Casa dei Fichi 9

“ We had a lovely time staying at Casa dei Fichi ”

We had a lovely time staying at Casa dei Fichi.

There were six adults in our party and the accommodation was perfect for us. The views from all parts of the villa were wonderful in particular from the front bedrooms and the terracing. We could see the Mediterranean from the pool and the castle from the terrace. The settees and chairs in the lounges were very comfortable. The kitchen was extremely well equipped with a very good cooker. The utility room had two fridges and a convenient washing machine and dish-washer. Really, the house was well equipped. The villa was very secluded and we only saw a few of the estate workers and a couple of walkers during the whole week – very peaceful. There were no city noises, no street lights and no crowds – ideal for us.

We had an enjoyable evening when Luca, the caretaker, came to prepare pizzas for us – a really nice meal and although we didn’t cook any pizzas ourselves during the week, we had a few barbeques. Most evenings and early mornings were spent around the pool. The weather was in the high 20’s all week and we only had a shower of rain for an hour one afternoon.

We walked several times into the village and ate lunches in the cafes in the centre. Being on top of a hill, the walk from the villa to the village was easy but a little harder on the way back! We found a map of the trails around Campiglia and followed one of them to the Archaeological park – mines that had ceased working some while back but are now open to the public. The site has several mines and includes small railways – very interesting.

Since we had not been to Tuscany before, we had two city trips – to Florence and Siena. We decided the best option was to drive. In Florence, we parked in Fortessa de Basso – about 0.5 km from the centre. In Siena, we parked in the Stadio – the football stadium – again just outside the ZTL (no car) area – both had plenty of space (but it was September). Both days were filled with the wonderful sights of the cities.

On another day, we visited a winery. We were advised to go to the Bolgheri (about 30km) area where there are several wineries that provide a tour. We visited Marina at Mulini di Segalari who gave us a description of how her wines were produced and then provided us with glasses of the five wine types.

It was truly a most enjoyable week. Location – great; villa – great; weather – great; food and drink – great; pool – great. What else could one say!

Thanks to Luca and Sarah at your office for advice and hospitality.

“ All in all not just a repeat of a previous holiday but perfect week... ”

We first visited Casa dei Fichi three years ago and knew then that we would return. Going back we were a bit apprehensive that maybe the memories of the previous time there would not be repeated but the minute we drove around the bend in the driveway and the house appeared I knew we needn’t have worried.

Knowing the locale from last time we knew how to get to the house which wasn’t necessarily the case case first time round (careful not to end up driving down the wrong street and ending up into middle of the old town when you are not supposed to!) Also we knew the local big Coop in Venturina and with the flight into Pisa getting in at 12.30 by the time we had made to Campiglia Marittima we had time to nip there to stock up with our first shop before heading to the house for check-in at 17.00. We also had time for a quick drink in the beautiful town square (great ice creams for the kids at the Bacco Bar) and book a table at La Tavernetta for our first evening (Saturdays it gets a bit busy in the square so worth securing a table outside.)

The dirt road up to the house had been a bit of a challenge the last time but I am glad to report it has been upgraded to an extent and now is no real issue at all. Tuning off the track onto the drive way of the house with the line of cypress trees never fails to bring a lump to your throat as the view and house appears after 400m or so.

Whoever cleans the house between guests does an amazing job as the house was immaculate . The kitchen is fully stocked with every tool and could possibly need. The pantry full of essentials and plenty of fridge space. Books, toys, electronics a plenty to keep everyone occupied. A big stock of seasoned olive wood for the bbq and the pizza oven that are just great for making very special lunches and evening meals sitting on the patio or under the loggia watching the sunset. The pool is just perfect. Not heated but never cold and really fresh being fed by the houses well. The beds were all made up, plenty of extra linen and towels in the store cupboard and big silent fans in the ceiling of each room meaning not once were we uncomfortable sleeping despite the 30+ daytime temperatures.

The week was made up of breakfasts on the terrace, swimming in the pool, pasta and pizza dough making for long lunches, afternoon walks, bbq evening meals or strolling 20 minutes down the hill into town for exploring, drinks and great food in the larger than expected choices of restaurants hidden away down little side alleys off the main square. The walks back up the hill in the dark was always a great source of excitement. Coming across families of wild boar, hiding and jumping out to scare the kids in the dark and telling scary stories makes the walk back and the steep slope fly by.

Last time we did days out to Lucca, Pisa and Sienna so didn’t need to repeat these (although certainly worth it and all less than an hour and a half away). This time we took a day out and visited Volterra and San Grimignano as well as a trip to find some wild swimming on the river Celina (check out the book Wild Swimming in Italy). An afternoon at the beach along from Piombino after a lovely lunch at Restorante Canessa in Baratti was great too.

All in not just a repeat of a previous holiday but perfect week made all the better by feeling you were back home to an extent. Bring on next time!

