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Customer Reviews
Overall:
Absolutely wonderful! Our experience really could not have been better. Donatella greeted us with great warmth and on the day of our departure spent time talking with us about the villa. She is charming and gracious, as is her local caretaker Maria.
Enjoyed Most:
The comfort of the living area, the large, welcoming and functional kitchen, and the garden. We cooked in several evenings, and it felt like home. A couple of days turned warm, allowing us to sit in the garden by the pool and enjoy the piece and quiet. Monterchi is lovely as are the people who live there. We made friends with two little girls, one of whom was eager to practice her English. Each day was better than the previous, and each day we felt more and more like the villa was our home.
Enjoyed Least:
Of course the villa is quite old and as such, some of the rooms are rather dark - particularly the bedrooms. The sun coming into the living and dining rooms made up for it, however.
Surrounding Area:
We actually didn't appreciate the Tiber River Valley until this trip. Being on the border of Tuscany and Umbria was a treat. We loved going to the towns that dot that area Sans Sepulchro, Arezzo, Citerna, Citta di Castello, Anghiari, Montone,Umbertide -- and a little further Cortona. Anghiari was my favorite!
Nearby Events or Locales:
The villa is in Monterchi, with Citerna eye level across the valley. Monterchi was quiet, but having the Museo Della Modonna del Parto (Piero della Francesca) made it a wonderful starting point for exploring the valley. We discovered the butcher and few restaurants. Cistern, though a car drive away, was charming.
Tips or Restaurants:
We were in Monterchi in early April, so the weather was quite variable. It even snowed one day, but that was fun with the right clothes. The home is well stocked and we merely needed to go to the grocery. We found the shopping in San Sepulchro to be be quite convenient and good. We visited all of the local markets - they occur on various days in the towns in the area. In Monterchi Ristorante Al Travato was good. Just outside of town (a little drive) was La Pieve Vecchio, which was wonderful. In the summer it is definitely a must. In Citerna, we enjoyed Osteria le Civette, and were told that Restorante Pizzeria Belvedere was quite good as well.
Directions:
We had perfect directions to the property. We drove from Florence. We were greeted warmly on our arrival. Couldn't have been better.
Check In Out:
Thank you RentVillas - this experience from start to finish was superb.
Lesley , April
Overall:
Great!
Surrounding Area:
Scenery and townfolk.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Monterchi, yes--it's walkable.
Alex, October
Overall:
Our party of eight needed a large villa. This property exceeded our expectations.
Enjoyed Most:
It was large, within walking distance to Monterchi and there was a great restaurant very close.
Surrounding Area:
Three very good restaurants close by. One within walking, two a short drive.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Monterchi, short walk
Tips or Restaurants:
The information provided by Rentvillas covered all the details pretty well. Donatella the owner can provide restaurant suggestions. She is great to talk with and learn about the area and shopping. Keep in mind travel by car is not as easy as the US and slower to cover the same miles.
Directions:
Once in the lower Monterchi village look for the road to upper Monterchi. It's easy to miss this road. Go through the arch and follow road to square. Villa is located at the end of the square to the right of the jewelry shop which is the pink building.
Check In Out:
Check in and out process was easy.
Bill, October
Overall:
This place was incredible. Our hostess Donatella kept referring to it as the "palace" and it was just that. Huge living room and dining room, spacious bedrooms, large somewhat antiquated kitchen, fantastic garden and pool area with beautiful views of surrounding area. A real fun place to stay - really old and really well-kept.
Enjoyed Most:
Monterchi sits on top of a hill that can be seen be seen from quite a distance. Accordingly the views from the villa and the town itself are stunning. At the same time, the climb up to the villa on roads with about a 45 degree pitch with a standard transmission was challenging at first as were the 2-way narrow streets that also served a sidewalks. Once you get to the palace that sits on top of the hill, everything levels off. You basically corkscrew around the hill after you go through the town's archway until you come to the town's main piazza and the front door to the villa. By the end of the stay, you get used to charm of the narrow streets. Tip Use the street mirrors positioned on the sharp turns.
