We just arrived back yesterday from our almost-two-week stay at Molino Bianco. My wife, 10 y.o. son and myself had a wonderful time.
It's location is pretty much spot on - it's a short walk to the local supermarket which, other than an initial crossing of the road, is on a purpose built footpath alongside a stream. It's a slightly longer and uphill stroll to the walled town in the opposite direction, but the ice cream shop there is worth the effort!
Siena is 15 minutes drive away and easily accessible, San Gimignano a little further time wise but still a no stress trip out. We also went to Volterra (an exhilirating and windy 45 minute drive), Florence (50 minutes to the big Coop everyone online recommends you park at for free, before getting a short tram ride in) and Arezzo (learn from our mistake, do not take the mountain route there...).
There's a little bar within walking distance of the house that serves good food and nice wine and beer as well, but don't be shy about demanding service...that's the only bit they've not got nailed there.
The house itself is a historic and sympathetically refurbished period property, and everything that entails; big thick walls, wooden beams, small windows and low ceilings. We thought it was beautiful, and really representative of the Tuscany we wanted to experience.
The kitchen is well equipped - gas hob, electric oven, m/w, kettle, toaster, washing machine, dishwasher, plenty of plates and glasses and a fridge freezer. Spot on. The beds are comfy (and the master bedroom's one is huge!). The main bathroom is downstairs, but private and discrete, while a small 'midnight toilet' is upstairs between the two bedrooms should you get caught short in the night.
There is traffic noise, but that's a small price to pay for something so well located (we've previously stayed in Italy in more remote locations, but it means everything is a decent drive away!). We ate outside on the provided furniture both in the garden and by the pool, most days in fact. Other than mosquitos (pack the repellant) it worked really well for us.
The building you stay in is the one that is not immediately adjacent to the pool (that's Roberto and Raffaela's place) - the rendered one set back in the photo for the listing. Not that it was a problem, just worth mentioning. There is a shower room room next to it should you need the loo, so it's not like there's a lot of back and too.
The pool had a permanently shaded area with table and chairs next to it, along with a selection of sun loungers under an additional large parasol. Other parasols were available as well, but we didn't need them.
The pool itself is amazing - the photos do not do it justice. It's about 30 feet long by 20 feet wide at the biggest points, plenty big enough! It has a shallow end which is a relatively steep drop down to the 2.5m depth that takes up most of it. It's brilliant, and we had lots of pool days in-between exploring this area of the country.
Raffaela and Roberto were very gracious, enthusiastic and welcoming hosts who made us feel very comfortable on their property. They gave us exclusive use of all the gardens and pool while we were there, chatted to us about our days and had lots of recommendations as to where to go, what to do and how to get there.
We left feeling privileged to have stayed, well rested and having had a fantastic holiday. Thanks to both of them for their hospitality!
Tutte le prenotazioni avvengono direttamente con il proprietario 