LIMITED VACANCY, Ancient farmhouse near Florence, magic spot, artists retreat Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025

Q: Does LIMITED VACANCY, Ancient farmhouse near Florence, magic spot, artists retreat have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Q: Is LIMITED VACANCY, Ancient farmhouse near Florence, magic spot, artists retreat pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 4 total).

Q: Where is LIMITED VACANCY, Ancient farmhouse near Florence, magic spot, artists retreat located?

Situated in Pontassieve, this farm stay is 2.8 mi (4.4 km) from Mulino a Vento - Fattoria Lavacchio and within 6 miles (10 km) of Castello del Trebbio and Arno River. Path of the Gods and Olmo are also within 12 miles (20 km).

10/10 Excellent

Duncan C.

25 Aug 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Catina is the most wonderful host and the property and setting are idillic and extremely peaceful.

The location provides a real sense of connection with nature and the perfect place to soak up the Tuscan lifestyle.

Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Cecile S.

2 Sept 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Tuscan Retreat

Our stay was lovely. Catina greeted us with delicious cakes and wine which was a very nice surprise. We stayed with a group of friends with kids and we all really enjoyed ourselves. Thanks Catina!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel R., Oakland, CA

2 Jul 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful villa with wonderful owners

I had a truly wonderful experience staying at Castellare for two weeks with some friends and my parents. This was a trip that had to be postponed two years(!!) due to the pandemic, so it had some pretty high expectations to live up to, and it met them all. The property was so beautiful and worked very well do our group, allowing us to get privacy when needed, and come together as a group when we wanted to. We were able to easily get into Florence when we wanted, and we’re able to take day trips to explore the other hill cities throughout the Tuscan countryside. And we always were grateful for a dip in the beautiful pool at the end of the day. Catina and Jack were excellent, warm and welcoming hosts, welcoming us with a delicious homemade olive oil cake at the start of our stay and then giving us homemade tiramisu during our second week. And I can’t thank Catina enough for her graciousness and flexibility to allow me to reschedule my reservation two years in a row when I realized that the state of the pandemic would prevent me and my group from traveling. The trip was a dream come true, and I am so incredibly grateful! I would stay at Castellare again in a heartbeat and very much hope I get another chance to do so soon.

Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brenda V.

26 Jun 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enchanting

I will review by sending the text I sent to my family once we got settled at Catina’s place: Well, what a surprise! After some twisty, turny roads, David and I emerged into this property of what dreams are made of! The grounds are lush, with flowers and herbs and fruit trees blooming all around! The cottages are modernized without taking from the character of their centuries-old history and filled with books, original art and Italian cookbooks. Most special are the hosts, Catina and Jack. They live on the property, which has been in Catina’s family for decades. While they would give us total privacy, we are drawn to their nature of wisdom and interest. I am sure I will have better perspective on LIFE after this week! AND David will know how olive oil is produced! Enchanting, indeed!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lyoni F.

25 Sept 2018

It is gorgeous and homey. A stunning place in the country, while being closes to the city.

The owner, Catina, is the most amazing of women, and I am so grateful to have met her. She has created an oasis for herself, and others. Her partner, Jack, greeted us, and he was very helpful and generous. He made us a homemade Tiramisu. This property is just stunning. I loved the pool. I swam in it many times. I loved the house, it was so peaceful. So many books to read. I found a good one. All the houses on this property are beautiful. I wanted to stay in all of them. I, picked the biggest one, for my friend and me to share. The road to get up to the place is pretty rocky, so, I am glad I had a good car. Most of the roads in Italy are pretty tight, and twisty, so, it isn't unusual. The drive up to the place is worth it for the magnificent views. I am so happy I chose Catina's place. I had a holiday to treasure. I would pick this place again, in a heartbeat. Thank you Catina and Jack, for providing me with such a great experience. You are in my heart forever.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Holly M., Durham, North Carolina

25 Jul 2018

You will be so glad to stay here and to meet Catina!

