Reviews

Our base in Tuscany was an ancient stone farmhouse built on a hillside above the Mugello Valley, where the Medici family had its origins. It was renovated about a decade ago by a delightful and interesting couple, architect Stefano Crivelli, and his wife, Monica Sangberg Crivelli, who, as Moen, produces whimsical, allegorical canvases in oil and paintstick.

Some holiday destinations are ideal for their sense of place. Some for their sense of occasion and history. And some for the people you have the good fortune to meet. Monica and Stefano’s house Casa del Pozzo in the hills above Barberino is a perfect convergence of all these qualities- the best of Tuscan landscapes, in a region steeped in history, with spacious accommodations offered by two charming hosts. I recall my first experience of the old stone house: it was late afternoon, I found cheese, tomatoes, bread, olive oil and wine on the kitchen table, the atmosphere was fresh and cool, the rooms wrapped themselves around me, and the quotidian cares of life were instantly lifted from my shoulders. If you are in Tuscany to write, to paint, to view art, or just to sit in the loggia with a book and relax with a glass of Chianti, I cannot imagine a more congenial and soul-lifting place

As an artist I had long pictured Italy as a breathtaking collection of antiquities and architecture. Though I visited these treasures in Florence, Siena, Arezzo and Venice, the true masterpiece I discovered was Casa del Pozzo in Mugello. The Tuscan landscape of vineyards, poppy-fields, olive groves, and the tranquil beauty of this 13th century gem surrounded by rosemary, awakened my spirit and creativity. I could not have felt more welcome and count the days until I can return to the Italy I now hold in my heart.

We spent two weeks at Monica and Stefano’s villa in May last year, and we still feel so fortunate that we stayed there: the location of the villa with fabulous views anywhere we looked, having breakfast outside in the garden gazebo, the impeccably decorated house with its great fireplace in the kitchen, the proximity to Florence – only 30 minutes by train from the nearby village, and most importantly our hosts, Monica and Stefano, who always made us feel right at home without ever intruding.

Several years ago when we made our first visit to Monica & Stefano’s beautiful house, my husband wondered, as I researched on the internet, whether this choice was going to be out of the way, possibly inconvenient. I held firm because I had fallen in love with the place from the online photos (I am an interior designer by trade). When we arrived (a short drive from the autostrada) we were positively enchanted. It was home-away from home- warm and inviting, decorated with Monica’s magical paintings, and adjacent to our gracious hosts. The gardens and view are lovely and tranquil, with no noise from the roads. There are Medici castles, good walks, and cozy restaurants. It’s an easy drive or train ride to the splendors of Florence. We go back again & again, preferring it to luxurious hotels we have visited. Five stars in our book!

... In a small bend in the road, two stone columns supporting a dark iron gate suddenly rose up. Above a stone the number 17 was visible, and it seemed to laugh at us, along with a deer in the woods. We rang one bell, then another, until we glimpsed a figure beyond the gate, which began to open with the parsimony that is typical of the Mugello, as we discovered later. And here was Stefano, who received us in the shade of the garden, which was not shady enough to hide his exquisite Florentine courtesy, certainly different from that of the French, or Spanish, or English. How to define it? A spirit of warmth, friendliness and closeness that never becomes oppressive. Monica was waiting for us in the house. Even before getting to know her, the fact that she had the same name as my favourite sister aroused a wave of sympathy in me. My intuition wasn't wrong. Her amiability and warmth would have been enough to melt all the snow in Sweden, her native country. What about the house? The solid and austere stone building, typical of the Tuscan countryside, was home to all the gentle hues of the Siena land. The yellows, ochres, reds, gray-blues, straight from Cimabue's palette to rest on the walls, the upholstery, on the bedspreads and also, why not, in our tired travellers' eyes, announcing the well-being we would find at the Casa del Pozzo. The body and not just the spirit were restored by the refreshments that Monica had ready on our arrival. There was no need to thank her. The satisfaction that shone in our eyes on finding the excellent bottle of Chianti was enough. And it has to be said that we did it honour before going to bed, wrapped in silence and the lovely sheets that put us to sleep. The next day we were able to contemplate the house in all its beauty. The delicacy of the climbing roses and wisteria made the ancient stone walls seem that much more solid. The garden, with a view of Lake Bilancino, has only a minimum of order, and is a continuation of the forest that surrounds it. Oak, beech, cypress and olive trees invited us to walk among their branches. Two centuries-old but thriving mulberry trees, once used for raising silkworms, evoked the travels of Marco Polo. When the sunset came and the visual pleasures ebbed away, another celebration began: that of scents. The huge bushes of sage, rosemary and lavender released their most exquisite essences, as if they had come to life to attract our attention. It was hard to leave the house every day to carry out our plan to visit Tuscany. The lovely, tastefully chosen paintings, prints and drawings on the walls, some by Monica herself, others by Renzo Crivelli, Stefano's father, also commanded our attention. But nearby were Florence, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, Montecatini ....calling us insistently. Stefano and Monica left for Rhodes the next day, depriving us of their presence and good conversation, leaving them for another occasion. And we won't hesitate in creating it.

