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Sleeps:
6
Single Bedrooms:
0
Double Bedrooms:
3
Bathrooms:
2
Type:
Villa
Property #:
7034
Nearest Town:
Fiesole
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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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Washing Machine |
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Housekeeping |
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Stands Out |
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In City |
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Garden Equipment |
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Private Outside Area |
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Fenced Outside Area |
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Baby Beds |
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Dishwasher |
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Television |
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Based on 21 Reviews |
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Overall
Peace and Quiet
View
Outside Area
Living Room
Kitchen
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
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Enjoyed Most:
Charming owner, friendly and helpful.
Beautiful villa and surroundings, wonderful terrace overlooking olive trees.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Mosquitoes were an issue, but controlled with a good repellent.
Surrounding Area:
Residential area, beautiful landscape, conveniently located 5 minutes to the bus stop for Florence.
Nearby Events or Locales:
San Domenico was about 8 minutes away
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring/buy bug repellent. Good restaurant in San Domenico with outside terrace. Excellent pastry shop also.
Directions:
We showed the directions we have from Rentvillas to the taxi driver and he took us take there very easily.
June, 2007
Enjoyed Most:
We loved the garden and the views out back. It was lovely to come down each morning, open the windows to the garden and smell the fresh flowers while we ate breakfast. The views out back were breathtaking. I personally enjoyed the ability to shut out all light and noise while we slept using the big window closings. It was a nice change from our apartment in Florence and we all slept peacefully here.
Unpleasant Surprises:
We had envisioned a villa that was more out in the Tuscan countryside. This is really just a suburb of Florence. The bus you take into Florence proper, Fiesole and the train station is located on the busy street close to the villa gate. You have to walk along with no sidewalk to get to the bus stop. I would not suggest this property for children; the owner was full of warnings when we arrived. She finally relaxed when she saw that our boys were well behaved.
Surrounding Area:
Fiesole, just up the hill, also on the same bus route as Florence was a charming little town with a nice museum of Roman and Etruscan ruins.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The nearest small town was San Domenico was within easy walking distance, the walk was just a little dangerous - especially for children. It is where you catch the number 7 bus every 20 minutes into Florence or Fiesole.
Check In Out:
Check in was where we received our stern warnings about the children being very careful, very quiet, etc.
May, 2007
Overall:
The owner was gracious and knowledgeable about the area. She equipped us with maps and information which made it easy for us to navigate through the surrounding areas and explore Florence. She also lent us books about Florence which were fascinating and made suggestions as to museums, etc.
Enjoyed Most:
The location and size were fabulous! The house permitted us to have the sense of "being at home" - there was enough space for our family of 4 to have privacy when we wanted and to be together. It served as a retreat from the hectic pace of Florence.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Can't think of anything that really bothered us.
Surrounding Area:
We had easy access to San Domenico and Fiesole. It was great to be able to take the bus into Florence and be there within minutes! The restaurant in San Domenico a very short walk from the villa was a real find!
Nearby Events or Locales:
See above. Fiesole, a short 5 minute drive north, also had much to offer. We explored the field museum, outdoor amphitheater, Roman baths, etc. and the Bandini Museum - and learned about some of the history of the area. Well worth the trip!
Tips or Restaurants:
The restaurant in San Domenico was extraordinary! The menu was expansive and the food was top quality Italian!
You can purchase bus passes at the small convenience store in San Domenico for 10 or 20 Euros. The bus cost 1 euro each way, so depending on how many trips you intend to make into town, you can purchase the pass ahead of time and hop right on! The bus stop is a short walk down the street from the villa.
Check In Out:
The owner was there to greet us and extended a warm welcome.
March, 2007
Enjoyed Most:
Location. The beds in all bedrooms were very good.
Unpleasant Surprises:
A couple of nights of barking dogs.
Surrounding Area:
Views and location.
Nearby Events or Locales:
San Domenico and it was within 5 minutes walking distance
Tips or Restaurants:
The pizza restaurant in San Domenico was excellent and so was the gelato across the street. Buy your bus tickets for the 7 bus in advance at the bar in San Domenico.
Check In Out:
The normal checkin time is 5PM to 8PM. This is ok during the summer but later in the year it get dark early.