The photos give an accurate picture of the beauty and peacefulness of this wonderful property. This estate is an escape from the hurly burly of the world. We were very happy with all that was provided. The pool was wonderful, looking over a fruit tree orchard and surrounded by plantings that attracted butterflies. Catina, our hostess, was a delightful person to meet and she recommended, local grocery stores, wines shops and restaurants which were all excellent. We were away from the classic tourist sites and really in Italy with the local people. We had wonderful experiences that were not of the typical tourist visit. Great food, wine, and wonderful local people. The location is very convenient to many places a visitor would want to see and the train was very easy to navigate and we went into Florence several times (20min ride) and explored wonderful nearby hilltop villages and towns, we were transported to a different time and pace of life. I understand completely why visitors to Castellare decide that they have to return.

Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

JERRY M.

29 Jun 2018

Five star

Wonderful, hated to leave. Hostess was outstanding

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Monika R.

6 Jun 2018

Ein wundervoller Ort zum Entspannen in absoluter Ruhe, mitten in schöner Natur!

Wir haben mit 10 Personen alle vier Einheiten von Castellare für eine Woche gemietet. Die Vermieterin, Catina, ist äußert nett, humorvoll und hilfsbereit! Zur Begrüßung stand in jedem Häuschen ein selbstgebackener Kuchen und eine Flasche Wein bereit! Als Überraschung bekamen wir ein paar Tage später auch noch ein selbst gemachtes Tiramisu von Catina! War wirklich sehr lecker!! Die Ausstattung und die Einrichtung der Gebäude ist sehr geschmack- und liebevoll, Altes und Neues ergänzt sich und man fühlt sich sehr wohl. Der Pool in sonniger Lage, mit Außendusche, Holzliegen, Beistelltischen und Sonnenschirmen, rundet die gesamte Anlage ab. Gute Restaurants sind in der Nähe, Florenz ist bequem mit der Bahn zu erreichen und in die weitere Umgebung kann man schöne Ausflüge unternehmen. Wir waren rundherum sehr zufrieden und können „Castellare“ nur weiterempfehlen. Die Auffahrt (Schotterstraße) vom Tor unten hoch zur Anlage, ist etwas steil und kurvig, aber man gewöhnt sich schnell daran.

Stayed 7 nights in May 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Catina C.

16 Jul 2017

lovely!

Love in every detal:-)

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Silvia M.

24 Jun 2017

Paradies

wer das paradies finden möchte, ist hier richtig. es ist einfach traumhaft und perfekt. Catina, die besitzerin ist ein ganz besonderer und herzlicher mensch. es ist eine bereicherung sie zu kennen. man ist schnell in florenz. eine wunderschöne stadt. die ganze umgebung ist traumhaft. wir kommen auf jeden fall wieder.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Janeen C., Regina

25 Aug 2016

An Amazing Experience

We stayed in Catina's Castallere for two weeks in July and could not have been happier that we did so. We rented the Stalla, Stalletta, and Capanna, and when we were all present there was 11 of us. Firstly, Catina is the most wonderful host; she truly goes above and beyond to make her guests feel welcome. She is such a kind, warm person -- I immediately felt like I wanted to be her friend lol. She is very attentive to every need, and truly went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable and easy. She is just such a genuine, compassionate, and welcoming person, and it was our whole group's consensus that she made our stay unforgettable. The property itself is remarkably stunning. It is about a 15-20 minute drive from the Sieci train station, and it essentially all uphill -- you really climb a mountain. It is so quiet, and so peaceful -- such a nice break from the busy-ness of Florence. In fact, one of the most memorable days of our vacation was when we all stayed home and napped and swam and ate and napped and swam some more; the place engenders relaxation, and we ended up spending a lot more time at the house than I thought. There are a few towns within short driving distance from the house, and also a cooking school where we did a lesson -- a lot of fun. It's a relatively easy half hour drive to a huge supermarket, and a much shorter drive to a smaller market in Molina del Piano. Catina had a binder of information at the house that was very useful -- we consulted it a number of times. Overall, I will definately be back to this place -- just a lovely retreat -- perfect for relaxing and enjoying the stunning beauty of Tuscany. Thanks Catina! - Janeen (and Marg, Neil, Cori, Marc, Michelle, Holly, Ash, Stacey, Maurita, and Molly!)

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Teresa M., Malaga

5 Jun 2015

Paradise

There are not enough words to describe the Paradise of this Place.... First of all, the owner its a wonderful and very familiar person, called Catina. She is always there to help you in anything you need, and shows you the really way of Tuscan people living. We are a young couple of Spain, that used to go there every year, because there you can relaxed and disconnect of everything. The apartments are full equipped, with all the details you can imagine in Tuscan design. When you arrive to the apartment, a very good surprise is waiting for you there....a home made cake done from Catina that welcomes you in the great Tuscan cuisine!!! Also the surrounding of the property is fascinating with a swimming pool and a very cared garden full with flowers and plants. Its really a secret Paradise in the Tuscan forest ideal for families or for couples. Enjoy!! Teresa y Pablo

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sabine J.

