Italy

Villa La Pietra Grezza 

We spent almost 2 weeks in The Lilac apartment in June 2012.  It was the most relaxing and enjoyable time I have had in years.  The views were amazing from the property.  Alberto, the home owner, was very helpful and gracious.  The apartment was clean and spacious.  We are planning to return to this beautiful place near Florence.  Lovers of 
history will find this location ideal. Living in a rental home was far better than being in a hotel.  We had a rental car that allowed us the freedom of seeing the pretty villages and historic sites.  I have recommended this rental to all my friends. All the best to you, Alberto.  You made us feel like we were "at home".  You are so fortunate to have this lovely historic home.

Diana and John Cowland

Villa La Pietra Grezza : Apartment  The Lilac 5 pax

Canada

 From Hanwell, Canada

When
August to November 2007, 3 months 
Review
Pietra Grezza is in a magical setting surrounded by forest, rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards. From its beautiful location high above the Arno Valley, you can see sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside. Small villages and larger towns are situated throughout the area so restaurants and stores, banks etc are within easy reach by car. Access to the Autostrada is nearby, bus and trains are close so we found that it was very easy to travel everywhere. We realized taking the train to Florence was much easier than driving through the traffic and hunting for parking. It is only approximately a 30 minute trip through beautiful countryside to the main terminal of Santa Maria Novella.
The accommodation at Pietra Grezza was charming. We had lovely views over the valley through large open windows which brought cooling breezes through the apartment day and night. The kitchen was well stocked with utensils and dishes, all linens and towels were provided. A wonderful historic open fireplace could even be used as a Tuscan grill. We had many wonderful meals on the terrace and spent lazy afternoons reading on lounges surrounded by huge pots of rose-colored hydrangeas.
Alberto, owner of Pietra Grezza, was very accommodating and helpful, doing everything possible to make our stay the best possible. His homemade jams are delicious! He keeps the gardens around the villa full of blooming roses, lavender, herbs and fruit trees.
We had a wonderful time and certainly plan to return as soon as we are able. I highly recommend this property.
by Judith from Costa Rica

Villa La Pietra Grezza:Apt.Ancient Fireplace 6pax 18km to Firenze

Absolutely amazing, inspirational views, every about this place is perfect. Highly recommend.
Andrew Williams 
Mature couple
Port Talbot, South Wales,
United Kingdom, May 2008

“Hospitable, relaxed atmosphere”
If you want to stay in the country but close to Florence - this is a wonderful place to base your explorations. Up on a hill, above a small village near Rignano - you will find a welcoming host - Alberto - who will provide you with local information in addition to a large comfortable apartment. The apartment Ancient Fireplace is part of what was a hunting lodge, set behind a large house, but dont be fooled. The apartment has been renovated - not in the IKEA style - but in comfortable appropriate furnishings. The terrace (located at the door) is very pleasant place to have your meals and enjoy the view. We loved our week here and wished we could have stayed longer.
Cindy 
Ontario, Canada
25 nov 2009

The apartment was clean and pleasant and comfortable, everything worked as it should. The location is remote from the city bustle and beautiful, but its easy enough to get to Florence in half an hour if you avoid the rush hour traffic. The area around offers multiple touring options if you have a car. Alberto is a helpful and welcoming host. We greatly enjoyed our stay.
•	By: Helen Quinn
Melbourne,Australia
30 10 2010 -6 11 2010

