Casa Vacanze La Masseria

“ Our group of family and friends stayed at La Masseria for one week in 2007, two weeks in 2008 and we’ve now booked three weeks in August / September 2009. Having holidayed in Tuscan villas for many years, this is our firm favourite. It is family owned and run; the owner speaks good English, is warm, welcoming, extremely helpful and at the same time unobtrusive.

La Masseria is part of a working farm and is beautifully secluded yet very accessible. We fly to Pisa airport which is just 50 minutes away by car. Florence airport is closer again but we don’t have direct flights to there. Empoli train station is just a ten minute drive. The house is very well equipped and comfortable with stunning 360 degree views and amazing sunsets every evening. It is ideal for groups like ours, the three apartments providing privacy (if and when required!) and a good communal area for socialising. The two lower apartments may be less accessible for physically disabled visitors. There is a very steep climb up to the house from the village (Martignana) – so we usually take the car (two minutes). The site is spacious and mature with trees, shrubs and flowers. There are large terraces with ample furniture including large tables – ideal for whiling away the hours enjoying the wine, the food and the ambience. The owner can provide wonderful evening meals on request, from an extensive menu which she will happily vary and augment if asked.

The pool area is close to the house on the same level and is well equipped with furniture and umbrellas. Although the pool is smallish, we find it ideal and safe for our grandchildren aged five. It is perfectly adequate for casual swimming, - our daughter is a keen swimmer and she swam daily for half an hour – (short lengths but enjoyable she assured us).

This part of Tuscany seems less touristy than many others we’ve visited, with more of a sense that people live and work here. The village, Martignana, is small with a friendly bar, grocery shop and a couple of Pizza restaurants. There are often social events in the community centre in the evenings. Empoli is definitely a working town which we visited mainly for the easy access by rail to Florence, Siena, Lucca etc. There is cheap parking beside the train station and we find going by rail much easier than driving to these places. There is also a Hypermarket in Empoli, though we generally go to Montespertoli (10 minutes by car) to stock up with provisions at the local Coop and shops. In Montespertoli and the surrounding countryside we’ve found some excellent authentic family run restaurants.

All in all, La Masseria is a superb holiday location which we highly recommend.
 ”

“ accueil très chaleureux et de qualité , cadre magnifique , campagne toscane très reposante et patrimoine très riche

ne manquerons pas de vous  recommander à nos amis français

très cordialement

françoise et jean louis criqui ”

“ Una settimana stupenda!! Ottima posizione per visitare le principali città della Toscana. Famiglia gentilissima ed appartamento molto confortevole! A presto Christian e Stefania ”

“ Non un commento alla splendida permanenza, ma un grande saluto e un abbraccio a Saida, Tiziana e tutto lo staff della Masseria da parte di Gianfranco, Vanna, Enrica, Federico, Giacomo, Tata, Alessandro, Sara, Sergio e Marisa. Grazie di tutto e a presto!!!!  ”

“ La valutazione è 10 e lode. Che dire di più!! E' in una bellissima posizione da cui si possono ammirare stupendi tramonti, l'arredamento delle stanze è delizioso e curato nei dettagli, i proprietari sono gentilissimi e disponibili. E'il punto di partenza ideale per effettuare gite giornaliere nei luoghi turistici rinomati e allo stesso tempo rilassarsi nel verde della campagna toscana. Consigliato con tutto il cuore.  ”

“ A really lovely place - beautiful views, great location. Superb cakes & dinners eaten on the terrace. We had a very happy family holiday here. ”

“ A fantastic place to stay! All very clean and comfortable, stunning views, exceptionally friendly owner, all very relaxing - plus we had some wonderful meals. Highly recommended. ”

“ we stay for 3 days at the house, the place beautiful, clean,lovely yard, nice people. ”