Enjoyed Least:
Internet connection was spotty. It seemed to work only in the kitchen and would go in and out. Cell phone seemed to work best up by the pool. Previous posts about the dryer are true but not a big deal if you hang your clothes on the lines provided. Living room IS dark but could be viewed as cozy. Best lighting is in the kitchen where we hung out for the most part.
Surrounding Area:
Monterchi itself was truly charming and the whole region around it is beautiful. Made day trips to Siena, Cortona, Anghiani, Sansepolcro and Greve (which was a hike) and also an easy train out of Arezzo to Florence. It is also close to Citta de Castello and within striking distance of Montepulciano, so you have lots of options when you get there.
Nearby Events or Locales:
As mentioned, Monterchi sits on top of a hill. The road down below has other establishments, pizzerias, restaurants, etc. A walk in the morning around the top of the hill, down to the bottom and back up again to watch the sunrise is not only breathtaking but great exercise to work off the pasta from the night before.
Tips or Restaurants:
The front door to the villa opens up right onto the piazza. To the left is Ristorante Al Travato - a convenient stone enclave restaurant with tables outside under trees with great food, wine, cheese platters, espresso cappuccino. REALLY handy with staff that became like family to the frequent latte drinkers. There are other good restaurants in town and down the hill just outside of town. There is a small grocery store close by with a beautiful staff that speak no English but are the sweetest people in the world. They carry just about anything you need except peanut butter.
Directions:
The only problem we encountered when we arrived was at the top of the hill when our efforts to locate the villa were hampered by the polenta festival that was in progress with tents and picnic benches that blocked easy access to the piazza. In our travels, most tourists we talked to who used GPS systems said they were worthless. We used a big map of Italy (which was equally useless) but got around easily enough just by using road signs. After a while, we found that this challenge was what made it fun. We rented our car in Arezzo after taking the train from Rome. I'd rent a car again in a heartbeat.
Check In Out:
Checking in and out was easy.
David, September
Overall:
I had a fabulous experience at this magnificent villa.
Enjoyed Most:
I loved everything about the property. The rooms were spacious and clean. Every bedroom had a full bathroom and there was a washer and dryer available. Our every need was met.
Surrounding Area:
The views were breathtaking and the people were very friendly.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The nearest small town was Monterchi and it was within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
There isn't anything I would suggest bringing. They even provided hair dryers and umbrellas at the Villa. The cafe right outside the Villa door had great lunches and wine. We also loved a restaurant right down the hill. It was run by a man named Lorenzo.we
Directions:
We did not use a GPS and found it easily. However, if other trips are planned to surrounding towns, I would advise using a GPS.
Check In Out:
Our hostess, Donatella, made the process very easy.
Aileen, September
Overall:
We really enjoyed the villa. Beautiful location and the grounds were lovely. Really enjoyed the restaurants on the square and in the old town. Donatella was so gracious and we loved the tour of her grandfather's lab.
Enjoyed Most:
We loved the gardens and the pool. Also the location was fabulous at the top of the town.
Enjoyed Least:
A bit dark inside but it was part of the charm of staying in an old villa with antiques
Surrounding Area:
Location. Went for many walks along the river and Monterchi was close to Florence and Siena which was great for day visits.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We stayed in Monterchi. We walked to get groceries, gelato, wine and a few good restaurants.
Tips or Restaurants:
Restaurant on the square was fantastic! Also the pizza place down the road in the old town.
Directions:
We had a GPS but directions were good.
Check In Out:
It was very efficient.
Heather, August
Overall:
Excellent. Very peaceful, lots of history, and plenty to visit nearby.
Enjoyed Most:
The villa is quite unique, dating back literally hundreds of years. Very clean and well located with an excellent deli/restaurant only meters away.
Enjoyed Least:
A building this old - hundreds of years - won't have some more modern conveniences like air con, but it is still very comfortable.
Surrounding Area:
The scenery is stunning and being slightly off the more well beaten Tuscan tourist track is a blessing.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The villa is the middle of the old town, and the local supermarket is within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
Importantly this comment is not overly specific to Villa Francesca but I am always disappointed not to find certain kitchen tools, such as a decent bread knife. So, if you can, bring one...
Directions:
Directions are fine.
Check In Out:
Donatella, the owner, is most helpful and accommodating and speaks good English.