October, 2005
Enjoyed Most:
Great location, beautiful grounds, lovely hostess. The owner was so gracious and helpful and treated us like family. Her home is beautiful. The views are terrific. Well stocked kitchen and bathrooms. Views from back bedrooms were great. One bedroom had a balcony that we loved to swing open each morning. There was also a balcony in the upstairs hallway. The house has an incredible history...just ask the owneri.... The garden was beautiful with flowers and olive trees, fig trees and herbs. The owner even gave us some fresh figs one morning. It was nice to have a washing machine and fun to set our clothes out to dry the old fashioned way. The kitchen was quite usable and we were able to cook several nice meals. In addition to the kitchen table, we could also dine in the formal dining room. The bedrooms were quite large. The upstairs bathroom is a nice size, downstairs bathroom is smaller, but more modern. The villa is generally very spacious with a living room, large dining room, etc.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The mosquitoes were terrible !!! Luckily we brought mosquitoe nets to put over the beds at night and lots of bug spray. There were no screens on the windows. From what I understand this is very typical of Italy. Beds were a little hard, but again, that is par for the course in Europe. We still slept soundly. The water pressure was not great in the upstairs shower...downstairs worked better. The location was difficult in terms of highway access. We got lost trying to find our way from the highways back through Florence to the villa. Italian drivers are crazy...they drive very fast and get annoyed if you don't !!! The roads are VERY narrow...which was fun in a way, but scary at times. Editor's Note: The beds were replaced September 2005.
Surrounding Area:
Very close to Florence...the bus stop was just down the street. You need to get tickets at the Tabacchi shop first. The town of San Dominico has a nice cafe and pizzeria. The cappucinos were terrific. Fiesole is just up the road and has very nice restaurants. The owner recommended an excellent restuarant in the next town over...forgot the name...but the food and atmosphere were terrific. She even made us the reservation. We were able to visit most of the surrounding towns within 90 minutes and went to Lucca, Cinque Terre, Siena, San Gimignano, and also some of the hill towns in southern Tuscany. We also took a lovely drive through the Chianti region. The Chianti roads and Cinque Terre roads were quite steep, narrow and hilly.... those with a fear of heights and small windy roads might not want to take those trips, but we loved them. The views were well worth it.
Nearby Events or Locales:
San Dominico was in walking distance. Fiesole was just up the road, but you need a car or could take the bus up the hill.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring mosquito nets and bug spray if you are going in the summer. A car rental is a good idea for this property if you want to venture beyond Florence. The kitchen was well stocked so no need to bring any supplies...however the COOP grocery stores are closed on Sunday so get there on Saturday with enough time to shop for food. There is a small COOP in Fiesole, another one just down the road... There are also 2 bigger ones within a 20 minute drive. Don't bring American Express Travelers Checks...NO ONE TAKES THEM. That was very frustrating. BRING GOOD MAPS. It is very easy to get lost. A compass would also be helpful.
August, 2005
Enjoyed Most:
Peaceful, comfortable and yet SO close to Florence. The gardens and olive trees were a huge plus for our 2-year old. Cecila, the owner, is so warm and charming and her English is perfect. We can't say enough good things about the amazing location.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Other than the beds, the place is fantastic.
Surrounding Area:
Everything. San Domenico is a five minute walk where you can get everything from your morning coffee to food for dinner to a really good pizza/pasta place. Fiesole is wonderful and Florence is only a fifteen minute bus ride to the Duomo! and what's NOT to like about Florence.
Tips or Restaurants:
The pizza/pasta place in San Domenico and the better and nicer coffee/pastry place is the second one toward Fiesole...cafe Marrix or something like that. Ceclia also sent us to a fantastic place in Fiesole - she'll point the renters there I'm sure. And pretty much anything in Florence. If you are going in the summer, bring bug spray and mosquito nets...seriously.
Directions:
Everything went smoothly.
Check In Out:
Again, Cecila, and her family, are wonderful, easy, charming, professional and non intrusive.
June, 2005
Enjoyed Most:
The views offered from the balconies were wonderful. The kitchen was charming and very functional. The architecture and character of the villa were particularly noteworthy. The owner was very gracious and helpful.
Unpleasant Surprises:
My only complaint was that the mattresses in the bedrooms were not comfortable. The bedrooms themselves were lovely. It would be helpful if a hairdryer could be provided with the appropriate plug. They take up valuable suitcase space. I brought my own adaptor with me but if you don't you will waste your vacation time looking for one. Need better reading light in the bedrooms. Access to a telephone is really needed.
Surrounding Area:
The landscape, the small shops and the accessibility of the buses.
Nearby Events or Locales:
San Domenico was a short walk away and had a few shops. Fiesole was one bus stop away and that was beautiful. My friend walked there.
