Much loved seaside rental home for 8/10 in stunning unspoilt Tuscany.

The property is an independent part of a beautiful old beach-front farmhouse, (the other half belonging to Michael's nephew and niece) restored as a seaside holiday home. It has it's own garden area and independent access to the beach. On the ground floor there is a large and beautiful fully equipped kitchen with its pantry and a dining table that seats 14. A large sitting room with various comfortable armchairs and sofas around a fireplace completes the ground floor. There is also a piano. Upstairs ( the stairs now have a hand-rail for safety) there are four large bedrooms and one large study that doubles as a bedroom as needed. Each room has its own bathroom, the study sharing with the adjacent bedroom. One of the bedrooms is so large that as well as the double bed there is also a double sofa-bed, should it be needed. Outside there is a large stone table under a pergola for al-fresco meals with a view over the beach and sea, as well as a paved area for outdoor furniture (sofas, deck chairs and big shady umbrella ), nice to retire to when the sun on the beach is too strong. On the other side of the house there is a vine pergola for quiet moments away from the beach from which one can listen to the water in the little canal (safely walled in) that runs beside the house and perhaps catch a glimpse of the kingfishers that nest there.
A word about children;
This is our much-loved home. We ask visitors (specially those with small children!) to be aware of the fact that all the furnishings in the house are either antique or treasured family heirlooms. Due to this we would ask you to carefully consider whether it is prudent to bring many young children to the house! Another fact to consider is that there is a canal running along one side of the house, protected by a low wall. The canal is not deep, but might be worrisome for somebody with a small child. Please take time to consider these facts.
Please remember we are in the country, and occasionally you may find geckos and a few harmless insects in the house. Rarely a bat may fly around in the evening, exiting the house after a few moments. These creatures are harmelss, and have the merit of eating mosquitos and other insects. We consider them a sign of a healthy environment and would be happy and grateful if you could tolerate them too.

Nearby are a few good restaurants we like to dine in:

Ristorante La Barcaccina: Via Tridentina, 1, San Vincenzo, tel: 0565 079597 We love this place because it is set right at the edge of the beach, and from your table you can watch the sun set over the sea. Very romantic! The food is excellent and it is always full. I really reccommend booking a table.

Ristorante Elena in Venturina: via Indipendenza 122, Venturina, tel: 0565 852565 closed on Tuesdays. This place is not in a beautiful setting BUT the food is really good and the service is polite and there is never a long wait before eating. It is a good idea to reserve a table as it is alway full.

Ristorante La Perla del Mare: via della Meloria 9, San Vincenzo tel: 0565 702113
Food very good, excellent sea views, sunset included!

Ristorante La Cascina del Poggio: Loc. Poggio all'Agnello 31, Populonia Stazione, tel: 0565 193 0308 this place is very close to the house and has many tables. Food is good and many dishes are on offer. It is less fancy than the others but a good place for a regular meal.

Ristorante La Taverna di Populonia, Populonia Alta, tel: 0565 29541 Here you eat in a lovely garden under the trees in this stunning medieval village, untouched by time. The food is good but above all the location is the attraction. We come here very often. One can also come just for an aperitivo and sit in the other larger garden, under the pine trees, and taste local hams and cheeses with the aperitivo.

Ristorante Canessa, Baratti, tel: 0565 29530 no particular address, just drive to the end of the port, park and walk, I haven't been here for a while, but I know people appreciate it and the views of the coast towards the north are stunning.

Ristorante La Pergola, Baratti, tel: 334 706 1785 no address, it's at the fork in the road, where you turn to go to Populonia Alta. Very good food, right on the little harbour so you can watch all the boat people doing their things! Fish is very good here.

One last little place for a tasty snack: Il Polpo Marino in the little village of Baratti, no address, no phone number, you ust turn up and queue for some fried delicacy. fish, octopus, artichokes etc. It is all home-made and very informale, but also very good. Arrive early if you dont want to wait in line.