Noce’s view from the dappled terrace is good for the soul: past the vineyard - harvested while we stayed- across the pool, and then to the wide beauties of Tuscany. Don’t expect sophistication here; it is simple easy rural living, with cheerful unobtrusive hosts, and wonderful quiet. However we were charmed by Casole d’Elsa, the nearby village, a maze of twisty streets full of art, and with a couple of seriously good restaurants. Live jazz on my birthday at Casolani restaurant, with Montepulciano in hand, was a treat! Lots of other delights are within easy reach: Volterra and Siena for stunning art and architecture of course, but lots of medieval hilltop villages of great interest too. If you’re in Colle Val d’Elsa, try the glass museum, but definitely do not miss Barbagianni, a stunningly good restaurant in the old town.
We loved our stay at Noce and would recommend it to anyone wanting a simple happy cottage.