Tips or Restaurants:
Be sure to bring adaptors for any electrical appliances like hairdryers or razors.
May, 2005
Overall:
Our family loved the villa. We were made to feel truly at home the moment we arrived and were greeted by Cecilia, the owner, and her cats Fred and Ginger. The weather in late April was perfect all but one day and the spring green and flowers were spectacular. The villa is charming and quirky but not luxurious, and the kitchen is small and very basic, although it has an excellent fridge and dishwasher.
Enjoyed Most:
We most enjoyed the location, the wonderful views, the beautiful garden, the charming furnishings, and the delightful owner.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The two single beds in the southeast facing bedroom have thin mattresses on a frame with metal springs - better for children than adults. The kitchen could use a toaster and a microwave.
Surrounding Area:
Loved the quiet leafy neighborhood surrounded by beautiful villas and views. Also, being able to walk to the local trattoria, alimentari, pastry and gelato counter and vegetable stand was a huge advantage. Close to Florence, but so far in feel and country atmosphere.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The nearest village is San Domenico which is an easy walk of less than a quarter of a mile.
Tips or Restaurants:
Long-term renters might wish to bring extra bath towels, as there is no dryer, and invest in a cheap toaster or microwave at a flea market if they plan on eating in a lot. As many others have said, we would also recommend the San Domenico restaurant and pizzeria. The owner and staff are friendly and helpful and the pizzas and pasta very good, and prices reaosnable. Don't miss the bar nibbles set out in the evening to accompany your sampling of their wines.
Directions:
We found the property on Mapquest and marked it on a large scale map of Florence we bought in the states. This made finding the place easy for the cab driver
Check In Out:
We arrived early and exhausted on Saturday, but Cecilia was kind enough to let us go ahead and check in.
April, 2005
Overall:
It was a treat to watch them harvest the olives while we were there. We went off season on purpose and found Italy fabulous in November!
Enjoyed Most:
Everything! The owner was most gracious and helpful with suggestions on where to go and how to get around, not to mention bringing fresh herbs and wine. We were traveling with 4 children ages 8mo - 12years, and the villa was perfect. We were close enough to Florence to get to the city on the bus yet we were able to be out of the city bustle to enjoy the views and small village atmoshphere. Fiesole was quaint with gorgeous views and only a short bus ride up the hills. San Domenico was a short walk and offered all the basic staples at the small markets and Tabacchi, plus a good restaurant and church. It was great!
Unpleasant Surprises:
Can't think of anything! It is a beautiful property and we were very comfortable there!
Surrounding Area:
We didn't have a car and didn't need one here! We loved that we could walk to the bus to get to Florence and the train station for day excursions to Pisa, Lucca, etc. San Domenico was so convenient and the people were so kind everywhere we went!
Tips or Restaurants:
The villa was well equipped and had everything we needed. The owner even secured a baby bed with linens for us. The kitchen was able to accomodate us for some great Tuscan meals!
Directions:
We took a taxi from the train station due to luggage and we did not have a problem finding the villa.
Check In Out:
Evelina, the housekeeper, was waiting there to greet us when we arrived and showed us all around the property. She is extremely sweet, only speaks Italian but we could communicate with her just fine. The owner speaks fluent English, had a welcome letter explaining her absence, and she greeted us the next day when she arrived back in town. Everyone was extremely helpful and kind! We had no problems at all and felt they went out of their way to make us feel welcome and comfortable.
November, 2004
Overall:
It is secure, quiet and secluded. The views are wonderful, and all of Florence is a ten-minute bus ride away. The owner's English very good, and she is gracious and kind. Her family has been running hotels and villas for several generations.
Enjoyed Most:
The owner is an extremely gracious host. The villa itself is beautiful, but mostly its solitude from the bustle of Florence was most relaxing. The property is walled and contains an olive orchard in the backyard. Public transportation and all daily needs are within walking distance, so there is no need for a car.
Unpleasant Surprises:
We were there during the U.S. presidental elections, access to Satellite TV would have been nicer. And the kitchen needs a microwave.
Surrounding Area:
Florence is overwhelming with its history and beauty. The number of places to explore in the Tuscan area are infinite. A short day trip to Lucca and Pisa are highly recommended. But mostly Florence, itself, is one of the most amazing cities on the earth.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Fiesole was the village just up the hill from the villa. It contains beautiful Tuscan ruins and a Roman theater. A music school is in Fiesole and concerts and street performances are common. The property is in the hamlet of San Domenico. San Domenico has a grocer and meat market, along with restaurant and coffee shop. The restaurant is very good and has entertainment and a bar. The entirety of the hamlet is within walking distance of the villa. Our daily routine was to walk to the bar-alimentari and have coffee and read the paper with the local people, before riding the bus to Florence.