For the past seven months Ive been renting the middle apartment, "Antico Camino." Ive only praise for it, and also for Alberto, the owner, who lives in the ground floor apartment of the converted three-storey, 18th C. hunting lodge some 21 km SE of central Florence. Alberto manages to be both extremely helpful and caring of his guests and property, without ever being invasive and nosey. He knows the region well, justifiably loves his home and the Tuscan countryside, and tirelessly keeps the spacious and beautiful grounds in trim. In comparison to the other property for rent on this isolated hilltop, namely, the medieval "castello" across the yard from the hunting lodge, Alberto offers something truly individual and memorable. He and his wife, Donatella, are sincere, very kind people. With a satellite ADSL internet connection in the apartment (and the house as a whole), Ive been able to restrict my journeys to Florence, where Ive been officially based for research. As and when I have gone in, the local bus service has been faultless (there is a regular service throughout the day, ending at 9 pm with the last bus home from Florence, and the journey takes about 40 mins., depending on traffic). Walking down the hill to reach the bus stop, and then back up the hill when returning from Florence, is not for everyone, as the hill is very steep and long (some 1.3 km) but its a beautiful walk! (Of course, if you rent a car, which I did when my wife and young son joined me, this walk is no longer a necessity.) Indeed, the house is not for everyone if you want the luxuries of city living, Albertos apartments are probably not for you. What Alberto offers in "Antico Camino" is unpretentious, unadorned rural living with stunning (truly stunning) views, combined with only certain modern conveniences (ADSL, dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge-freezer, cooker and oven, TV, shower, and central heating). More than enough for me and my family. I am extremely sad to be leaving and I can only hope to return, even if only as a short-term holidaymaker. 
Simon, Salmiya,Kuwait

We stayed at La Pietra Grezza during the summer of 2010 for three months. We were very lucky to find this authentic Tuscan house situated on a remote hilltop amidst stunning scenery, but within easy reach of Florence and Arezzo. Alberto, the landlord, is a warm, caring person and seemed to be always there in case we needed him. He renovated this three-storey, 18th century hunting lodge himself and takes great pride in it. And so he ought! It is beautiful inside and out, comfortable and peaceful. The spacious grounds are also beautiful, and thanks to Alberto and his wife, Donatellas, green fingers there is always something blooming. We enjoyed every day there and my 3-year-old son now keeps on asking when well go back home to Italia! This is somewhat surprising, given that he didnt play with a single child throughout those 3 months! We genuinely felt like we we part of the place, something made possible by Albertos unobtrusive care and help. We have made a home and family in Italia and we will be going back as soon as possible.
Rena O’Meara, England

13 06 2011
	Sistemazione estremamente accogliente e suggestiva. bambini e animali accolti con gioia!!! siamo stati 2 giorni e speriamo di tornare presto. lappartamento è meraviglioso, i proprietari estremamente gentili e disponibili. a 2 passi da Firenze ma immersi nella natura. lo consigliamo alle famiglie, agli amanti della natura e delle cose genuine.
Stefania Roma

“Try Albertos Fig Preserve!”

Our stay with Alberto and Donatella at La Pietra Grezza was – in two words – perfectly perfect! We were familiar with much of Italy, having taught two years in Apulia three years prior, yet never made time to seriously explore the Tuscan region. So …. in Sept/Oct we returned, and thanks to the advice of our gracious hosts, the Pagani’s, along with selec ted road maps they provided, we discovered many of the glorious hidden gems the Tuscany area provides. Throw in frequent visits to numerous vineyards, antiquated villages, easy bus access to Florence, and the annual Greve Chianti Classico Festival ….well, PERFECTO!!!
La Pietra Grezza is ideally located, quite and serene, a gentle walk into town for thin crusted pizza, fresh picked wild mushrooms and homemade sausage. Our apartment was sunny, more than comfortable, fully equipped, and with marvelous vistas from every room. We couldn’t recommend Le Pietra Grezza more highly. Oh, be sure to try some of Alberto’s fig preserves. Hopefully he’ll have some left. We went through two jars ourselves and wish we had brought some home.
Robert and Karen, Alstead, New Hampshire
October,2011

Dear Alberto,
We  very much enjoyed our stay at the La Pietra Grezza . We are glad you were able to accommodate us, despite the cold snap and ice. 
The Ancient Fireplace apartment was able to accomodate our family of 5.
We loved the shutters  able to block out the light until we felt like getting up, and not being concerned about the noise our children were making. The washing machine was much appreciated as was the large dining table , and uniform warmth in the apartment.
Nancy and John, 
Of Moncton, NB, Canada
And Lyon, France this year
February, 13-19 2012

Villa La Pietra Grezza

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