Casa Vacanze Podere Mezzastrada

We booked Podere Mezzastrata 9 months in advance so we could secure rooms for our 24 friends that were gathering to celebrate a 60th birthday party. The layout of the property was just perfect for this event. It allowed for casual mixing in the mornings, but everybody also had their own privacy. The pool is very nice, and the views across the Tuscan hillsides are enchanting. The manager, Susanne, couldn't have been more helpful with recommendations both before and during our stay. We kept her very busy with advice for day trips, arranging a cooking class at the villa, organizing a catered dinner for 20 people,arranging a wine-tasting,finding musicians etc.She was very resourceful and friendly to all our guests and up to any challenge. Although we were a large group, it is designed to have good privacy for couple or small groups as well,as you all have a separate one bedroom part of a house with its own entrances,and balconies and sitting areas This is a place that is quiet,yet central to the delights of Tuscany.

I found Podere MezzaStrada on the Internet, while I was looking for a cozy location for a romantic week end with my boyfriend and it looked to be perfect for a romantic escape. It is located near Fiano a small village between Certaldo and Montespertoli, about 25 kilomters far from Florence. On my GPS I couldn't find the location but I wrote down the instructions given on the website and I didn't have too many troubles finding it. Along the street you won't find many sings, but it's pretty easy to see it. From the website you don't realize how big this accommodation is. It is immersed in a large and quiet park, where you can also park your car. I also noticed a playground and a barbecues area. In the park there are some houses that are divided in several rental apartments. We were in the new house, that has been just restored, within apartment 17. This is a small and cozy apartment, furnished with wooden old-style furniture. There is just one large room and you are sleeping on a couch. The kitchen is fully equipped and I prepared a delicious dinner for my fiancé. The apartment has also a nice out-door area that we use for an early dinner our last night there. I have to say that MezzaStrada is well located in the countryside. In fact we spend a day out in the countryside visiting lots of beautiful places. We visited Certaldo and the house of Boccaccio. Then we move to San Gimignano, since we want to try a new audio-guide we downloaded from the AppStore, called TooMuchSanGimignano(http://itunes.apple.com/it/app/toomuchsangimignano/id494824992?mt=8) - I'll probably review it so this time I won't say anything. We also decided to visit Castelfiorentino and the unknown museums of Benozzo Gozzoli, one of my favorite Renaissance painters. Unfortunately we had just one fully day otherwise I wanted to visit Volterra and Siena. Back to the apartment I think it's a nice accommodation, perfect if you are looking for a relaxing holiday. It is located in the heart of Tuscany and all the main destinations are easy to reach. I also have to say that the desk manager, Susanne is a very nice and helpful girl. She gave us several advices especially regarding where to go and what to see. The only thing I didn't like about MezzaStrada is the couch-sofa. I prefer a bed than a sofa.