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Sleeps:
5
Single Bedrooms:
1
Double Bedrooms:
2
Bathrooms:
2
Type:
Villa
Property #:
6474
Nearest Town:
Cortona
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Overall
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Peace & Quiet
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View
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Outside Area
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Living Room
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Bedroom
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Bathroom
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Kitchen
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Independent House |
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Swimming Pool |
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Washing Machine |
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Housekeeping |
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Air Conditioning |
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Dishwasher |
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Television |
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Based on 5 Reviews |
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Overall
Peace and Quiet
View
Outside Area
Living Room
Kitchen
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
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Overall:
The owners were wonderful - very warm, helpful, and generous. The place was exactly what we had hoped for, and we've already recommended it to several friends. If you want to stay at this property, better reserve it soon, before we do! We now consider it a base for our central Italy travel.
Enjoyed Most:
The house itself was creatively and lovingly restored. Everything was designed well, and worked perfectly. The place was lush and very private, and the photos on the website don't do it justice. There was nothing that we needed that wasn't there. The views from the home were gorgeous, and the location was ideal for exploring both Tuscany and Umbria.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The only drawback of any kind was in getting into and out of the driveway onto the road. There are two ways in. We found the lower driveway far easier and safer to enter and exit from. Using the mirrors located at the exits is a good practice, and once familiar with them, we got more comfortable with the process.
Surrounding Area:
There was history, geographic beauty, and art in every direction...something for every taste. The roads over the eastern hills to Umbertide were filled with beautiful farms and rolling countryside. The tourist hordes weren't crushing, and in the rare instances when there were crowds in Assisi and San Gimignano, the places themselves were so delightful that it scarcely mattered.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona and Camucia were both within walking distance, although the route to go to either was along a somewhat busy road, so we didn't walk to either one. There was plenty of walking to be done once we got to the towns anyway, so it wasn't a detraction.
Tips or Restaurants:
For a small group, maximum of 4, the home is wonderful, and for a honeymoon like ours, it's even better. La Bucaccia Trattoria in Cortona is outstanding. The weekly farmers market in downtown Camucia is excellent. A morning Bomba and Cappuccino at Vannelli's in Camucia are as good as anywhere in Tuscany.
Check In Out:
The owners were punctual and reliable in being where they agreed to be when we checked in and out. They explained all details very well, and were very accommodating.
October, 2004
Enjoyed Most:
The location and the overall quality of the house and contents. The owners were delightful and attentive, helping us secure a dentist appointment when one of us broke a tooth. One member was especially helpful in exchanging text messages with me to make sure we were getting on okay and to help me with my Italian. As a matter of personal taste, I would rather the owners increase the rent than have add-on charges for usage of utilities, firewood and the like. It's not a big thing. In fact, we probably benefitted from paying for the electricity based on usage because there were only two of us, and we were away from the house a lot. I would just prefer to pay the rent and forget about the rest
Unpleasant Surprises:
The turn onto the road up to Cortona.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona was nearby, but walking to town is impracticable, given the traffic.
Tips or Restaurants:
If you are American, bring ziplock plastic bags.
October, 2004
Overall:
This property was a wonderful home away from home. The owners are gracious hosts and the house is beautifully maintained and comfortable. Our experience was wonderful...one of the best vacation homes we've stayed in.
Enjoyed Most:
The location. It was very close to Cortona and also centrally located in Tuscany for convenient day trips. The view was spectacular and the house was much better than the photographs. It was exquisitely restored and meticulously maintained. The garden and the stone dipping pool overlooking the church of Santa Maria Calcinaio and the Val di Chiana were a highlight.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Getting in and out off the main road was tricky. While within walking distance to Cortona, it was necessary to walk along a busy road.
Surrounding Area:
Cortona is centrally located to key sites in Tuscany and Umbria. The train station in Camucia is easy to get to and offers easy and convenient day trip access to Florence.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona was the nearest town. We were there for the Tuscan Sun Festival in Cortona during the first two weeks of August...wonderful concerts. One could walk, but it was on a busy road.
Tips or Restaurants:
The kitchen was well-provisioned and the supermarket in Camucia had everything we needed. If staying in the summer, you might want to bring one or two beach towels for the pool.
August, 2004
Overall:
Would definitely return to Calcinaio on my next stay here!
Enjoyed Most:
The panoramic views are absolutely beautiful to look out in the morning or the wee hours of the night and view La Chiesa di Calcinaio is breathtaking! We enjoyed our early morning peaceful walks up to Cortona and hanging out in the gardens of Calcinaio, dipping in the very small pool and watching the sunsets! The owners are wonderful and so accomodating. They do not speak English, but that is the charm, and you will always manage to understand one another.
Unpleasant Surprises:
It is a little difficult getting out of the property onto the main road as the unpaved narrow driveway is steep and cars can come blazing by. We got the hang of it!
Surrounding Area:
Tuscany is beautiful and this location was a great midpoint! There are so many enchanting little towns within an hours drive....Montepulciano and Pienza... and you have beautiful Cortona at your footsteps.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cortona is the beautiful 13th century hilltop town approximately a mile up a steep winding main road. The town is very near and dear to me as I went to school there for a year to study art. The Cortonese are gracious people and watching daily life throughout the town is like turning back time....they savor life. It is a town full of art, beauty and solitude it has become an artists haven.
The walk up from Calcianio is steep and along a busy road. The town streets are
also steep so put on your walking shoes.
Tips or Restaurants:
If you want to avoid crowds and heat - we travelled during the hottest temps in 100 years! -avoid the summer months. If you need some refreshing cooling off, especially with kids, head for the public pool in Camucia down the hill. Many great little restaurants in Cortona and neighboring towns the owners have many business cards on hand.
Check In Out:
Have an Italian dictionary on hand!
July, 2003
Overall:
It was exactly as advertised, a beautiful house in a beautiful setting.
Enjoyed Most:
The view.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The living room furniture - the room size and the chairs were not very inviting, expecially if there were more than 2 people.
Surrounding Area:
As advertised, it was close to a road, but the noise was not intrusive. The view of the church and the valley was spectacular.
Events or Locales:
The Saturday market day in Cortona was worth a visit.
Tips or Restaurants:
La Grotto Trattoria was excellent and inexpensive (try the ribollita). We recommend Fufluns for antipasto (get the house special antipasto).
October, 2002
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