Travellers Reviews
Submitted by Margaret Toschi Luppino, Boca Raton, United States
The house sits behind the small parking area. A wonderful lady walked us right to the door to meet Umberto. Umberto was FANTASTIC!!! We rented the self catering cottage. Umberto spent time showing us everything. He gave us tons of information on the surrounding area as well as local restaurants as well as the local bakery where you can buy fresh bread and homemade jelly. Umberto speaks very good English and was patient with me when I tried to speak with him in Italian. The view is breathtaking and the walk to the cottage from where you park you feel s if you have your own village (we were there off season). We will be back and next time will stay for a full week. The area was convenient to many villages with plenty to do. We were sad to say goodbye to Umberto. It was like leaving family.
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We went off season so the Rustico Sara which is a bed and breakfast was not open but they were happy to rent us the Cottage Giusi. It was beautiful with everything new and a fantastic spiral staircase and balcony with a view. Before we left Umberto took us through Rustico Sara which he runs with his wife and daughter. It is a beautiful house filled with antiques and Umberto has painstakingly restored many things himself. The view is fantastic. We did not really have any 'staff' as we were in the self catering cottage but Umberto came to meet us and help us get settled.
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We didn't want to leave. It was a very great stay in a beautiful village on top of the mountain! Umberto is warm, and welcoming and will help you with whatever you need. He insisted on helping us with our luggage despite our efforts to let him know we could take care of it.
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I think the description on the website was very good and one of the reasons we booked. The view is incredible and there are no words to describe the surrounding beauty. I think it was closer to some of the areas we were visiting than we expected which was a bonus for us. Umberto told us about the grocery store about 4 km away a very large store Le Clerc where you can buy anything you need for your self catering stay. He even told us where to buy the cheapest gas which was also there by Le Clerc.
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Paradise-Heaven on earth. Everyone that knows us knows how much we love Italy. We visited in March and the weather was a bit crazy but the views of snow covered mountains are all around you. The village is quaint just like in the pictures you see. It is difficult to describe in email but the passion with which we speak to our friends about it tells the story.
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Submitted by Matthew Blundell, Sheffield, United Kingdom
Very welcoming.
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simply amazing. So perfect I asked my girfriend to marry me there.
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Perfect, romantic, charming, delightful etc etc.
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Submitted by Amanda Kelly, BELFAST, United Kingdom
People have mentioned in previous reviews that the directions are hard to follow but if you use a map, look out for the road signs and take your time there should be no problem. The last sign for Molzzanna is hidden by a tree.
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Rustico Sara is beautiful and even better than the photo's on the website. The whole villa is spotless and clean towels for the room and pool are available. Umberto and Pinuccia are so welcoming and really make you feel like you are part of their family. They are a wonderful couple and their love for the area really shines in how they look after their guests.
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We were able to leave our cases at the Villa and hang around the pool until after normal check-out time. Rustico Sara is amazing value for money, the views are priceless! We enjoyed ourselves that much that when we came home we booked to go back for another week at the end of the summer!
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This was our best holiday ever, peaceful, relaxing, and you'll get the best nights' sleep ever! The surrounding area and locals are amazing and we were welcomed everywhere we went. I strongly recommend the 2 local restuarants. Umberto is fantastic at providing places of interest to visit and all directions that you need to get about.
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Beautiful, relaxing & excellent value for money.
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Submitted by Joel Bender, Asheville, United States
As this is not a conventional property, the questions about the check-in and the 'receptionist' are very imprecise.
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The size of the room is not quite relevant as the whole of the 'Cottage Giusy' was more than ample.
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It is a long drive up the hill to the small village of Brucianno, but very well marked, along the way. Without those signs, one might become disoriented.
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The property is not for those requiring a 'nightlife' or to be entertained, but experienced travelers will love it.
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Submitted by Malissa Fredine, Edmonton, Canada
Umberto was very welcoming, and forthcoming with information on the area.
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Beautiful!
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I would recommend it to everyone! It was more beautiful than the pictures could show, and the experience was great. We were able to meet fantastic people, and there was so much to see and do!
