Has anyone stayed at Casa Cornacchi in Tuscany (near Arezzo)? It looks vey nice and got a good review a year ago by Rudy Maxa (on NPR's "Savvy Traveller&quot. I was hoping for some first hand experience before making a final decision about staaying there in June.

KevDog,
I am staying there in June also. I couldn't find anyone on this board who had stayed here, but considering it was recommended by Rudy Maxwell, I decided to chance it. It is one of the few places in Tuscany with air-conditioning and a pool that was big enough to accomodate our group. I think that they just opened a couple of years ago and that is why it does not have more feedback. I agree with you that it does look VERY nice.
When in June will you be there?
We are there June 12-19 and staying in the 4 bedroom villa, La Locanda.
I think you will be fine.
DebiC

We will be in Tuscany from June 26 until July 3. I am curious to know if there are restaurants close by to Casa Cornacchi or if you have to go farther afield to find towns with such amenities. I figure we will use the kitchen for simple breakfasts, find picnic type supplies for day trips, but I like the idea of ending up close to "home" in the evening for dinner and a quiet evening. Debi, let me know if you find out anything that may be useful...I will update you if I learn anything that might be helpful. Have a great trip!
By the way, I just found out that there will be fireworks display in Florence the evening of June 24th, St. Johns Day (the patron St. of Florence). This feast day corresponds to the summer solstice and is celebrated in many European countries with fireworks (like in Paris) or bonfires (West of Ireland) that we have happened to come across in our travels.

I do not know the Casa--I am sure it is nice--but the Arezzo area would not be my choice to see the best of Tuscany. Your top criteria should be location.

Bob,
At first I was worried about the location too. It's actually closer to Sienna, and I checked on the Michelin site and it's no more than an hour in either direction to the main sites. (Florence, San G, Montalcino. For us this was the most centrally located place with the amenities we wanted and was reasonably priced. It works for us, although Kevdog might be looking for something else.

KevDog,
I haven't checked out restaurants yet, if I see anything interesting I will let you know. I think the closest town is 1km (Bucine) and the next town is 5m (Ambra).
DebiC

Bob, thanks for your advice (on this and numerous previous posts). These apartments are in a restored fortified farmhouse, about 25 km. west of Arezzo, not in town itself. Not knowing the area it seems as though nothing is more than an hours drive (or am I wrong)? We will be driving down from Florence and can see some sights en route, plan day trips to Siena, Chianti area and whatever small towns we wish to visit. I do want to see the frescoes in Arezzo. Otherwise, not having an exhaustive list of "must dos", I think we would be content to just drive and explore day by day.
The web site is: http://www.tuscany.net/cornacchi/pages/apart.htm
if any one is interested.

ttt

We stayed at Casa Cornacchi about a month and a half ago and it was marvelous! You are very independent there, so if that does not appeal to you, I would suggest staying somewhere else. There is a restaurant on the premises, but if you choose to go someone else, you have to drive. It is in an idyllic location, on the top of a mountain with incredible views.

I highly recommend it!
Anne