Tips or Restaurants:
Fiesole shouldn't be ignored. It is a wonderful village. The number of things to find in Florence are indescribable. Across the Ponte Vecchio is a wonderful restaurant Celestino. Enjoy some of the best food in Florence among Roman ruins and under a seven hundred year old fresco.
Check In Out:
The owner meets you at the gate and calls the cab before you leave. It coulden't have been easier.
November, 2004
Overall:
The winning advantage was the owner, who was so helpful, the views from the upstairs, and the peacfulness of the Villa.
Enjoyed Most:
The location and the owner. It was so nice to have someone who spoke English and was so very, very nice. The location was a plus because of the proximity to the bus, great restaurant, great views and Florence.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Nothing.
Surrounding Area:
The pizzeria and the people in the shops, the views. Fiesole is a treat.
Nearby Events or Locales:
San Domenico and, yes, a 5 minute walk
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring small flash light for keychain when coming home at night. The pizzeria was a wonderful restaurant. We ate there 4 times in the one week we were in Florence. They do great pasta, steaks etc. Maybe bring motion sickness pills, sicne the buses and cabs can really be rough.
October, 2004
Overall:
The owner could not have been more helpful, accommodating or delightful. We really enjoyed visiting with her.
Enjoyed Most:
Plenty of space, great bathrooms and large bedrooms. Rural location but with convenient bus ride into Florence.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Traffic noise sometimes late at night.
Surrounding Area:
Semi-rural location with great views, excellent cafes within walking distance.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Florence, Fiesole.
Tips or Restaurants:
Cafe San Domenigo (walking distance).
October, 2001
Overall:
We were very impressed upon being shown the property by the owner. The foyer of the villa is quite impressive, with red marble floor, and L-shaped staircase leading upstairs with statuary along the way. All of the downstairs rooms were more than adequate for our purposes, and frankly greatly exceeded our expectations. The garden & grounds behind the villa lend to a wonderful view of the valley stretching below on a sunny day. The upstairs again was more than adequate for our group & purposes. The owner was very helpful and accomodating for us.
Enjoyed Most:
Just the overall feel of it. We definitely felt that we were in an Italian/Florentine villa. While we were close to Florence and could get there easily, we were not in Florence... the best of both worlds.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The bedding (like that of most European accomodations) was not up to our standards.
Surrounding Area:
This villa provides wonderful access to virtually all locations within a days drive of Florence, thus providing us many fine day trips to San Gimignano, Siena, and Pisa/Lucca. In particular, this villa is very close to Fiesole, which is simply a great little town with several very cute ristorante's, affording terrific views of Florence to the south. Fiesole was an unexpected bonus for us. Also, that you could catch bus #7 into Florence within 400 yards walking distance was a real plus.
Nearby Events or Locales:
As indicated in #4 above, Fiesole was a real delight to us, and Fiesole was only a 5 minute drive up a hill affording wonderful views of Florence to the south.
Tips or Restaurants:
Remember to bring slippers. The floors are cold to bare feet in the morning.
In terms of restaurants, particularly good is the pizzaria/ristorante straight down the road 600 yards from the villa (near the bus stop) at San Domenico. Great food at unbelievable low price. Also, the ristorante on the square in Fiesole (the 1st one you come to on the left, going into Fiesole). Do not bother with Carpe Diem ristorante on way up to Fiesole; it is pricey and unremarkable.
October, 2001
Overall:
Sig.ra Romanozzi was a gracious host and the property was exactly as described. It was most comfortable and roomy. The furnishings were lovely, including some wonderful antique pieces. I am familiar with Florence and chose San Domenico because of its proximity to the bus line to Florence. The stop was a 3 minute walk from the villa!!! Overall everything was perfect. All was as described (if not better) and I would recommend your services without reservation.
Enjoyed Most:
The garden was beautiful and the view from the 2nd floor bedrooms was spectacular.
Unpleasant Surprises:
There was nothing to dislike about it.
Surrounding Area:
The village of San Domenico is charming and has everything anyone would need for a short stay - small food stores, a delightful pizzeria/ristorante, and a church.
July, 2000
Overall:
Good. Great location for visiting Florence.