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Submitted by Jenny Harris, Munich 80636, Germany
The house was quite difficult to find as the village it was in was not on the map. We called the owners and they were able to give us the necessary directions.
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The house was beautiful as were the views. The owners were extremely friendly and welcoming and very knowledgeable about the area. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone wanting to get away for some peace and quiet.
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We were given our own time to check out and did not have to be out dead on 12pm.
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How to get there - detailed instructions.
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Peace and tranquility personified. The best nights sleep I have ever had. I would quite happily live there for the rest of my life and never tire of the view.
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Submitted by Keith Vinnicombe, Gillingham, United Kingdom
Our hire car broke down on the friday so we did not arrive until saturday, we were warmly welcomed and our hosts were apologetic for having to charge the no show charge. Even though we arrived after 11.00 am they insisted on providing a most delicious home made breakfast.
The web site directions could be improved.
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The peace and quiet in the tranquil setting at such a reasonable price was outstanding.
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A most beautiful house in a fantastic setting. The cost of the accomodation and the local restaurant and bars was very reasonable. € 1.20 - € 2.00 for a beer and Three course meal for two incl drinks € 32.00
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Submitted by Garet Hinds, Somerville, MA, United States
The view was absolutely breathtaking. The only possible shortcoming of the faacilities was the lack of an indoor common area such as a couch in the foyer, for lounging on rainy days.
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Rustico Sara is a gorgeous little farmhouse converted to a B&B and run by a wonderful couple, Umberto and Pinucchia. They were very friendly and accomodating, and they have done a great job surrounding the place with beautiful flowerbeds and such. Which was hardly necessary, since it's in such a beautiful location to begin with. Brucciano is a tiny village on the ridge of a mountain, and the view from the balcony of Rustico Sara made us shake our heads in amazement every time we saw it.
The only thing I would note as a caution is that it's so far up in the mountains that day trips to other parts of Tuscany are a bit harder than I expected. It takes about an hour just to get to the autostrade. But there's good stuff in the area -- lots of great hiking, and don't miss the Grotta del Vento (cave of wind).
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Submitted by David Spencer, Naples, Italy
The website says to follow signs to Gallicano when you exit A11. Forget that, because there are no signs. You need to follow signs to Castelnuovo. Then when you arrive in Gallicano, exit and follow signs to Molazanna. It does not tell you which exit to use. We were very lost.
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Umberto and Pennucio were so gracious and helpful to us. There was a delicious breakfast with homemade everything! They treated us like royalty. They were so good with our kids. Seemed genuinely happy to meet us and have us stay there. Umberto even gave me some batteries for my digital camera! Could not meet two nicer people. They were wonderful.
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Make sure you go to the ATM before you climb the mountain. It is about a 15 minute climb and there is no ATM up there. It is more convenient to eat at restaurants on mountain than to go down into town.
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Wonderful mountain views, you feel as though you are nestled in the mountains. Situated in a tiny mountain town off the beaten path, very quiet and peaceful. We have stayed quite a few placed in Italy in our two years here and this is in the top three easily.
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Submitted by SUSAN LEWIS, NEWPORT, United Kingdom
The house and the area were both lovely. We really enjoyed our stay.
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We didn't know the time for breakfast; it would have been to have been informed about that the night before.
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A wonderful, tranquil place which is typically Tuscan.
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Submitted by Cynthia Atkins, Huntsville, United States
Our hosts, Pinucchia and Umberto, were wonderful....we were late arriving, but they took all the time necessary to help us learn about the house and the area.
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We loved it! Our only issue was hot water in the upstairs bathrooms. We solved the problem by showering in the downstairs bathroom so it wasn't a big deal.
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Pinucchia and Umberto were prompt for our check-out and waited patiently while we finished packing up to leave.
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The hosts are the most charming in the world....absolutely the most accommodating and pleasant couple ever. The house and the area are beautiful and a nearby restaurant that was recommended by our hosts was huge fun for our group.
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Remote, beautiful, great place to stay.
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Submitted by Virginia Miller, San Francisco, United States
Umberto & Pinuccia Bonacino were extremely gracious and wonderful to us when we arrived. They couldn't have been more sweet or kind to us. They showed us everything we would need to know for our week's stay - they couldn't have been more helpful.
