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Customer Reviews

Overall:
We loved our week at Villa Reale - Septro. The setting is spectacular, the villa elegant and comfortable, the tiny town of Coreglia Antelminelli beautiful and like stepping back in time. It is a place to relax and works well as a home base for day trips, which we took to Barga, Lucca and the coastal towns of Viareggio and Forte de Marmi.
Enjoyed Most:
The views of the mountain ranges and valleys on either side of the villa were stunningly beautiful, and the grounds, gardens and ambiance surrounding the villa were lovely. The pool was inviting and perfect for the warm spring days we spent there. There is a nice deck and outdoor dining area off the dining room, which we enjoyed.
Enjoyed Least:
The drive to the villa involves a lot of hairpin turns on narrow roads, so guests need to be aware. Once you get there, it is worth it, but it can be a challenging drive. The villa itself is very nice, though it could use a few upgrades. There is one small shower in one bathroom, but the master bath only has a tub with a hand-held faucet. It would be easy to add a holder so it could serve as a better shower. The TV is very small, though we appreciated the satellite TV that was available. The kitchen was not stocked with some basics like sugar, coffee or paper towels, so we had to purchase these items although they did offer a very nice welcome basket with some food items and a bottle of wine, which we appreciated.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The nearest town is Coreglia Antelminelli, which took about 10-15 minutes to walk to. It is a very small medieval town with a beautiful church tower and a few simple restaurants and shops. The locals are very friendly, but mostly don't speak English unlike the bigger cities, so bring your translation guide.
Tips or Restaurants:
We had good dinners at both L'Arcile and El Grillo in Coreglia Antelminelli. Both are family-run restaurants that feature homestyle cooking. For a more sophisticated dining experience, you would drive 20-25 minutes to the lovely walled city of Barga. We had a great dinner at a restaurant there called Scacciaguai, and we saw several nice wine bars and other attractive restaurants there.
Check In Out:
AnneMarie was very helpful and always available during our stay.

Jeri And Daniel, June, 2012

Overall:
Outstanding!
Enjoyed Most:
The views of the Apuan Alps were breathtaking and the grounds and English gardens were beautiful.
Enjoyed Least:
Insects.
Surrounding Area:
The small medieval village, which was a 10 minute walk from the villa was beautifully quaint and not overrun with tourists. It was one of the highlights of our sightseeing.
Tips or Restaurants:
Wonderful little restaurant in the village near us. Best food all week.
Directions:
Did use GPS. Essential in getting around the area!

Kathleen, September, 2011

Enjoyed Most:
The view and the pool-garden area.
Enjoyed Least:
Travelling with us was my wife's father 84, her mother 80 and her Aunt 74. We didn't know that we had to walk as far.
Surrounding Area:
Beautiful area but a bit remote.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Yes, there was a small village within 15 - 20 min walk. Not much there, just a bar and a small general store.
Tips or Restaurants:
The apartment is very nice but the kitchen could be a little better equipped. Several very nice restaurants in Barga only about 20 minutes away.

Morten, June, 2010

Overall:
Sublime! You feel like you're royalty as you walk along the gravel path lined by the lavender, the walls are covered in climbing roses and creeping fig. You walk up the stone staircase to the pool area and English gardens. And as you encounter this introduction to the scenery, it doesn't quite prepare you for interior - so simply and tastefully done, yet filled with small luxuries to further confirm your royal status!
Enjoyed Most:
It really is tough to decide between the grounds and the interior. During the colder months if you are relegated to the inside, the view and comfort will keep you cozy. However when it turns a bit warmer you can enjoy either the private patio overlooking the mountains and valley or the pool and impeccable gardens. Nora was always available if needed, but otherwise out of sight. The groundskeeper was most helpful with our bags, helping us with any issues we may have had and generally a peace of mind to have him close. Two bottles of the property's wine was left for us upon arrival as well as fresh bread, jam and other goodies - quite a little welcome package. Also, as much as we have traveled in Europe I have never had the availability of satellite TV in almost all English!
Enjoyed Least:
Not much to dislike. The drive up isn't so scenic, but it is easily overlooked once you get to the Villa!
Surrounding Area:
The lush verdant mountains reminded me of Costa Rica! This area is truly "undiscovered" by tourists. Meaning if you want to shop or be entertained by someone else, this is not the right place. But if you are there to relax and enjoy Italy and the Italians, it's perfect!!!
Nearby Events or Locales:
It was a long walk to Coreglia Anterminelli, but it is walkable.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring your toiletries! Soap, toilette paper... Nora has a list of restaurants in the area that are good recommendations. The two we really enjoyed were Trattoria Riccardo in Barga - 10 min drive, and d'Arcile in Coreglia.
Check In Out:
The instructions prior to arrival let us know about the deposit and it was returned the day before we left! We still owed money for an in-house cook, highly recommended, and it was an honor system for us to pay them. Very gracious people.

Jill, May, 2008