John, July
Overall:
Villa Francesca was a delight!
It is close to both restaurants and supermarkets so you don't need to plan in advance for your meals. The pool area was great for our kids.
The supermarket allowed us to take our cart from the store to the villa to get our groceries home and then we returned it the next day. They were so friendly.
Enjoyed Most:
Proximity to restaurants. We had our parents and our children staying with us so it allowed everyone to do as they pleased. We could all eat together at the villa or pop out for a bite to eat and a cappuccino.
The stores/restaurants in Monterchi were very reasonably priced.
Surrounding Area:
Donatella organized a bus driver to take us to Siena for the day. It was a lovely day out. Everywhere you look in Monterchi is picturesque so you don't need to go anywhere to see the beauty of the area.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The villa is in Monterchi. Right outside the villa entrance is a restaurant and bar. As you walk down the hill to go in to the town you find several restaurants and bars with friendly welcoming staff and good food and drinks.
Tips or Restaurants:
Four adults in our group were in their 70s and were not thrilled with the hill in to town. If they took their time (there is a bench half way up the hill) they were okay. For the rest of us it was a nice way to walk off all the food we ate!
Check In Out:
Check in/out went smoothly.
Kathryn, June
Overall:
We thought that Villa Francesca was gorgeous. When you close your eyes and think of a classic Tuscan villa, this is it. We loved roaring fires in the massive fire place every evening and poolside breakfast in the morning. Donatella, our hostest, was charming and helpful. We loved our week here.
Enjoyed Most:
The house was exceptional and full of history. The village of Monterchi was warm and welcoming.
Enjoyed Least:
Everything was wonderful. No complaints.
Surrounding Area:
This was a different part of Tuscany for us and we enjoyed the day trips. We loved Anghiari. Had the best meal of the trip there. We were easily able to visit Arezzo, Cortona, Montepulciano, and Pienza.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We were in the lovely village of Monterchi. With a lovely restaurant on the square (right next door) and the Supermercado was a great adventure. The owner, Marcelo, and his family were wonderful.
Tips or Restaurants:
The restaurant on the square was fabulous.
Directions:
It was easy to find.
Ansley And William, October
Overall:
Very nice. Large and comfortable. Furnishings were vintage but of very high quality. It suited our needs perfectly. It pegged the fun-meter. Would we do it again? You bet!
Enjoyed Most:
Ambience, peace and quiet, convenient location for day trips, charming hostess/owner.
Enjoyed Least:
Relatively dark interior and somewhat chilly inside in October (but it was drizzling rain and gloomy all week so that was part of the reason).
Surrounding Area:
Scenic. Excellent ristorantes and trattorias. Good road network.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Really can't walk to the town shopping area because it's a 3/4 mile walk down a steep hill, but it's an easy 3-minute drive and there's plenty of parking.
Tips or Restaurants:
For driving, a magnifying glass to read the small print on road maps. GPS is helpful but not really necessary if you pay atterntion. For personal care, bring a bar of soap and a wash cloth. Ristorante La Pieve Vecchia, 1 mile east of Monterchi and Da Alighero in nearby Anghieri are excellent. Large grocery store (Famila) in nearby Sanselpolcro. It was relatively easy to get around by car. Roads are well marked and if a person can read a map and pays attention it's no problem. We had a GPS but really didn't need it. LARGE CITY DRIVING IS A DIFFERENT STORY. I do NOT recommend driving a car in the major cities.
Directions:
Directions you provided were OK. Had a GPS but didn't really need it. Just pay attention to the road signs.
Check In Out:
Seamless and painless.
Roger, October
Overall:
Thoroughly enjoyed our time there.
Enjoyed Most:
Lots of space to spread out and be alone or with others.
Enjoyed Least:
Rooms were generally dark, especially living room.
Surrounding Area:
Beautiful country.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We were in the village of Monterchi. Had 2 restaurants that we could walk to and some shops at the bottom of the hill for necessities.
Tips or Restaurants:
We liked eating at home. Had a chef in for 2 nights. Ate in the village 2 nights and cooked for ourselves the rest of the nights. Didn't like driving down the narrow windy road in the dark.