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The villa was more gorgeous than it was on the website - just beautiful and so cozy inside.
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The only 'issue', which really wasn't a problem, was that the villa was further up in the hills/mountains than we realized. This was not a problem for us but it might be important to note for some that is located up a very long, twisty, one-laned road far up a mount - we enjoyed that but for some, we could see it would be further removed than planned.
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It was a dream. Just perfect. So relaxed, cozy and beautiful. The air was fresh, it was silent and still and the house was the perfect place to spend our honeymoon tucked away from the rest of the world.
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Submitted by TONY MITCHELL, BRENTWOOD, United Kingdom
TONY has left no specific comment, however has rated the overall satisfaction rate with a 100% score, his arival experience with a 91% value and his check-out with a 89% rate. |
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Submitted by James Smith, Jeddah 21414, Saudi Arabia
The property is a little more remote than we expected. Perhaps some additional info regarding distances and approximate times would be helpful.
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The warm welcome by Pinuccia and Umberto made all the difference.
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Very pleasant, family-friendly home, made all the better by warm, welcoming hosts.
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Submitted by Celine Desroches, Saint Eustache, Canada
Umberto and Pinuccia gave us a very warm welcome.
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This location is very quiet and amazingly beautiful. Rooms are clean, cute and comfortable.
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Calm, friendly, beautiful and... a very good place to stop and stay during your trip to Italy!
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Submitted by Tadeusz Sepinski, Uppsala, Sweden
Very nice, helpful and charming hosts. Fantastic atmosphere at their house. We are fully satisfied!
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Many possibilities for active people who like hikng.
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Guests may not expect that Rustico Sara is quite remote and the road to it is narrow.
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Perfect place for people who like mountains and quiet atmosphere. Charming hosts and a very special house.
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Submitted by suzannne dean-levy, rancho palos verdes, CA, United States
breathtaking views, peaceful and comfortable accomodations, delightful hosts - italian rustic charm
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Submitted by David Baggaley, FAREHAM, Hants PO16 8RE, United Kingdom
Our hosts (Umberto & Pinuccia) were absolutely brilliant always on hand to help & advise. We look forward to going back to Rustico Sara in the near future
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Fantastic views.
Peaceful & serene
Wonderful, clean accommodation
Our hosts (Umberto & Pinuccia) were absolutely brilliant always on hand to help & advise.
We look forward to going back to Rustico Sara in the near future
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Submitted by Robert Bernhardt, Corvallis OR 97330 Benton, United States
We are sorry that we spent only one night at Rustico Sara - Our stay there was a highlight of the trip. Umberto and his wife were very gracious hosts and made us feel part of their family.
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Very relaxing atmosphere to return to after a day of sightseeing. The several garden patios offer spectacular views and the pool is sparkling and inviting although we did not have time to use it.
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A very pleasant, relaxing place to stay off the beaten track with spectacular views. The gracious owners are there to help point you to various local attractions, recommend local restaurants and make your stay comfortable. There are several patios and a sparkling new pool to enjoy after a day of sightseeing.
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Submitted by Stephen Cross, Johannesburg, South Africa
Stephen has left no specific comment, however has rated the overall satisfaction rate with a 100% score, his arival experience with a 83% value and his check-out with a 89% rate. |
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Submitted by Christine Junge, Jamaica Plain, MA, United States
Our plan was very late, so we arrived in Piza at 11pm instead of 4pm like we had planned. We called Umberto from the airport, and he said he'd wait up for us. We got lost (because it was so dark and we were tired) and didn't make it to Rustico Sara until 2am. Umberto was still waiting up for us and cheerfully showed us to our room.
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We had such a stay at Rustico Sara. The propery was just gorgeous--mountain views everywhere--and the propieters are 2 of the sweetest people. The breakfasts they serve were delicious and very relaxing. The only negative was that our room was on the first floor, near the living room, so we didn't have as much privacy as I would've liked. But overall, we couldn't have asked for a better honeymoon destination.
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Beautiful location, sweet people, delicious breakfasts, relaxing, relaxing, relaxing.
