New Review Submitted for Al Seminario located in Lucca, Tuscany, Italy.
Rental Date: Saturday 1st of June 2019.
Renter: Daniel F. (Anthem, AZ, United States).
Renter Rating: 5/5.
Review Details:
To begin, there isn’t much I can add to the previous commenters. The house was great. A beautiful 200 year old, solid, well built stone house with a unique three level floor plan. And despite its age, I had no problems with any of it mechanical/electrical systems. The grounds were beautiful. Lovely olives, pines, cypresses and wild flowers everywhere and a pleasure to view. The views from the property were incredible. Lucca, Pisa, the Tyrrhenian Sea, Il Castello di Zozzano and a few charming villages can be seen from the property. And the pool was especially enjoyable. I’ve always found infinity pools to be particularly beautiful when built in an area with a good view. And this is certainly the case here. Whether doing laps and enjoying the views of the valley and hills or sitting and relaxing with a beer enjoying the forest and the watching the birds, the pool was my favorite place to be during my stay.
The owner is a great guy and easy to deal with. The house cleaner was very friendly and helpful and did a great job keeping the villa clean.
Now there are a few things, that although not negative, should be considered by a potential renter. First, the road to the house is a little intense. Not so bad when you get used to it but still a somewhat intense drive. I had six people and a somewhat large vehicle so had to go very slow for most of the road. However, it is a beautiful drive with impressive views that were enjoyable. I found that going to the Coop Super store on the western edge of Lucca to be a minimum 1.5 to 2.0 hour commitment. So plan accordingly and come well stocked with food and beverages.
This house is near many places worth visiting. The problem I had was wanting to leave the house. It truly is a private resort, a great place to unwind and get away from it all. Very quiet and peaceful. A few, but not many other people in the area. Was not bothered by anyone at all. Unfortunately can’t say that about touristy areas. I made it to Lucca and Pisa but had no desire to go anywhere else. One week at this villa is really not enough time. Just be careful if you go hiking at night in the dark. I think there might be wild boars in the area.
One last thing. When driving to the house for the first time, follow the instructions from the owner. Ultimately, be sure to to join the via di Compignano from the SS439. Joining the via di Compignano from the east on the SS439 is an awkward left hander that is easy to miss. Once on the road be sure to keep a look out for the landmarks that the owner mentions, such as the church and the walled cemetery. It is possible to join the via di Compignano from the other side of the mountain through the village of Balbano and my navigation took me this route. Unfortunately the via di Compignano is not continuous and it is impossible to get to the villa from this way. In my case I had to turn around and go around the mountain to join the via di Compignano off of the SS439. A nice waste of thirty minutes.
Anyway, I hope this was review is helpful. I certainly recommend and will someday return. It is especially great with families with children. Besides the pool and forest, my kids enjoyed the swing and the ping pong table.
Dan, Arizona USA.
