Archive for 'Villas and Farmhouses'

Rental Date: Saturday 29th of May 2010.

Renter: Ginette C. (Ottawa, Canada).

Renter Rating: 5/5.

Castle Montegufoni was outstanding. Some of the pluses:
- beautiful property with stunning hill-top views of the Tuscan countryside, without having to drive treacherous switch-back roads to get there (such roads are a-plenty in Tuscany).
- nice pool and well-kept, lovely grounds
- great location: 30 minute drive to Florence; 45 minute drive to San Gimignano; 60 minute drive to Pisa
- spacious, comfortable, spotlessly clean villa
- friendly, accomodating staff (I was encouraged to use the castle's computer for as long as I needed to book a side-trip to Venice, and they bent over backwards to take care of me when I needed some very minor first aid.)
- access to a modern washing machine that works well
- excellent price for what you get

I suggest staying in one of the villas apart from the main castle, as we did (our villa was no. 32). These villas are probably quieter, and you can drive right up to them to unload your suitcases, thereby avoiding the steep walk up the gravel hill with luggage.

The only less-than stellar aspect was the meal at the Castle's restaurant. It was good value: 24 euro for five courses. And you can't beat the ambience or the pleasure of enjoying the fine castle wine knowing that it's just a few steps to your villa. But we had better food elsewhere. I still think it's worth eating there one evening for the experience. For better food, I recommend:
Il Virginio in Anselmo, about 4 km from the castle.
Another good restaurant is at the end of Baccaiano. It's on the left side, near a large parking lot that looks like a park and ride. There's also a hotel there. If you start up the hill to Montespertoli, you've gone too far.

Please visit Montegufoni: Montegufoni 32 for more details about this accommodation. Visit this page for other villas in Montespertoli, Tuscany, Italy.

Rental Date: Saturday 5th of June 2010.

Renter: Tim W. (Greensboro, United States).

Renter Rating: 5/5.

We had a wonderful time staying at Castellaccio for a week in June. The weather was excellent and accommodations superb. The villa is situated between Geve and Figline making travel very easy by car to sevral small Tuscan villages as well easy commute by train or car to Florence and Sienna. The apartment was very clean, well equipped and premises cared for immaculatly. Roxy was most helpful on check-in making sure we understood the lay of the land. We would certainoy recommend this to anyone stayiong in Tuscany. It would be very comfortable for 4.
One tip would be to lose yourself in the area stopping to eat at the numerous options in small towns around Lucelena.

Please visit Castellaccio: Castellaccio 4 for more details about this accommodation. Visit this page for other villas in Lucolena, Tuscany, Italy.

Rental Date: Saturday 29th of May 2010.

Renter: James C. (El Dorado Hills, California, United States).

Renter Rating: 5/5.

La Sorgente is a wonderful property in a beautiful setting. We really enjoyed our time. Our party of eight adults found that there was plenty of space for everyone, so no one felt crowded. It made a great base to explore Tuscany. I am extremely happy that we chose this property. We hired Morena to cook for us for two nights while we were there. She is a wonderful cook and great lady. The meals were superb!

Please visit La Sorgente for more details about this accommodation. Visit this page for other villas in Camaiore, Tuscany, Italy.

Rental Date: Monday 24th of May 2010.

Renter: Mark H. (Bandera, TX, United States).

Renter Rating: 4/5.

Beautiful, quintessential Tuscan property! Rolling hills, vineyards, olive trees, small villages, good food and wine! If you want a peaceful vacation yet close to the bigger cities, you'll like this villa...

Please visit Podere Il Doccio: Casa Acqua for more details about this accommodation. Visit this page for other villas in Terranuova Bracciolini, Tuscany, Italy.

Rental Date: Saturday 29th of May 2010.

Renter: Simon H. (London, United Kingdom).

Renter Rating: 5/5.

The property is delightfully located, with magnificent views down the valleys towards Arezzo and San Sepolcro. The views from the pool area are the same - and it makes for a beautiful spot for a holiday. The property is clean and well appointed, and obviously well maintained. We brought my mother here for her 60th birthday, and had a superb time of it.

The couple who look after the property were utterlty charming, and left us a basket of basics to get us started (tin of tomatoes, pasta, bread, eggs, coffee etc.), and also brought us a home baked cake during the first week, which was a very unexpected and delightful surprise.

Points to note: the villa is a couple of km from the nearest village (and therefore amenities), so really only an option if you have hired a car. There is no iron or ironing board, which was not a problem for us, but could be for others. The kitchen is pretty well stocked with cooking utensils, crockery and glassware, but there was no corkscrew there on the day we arrived (we bought one and left it there though...!). There is also a waching machine (useful if you are staying for more than a week), and a dishwasher (bliss on a holiday).

All in all, highly recommended.

Please visit Villa Sovaggio: Villa Superior for more details about this accommodation. Visit this page for other villas in Caprese Michelangelo, Tuscany, Italy.