German Shepherd came with us and Alberto did the "dog sitting" while we explored Florence, Siena, Pisa and the lovely Arezzo. But we discovered that history and the riches of Italian culture were right on our doorstep at Bisticci - and no queues: Caccia, Figline, Voldarno were brimming with the art and architecture of the Risorgimento. No shortage of excellent, country restaurants - Alberto's guidance never failed.
We so enjoyed the apartment we stayed "home" on many days - Leisurely breakfast on our own terrace, stunning views down the valley, and the birds thronging in the trees in the ravine below us. We could hear the wild boar, smell the pines, sip the Tignanello a delicious blend of Sangiovese and cabernet grapes; it was almost a chore to struggle off the loungers and go down the mountain for lunch. When the weather really warmed up, the apartment remained cool: large rooms, thick walls and very high ceilings provided a perfect refuge.
The apartment is a floor of the hunting lodge which is built into the hillside. On three levels, each one with its own terrace, there is excellent privacy. The second apartment was the "Bed and Breakfast" unit, and was an excellent stop for trekkers crossing the Tuscan hills.
For dog owners the dog "garden", usually occupied by Alberto's dogs, is available to enable trips out while the dog can remain in a cool, and very extensive, secure enclosure. All under the watchful eye of the indefatigable Alberto.
How many holidays provide the perfect "uncle" - knowledgeable, helpful, discreet and so capable.
The approach to Bisticci is up a very tortuous, steep hill, not a problem if taken at a steady pace and after the second approach tackled with the aplomb of a local.
There is a good bus service from the bottom of the hill - where there is also a good car park- into the centre of Florence. But across the valley from Bisticci, visit and enjoy a genuine Masaccio - in a little parish church, just sit alone and contemplate this treasure of the 14th Century master.
Promise not to tell anyone else about this little bit of heaven.