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Submitted by Nick Cronin, Clitheroe, United Kingdom
Fantastic B & B that I wouldnt hesitate to recommend. The owner Umberto and his wife couldnt have done more for us. It was a fantastic start to our holiday.
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A pool is being built but hadnt been completed for the 2005 season.
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It should say for certain whether the pool is available or not. We had the suite which was ideal for a family of four.
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Fantastic place to stay in comfort with stunning views, friendly owners and in a beautiful part of Italy.
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Submitted by Andrew Nicholas Evans, Coloane, Macau S.A.R.
Andrew Nicholas has left no specific comment, however has rated the overall satisfaction rate with a 87% score, his arival experience with a 83% value and his check-out with a 89% rate. |
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Submitted by jim elger, sherbrooke, Canada
Highly recommend it
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Submitted by Martin Haydon, Solihull, United Kingdom
Road signs in Gallicano obscured by tree branch which made it difficult to find directions to Molazzana.
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Umberto and Pinuccia (the owners) absolutely charming and always very attentive and informative.
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Idyllic and a most friendly establishment.
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Submitted by Alicja Poplawska, 03-133 Warszawa, Poland
We arrived very late, so Mr Umberto greet us at the morning. The cottage was open and wait for us :)
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Very nice and helpful householders.
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Delightful and quiet place.
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Submitted by R Monaghan, Dublin, Ireland
We had difficulty finding the property as we first took the Florence road from Pisa and had to backtrack. It was not very well signposted along the way and it took us some time to get there.
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The property was very remote and peaceful with stunning views over the mountains. However, it was very cut off from restaurants and things to do at night and as the roads were very winding with dangerous bends, we didn't drive at night. The nearest restaurant was 1.5km away. We walked it one night and decided not to do so again as it was too dangerous without footpaths. Other than that, we had a splendid holiday and the property was of a very high standard.
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Roads are not for the faint hearted but worth it for the views!
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Stunning views. Very peaceful. Property was beautifully furnished and maintained. Owner was friendly.
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Submitted by Ana Bolado
Ana has left no specific comment, however has rated the overall satisfaction rate with a 100% score, his arival experience with a 100% value and his check-out with a 89% rate. |
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Submitted by Sandris Grivins
Nice and quiet place in a small village with great views all around.
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Submitted by Eva Kathrine Grove
Rustico Sara is an excellent base for hiking. If you can drag your self away from the fabulous view and the comforts of Rustico Sara, that is. The proprietors are very friendly and helpful and they are a good source of information about the area. The breakfast coffee is very good indeed.
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Submitted by Avner de Shalit
The owners were exceptionally charming and helpful. They really cared and made everything they could to make our stay as pleasant as possible. Our children addored them.
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I have stayed in many B+Bs in many countries, and very rarely did I find such warm and charming owners.
Also: the view is out of this world.
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I'll say: you MUST go there. Simply sit on the balcony, drink a glass of good local wine, watch the view, and contemplate. Life can be beautiful.
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Submitted by Lot De Clercq
super!
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Submitted by Peter Carey
Alot of local restaurants not open during the week
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Fantastic
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Submitted by Karen Farrell
The perfect getaway if you want total relaxation and comfort, and a beautiful location.
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Submitted by Larry
Our stay was wonderful. The hosts could not have been more gracious. This place is a treasure. We highly recommend it.
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Not to be missed. A highlight for a stess-less get-away. Very romantic.
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Submitted by Don
Splendid! This is the best B&B experience we have had in many years of travel through Europe. Everything about it was exceptional.
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Submitted by Larissa
We arrived very late but our host was their to greet us and situate us into our room. Uberto was very hospitable and the arrival was easy and comfortable.
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We were the only ones staying at Rustico Sara at the time and the service was great. We had a lovely breakfast every morning. Uberto then suggested things we could do and gave us maps to help us find our way. There was hot tea available upon our return in the afternoon and the fire in the kitchen was always going. The Rustico Sara is a fairtale cottage surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. We could not have found a better place. We would 100% return for another stay.
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Easy and painless. Very informal and casual.
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A fairtale, picturesque getaway. An oasis in the mountains. Very peaceful with wonderful hospitality. You should most definately visit the Rustico Sara for an unforgettable experience.
