Guestbook Comment
Review Submitted: September 8, 2008
Date of Stay: September 2008
It’s hard to know where to begin in describing how much we enjoyed our two-week stay in Pianettole in July 2008. The Castle itself, high on a
hill with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, is lovely. The guest rooms are attractive, and the care taken in the building’s
restoration is apparent in many charming details. The kitchen is spacious and fully equipped, with ample space for six around the large kitchen
table. The four bedrooms are attractive and comfortable, and the bathrooms – one in the main part of the guesthouse and the other associated
with the fourth bedroom, which is accessed through a separate external door – are well furnished with modern fixtures. At the rear of the
guesthouse is a furnished patio that makes a great spot to sit and relax at any time of day.
Pianettole is just outside the strikingly beautiful medieval town of Anghiari (though it’s not practical to make the trip on foot unless you have
the stomach for a taxing climb back up the hill to the castle). A few miles further on is the larger town of Sansepolcro, while about 30 minutes
drive in the opposite direction is the bustling city of Arezzo. Anghiari has a number of charming shops and restaurants, as well as a weekly
market, and is a great place to wander around and explore. Sansepolcro has additional conveniences such as several large supermarkets and a
modern shopping center, as well as an interesting and picturesque older section, bounded by medieval walls. Major highways pass near
Sansepolcro and Arezzo, which also has a railway station, making Pianettole an excellent base from which to explore the whole of Tuscany
plus neighboring regions of Umbria, Marche and Emilia Romagna, or even San Marino. Siena, Florence, Assisi, Poppi and Cortona are all within
easy driving distance, and we easily managed the longer drive to Pisa and Lucca as a day trip.
This was our first trip to Italy, and we saw many wonderful things and fabulous places. However, what really made our holiday special was the
remarkable warmth and hospitality of Mario and his parents, Sergio and Lina, who live in different buildings within the castle grounds. Mario
was the perfect host: warm and friendly and always concerned to make sure that everything was O.K.. When we arrived, the well-stocked
refrigerator helped us feel immediately welcome. On many other occasions Mario went to extra effort to try and make our stay a success,
lending us his GPS system, and sharing his family’s excellent olive oil and wine. Mario is always around to help if needed, and yet he also allows
guests their privacy. When we left it was with genuine sadness, partly to be leaving Tuscany, but mostly to be leaving Mario and his family who
we had come to consider as true friends.
We strongly recommend Pianettole as a perfect place to stay for a family or small group wishing to visit Tuscany without leaving behind the
comforts of home.
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