Agriresort la Noce di Francesca

An idyllic getaway just 50 minutes out of the heat and press of humanity in Florence. We arrived at 20:30 after a hectic day of travel to a meal of pasta prepared by our wonderful host, Francesca. Our party of four adults and 2 children under 4 booked out the two ground floor apartments for a week. It is a farmstay, and there is no air conditioning - but the beautiful pool and carefully maintained gardens more than makes up for that. The apartments are well appointed and have most of what you would hope for. It is a short drive down the hill to Londa for most supplies and there are many dining options in the area. It was a memorable week, and one we would love to repeat.

We have been at the "Agriturismo la Noce di Francesca" many times since its creation. So we have noticed the constant improvements of this pretty agriturismo overlooking the hills of Tuscany. First the original path to reach it turned into a small road winding between olive trees. Once you arrive, it is first of all the panorama that grabs you like in an eagle's nest! The reception is excellent, Francesca is making sure that her guests are installed in the best conditions. She always has lots of great tips for visiting the region. We were lucky enough to stay in the 3 apartments offered. Everyone is lucky enough to have a terrace and has its own advantages: "Gli Archi" is the view, "La Mangiatoie", the freshness and "Il Pastore", the space. Being a couple, our preference goes to "Gli Archi" with its arched windows with a view on the famous watercolor sunsets. The walls are very thick and this old farmhouse, renovated with great taste, retains well its freshness in summer. An important detail, at this altitude mosquitoes are not numerous like very close to Florence. The agriturismo being located in a natural park, like us you will certainly have the chance to see wild animals crossing the small road if you come back at night: deer, badgers and porcupine ... Francesca, an excellent cook, offers as an extra service typical Tuscan meals. Please note that there is no salt in traditional Tuscan bread . Its generous home cooking is made with a lot of love. The proof is with her organic jams which are addictive. We also had the chance to discover typical dishes such as the "gnudi". We took cooking lessons with her and it's very friendly! The flower garden around the swimming pool has been fitted with small barriers to restrict access to small children. Before, you had to keep an eye on them, especially from "La Mangiatoie" which has direct access to the swimming pool which is heated by the sun. During our last stay, there was a problem with the pump to be repaired but Francesca moved heaven and earth to repair this unforeseen and allow us to bathe every day. We like to come and take refuge at La Noce, far from the frenziness of Florence in the tourism season. Calm and fresh mountain air are always welcome during heatwave episodes. If you like taking pictures, do not miss the "golden hours" of twilight, the mountain side of the agriturismo being perfectly oriented South West ("A clean horizon is all that you need"). It is a haven of peace that we have seen evolved into since its creation without losing its shabby chic Tuscan farmhouse cachet, its family atmosphere and Francesca who does everything to make your stay the best.

Siamo rimasti profondamente delusi, le recensioni erano ottime, e dal sito sembrava in effetti che fosse presente un ristorante o qualcosa del genere e che la padrona di casa fosse attenta e presente, ma in realtà non è così…abbiamo chiesto al nostro arrivo di poter cenare, ma la signora Francesca ci ha liquidato dicendo che voleva stare coi figli e i nipoti, l’abbiamo quasi supplicata per un piatto di pasta..carissimo tra l’altro..anche nei giorni seguenti, sembrava troppo impegnata negli affari sui per considerare gli ospiti. Da notare poi la non coerenza riguardo agli animali, i suoi giravano liberamente ovunque (facendo bisogni che nessuno puliva) i nostri tenuti a guinzaglio con tanto di regolamento su come gestirli trovato in camera ( che trovo anche giusto) . Nel complesso esperienza negativa ed esageratamente casa per quello che offre..almeno l’appartamento era bello. Non consiglierei comunque.

Una fuga di qualche ora in questo piccolo paradiso. Ho ricevuto come regalo una cena in questa splendida struttura. Ho potuto constatare l’amore nella ricerca di ogni pezzo autentico di arredamento. La pulizia delle aree comuni. La cordialità della proprietaria che ci tiene ad accoglierti al meglio per farti sentire come a casa. La sua cucina fatta di sapori genuini. Sicuramente una mèta perfetta per chi vuol “staccare” e rigenerarsi. Tornerò sicuramente per godere anche del relax della piscina. Consigliatissimo