Casa Teo, casa di campagna con vista!

We had a fantastic week in Casa Teo. Maria and Franco, the hosts, and their English-speaking helper, Elisabetta helped us with everything and even beyond that, we felt as part of the family. They have such a natural hospitality, before you realise, you are sitting with them drinking beer and having a conversation with your best (actually very poor) Italian, or your kids playing soccer with their grandsons... We were really lucky because they've just installed air conditioning before our arrival due to the great heat-wave. The house is sitting on the road that connects Gambassi Terme with Certaldo, and the only disadvantage of the accommodation is the surprisingly big traffic even at night, that prevented us from sleeping with open windows, because one of the bedrooms is just above the road. But there are so many positive things about the house, the great spaces, the spacious bathroom, the refined and tasteful furnishing that diminishes this problem. The kitchen is quite minimalist with one cupboard and only a stovetop, just enough for making coffee. A washing machine would be a nice addition. The location is perfect to explore the surrounding Tuscan cities, we've visited Florence and Siena by train (from Certaldo station, a 10 minute drive), San Gimignano, Volterra and Certaldo by car. Certaldo is Boccaccio's hometown and a true gem to explore, with a fantastic restaurant, L'Antica Fonte. We would definitely come back anytime to Casa Teo, and I warmly recommend it to anyone.

Noisy traffic, but if you close the window, it's not bad. Everything else is exceptional!