Directions:
Directions were fine but there was a polenta festival going on when we arrived which caused some roads to be marked as closed. We did use GPS and highly recommend that any renters use one. They are critical to getting around. Would suggest a map to nearest super market be left in the kitchen.
Helen, September
Overall:
We had a great time. It was spacious and well-stocked. The terrace pool and garden area was beautiful and a wonderful place to have drinks in the evening and watch the sunset. The kitchen was furnished well with plenty of glassware, china, and flatware.
Enjoyed Most:
Our favorite area of the house was, again, the terrace roof garden and pool area. The kitchen was large enough for all 8 of us to meet, eat and use the WiFi. The highlight was our host, Donatella. She was gracious, very friendly and so helpful. She has a very warm personality and made us feel comfortable there.
Enjoyed Least:
The villa was very dark and the lower area a little damp. The dryer did not dry our clothes so we ended up spreading them around the outdoor furniture and dryer rack.
Surrounding Area:
The area was very quaint and picturesque. It made us feel like we had stepped back in time. The area was quiet and very relaxing. We were also in a very good location to take day trips to other villages and towns.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The villa is located on the very top of Monterchi. We were right in the middle of the town. We drove about 20-30 minutes to the supermarket but were only 5-10 minutes from the green grocer. Walking the steep hills in the town helped to make us feel the pasta we were eating everyday was not a problem.
Tips or Restaurants:
The villas was well-supplied and anything we needed we could easily buy locally. Between hiring a chef twice during our week stay and going out to the good local restaurants in town, we were well fed. (There are only a few eating establishments in the town)
Directions:
If you realize that the villa is at the very top of the town, you will find the directions fairly direct. We would suggest the the wording be "through the arch" rather than "by the arch". We ended up circling the village the first time because of that wording and the fact that they were having the Polenta Festival when we arrived and there were some barricades and tables on the road.
Check In Out:
The process was very easy and Maria did a good and efficient job.
Elana, September
Overall:
EXCELLENT!! Donatella was outstanding. She was waiting for us when we arrived. She recommended excellent places to visit and made the reservations for us. The palazzo was stunning. It was very clean and also provided staples - which was very much appreciated the first night. The pool and all outside areas were very well kept and very beautiful.
Enjoyed Most:
The spaciousness. The antiques. The comfortable kitchen. The beautiful views and the pool and rose gardens.
Enjoyed Least:
Absolutely nothing. It was very well cared for.
Surrounding Area:
The stunning views. The friendly people. The delicious meals served in the nearby restaurants
Nearby Events or Locales:
Citerna. Two of the ladies walked there. Just exploring Monterchi was very interesting.
Tips or Restaurants:
Three very excellent restaurants within walking distance. The restaurant right next door offered incredible service and the owners were very, very friendly. The food and wine was delicious.
Directions:
Definitely use a GPS. We had rented two cars and visited many small surrounding towns and had no problems finding our way. The only problem was finding parking lots. We also drove to Arezzo and caught the train to Florence which was another great experience.
Check In Out:
Check In and Check Out was very easy. Again, Donatella is an amazing woman and excellent landlady. Absolutely no problems at all with electricity. Just be aware to turn off your lights when you leave a room as electricity is very expensive.
Carol, September
Overall:
It was a wonderful experience and Donatella is an excellant hostess. The villa was beautiful as well as the views from the villa.
Enjoyed Most:
Although it was very large and beautiful, the villa still made you feel at home.
Enjoyed Least:
The drive up to the villa was very narrow. I was glad I wasn't the driver.
Surrounding Area:
It was a beautiful area with lots of hills and small villages on the hills.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Monterchi - we were situated right in the village, therefore we could walk around the village.
Tips or Restaurants:
There were 3 good restaurants in the town. The restaurant closest to the villa had great food and a very reasonable price.
Directions:
We did use a GPS and that got us close. Donatella was outside to greet us which helped in the end.
Janette, September
Overall:
The experience was awesome. Donatella was an excellent hostess and checked in on us daily. She was very personable and helpful. The villa was perfect and the view breathtaking.
Enjoyed Most:
Everything. The village location was great and the people friendly. The villa itself was very comfortable and the gardens and pools perfect.
