Ca Lucano is a beautifully restored Tuscan farmhouse located high up in the hills near Arezzo. It's not the easiest place to find initially, but whatever you do don't follow a satnav to get there - it will lead you up a tiny track that is ultimately impassable to regular vehicles! Instead use a satnav to get you to the village of Palazzo Del Pero, then follow the written instructions on the website; making sure you drive all the way up the tarmac road right to the end, then turn right onto the white track and follow that all the way to the end too.

On arrival our first impressions were not the best, mostly due to the nature of the welcome which though business-like and polite, was simply perfunctory: more like that which you would expect in an anonymous impersonal hotel. After a long, hot and stressful journey we needed something more warm and open. Had we been met by Nello, the owner, I am absolutely certain this would have been a different matter as he is a gregarious, open and flamboyant host that is always pleased to see you, so we were just unlucky with the timing I guess.

In terms of managing your expectations here it is vital to read the detail on the website thoroughly. Everything is explained there. This is neither your average Agritourismo/B&B. The room facilities are pretty basic: they lack a fridge, toiletries, hair dryer and even drinking glasses, but in fairness they are exactly as described online. Ours was a little grubby on arrival, as if it had been unused for some time, which was somewhat off-putting. Wi-fi access is charged separately at 13 euros for 4 hours: for 110 euros a night you would expect this to be free as it is almost everywhere now, except in big hotels. Also the shower was very weak and for 2 mornings running there was no hot water.

On the positive side the infinity pool is just fabulous with great views across the nearby valleys. Also this is a very peaceful location and the quality of sleep here is excellent. Breakfast is simple but ample and the evening fixed-price menu is perfectly fine and good value for the weary traveler. Lunch is provided a la carte which is a nice touch as it means you can spend all day relaxing if you wish, rather than have to forage out for food. However, the absolute jewel in the crown of this place is Nello: his personality, bonhomie, enthusiasm and sheer 'joie de vivre' is fantastic - he is a great host!

In summary this is a very good place to stay with a great pool and an engaging, gregarious host. Just be careful to read the small print before you book, so you know exactly what to expect.

PERFECT!
We stayed here in summer 2011 for our family holiday.

Beautifully restored ancient building with amazing views down the valley.
Rooms have a beautiful authentic feel, lovely high quality restoration.

The local area has good links to the rest of Tuscany and is a good place to explore some of the quieter beautiful towns and villages. Train link to Florence was excellent and we used it for a day trip there.

No air conditioning but being higher up the valley side and probably cooler we didn't find that a problem at night and the windows have good ventilation and shutters.

Pool is heaven after a day visiting the local area, almost like an infinity pool looking over the forested valley... amazing.
If you sit poolside the staff will even come and take your drinks order or lunch order... all home made local fare. Lovely garden. That is 5 star service...

Dinners are home made and we loved every meal.... no need to drive out to local restaurants when the home cooked food here is just as good, authentic, what more can I say?
The hosts are INCREDIBLY friendly, they could not have been nicer or done more for us. its like staying with an Italian family (which it is), except you have space, privacy, and can relax.

One tip... buy some of their home made Olive oil... the freshness is amazing and when you take it home it will remind you of Tuscany and Tuscan fresh food forever....

THANK YOU to our hosts for a fantastic, civilised, comfortable holiday. If I go back to Tuscany I would stay here 100%.... Perfect authentic Tuscan experience.

the view from the pool is to die for.....

The weather was cool and rainy when we visited in April, so maybe the key is to be here when it's warm so the pool is open and the views are really beautiful. There was only one other couple staying at the same time and yet they put us in rooms right next to one another. The walls are very thin and their bathroom was directly on the other side of our headboard. It wasn't the greatest night's sleep, let me say that. They also watched and sang along to Cats in its entirety, which can't be blamed on the agriturismo but they didn't need to put us on top of one another either.
They don't provide any toiletries, not even hand soap and the furnishings were pretty basic. We had dinner one night, and while it was ample, it wasn't the greatest. We were just as happy to eat in Arezzo and not have to chat with the family and couple who loved musicals. They owners do have two cats, one named Brutto, who is pretty great.

After a warm welcome by Nello and Giovana you feel already at home. The setting is spectacular,the rooms authentical tuscan ,the sunsets almost unbelievable.
We really enjoyed our stay and will be back