Reviews of Villa in Tuscany

Customer Reviews

Overall:
Wonderful.
Enjoyed Most:
Beautiful views and exterior.
Enjoyed Least:
While the bathrooms were fine, there was only one with a real stand-alone shower. We 3 couples shared.
Surrounding Area:
Great restaurant recommendations from villa.
Nearby Events or Locales:
You could walk to Giovi
Tips or Restaurants:
Ask the owner for recommendations. Il Pistorio fish restaurant was fantastic.
Directions:
A little confusing as the sign at the turnoff does not say Giovi, but we figured it out.

Scott, July, 2011

Overall:
Absolutely wonderful. From 10-year olds to septuagenarians, everyone adored the villa and had lots to do both within walking, bus, and train distance.
Enjoyed Most:
The beautiful entrance from the back, enjoying family dinners on a beautiful stone table over 500 years old, the gorgeous high-ceilings, the great taste in design evident in the restoration of the house and grounds, and the lovely, welcoming family. The pool was perfect for the children and the adults at the end of every day. There was ample room at the villa for the 9 of us.
Enjoyed Least:
Nothing.
Surrounding Area:
An excellent restaurant is within walking distance, as is a good pizza-trattoria place nearby. In a short driving distance is an excellent supermarket with a large store next to it that has anything you might have forgotten to bring. Several of us went on lovely walks in the area. Also, on the way to the restaurant Principe is a fascinating cemetery - beautifully lit at night.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Borgo a Giovi is very small, but convenient for fresh bread and fruit all within walking distance. Best of all, the bus stops there in a few places, making the trip to Arezzo and from there to Cortona, etc, very easy and pleasant.
Tips or Restaurants:
Our daughters treated all 9 of us to a day with a driver who took us on a delightful tour of nearby Chianti, with a stop at an excellent small winery where we had lunch amidst a film crew from Sweden who were making a TV show there.

Thelma, July, 2008

Overall:
The pictures do not do it justice. It is beautiful and has all of the modern amenities you will need. The owner went above and beyond stocking the house. So, you can just enjoy and relax.
Enjoyed Most:
There are so many reasons to love this villa, but I will try to narrow it to a few. Location: The villa is literally steps away from the bus. Despite the recommendation of a car, we didn't need it. We were able to take the bus to Arezzo's train station or just wander around town. Accommodations: The accommodations were outstanding. We had a party of seven and had more than enough room. The home was immaculately clean and had every amenity you needed. The manager were extremely attentive to any issues that popped up and made sure the villa was extremely well equipped.
Enjoyed Least:
I am grasping at straws here, but we were awakened by some pesky pigeons in the early morning, but if that is it's greatest flaw life is pretty good.
Surrounding Area:
Everything. The grounds and pool are beautiful. We took full advantage of the patio area to eat and drink. It is Tuscany, after all.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Ponte Alla Chiassa is one of the closest villages and is within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
Buy tickets for the bus at the Tabacchi shops. For 1 Euro it's a bargain and will get you to the center of the villages, Arezzo or the train station. There is a great pizzeria named Pizzeria La Ruota in Ponte Alla Chiassa. On the same road there is also a fabulous bakery pasticceria and a fresh produce stand. There is also a grocery store close by. We really enjoyed eating at Antica Trattoria Al Principe in Giovi; ask for Davide. The seafood is great. We actually went twice in 1 week. We were able to walk to all of the above but you may take the bus to the center of town by Ruota and the bakery etc. if you prefer.
Directions:
We took the train from Rome and caught a cab to the villa because our party was arriving from different locations. Ricardo helped us get a driver for the return to Rome airport. I highly recommend this because it was reasonable, quick and easy.

Richard, June, 2007