Surrounding Area:
The scenery, the local people and the proximity of other small villages and nearness to Arezzo with train station and car rental.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We were in Monterchi, which was very walkable. Other towns accessible by car.
Tips or Restaurants:
Future renters do not really need to bring anything except maybe instant coffee. We brought our own tea, but did not really need to. The Villa is very well equipped and the small grocery store in the village is a great place to shop and get to know the locals. It is 5-10 minute walk from the Villa. There is a larger grocery store in Sansepolcro, which is a 20 minute drive away.
The small restaurant in the square just in front of the villa is excellent. The meals we had there were delicious.
Directions:
We did use a GPS and it worked very well. We would very much suggest using a GPS in Italy. For directions, it would be useful to use landmarks for reference as much as possible. I would also suggest using city/village names rather than highway or street numbers. We found roads and highways poorly signed and used city/village references more when determining route, especially when off the beaten track.
Check In Out:
The Check in and Check out processes when very smoothly and Donatella was most accommodating. We arrived later than originally planned due to train problems in Venice, but she was there when we arrived and very helpful and hospitable.
Sheila, September
Overall:
Lovely villa and the owner was super nice.
Enjoyed Most:
Views and the lovely pools. There was a polenta festival while we were there.
Enjoyed Least:
Beds were a little hard but then again that appeared to be the case with most places we stayed in Italy.
Surrounding Area:
The views are breathtaking.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Lower Monterchi was within walking distance....we were on the mountain (higher Monterchi).
Tips or Restaurants:
Some of the best restaurants were there within a few minutes of the villa...they were tucked away, but so good!
Directions:
GPS is very helpful when driving in Italy as we found we used it all the time.
Check In Out:
This process was smooth as silk.
Barb, September
Overall:
In a word, magical. This 16th century palazzo is at the top of a tiny walled village. There is a restaurant down the street and easy access to Tuscany's treasures. It was elegant, yet casual. We felt relaxed, peaceful, "at home," and well looked after by our hostess.
Enjoyed Most:
We loved everything about the property: the European feel of a 16th century palazzo with big, high cielinged rooms, lovely antiques, family photos scattered about. There is a large, spectacular park-like garden with bell tower, fountains playing, roses blooming, a beautiful pool and stunning views of the country side. Our hostess, the owner, was warm, charming, and helpful. Being in town was great.
Surrounding Area:
The countryside is beautiful and the small restaurant nearby is friendly and has good food. Access to Tuscany's treasures was easy and well-marked. Piero della Francesca's Madonna del Parto is in Monterchi.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We were in a small town and could walk to breakfast, dinner. A
supermarket was nearby.
Tips or Restaurants:
If you're looking for a relaxed, well-located and beautiful European atmosphere, come to Monterchi. A very good restaurant in nearby Cortona is www.locandangelloggiato.it--reserve on the terrance.
Directions:
A GPS is essential for travel in Europe. Directions were fine.
Check In Out:
Donatella, our hostess, greeted us on arrival with smiles and hugs. We completed the brief business in 5 minutes. The same for our departure.
Lynne, July
Overall:
Wonderful setting for a special vacation. Great and authentic Tuscan village experience.
Enjoyed Most:
Terrace was a well-kept secret and excellent space.
Enjoyed Least:
Shower could have been modernized.
Surrounding Area:
It was the heart of Tuscany!
Nearby Events or Locales:
Yes - outside of the door!
Tips or Restaurants:
Donatella will sort out everything - and Marco's restaurant is authentic and great value
Directions:
All good!
Check In Out:
All easy.
Ian, July
Overall:
Excellent! The peace and beauty of the views from the roof top poolside area are so wonderful! The house is warm and spacious.
Enjoyed Most:
The location in Monterchi and the peacefulness of the location. The views.
Enjoyed Least:
Monterchi was a little far from the heart of where we planned to tour, but at the same time it was a delight to return to. It was so quiet and pretty.
Surrounding Area:
Lovely views surrounding Monterchi.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Nothing seemed in walking distance for us, we needed our car.
Directions:
No need, we found it easily.
Check In Out:
Excellent check in/out.
Laura, July
Overall:
Outstanding. A family vacation of a lifetime. Property was great and a very good resemblance to the web site pictures. Donatella, the owner, was terrific.
