From the outset Benedetto was very helpful and responded promptly to my initial queries, which is why I opted to book his apartment rather than any of the others that I was also looking at. The whole booking process went really smoothly and even when I needed to make a slight change it didn't pose any problems for Benedetto.
Prior to our arrival Benedetto sent us some helpful information about the apartment and offered to meet us at the train station which was a fabulous gesture and much appreciated as we didn't arrive in Poggio Mirteto until 8pm. Upon arrival Benedetto told us a little about the area and recommended places to eat. There was a little welcome pack when we got to the apartment, a lovely surprise! And Benedetto made it quite clear that we should get in touch if anything should go wrong.
The apartment itself exceeded our expectations as the photographs don't do it justice. The ceilings are very high therefore it feels very spacious for a one-bedroomed apartment. And there is a nice balance of modern and rustic...giving the place a nice homely feel.
The location is ideal. Through the back window you get a glimpse of the beautiful Sabine hills and countryside. And the front window opens out on to the main street lined with orange trees. Throwing open the windows in the morning was such a joy as you get to hear the hustle and bustle of Italian life. Yet when closed the soundproofing is really good and there is no disturbance.
With a newsagents across the road, an ideal way to start your morning is to browse through the paper and have a morning coffee and pastry at one of the cafés within a few steps of the apartment. There is a shop for everything in Mirteto and all those that we popped into were run by local people...not a global chain in sight!
There are not many English speakers, which is great if like my partner you are looking to put into practice your Italian learning. However if you are a beginner like me, everyone is really friendly and helpful and you can make yourself understood. And as the equivalent of a market town in the UK, your favourite cafe quickly knows how you take your coffee, the newsagent knows your preferred read and the baker knows what bread you like.
With a number of restaurants to choose from, you can eat somewhere different each night if you choose, alternatively the apartment is adequately stocked with equipment to make basic meals and there are lots of places to buy groceries.
We enjoyed our stay in Poggio Mirteto so much that we had to force ourselves to take a trip into Rome, which is accessible with public transport. On our return home from Mirteto everyone has commented on how relaxed and carefree we look after our taste of La Dolce Vita. We are really looking forward to spending a summer there and will definitely be booking with Benedetto again.