As a foot note, I think it is worth describing how we got there. I love a road trip but that’s not best with two young kids. As such I set of in the car and met the family at Pisa airport a few days later. We still needed to hire a car as there were six of us in total but it did mean the Easy Jet flights could be done with no luggage and the family car loaded to the gunnels with more than you would every look to take on a plane. Hiring a 5+2 sear car (think Ford SMax, Renault Grand Scenic or Nissan Quasqui+) meant we could still travel around for the week in one car whilst the familiar car was left parked up. The first time I did a direct route via the Mont Blance tunnel and a stop at Vercelli between Turin and Milan for a day and a half 900mile trip to Pisa. Back was a repeat with the over night in Dijon France. Easily doable but not the most fun.

This time I added a day to the trip south and after a day getting to Grenoble drove the Route Napoleon down to Nice and then a night in a seaside town 30miles from Genoa for a quick dash to Pisa the next morning. Much more fun! One thing to note is that since the collapse of the bridge in the middle of Genoa a year or so ago, getting through there is daunting. That Saturday morning there had been an accident on the detour route causing chaos. I did however follow the Waze app which took me off the signed route and through the middle of Genoa missing the whole problem and only 15 mins extra drive time. Well worth putting your faith in Waze!

On the way back I did the same as last time but instead of the cost and waiting at the Mont Blanc tunnel I crossed the alps by the Mont Cenis pass. Again more fun and didn’t actually add much more time or distance.

Thanks for making the family holiday perfect. It won’t be long before we are back.

“ The villa exceeded all our expectations ”

We stayed for a week at Casa Di Fichi in June 2018 and I just cannot recommend it highly enough. There's along dusty track leading to the villa, which given we arrived on a late flight, was interesting to navigate! We were delighted to be met, even at a very late hour, by someone to hand over the keys. This was in stark contrast to our experience in Monte Carlo in April when the owner refused to allow a check in for a late flight, so we were most grateful to Dan. The villa exceeded all our expectations. It was huge, clean and had the most amazing views over the valley. The David Hockney print of the view made it very special! The villa had absolutely everything, and more that we needed for a relaxing holiday. The kitchen was so well equipped there was nothing we couldn't find. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of books to read and games too. The pool is chilly but lovely and lots of sun loungers and shade if needed.There is outside space and terraces at every level, so many private spaces, so no problem with feeling cramped or crowded. The nearest village is very pretty but not walk able. We took a day trip to San Gimignano, stunning but busy, and Pisa too, ditto. I don't think the villa would suit very young children due to the number of steps and no alarm or fencing round the pool (mandatory in France, but my kids are older). In summary I would not hesitate to rebook this beautiful and obviously much cared for villa.

“ The villa surpassed our expectations in every way ”

Just thought I would drop you a quite email to say how much we enjoyed our holiday in Casa dei Fichi. The villa surpassed our expectations in every way. It was a perfect location with stunning views and excellent facilities. Our eldest son (a keen amateur cook) was in his element in the kitchen and barbeque, we also had a fun pizza night.

“ We had an absolutely fabulous time at Casa dei Fichi ”

We had an absolutely fabulous time at Casa dei Fichi and cannot speak too highly of the house, the help and support received from you before we got there (including sending us a video of the drive to the house so we could check if our van would be ok with it) and from Luca when were there. The only issue we had was from very flickering lights the first night we were there, very efficiently sorted by Luca that same night. The house was perfect, and we especially appreciated all the different outdoor sitting and eating spaces around the house. The views from the property over to the sea were beautiful and the pool too was gorgeous and perfectly maintained. We loved walking into Campiglia in the evenings and back after enjoying the excellent restaurants and bars. Finally, a special thanks to Luca for his lovely tomatoes, and for posting us back the keys we left behind!

We used your company many years ago when we used to holiday pre-children, and would never book with anyone with anyone else for our Tuscan adventures.

“ ...it really is like a home ”

This beautiful home - because that's what it is - has a kitchen and shower room I'd die for in the UK. The owners haven't tucked their ceramics out of sight - they're there to pile high with salads and other fare from gorgeous Campiglia Marittima and the various nearby markets/supermarkets. There are so many different places to be in this home that in a week of 5 of us together - 2 in our 50s and 3 friends in their 20s - we never felt on top of each other. Morning coffee on the terrace looking down to the sea and over to Elba in the distance; lunch in the cool on the covered terrace by the pizza oven; evenings watching the lights of Campiglia at yet another table by the BBQ fire. And that's just outside. While the sun worshippers were at the pool during the hottest part of the day or playing scrabble (how do you do that riotously? - they managed) in a shaded spot outside, I stretched out on the sofa, with the breeze coming through the patio doors, working my way through the amazing selection of books scattered around the house. That's what I mean - it really is like a home. The owners have an endearingly potty sense of time and direction as they obviously know the area inside out and forget that those coming afresh can get rather lost. A few hand-drawn maps would really help. But when we came round that last spur of hillside and saw the house waiting for us, it was one of those moments I can count on my hand - ferry to Mull and sunset over Lantau included - when my soul tells me I'm home. It really is heaven. I can't wait to go back.