Enjoyed Most:
Great location geographically and within the town. Very quaint and very friendly town. Outstanding restaurant just outside the villa. Marco and Laura were great cooks and hosts.
Enjoyed Least:
Showers were small, but typical European.
Surrounding Area:
Easy access to many nearby small towns to visit.
Tips or Restaurants:
Several very good local restaurants nearby, but Marco and Laura's was the best.
Directions:
Used iPhone GPS and it was fine.
Check In Out:
Donatella was ready and it was great. Our flight was delayed by over 5 hours, but Donatella was still there to meet us.
Andy , June
Overall:
The overall experience was lovely. The villa was more beautiful than we had anticipated. Situated in Monterchi, which is a charming little town, the villa was spacious and very comfortable. Though there were 10 of us, we had plenty of room to spread out and relax. Donatella was so helpful and kind. Always available, and happy to give us advice as to what to see and do.
Enjoyed Most:
I loved the outdoor sitting areas with the rose garden surrounding the pool and wonderful views.
Surrounding Area:
Monterchi is a wonderful place to use as your base while exploring the surrounding area. We went to Gubbio, Cortona, Florence and Siena on little day trips.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The villa is located in town with a wonderful little restaurant (Al Travato) down the street where we enjoyed many meals and great cappacinos in the morning. To get to the next town you would need to drive.
Tips or Restaurants:
Like I said before- all of us in the villa enjoyed frequenting Al Travato and ate many meals there. They were very warm and welcoming. The Caprese salad was exceptional.
The kitchen is fully equipped with coffee pots, utensils, and dishware (even dish soap) so we were able to prepare little meals throughout the week.
Directions:
The villa is at the top of a hill and it is important to watch out for the signs to the Municipio. Keep climbing to the top of the hill--the streets are very narrow so keep that in mind.
Check In Out:
Donatella was wonderful. Always available and helpful with suggestions as to places to see. She made the check in/check out process very easy.
Nicol, June
Overall:
Outstanding.
Enjoyed Most:
Oustanding property in wonderful setting
Surrounding Area:
Beautiful villages and nearby Arrezo.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Property within town of Monterchi.
Tips or Restaurants:
Nothing extra required.
Directions:
Relatively easy to find as it's located at the top of the upper village.
Check In Out:
Check-in and out were easy with the owner who lived nearby.
Deneys, September
Overall:
Excellent. We all enjoyed the property. It was like "living in a museum". We were all most impressed with the villa, our hostess, and the friendly people of Monterchi.
Enjoyed Most:
We liked its location, the scenery, and the property itself. It met all our needs both inside and out. We also enjoyed the beautiful gardens, pool area, and surrounding area.
It also was a great spot to call home as our base for touring Tuscany via the train and by car.
Enjoyed Least:
It was dark inside.
Surrounding Area:
Everything. The people, scenery, and the village of Monterchi made the trip worthwhile for everyone. Dontella was a most gracious hostess.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Monterchi. Yes, directly outside the villa.
Tips or Restaurants:
Donatella suggested "The Three Owls" as a good restaurant. We totally agreed.
Marco's, which was just outside our door, provided a number of wonderful meals through the course of our stay.
The villa was well-stocked and met our fundamental requiremments.
Keith, September
Overall:
We had an outstanding time. Donatella was always there to be certain we had what we needed and to take care of any questions or concerns we might have. She also gave us great recommendations for restaurants.
She was also gracious in showing her father's grandfather's laboratory and library and providing us with an oral history of their contents. These rooms were kept locked and I felt privileged to have been invited to such an incredible historic experience.
Enjoyed Most:
Since it was very hot, the pool was probably the most welcoming feature of the villa season.
The other is we all had plenty of privacy and personal space.
Enjoyed Least:
No air-conditioning. Possibly ceiling fans could be considered.
I would consider a cooler time of the year to visit.
Surrounding Area:
We enjoyed the true essence of Italian country living. The quaint villages and life styles and accessibility to surrounding ancient villages made it all the more exciting.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Nothing near enough to walk to but certainly, if you had a car, very drivable. We visited many towns and villages including a drive to the Adriatic sea coast.