If we are very lucky, we may find the kind of place that we always hoped existed. A place that fills the senses with beauty and serenity, a place where one can find an angle of repose. For me, this is Casa del Pozzo: its lavender filled gardens, beautifully restored house of comfortable rooms, and a view that goes on forever. Most of all, it is the hosts, Monica and Stefano, whose fine sensibilities created this corner of paradise, and whose warmth and generosity make every return a homecoming.

Our base in Tuscany was an ancient stone farmhouse built on a hillside above the Mugello Valley, where the Medici family had its origins. It was renovated about a decade ago by a delightful and interesting couple, architect Stefano Crivelli, and his wife, Monica Sangberg Crivelli, who, as Moen, produces whimsical, allegorical canvases in oil and paintstick

Some holiday destinations are ideal for their sense of place. Some for their sense of occasion and history. And some for the people you have the good fortune to meet. Monica and Stefa¬no’s house Casa del Pozzo in the hills above Barberino is a perfect convergence of all these qualities--the best of Tuscan landscapes, in a region steeped in history, with spacious accom¬modations offered by two charming hosts. I recall my first experience of the old stone house: it was late afternoon, I found cheese, tomatoes, bread, olive oil and wine on the kitchen table, the atmo¬sphere was fresh and cool, the rooms wrapped themselves around me, and the quotidian cares of life were instantly lifted from my shoulders. If you are in Tuscany to write, to paint, to view art, or just to sit in the loggia with a book and relax with a glass of Chianti, I cannot imagine a more congenial and soul-lifting place.

As an artist I had long pictured Italy as a breathta¬king collection of antiquities and architecture. Though I visited these treasures in Florence, Siena , Arezzo and Venice, the true masterpiece I discovered was Casa del Pozzo in Mugello. The Tuscan landscape of vineyards, poppy-fields, olive groves, and the tranquil beauty of this l3th century gem surrounded by rosemary, awakened my spirit and creativity. I could not have felt more welco¬me and count the days until I can return to the Italy I now hold in my heart.

We spent two weeks at Monica and Stefano’s villa in May last year, and we still feel so fortunate that we stayed there: the location of the villa with fabulous views anywhere we looked, having breakfast outside in the garden gazebo, the impeccably decorated house with its great fireplace in the kitchen, the proximity to Florence – only 30 minutes by train from the nearby village, and most importantly our hosts, Monica and Stefano, who al¬ways made us feel right at home without ever intruding.

Several years ago when we made our first visit to Monica & Stefano’s beautiful house, my husband wondered, as I researched on the internet, whether this choice was going to be out of the way, possibly inconve¬nient. I held firm because I had fallen in love with the place from the onli¬ne photos ( I am an interior designer by trade ). When we arrived (a short drive from the autostrada) we were positively enchanted. It was home - away from home - warm and inviting, decorated with Monica’s magi¬cal paintings, and adjacent to our gracious hosts. The gardens and view are lovely and tranquil, with no noise from the roads. There are Medici castles, good walks, and cozy restaurants. It’s an easy drive or train ride to the splendors of Florence. We go back again & again, preferring it to luxurious hotels we have visited. Five stars in our book!

La campagne toscane à son meilleur Un endroit fabuleux pour qui aime la campagne toscane. Les hôtes sont charmants, accueillants et discrets. Ils ont eu à notre endroit de délicates attentions à notre arrivée (fleurs, fruits, produits de base etc…Évidemment ça prend une voiture pour sillonner les environs. À Barberino on trouve tout, épicerie, pharmacie, resto, essence….. Nous avons choisi le mois d’octobre pour éviter les chaleurs extrêmes qui se prolongent jusqu’au début octobre. Vous allez apprécier vivre dans une vraie maison qui a déjà été habitée par les propriétaires. On y trouve tout et en abondance. Il y a climatisation et chauffage. Nous avons apprécié le stationnement privé. Stefano et Monica sauront vous faire aimer la Toscane. Nous recommandons l’endroit sans réserve. Profitez de cet endroit unique.

harmonic place A tastfully made countryhouse, a harmonic place with friendly lessors who gave us good tips for ventures with pleasure. For2 weeks we really felt at home there and enjoyed the swimming in the lake nearby.

We had a fantastic stay in this beautiful holiday house. It exceeded our expectations on all aspects. A very nice and authentic farm house, equipped with everything one would need. Fantastic surroundings, a nice garden with many possibilities so sit outside. The house is easy to reach. And not to forget a very nice contact with the friendly owners, who kindly supported us with anything we needed. Highly recommended!!

Perfect Tuscany Getaway   The farmhouse is at the end of a gravel road in the Tuscan hills, the perfect setting for complete relaxation. Hosts were very kind - including fresh fruit when we arrived and winery recommendations. Less than a hour to Florence, so visiting there was easy as well.  

Stunning location, beautiful home, gracious hosts   A very tranquil and restful stay in a truly special home - highly recommend!

Tranquility and the singing of birds   We had a good time at Casa di Pozzo. We were surrounded by peace and the singing of birds. The house is very well equipped. Kitchen utensils were plentiful and in very good condition. We are happy to go back there again