24 Sept 2014

We had a wonderful time

We had a wonderful time. Florence is near - but far away enough to make ist possible to appreciate the peaceful place at Molino del Piano. The farmhouse is furnished so tastefully, there are gas cookers so the meals we cooked tasted so well and last but not least the warmhearted and kind personality of the host made us fell in love with the place. We recommend the ancient farmhouse and we love to come back next year.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

vincenzo p.

24 Sept 2014

Fantastic

I had booked a two week stay at castellare in july, it was absolutely fantastic , romantic wooded setting gorgeous property.The villa I stayed in had a fabulous renaissance ambiance giving me an experience of the tuscan lifestyle I had always imagined, the owner was most gracious and warm , and they made themselves available to our every need, I would definitely reccomend staying here to anyone I know, I had a truly wonderful stay, and plan to return as soon as I can..Vincenzo

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Joern V.

20 Sept 2014

A perfect stay - as always

We spend two times three splendid weeks at Castellare. We love this place so much and Catina and Giacomo are great hosts, always helpfull, friendly and charming. The little lodges have a lovley interior decoration, the beds are confortable and in the kitchen you find everything you need to make yourself a propper dinner- we both bake and cook a lot there and realy nothing is missing. And if it is realy hot, a swimming pool is there also. The property of Castellare lies peacefully surrounded by olive trees. With a car you are just mintues away from good restaurants and a little grocery. The City of Florence ist just 30 minutes away. For us Castellare is the perfect mix between a vacation on the countryside and a city trip at the same time. We are really looking forward to our third visit in october 2015.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

martijn s., Culemborg, The Netherlands

19 Sept 2014

Nice location and friendly people

Together with my girlfriend i stayed a week at Castellara. It is located on a lovely location at the top of a hill in a forest. We had a friendly welcome on arrival and there was a bottle of Chianti and a home made apple pie waiting for us. It is a lovely and authentic home. Catina is a really friendly and helpful owner. If you needed help with something you just had to ask and she would. There was a folder with all kind of information in the house but if you needed more information about a good restaurant then she could help you with that. It is a nice and quiet location with a swimming pool to relax. If you want to visit cities like Florence, Sienna, Pisa then this is a good location to rent.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ella P.

10 Sept 2014

Very special retreat

What a find! I was looking for an inspiring place to write and explore Tuscany from - I couldn't have found a better launching pad. Catina is a premium hostess, with superb English and so many helpful suggestions. Nothing is too much trouble. The building development is very sensitively done - it has a strong eco feel, in sympathy with the forests, but with only a short train/car ride you're in central Florence. Furnishings are modern and more than comfortable. There are castles to explore nearby, vineyards, forests and olive groves (you can even help harvest!) and village life isn't far away and full of real characters. This was the best start to my love affair with Tuscany - and I'll be returning this year to explore some more, it's thanks to Catina's 'homeaway' hospitality and the very special Castellare.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Brenda L., Auckland, New Zealand

12 Jun 2013

Perfect for a group of friends

We arranged to meet a group of friends here for a week for my husbands birthday. The 3 separate, well equipped cottages worked perfectly for our group. Catina the owner was fantastic with great recommendations for restaurants, day trips and non tourist places to visit in Florence. Ask her about the truffle panini! Unfortunately it wasn't warm enough to use the pool but the heating in the cottages worked well.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

23 Jan 2013

Excellent customer service

We had booked to stay in this place, but two days before we were scheduled to arrive, Catina(the owner) called us and warned us about an impending snowstorm which would have made access to the place difficult. Very kindly, she even looked for an alternate accomodation and helped us make the booking as well. We are very much appreciative of this and will stay at this place if we go to Tuscany again.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte S., Cambridge

6 Sept 2009

Our holiday at Castellare

It was a blissful holiday in a lovely location and just near Florence too. I could not recommend it highly enough - especially if you like a sophicticated shabby-chic style of decor - a very relaxed and very friendly owner too.

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