Hi Patrice, I wanted to let you know that Daniela and her husband were such great hosts, the villa was incredibly beautiful and we all had a wonderful time. You told me how great a property it was, but it was hard to imagine just how wonderful it is. The house itself was so well built and insulated, we hardly were aware of each other when in our rooms. Having two kitchens was perfect for this group, as we had many great chefs. We used the smaller kitchen for cooking projects (like our TexMex dinner for the Germans and Italians and Daniela and her husband) and the larger kitchen was perfect for breakfasts, games, and for the younger families to eat and hang out.(They took the two bedroom groupings on the Michele side so had nice access to the large space.) This was a special time for us to come together and while we were all connected through me, some new special friendships were formed, too. Thanks for your help and I hope your season is going well. I know that Jacque has booked "Casa Puccini" for next June, and you may have some other bookings, too. I have been recommending you and the casa to many friends. If you want to take a look at the blog a friend created for me, go to www.dianesitalianbirthday.wordpress.com to see detailed pictures and my running commentary. For us middle class teachers, doctors, and techies, this was an entirely affordable and "once in a lifetime" memorable gathering. We really had a nice time with Daniela. She is an incredible woman with her volunteer service as a doctor, her hosting of her villas, and her general love of people. We like her husband, too! (We did get a tour of her big villa, with the enlarged dining room you told me about. Her and her husband's rooms are beautiful,too.) What's not to like? Thanks for making it happen. Best regards, Diane

Casa Puccini was absolutely beautiful and the owners were wonderful hosts. Our group was very comfortable there. The house is well built and well designed so that each family had quiet and private space and persons sleeping in bedrooms, upstairs or down, were not disturbed by activity in the kitchens/living rooms. The well-equipped kitchens were perfect for us as we had some great chefs in the group and we cooked many meals.
Daniela and her husband were very helpful leading us to nearby bakery and pizzeria; she brought us treats several times, and the meals she cooked for us were delicious and generous in portions. They joined us for a Tex Mex meal that we prepared one evening. She is a lovely generous person and we were happy to get to know her. The beauty and peaceful ness of the grounds was amazing. We all commented that the house and gardens were even better than what was shone on the website. Everything was spotlessly clean and in good working order.
We were able to take day trips to Florence, Lucca, Volterra, the beach, and even Siena from the casa. We took the children to the Pinocchio Park which is very close. It was fun for the children and a place that Italian families visit so a nice cultural experience. I would recommend this property to others and I think that a friend has already booked it for next year!
Thank you for your help and good service.

Dear Ginny,
Many thanks to you and Patrice for your help in arranging our Villa. In spite of the fact that we arrived 8 hours later than planned on Monday, and our luggage did not arrive until Thursday afternoon, the trip was a HUGE success. We traveled to Siena, Verireggio, Barga, Firenza and Pisa.
The Villa was FANTASTIC! We enjoyed the location, the space, the cleanliness, and the owner.
We were delayed and arrived after dark; the directions, coupled with the differences in the directions/layout of Italy (vs the US) made getting to the villa very very difficult. You should rewrite the directions to begin at the airport; be very clear on directions and distances (versus references to ?follow signs to villa x?. With better directions it would be much easier to find, light or dark. Addtional information in your introductory packet about driving would be helpful (such as signage ? green for Autostrada, blue for other roads, etc.)
The Villa was fantastic; beautiful, secluded, very clean and accomodating, exceeded only by Signora Daniela and her husband's hospitality. They were so helpful and kind to us. Your suggestion that they would be worth the change to La Boheme was an understatement - they were one of the very best things we found in Italy.Otherwise, the Villa was phenomenal, the trip was a huge success, and the most impressive thing of all (per your suggestion) was the owner and her husband. They were unbelievably helpful, considerate and generous with their time and resources. They did all they could to make our stay as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We give it 5 stars for everything, the location, the service we received from you, the bedrooms, bathrooms, all of the interior and exterior rooms and peace and quiet. Except directions get a 2 ! But we loved our stay once we got there. Thank you for the recommendation.
We really enjoyed the restaurant called ?The Saloon? east of Lucca. Reasonable, great pasta and friendly service. Thanks again. We can't wait to return!