We booked Dimora Casanoja on the strength of the reviews and having now been the 5 star reviews are totally warranted. Clara and Carmine are wonderful hosts and very kind and generous. We arrived early on the day of check in and they offered us a 'light lunch', which actually was an Italian culinary experience with Carmine using the herbs and vegetables that were within meters of where we were sitting under a walnut tree, with the Dimora and grounds for a view. It really is as stunning as it looks in the photos. We also really enjoyed being taken into Carmine's 'room of wine' – wow! Cheese with a homemade fig syrup to go with the homemade white masala wine and other goodies in there. As others have said, the property comes stocked with typical Italian produce, but the hosts go much further by leaving local cheeses and homemade oil, vinegar, liquors and wine for guests too. We stayed in the House of Olives, which is described as very private and ideal for a couple, this is all true and it's a wonderful property with its full-length windows and views on both floors. We didn't eat out much, we didn't mind the walk into Noci that takes about 30 minutes, but the accommodation is so beautiful and peaceful that it seemed silly not to be there enjoying it. We used the BBQ and spent most evenings chilling out at the table and chairs on the decking in the garden, drinking and playing cards.
Noci is not very touristy (lots of places that are can be driven to) but because of this it means that many locals do not speak English, however we found that they were incredibly patient with us and helpful. We went to three great restaurants recommended by the hosts, it's definitely worth asking for their recommendations. The Eno Bar in Noci is wonderful, it’s really a wine bar but if you love Gin and Whiskey, like we do, then this is the place to go.
The pool is shared, and it is wonderful with a range of different areas to sit or lay (my favourites were the double beanbag and the hammock - almost impossible not to dose off!!) and I got a great tan here too. The pool itself is at its best when it is quiet; it's so tranquil and relaxing, but be mindful that it is a shared pool and enjoyment of it can depend on how considerate other guests are; if you’ve come to get away from every day noise and mobile phones, be aware that sometimes children are guests here too and the strong WIFI signal around the pool is often taken advantage of by guests.
Totally fabulous experience though and Clara and Carmine’s home is beautiful, and they are wonderful, thoughtful hosts. Lovely attention to detail in the House of Olives and it’s not difficult to see why they have pages of 5-star reviews