“ ...a wonderful place to relax with friends and family ”

The Casa dei Fichi was a wonderful place to relax with friends and family. This old Tuscan farmhouse has been beautifully restored and modernised but still has many original features.The indoor space offers good accommodation, plenty of space to relax and eat and features a fantastic open-plan kitchen in which we could all enjoy preparing meals together. The location is peaceful and secluded with amazing views over the countryside and the most spectacular sunsets over the sea. The house is surrounded by terraces, enabling you to find a shady spot to read, paint or just relax even when the sun is hot. In the evenings, we made good use of the inner courtyard (equipped with a wood burning open grill) or sat up late counting the shooting stars. The attractive medieval town of Campiglia Marittima is short drive away - we were lucky enough to be able to enjoy the atmosphere of an annual festival. The area is worth exploring (Elba, Populonia) and the coast is blessed with many bays and beaches. However, in august the beaches are really overflowing with local holiday makers and we found it best to go in the evening when it is possible to find a quieter spot. The owners had left a lot of useful and practical information about places to visit, where to shop etc. which made finding our way around quite easy. A local couple look after the property and are available for questions and support throughout the stay (no language problems as Luciano's English was excellent). Being out in the countryside, be prepared for a dusty and bumpy track to get to this haven of peace and enjoy the wild-life on offer (everything from butterflies to bats and wild boars) as well as the occasional thunderstorm. We would love to return - perhaps in the Spring or autumn or when the less-intense heat would be more amenable to walking and rambling. In short, this was a perfect Tuscan holiday!

“ Das Haus liegt wunderschön.... ”

Das Haus liegt wunderschön in absoluter Ruhelage in den Hügeln mit Blick auf die etruskische Küste. eingerichtet ist es sehr geschmackvoll und rural, es ist geräumig und es gibt alles, was man für einen erholsamen Urlaub benötigt. Wir hatten eine wundervolle Woche dort.

“ This was an amazing villa ”

This was an amazing villa. We had 5 adults and 2 children and it was the perfect size. The open floor plan made our evening meals even more enjoyable and the view from the back porch was unbeatable. The owners were very accomidating and I would absolutely recommend this villa and hope to return again.

“ The house was beautiful, stylish, relaxed and homely! ”

We were lucky enough to stay in this beautiful villa for the first week of August. The house was beautiful, stylish, relaxed and homely! As everybody has mentioned, the kitchen and huge utility room were particularly useful and we even had 2 fridges which kept the beer cold as well as the food! We had three children in our party, aged 7, 7 and 11. The pool keep them amused for most of the week! My husband adored the pizza oven and we enjoyed many evenings worth of pizza! The views are unbeatable and panoramic so wherever we ate, we enjoyed looking over mountains, the sea. It was gorgeous. Now you don't get those views without a hillside drive! From my perspective it might have been a good idea to mention that the track to the villa is a single and fairly narrow track. We had hired a 9 seater minibus but had we known this, we might have gone for 2 smaller cars... would have saved my blood pressure! We immensely enjoyed this holiday and I suspect we will be back to visit Casa Dei Fichi! My only feedback for the owners would be that there are only 3 sun loungers and 1 umbrella for the poolside. Given that there are 4 double bedrooms here and you can accommodate a number of people, I would suggest a few more of each. I don't like to share my sun bed! Air conditioning would have made this villa absolutely A grade but we were provided with fans.

Manager Response Dear Stuart, thanks for your review, I'm very glad you enjoyed it. I'll put a note on the website about the road - it is a bit tricky! I'll also ask the owner to provide more sunbeds and umbrellas for next year, thanks for letting us know! Best regards, Dan

“ ...a true home away from home ”

“We could not have hope for better” Casa di Fichi was the perfect place for the whole family. The toddler had plenty of space and loved the toys available. (Mr Potato man we miss you!) My mum and my partner are both chefs and were very impressed by the kitchen and the huge utility room. My dad loved the house being so secluded Lovely BBQ area and after being taught how to use the pizza oven, we spend a few evenings creating our own pizzas. The house is made with so much love and care, a true home away from home. My sister who is a keen piano player, loved the piano available to us. But for me the most beautiful thing was watching the most beautiful sunset evening after evening from our terrace. Casa dei Feichi, thank you for such a special stay.

“ The house was lovely and the pool and views superb ”

We had a super time, thank you. The house was lovely and the pool and views superb. It was so lovely to be able to retreat to the house in the hills where it was cool (and relatively free of mosquitos) when it was so hot in the plains below. Loved the fact we could see and hear no-one from the property. And the long track made ideal cycling escapades for our three boys! The only thing further we would have liked – but with all your properties – would be a piano!! Holidays are a rare time in which there would be time to play!

“ We all really enjoyed our stay... ”

The casa dei fichi and the views from it were beautiful. We all really enjoyed our stay...... Thanks,

“ We would absolutely like to come back next year! ”

Back home after a great summer... I just wanted to tell you that our stay (too short) was fantastic, the house was wonderful and exactly what we were looking for and we had a great time there. The house is beautifully decorated, the location is unique and there was everything you could need. The kids were in the pool a lot and it was really quiet and relaxing. We would absolutely like to come back next year! Thank you for everything!