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Customer Reviews

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