Thursday, March 4, 2010

We have moved!

We have a new blog on our own address: http://www.tuscanyblog.net/

This blog will soon be closed down, so please visit the new one and bookmark it for the future! Thanks -

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Cottage il Metato

The cottage is a restored "Metato" - a small building used to dry chestnuts for making special chestnut flour. Situated on the edge of the countryside, it has an open view, as it is the last house in the village of Partigliano. There is an outdoor area with private parking, and use of the swimming pool (50 meters from the cottage). More pictures and details here:

€475 a week in the low season (now!).

Monday, February 22, 2010

Apartment in Barberino Val d'Elsa

A holiday apartment in the heart of Tuscany - 2 double bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a bathroom with shower, kitchen, living room, heating, veranda and large private garden. A great location from which to explore Tuscany, visit wineries, hill top towns, etc.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Roccaforte

Apartment Roccaforte in Barberino Val d'Elsa has 5 rooms and 4+1 beds: living room, kitchen/dining room on the ground floor, two double bedrooms, each with bathroom, on the first floor, and also an attic with access to a terrace which overlooks the village and the countryside. A splendid private garden complete the property which has an independent entrance directly on the central square of Tignano Castle.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Santa Fausta

The apartment Santa Fausta is part of an ancient farmhouse on top of a hill from which you can enjoy a stunning view over the medieval village of Lucignano. On the side of the cottage there is a garden that leads to the swimming pool. The apartment is on two floors connected by a wooden staircase. Lucignano is a beautiful medieval village with its characteristic and unique oval plan; it is located close to major roads and railways that connect the most important art cities of central Italy. Pets are welcome. Euro 500 a week in the low season, 900 in high season.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Campo Marte, Florence

160 square meter (HUGE!) apartment, ideal for a family of four or five people. Three bedrooms, kitchen, dining room, living room. Telephone, WiFi. Spacious parking. Great location if you have a car and plan to make trips from Florence. 900 euro a week.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Villa Toscana Podere Le Capanne

Villa Podere le Capanne is located in Tuscany and was renovated in 2009. The villa is situated in open countryside surrounded by green landscape, located at the foot of Montecastelli Pisano around Sillani Rocca fortress. The farm has a beautiful view and allows you to enjoy breathtaking sunsets. Prices start at 359 euro a week in the off season!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Casa di Nicoletta

An apartment in ancient and completely restored farmhouse, surrounded by a large garden, where every house has its own private area with tables, chairs and parking places. Internally the country house has been divided into three apartments, all with private entrance. 625 euro a week in low season.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Il Pruno

The house, located in a tiny village from the 18th century, has been completely restored. Situated in the hills of Tuscany and Umbria, far from urban traffic and surrounded by green forests, it has a beautiful swimming pool of 15 x 6 meters, a children's play area, barbecue, and very original gazebo. Il Pruno is perfect for those who really want to get away from the chaos of the city, take long walks, and enjoy nature. 1,600 euro a week in the low season, 2,500 a month. Sleeps up to 14!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Fieral del Cioccolato Artiginale

The "Fieral del Cioccolato Artiginale" starts Thursday in Piazza Santa Croce in Florence. If you are a chocolate lover, this fair is for you! You can get more details and a list of participating chocolatiers on the website. Should be a fun event. Thursday to Sunday (4th to 7th of February), 10 am to 10 pm.

Monday, February 1, 2010

I Pini

"I Pini" is a one of a kind villa built by a pupil of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The villa is 700 meters from the beach and located between the world-famous marble town of Carrara and the exclusive resort of Forte dei Marmi. The house is surrounded by 6,800 square meters of private pine forest. Versilia offers breathtaking shorelines and beaches, bustling quays and marinas and boulevards blooming with oleander and palm trees flanked by elegant stores and trattorias. Tennis courts, bike routes, gyms, skating rinks, riding stables and eighteen and nine-hole golf courses complete the extensive roster of local activities.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Villa Taccina

Villa Taccina is located in the countryside near Poggibonsi, a location that makes it easy to reach Siena or Florence in 15 to 20 minutes. A large terrace overlooks a splendid view of the surrounding countryside and a beautiful castle. The villa is completely independent, immersed in a large, well tended park (6,000 square meters) with lawns, flowers, plants, and completely fenced in and accessible through a large automatic gate. The villa has a swimming pool (6 x 12 meters) a sunbathing area, a shady area with tables, chairs and everything else needed to relax. Plan your summer getaway now!