Tips or Restaurants:
There are two very good restaurants within 5 minutes of the villa. For a quick breakfast or bite, the little trattoria in the village square was very good. It also had some wonderful wines, meats and cheeses which we bought on a frequent basis. There is also a nice jewelry store right next to the villa.
Directions:
If you have a GPS, it is not an issue. Our group was in two cars, one with a GPS the other without.
Beverly, July
Overall:
We had an absolutely wonderful visit to Villa Francesca! The place was beyond expectations, with lots of wonderful areas on the property to enjoy at different times of day. The experience was made so special by the owner, Donatella, who has such an engaging and joyful personality. She became a friend.
Enjoyed Most:
The elegance and spaciousness of the property was so luxurious and magical. The quiet village of Monterchi was a treasure, a welcome oasis after the bustle of Rome.
Surrounding Area:
It was an easy drive to Arezzo, and many neighboring small villages, where we found good restaurants. The area is much less touristy than Western Tuscany, and we enjoyed seeing the "real" village life, close to the Umbrian border.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We were in the tiny town of Monterchi, which has one small but charming bar/restaurant, where we enjoyed getting to know the owner, and buying his good selection of wines.
Tips or Restaurants:
Ask Donatella for restaurant suggestions, and reservations. She offered many good ones to us. We also enjoyed cooking at the house, and dining in the various areas, such as up by the pool, or in the area off the kitchen with a view, or in the dining room.
Jeri, June
Overall:
An incredible experience. All we hoped it would be.
Enjoyed Most:
The owner, the views, and the amount of space.
Surrounding Area:
In my opinion, the surrounding area was the best of Tuscany.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Monterchi is a small town. We explored it thoroughly and frequented as many places as possible.
Tips or Restaurants:
Relax and enjoy. The owner is very, very good about supplying essentials such as salt, pepper, olive oil, etc.
Directions:
We used GPS and had little to no problems.
Check In Out:
Donatella handled it beautifully.
Sharon, May
Overall:
Wonderful. Our host was helpful and warm.
Enjoyed Most:
Gardens, spaciousness, history.
Enjoyed Least:
A little cold the first few nights.
Surrounding Area:
Everything we needed was available within a short walk; the countryside was beautiful and great for cycling.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We were in the village.
Tips or Restaurants:
The two local restaurants were great.
Mary, May
Overall:
Very welcoming. The owner was there to greet us and orient us to the property. All rooms and bathrooms were clean and ready for occupancy. The garden and pool were in good shape and lovely.
Enjoyed Most:
It's proximity to the lower town of Monterchi. We could walk to the supermarket, stores and the Sunday market easily. There is a trattoria just steps outside the front door. Also, a post office, a church, and we were treated with a Fall Fiesta one Sunday when were were there. The owner and her mother came 2 nights and cooked us a feast.
Enjoyed Least:
Two nights it got pretty cold and we didn't want to turn on the heat as it would have been too costly and time consuming. We just wore sweaters and put on extra blankets.
Surrounding Area:
There was enough in the village and nearby to find good food, shopping, walking paths, and easy access to larger cities.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We were in Monterchi and that was within walking distance. San Selpuchro was 10 minutes away and Arezzo just 30 minutes. There were also several small hill towns within 15 minutes--Anghiari and Citerna.
Tips or Restaurants:
The house was well stocked, even with hair dryers in each bathroom. There was a wonderful restaurant just east of Monterchi--in the outskirts that was excellent, and the local trattoria was fine for lunch and a good place to buy wine. One night when we cooked we needed a lemon and they gave us one.
Check In Out:
Both were handled very well and all additional costs--electricity mainly--were quite clear.
Candyce, October
Overall:
Our stay was wonderful. The villa is beautifully decorated - with personal, period touches. The gardens and outside dining areas were absolutely wonderful. Dinner, cooked by Donatella, Maria and Paola was amazing.
Enjoyed Most:
The ambience, and the wonderful and warm welcome from the owner. We felt privileged to share her family's history. We especially enjoyed the tour of the chemistry lab, an unusual surprise, but fascinating.