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Submitted by Mandy
Umberto greeted us and helped us with our luggage. Very nice man!!!!
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The stay was amazing! I just wish we would have had more time there. The property is beautiful and very quiet and relaxing with the most amazing view! Umberto and his wife were terrific hosts and catered to our early schedule for breakfast etc. I would highly recommend Rustico Sara to anyone!!
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Amazing! Spend some time there, not just a night.
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Submitted by Ray
We were treated with kindness from the moment of our arrival to the last goodbye! Don't be deterred by the winding road to get there-you will be rewarded with a peaceful delight.
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Rustico Sara was the favorite part of our vacation to Italy-we were very grateful for the recommendations of restaurants and places to visit provided by our hosts. They were always interested in what we wanted to do and how we enjoyed the day. Wonderful people!
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Easy-no problems
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The photos of Rustico Sara were exactly as we found it-beautiful stonework, authentic brick floors and ceilings and flowers surrounding the patio. The property is very well kept, inviting you to stay the day but don't miss all the surrounding sights.
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GO THERE! You will have the option of exploring the beautiful countryside and its people or marvelling at the spectacular view from poolside. The cities are close enough by train or car to enjoy during the day, and still relax on the patio above the lights of Barga at evening...the perfect spot for a visit to Tuscany.
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Submitted by Simon
Very Friendly, great views, lovely breakfast!
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Submitted by Ann
The description on the web-site was accurate and looked very beautiful. However Rustico Sara was so gorgeous that photos cannot really capture how great it really was. The hosts were great people. Wonderful experience altogether.
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Submitted by Sinead
A beautiful location with fantastic views.
The owners were so welcoming, polite and
helpful.
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Beautiful location. Wonderful scenery. Very
nice accommodation. The apartment was very
modern with everything you could want. The
B&B was more rustic and very homely. Our
room had an amazing view and a very spacious
bathroom. We also had a fridge to store food
and drink. We were very well looked after by
kind, friendly owners. Very peaceful. A
wonderful experience and one I hope to
repeat.
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Submitted by Yasmin
Immediately made to feel very welcome by Umberto & Pinuccia. Asked about our journey. Shown around and offered a cup of tea
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The accommodation, region, recommendations, breakfasts - in fact everything about our stay was perfect! Umberto & Pinuccia are wonderful hosts and I highly recommend staying with them to anyone. We hope to return soon.
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Easy, stress free process.
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The breakfasts are amazing! This is an ideal place for a honeymoon or romantic getaway, or using as a base for exploring the area.
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Heaven! Staying in a traditional Tuscan villa, surrounded by the beautiful countryside, above the clouds and far away from traffic is just perfect. The hosts do their utmost to make your stay pleasant and they far exceed this - one of the best holiday accommodations I have ever stayed in. This is truly a paradise on earth.
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Submitted by Anu
We very much enjoyed our stay at Rustico Sara. The villa is just beautiful as were the views. Umberto and Pinuccia are a charming couple--warm, hospitable, and welcoming.
This really is a wonderful, wonderful place, and we certainly hope to be back.
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No
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A beautiful place with magnificent views and wonderful people
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Submitted by joanna
A rural retreat, hire car is a must, fantastic views and hosts. Cottage was very clean and well maintained, the owner even showed us around the main house which also looked fantastic. MUST eat in Eliseo restaurant in Gallicano!
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Submitted by patricia
The owners are the sweetest and most hospitable people! The place was so beautiful. Accomodations excellent. We were taken in like family ! The only surprise was that the villa was quite far up the mountain and a bit of a treturous drive. But all else was truly splendid !!!
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truly breathtaking views !!!
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One of the most beautiful spots I have ever seen!! The owners are truly wonderful people !!! It is a must if you enjoy ancient and modern. A beautiful experience !! Patricia Montreal, Canada
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Submitted by Kathleen
Lovely accommodation, wonderful views, exceptionally welcoming and friendly owners.Highly recommended.
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Submitted by sean
very friendly
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wonderful place to stay
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we will stay again
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wonderful, a must
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Submitted by Lina
Stunning view and beautiful rooms, when the pool is ready it will be magnificent.
Kind regards
Lina
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