Monday, January 25, 2010

Apartment "Firenze"

A new listing for Tuscany Rent Direct is "Firenze", a recently renovated apartment in the heart of Florence. The flat has its own private and exclusive entrance from the inner courtyard of the building and is comprised of two double bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of which has a shower, and a large lounge/dining room with separate kitchen and pantry. All the rooms have windows that open onto the courtyard, and it is a very peaceful and quiet space - no rooms overlook the street.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Villa Lisetta

Villa Lisetta is a historic residence with breathtaking views over the Gulf of Follonica and Elba Island. A large private park, elegant and comfortable spaces, charming rooms and unique bathrooms are spread out over 500 square meters of luxury living space. Make sure to visit the website and see all the amazing photos of this property.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

La Cava

La Cava is an apartment in Greve in Chianti that is part of a restored ancient farmhouse complex. Parking, well-maintained garden with lawn, flowers, fruit trees, and an olive grove are all on the property. Magnificent views to Florence which is only 18 Km away. Sleeps 5.

La Pergola, Castellina in Chianti

This ancient farmhouse, with vineyards, olive groves and woodlands, is located in the heart of Tuscany in the famous region of Chianti Classico with a splendid view. La Pergola is a double bedroom apartment in the farmhouse. Wall to wall windows make the ambiance bright and full of light. The spacious garden is surrounded by hedges and a pergola covered with vines. The 14 x 6 meter swimming pool is located in an area of about 5,000 square meters, close to the apartment. It is surrounded by cypress trees, rose and lavender bushes, deck chairs and sun umbrellas.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

La Locanda del Moro

La Locanda del Moro is a stone farmhouse, completely restored using traditional Tuscan materials like brick, chestnut wood and stone. La Locanda del Moro offers its guests the chance to taste dishes of traditional Tuscan cuisine, thanks to the many excellent and typical foods of the area, to be rediscovered in front of the stone fireplace in winter. La Locanda del Moro is an excellent starting point to discover the most picturesque corners of Garfagnana with itineraries on foot, horseback, bicycle or car, with very experienced local guides. A holiday at Locanda del Moro is an unforgettable experience for all five senses.

Big changes today

We made a couple of changes under the hood today to improve the sites long term future. Unfortunately in the short term you may find a lot of broken links (if you come to the site from another site or search engine) and be directed back to the home page. We also started using Google as our site search, and it may take a few days for them to re-index the site and have the results updated. We appreciate your patience - thanks!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Snow in Florence

Florence had a rare snow storm the week before Christmas - here is a video:

Monday, January 11, 2010

Historical Florentine Apartment

The charming studio apartment "Leonardo" is in the heart of old Florence, with views onto the Piazza Signoria. Situated on the first floor, "Leonardo" has a large drawing room with fireplace and a double bed, an intimate corner with a sofa and coffee table, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Make this your home for a romantic winter getaway in Florence!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Wine events in Tuscany

If you are staying in one of our villas in the country or one of our luxury apartments in the amazing Renaissance city of Florence, there are a couple of very important wine tastings coming up you may be interested in:

The Chianti Classico Collection - February 17 and 18 at the Stazione Leopolda in Florence

Benvenuto Brunello - February 22, 23, 24, and 25

Check the links for more details on these events.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Apartment on the River Arno Sleeps 4

This 80 square meter apartnemt is in the Palazzo Branca Aria della Ripa, a building from the end of the 19th century, on Arno rover. The building is in one of the best areas of Florence, just a 10 minute walk from the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, 5 minutes from Santa Maria Novella and 15 minutes from Fortezza da Basso. The building has been fully restored and preserves intact the refined elegance and warm hospitality of a true Florentine house.


Monday, January 4, 2010

Piazza Signoria

If you are visiting Tuscany, and Florence in particular, you must spend some time in Piazza Signoria. Florence-On-Line is a guide to Florence, and they just posted a new page about Piazza Signoria with some great photos - check it out for ideas of what to do while vacationing in one of Tuscany Rent Direct's apartments or Tuscan Villas.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Apt. 9 Palazzo Branca Aria della Ripa

Palazzo Branca Aria della Ripa is a building from the end of the 19th century on the Arno river. The building is in one of the best areas of Florence, just a 10 minute walk from the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, 5 minutes from Santa Maria Novella and 15 minutes from Fortezza da Basso. The palazzo has been transformed into a structure that preserves intact the refined elegance of an aristocratic dwelling and the warm hospitality of a true Florentine house. This apartment sleeps 6.