Today I don’t want to give you tips on what to do, eat or see in Tuscany.
Instead, I thought I would prepare a small guide to Podere Casanova.
When we buy something online, we can’t touch it with our hands, so we rely on detailed descriptions to avoid disappointment.
I realised this same principle could be helpful here too — because holidays should be moments of joy and beautiful memories.
What to expect from a holiday at Podere Casanova
In recent years, the way people travel has changed a lot.
Social media has contributed to creating an ideal holiday that often doesn’t reflect reality or actual expectations.
Holidays are important: we dream about them, plan them, and wait for them with enthusiasm.
But once we arrive, anything can happen: sometimes the place exceeds expectations, sometimes it doesn’t; sometimes it feels too isolated, too rural, too central, too silent, too noisy… the variables are endless!
My intention is to bring clarity – or at least try – so we can welcome guests who truly enjoy holidays in a place like ours.
I want to help you understand whether Podere Casanova is the right place for your dream vacation.
Where Podere Casanova is located
We are surrounded by the Tuscan countryside: a car is essential to reach us.
The nearest town is about 7 km away, and there is no public transport.
Taxis come from Empoli, which is 12–15 km from us, and therefore can be expensive.
Those who choose to stay at Podere Casanova are looking for peace and tranquillity.
But we are not completely isolated: just 500 metres away there is a small market (which also offers food service on weekends), and two lovely villages only 7 km away.
If you want a countryside holiday immersed in nature, you’re in the right place.
If instead you want the countryside but with a town centre you can walk to, we are not the right choice — unfortunately, those two things often cannot coexist.
Our Apartments
Our apartments are simple and authentic, staying true to the philosophy of a real country home.
You won’t find canopy beds, whitewashed beams or designer furniture: if that’s what you’re looking for, we may not be the right place.
Here you will find welcoming, functional spaces, designed to make you feel at home from the very first moment.
On our website (and on booking platforms) you’ll find the exact size of each apartment, along with detailed photos of every room.
If, for example, you book a 35 sqm apartment, please don’t expect it to magically double in size when you arrive 😊
If you have any doubts, feel free to contact us at any time by email or WhatsApp (+39 333 2060650).
All apartments come with:
- air conditioning
- a fully equipped kitchen
- free Wi-Fi
Each apartment also has its own private outdoor space — a garden or terrace equipped with a table, chairs and a barbecue.
First-floor apartments have a terrace bordered by wrought-iron railings.
Ground-floor apartments have a fenced private garden.
What Podere Casanova offers (and what it doesn’t)
Podere Casanova is not a hotel, not a family hotel, and not a 5-star accommodation.
It is a country holiday home, offering the services of a holiday home with an added personal and human touch, which we hope is one of our strengths.
What to expect:
❌ No entertainment
❌ No babysitting service
❌ No parties, weddings or events
❌ No half board or full board
✅ Swimming pool exclusively for our guests (each apartment has its own sunbeds and parasol, marked with its name)
Breakfast and Dinner at Podere Casanova
Podere Casanova does not offer half board or full board, but we have created two pleasant ways to enjoy something good right here with us.
Twice a week — on Tuesdays and Fridays — you can order dinner at Podere Casanova.
The menu will be sent the day before so you can choose between typical dinner, pizzas, cold cuts and cheese boards, big salads and other options.
Every day you can book breakfast, prepared by us with fresh homemade items: cakes, pancakes, focaccia and more.
Breakfast must be booked by 12:00 noon the day before, so we can prepare everything at its best.
Before your arrival, you will receive a message with the link to book breakfast, the one for the self check-in, the Wi-Fi PIN, and all the useful information to start your holiday in the easiest and most pleasant way.
Reception, Check-in and Check-out
The reception is open only in the morning, but I am always present from Monday to Sunday morning to prepare breakfast with my staff, answer your questions and — most importantly — meet you in person!
Thanks to the many suggestions received from our guests, a restyling of the reception area is planned for the 2026 season, to make it more functional and modern, while still respecting our style and the surrounding environment.
Check-in is from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
You may request an early or late arrival, but we cannot guarantee that the apartment will be ready; however, you can leave your luggage with us and enjoy the pool.
Check-in is not always in person, but it is very simple:
the day before your arrival, you will receive a personal code via WhatsApp or email to open your apartment, along with a video tutorial showing how it works.
The code will be valid from your arrival day until 10:00 am on your departure day.
Check-out must be completed by 10:00 am. After this time, the access code will automatically expire.
In case of delay, a fee of €50 for every 30 minutes will apply.
Our staff is authorised to enter the apartments from 10:00 am to begin cleaning.
Unfortunately, late check-out is not possible, even for a fee, as we must ensure the apartments are ready for new arrivals by 4:00 pm.
Cleaning and Laundry
Washing machine and dryer available for a fee (coins only; detergent included).
As we are not a hotel, daily cleaning is not provided (available on request for a fee).
Linen change: once a week. Guests who book directly with us may request one extra change for free; for portal bookings, extra changes are always subject to a fee.
Pool towels are not provided.
On check-out day, rubbish must be taken to the bins in the parking area.
Toilet paper and spare rubbish bags are available in the laundry room, which is always accessible.
How Lisa can help you
I am always happy to help you with:
- Horseback riding suggestions
- Wine tastings
- Tips for getting to Florence easily
- Recommended restaurants
- Activities for families with children
- Bicycle rentals
- Travel itineraries and much more
I hope this small guide helps you understand whether Podere Casanova is your dream holiday destination ❤️
Have a wonderful holiday,
Lisa