Surrounding Area:
Monterchi is charming. The location of the villa is superb. In the country, with amazing views, yet just a 5 minute stroll to a local store if you need milk! Arezzo, Cortona, Anghiari, Castiglion Fiorentina, Sansepolcro all easy to visit.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Monterchi was just outside the front door.
Tips or Restaurants:
We bought speakers for our iPod so we could enjoy music while we dined outside.
Directions:
We used a GPS. Easy to locate, and if there is a local person in the street, they can all point the "Big House" out.
Bronwyn, July
Overall:
All twelve of us felt that we had had the best holiday we could have possibly had. The palace lent itself to a fun relaxed time with plenty of day trips for everyone.
Enjoyed Most:
We had plenty of room, private time and times together in the rose garden or around the dining table.
Enjoyed Least:
It was all I thought it would be and more. Therefore there are no negative feelings at all.
Surrounding Area:
The beauty of Tuscany was at our feet. There were plenty of restaurants for eating out and our little supermercato filled all of our needs.
Tips or Restaurants:
We found these restaurants: Ristoranre al Travato, La Pieve Vecchia and Restorante Pizzeria La Cambusa to be convenient, great value and very good. Just remember the hours are not always the same...
Directions:
We did not use a GPS. We had everyone in our cars as navigators watching for the signs. The directions were perfect only we were not familiar with most of the names of places and they were not always in the same order on the signs.
Check In Out:
With a property of this size there was much to learn about. Maria handled it very well. She advised that electricity was very expensive in Italy and we should be prudent. We were and all worked out very well.
Pati, June
Overall:
Awesome villa and location for first time to Italy.
Enjoyed Most:
Spaciousness, gardens, views, location, history, and on and on....
Enjoyed Least:
Nothing. It was very agreeable for our party of eight. We all fit at the kitchen table at once - so the dinin-in experience was superb!
Surrounding Area:
Everything. We took advantage of the Italia Roadrunners brochure about Self-Guided Tours that RentVillas.com included in our first villa packet and had them arrange for 5 walking tours in nearby town/cities. I highly recommend doing this if you've never been to Italy befor eand even if you have and aren't up on Italian art or history. David includes oodles of information that adds more depth and dimension to your adventure that would otherwise be sadly missed.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We were in town at the highest point and the location was perfect - the hike back up to the villa was adventurous and could be tiring if you are not fit, although doable with stops to rest.
Tips or Restaurants:
The restaurants nearest the villa are a welcome blessing when you don't want to cook or drive. This area in Tuscany has very little disappointing food in my opinion. Would suggest eating mostly pizza and pasta and save eating beef for when you get home. Bring matches for the stove - you may run out before you have the chance to locate more.
Directions:
Highly recommend GPS for driving or walking, especially if you are challenged directionally. The rental GPS from Avis in Arezzo worked perfectly. Ask the locals if you get close and aren't quite there yet. They'll gladly point you around one more bend to get to your destination.
Check In Out:
Check-in will take 1-1.5hrs. Be prepared for this, as you will be weary from the long journey. Make sure someone in your party pays attention to the technique for using the keys for the front doors. Easy if you pay attention to instructions.
DeeDee, May
Overall:
Wonderful, above expectations. A really great property. We all agreed that the listing you have for this Villa did not do justice to it. It is a spectacular Villa, in great shape, updated and very clean, well stocked, and complete with a very interesting history, wonderful views, and to add to that, we had perfect weather.
Enjoyed Most:
The property, the views, the owner. The owner was not only engaging, but provided any assistance required, an historical perspective of her family and the villa. She was not only charming, but now a friend. I would highly recommend anyone staying here to have a dinner prepared by the owner and her mother. That too was a wonderful experience and so very reasonable.
Enjoyed Least:
A bit of a climb up and down the hill.
Surrounding Area:
The town is small and quiet and provided us with the opportunities to interact with the locals at the grocery stores and restaurants.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The villa is built into the walls of the town/village of Monterchi. Total population of roughly 1200, with maybe 30 on the top of the hill where the villa is.
Tips or Restaurants:
This Villa was very well stocked . The owner went the extra mile to make sure you have what you need. The villa is 400 years old so the downstairs is quite cool.
Check In Out:
All worked well.
Tom, May
