Avis Peaceful Tuscan farmhouse, magnificent views. Near Lucca, Pescia, Florence, Pisa

Dear Jean Louis & Isabelle, We are very sorry that you didn't enjoy your stay at Il Rivo more. We have been visiting the house for many years during all the seasons and have always loved the location, view, tranquillity & ambience of the house itself. Our guests over the years have reflected these experiences too as proven by their reviews (all validated) on the website. We have tried to keep the house as original as possible, while providing modern facilities, and we believe that is what most people would want and expect of a 'Traditional Tuscan Farmhouse'. While the upper floor is light and airy, the living room is relatively dark and cool and provides welcome respite in the heat of summer and makes it cosy in winter. As a former working farm, it was originally used for farm storage and occasional animal refuge as befits a Tuscan farmhouse. To introduce more light into the room we did however put in French doors opening onto the terrace. The kitchen is indeed much as it might have been in your grandparents day - and quite deliberately so - we wanted to keep it as authentic and Tuscan as possible but with all mod cons: full height fridge/freezer, dishwasher, modern gas hob and separate electric oven, Pavoni espresso machine etc. The furnishings and fixtures are intentionally sourced from local suppliers and craftsmen using ‘Castagno’ (chestnut wood), Sorana stone, and marble from Carrara. We are very surprised that you found the outside 'nothing extraordinary' with 'limited view'. It may not look on to the 'Grand Canyon', but over the last twenty years we have always found the view wonderful, and the terrace a perfect size and position from which to appreciate it. Our guests too have often commented on ‘the best view in the world’, and ‘a brilliant place to escape in a beautiful environment’ to quote but a few. I’m not sure what you expected to see in northern Tuscany but being surrounded by densely wooded hillsides with views across the valley to the neighbouring hillsides dotted with medieval villages certainly pleases most people. The main terrace has plenty of space for garden lounge chairs and has a vine clad pergola and table, it has accommodated families and groups of five to six friends with plenty of room to spare with no complaints at all, so more than enough room for a couple. The road is as you say narrow, though actually much 'improved' and widened since we first arrived! It is, we've always felt, part of the character of the area. There is little traffic as it is used by only four houses, drivers always toot their horns to warn they are coming and there are several passing areas. In fact, large gas lorries, delivery vans and farm vehicles seem to have no trouble negotiating it. We can't, I'm afraid, do much about the dogs! This is the rural countryside after all! I was concerned about your complaint and followed it up with other guests who visited Il Rivo this year, worried that they too may have been irritated by barking dogs. I also enquired with our neighbours. Thankfully everyone reported that they hardly noticed any barking apart from when a dog in the valley may have been disturbed by wild boar occasionally at night. It did nothing to interfere with their impression of the peaceful ambiance of the house and surroundings. The road up to Vellano is not busy at all and is actually on the other side of the valley! Having been through these points, it’s clear that ours was not the right choice of house for you, and you would surely be advised to book a more sanitised, less traditional one in future. There are plenty of these available, though we're sure you will find them much more expensive and less ‘Tuscan’. We believe Il Rivo represents particularly good value for money for a 3-bedroom, family sized house with outside space in a beautiful setting. Regards, Michelle

We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay Brenda, and explored the local area, there are many places still to discover so you’d be welcome back anytime! All the best, Michelle

A woman of few words! Thank you Lyn for making it a good one! Very glad you enjoyed your stay at Il Rivo.

We are so glad you continue to appreciate Il Rivo's innate character and enjoyed visiting again! Come back anytime! Best wishes, Michelle

Thanks for your review, we are very glad you enjoyed Il Rivo. Being a rural converted farmhouse in the foothills of the Appenines the only way up is via a winding road - which can actually be pretty fun to drive! But I appreciate the roads are narrower than those in the US. The reward though once you get up to Il Rivo is the wonderful view!

Thank you for the review Charles, we are very glad you enjoyed your stay at Il Rivo entertaining your family and celebrating your anniversary! The house is in a rural setting offering peace and quiet, as you say the path down can be steep in places, but has been traversed over the years by children and adults including grandparents. I have taken on board your comments about knowing which house is Il Rivo, and now send guests photos of the entrance to the path so they don't confuse our house with the neighbours. I apologise the grass had not been cut prior to your arrival, the gardener did go up to the house earlier on the day you were due to arrive but was unable to strim the path and terraces as it started to rain, which meant all his other customers were eager for his services when it stopped! He returned to Il Rivo as soon as he could a day or two after you arrived. Great that you sampled the local restaurants, they do serve delicious food! The house is off the beaten track offering a real slice of Italian life as you say. Best wishes, Michelle