The nature:
The house is surrounded by conifer, oak, chestnut woods and other latifoglie grove. The undergrowth is rich with ferns, mushrooms, cyclamens, and several specimens of orchids. A small lake with fishes and amphibians is also a place where herons and egrets eat or have some rest. Kingfishers and jays nest here, under cover of darkness foxes, weasels, porcupines, if you are lucky istrici, may come and visit you. Rare and wonderful butterflies such as Vanessa antiopia, la Zerintia and Ilia, live and reproduce here.
In few minutes’ walk you can easily reach the protect humid area of “Padule di Fuccecchio”.
Culture:
Located in the heart Tuscany, cradle of Italian culture, this resort have a central position in lower Valdarno. For this reason it is near Florence and at the same time not far from Pisa, Lucca, Pistoia and Livorno, which are among the most artistically interesting towns in northern Tuscany. You will find extremely fascinating to visit the medieval towns and villages, such as S. Miniato, Vicopisano, Signa; among the splendid evidences of XIII century architecture are Volterra, S.Giminiano, Monteriggioni and Vinci, which Leonardo was particularly fond of. Last but not least, Certaldo, Boccacio’s birthplace. Visitors can go on various interesting excursions through the Medicean houses of Poggio a Caiano, Artimio and Montelupo Fiorentino; the famous Collodi Park, architectonic and botanic transposition of Pinocchio’s myth, but they must not fail to have some rest in Montecatini, Monsummano, Uliveto and Lucca watering place.
Cookery:
Tuscany is a wonderful dream made of tendrils, olives, with smooth contours outlined by rows of cypresses. In this region you can easily reach either seaside or forest, with its wood flavour, and Mediterranean herbs. The harmony of the landscape can be found every day in the ancient flavours and fragrances of a long-experienced cooking. Tuscan cuisine offers simple dishes such as crostini (something similar to canapé), pappa al pomodoro and other soups belonging to the local country tradition sprinkled with excellent extra-virgin olive oil and peppercorn. And what can be said about the Val di Chiana meat, about the “costata fiorentina” barbecued; pecorini, salami and cold pork meat, sausages whose flavour is heightened by unrivalled, best-known local wines, such as Chianti, Vernaccia, Brunello.
Those who like to be tempted will find out how wonderful opportunities Tuscany can give!
Guest Book:
Dearest Vito and Anna, The past two weeks have been great. Thank you for your stories, the fabulous meal. My memories of you will last a lifetime. Just keep doing what you do, being yourself. Each time my husband and I walk in our yard I shall think of the sweetness you two share each morning in your yard. Thank you again for making my first visit to Italy a great one. I hope to be as blessed as the both of you. Cherish always, Valeria Williams June 12-26, 2004.
Dear Anna and Vito, Words cannot express how much we enjoyed our holiday in your lovely home. From the moment we arrived we felt so welcome by your family (dogs, chickens and donkey included). We have come to cherish our 'good mornings across the garden and the wonderful tales we have shared. Our family has found a little bit of paradise in Tuscany land, and at the heart of this paradise are Anna and Vito. With love and thanks. Fiona, Colin, 12.08.06.