Enjoyed Most:
Location and view and grace of a lovely old home. Bus #7 easy way to get downtown.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Although the bathrooms were spotless, the house was not as clean as it should have been. The dining room smelled dusty. We had to borrow a vacuum since the carpet had not been done. Lots of dust and dirt in hallway corners. Kitchen not very well equipped. No toaster, broken can opener, no garlic press, battered, scratched skillets, dull knives. Parking access is narrow and cramped (no solution). Mrs. Romanazzi's cats are in the house constantly - we don't mind because we like cats, but some people might object.
Surrounding Area:
Fiesole is pleasant and convenient. Fun to be close to downtown Florence.
March, 2000
March 99
Overall:
We were very pleased with the property. It is very comfortable and it is in very good condition. The apartment is extremely well equipped and comfortable. It was surprisingly roomy. The owner is also helpful and speaks impeccable English. There are a number of pieces of old (if not antique) furniture and the property would not be suitable for small children. The house came with dishwasher soap, laundry detergent and basic spices. I would highly recommend the villa as an alternative to a hotel in Florence. It is much more comfortable, the city is very accessible by bus and the city center is extremely crowded. However, this is not a "Holiday Villa". It has no pool and you would not want to spend days sitting in the garden.
Surrounding Area:
A car is a virtual necessity at this house. You can walk to the small village, which has shops, but the selection of goods is thin for a major shopping trip. A supermarket is a drive away. Also, the rest of Tuscany is easily accessible from the property by car, so it makes a great touring base.
November, 1999
March 99
Overall:
The property is a lovely and comfortable villa with easy access to Florence and the Tuscan countryside. The garden is enchanting, as are the views. We wish we had stayed longer. The villa itself is lovely too - in good condition and well maintained. I had a lovely view from my bedroom window over the garden and nearby properties. The furnishings were modest, but for the most part comfortable. The rooms are spacious and the bathrooms new and modern with plenty of hot water. Not having rented a villa before, I would say that it was a good value. It was more than we had expected from the original description. Bring a good book and enjoy the garden! There is a small library of books in the house. We had no trouble finding the villa and most cab drivers new the street readily. Mrs. Romanazzi is extremely gracious, hospitable, and helpful. She even found us a babysitter and recommended stores and restaurants. In addition, she spoke fluent English. She went our of her way to make us at home while we were there.
Enjoyed Most:
Unpleasant Surprises:
Surrounding Area:
The villa is situated on la lovely piece of property that is in the countryside yet has close access to Florence proper. We could easily walk up to San Domenico to shop for groceries, go to the pizzeria or take a bus to Fiesole or Florence. The local people that we met were very helpful.
November, 1999
May 99
Overall:
How amazing to find such an oasis of peace and beauty so close to Florence. One hardly wanted to leave it to do one's cultural duty in the city! I think our best meals were the ones we fixed ourselves in Mrs. Romanazzi's excellently equipped kitchen, using herbs from her garden and produce from her vegetable lady, Maurizia, in "our" village, San Domenico. For dessert we almost always walked into the gelateria in San Domenico, which has been written up in the New York Times. Mrs. Romanazzi was just as gracious as the reviews had said she is. The place housed all six of us quite comfortably, though, as you warn somewhere, it is good to have a method of allocating the choice bedrooms and bathrooms. (There's one absolutely splendid bedroom; we decided that the couple that got that one had to use the downstairs bathroom -- which was just fine; both bathrooms have showers, and both were spotless.) The other two bedrooms are perfectly adequate, though ours was short on closet space and space to spread out. The quality of the beds is superb. The smallest bedroom has twin beds, but it has the same beautiful view as the master bedroom.
Enjoyed Most:
Maurizia also brings in, from her own chickens, the freshest eggs I have ever eaten! And of course almost any meals would taste wonderful when eaten in the terraced garden overlooking olive groves and with the hills of Florence in the background.
Surrounding Area:
I think other people who go to an Italian villa for the first time might be a bit surprised, as we were, by how suburban the location of the property is. For us, this was an advantage, since it made going into the city so easy. But you're not surrounded by open country (though there are gorgeous vistas) and you're not walking on country lanes. When you leave the villa, you have to walk about 100 yards on a narrow road with somewhat heavy traffic, which is a bit unnerving. Then the walking to the bus stop or to the village becomes safer. And at night everything quiets down wonderfully.
November, 1999
April 99
Overall:
We really enjoyed the property and our visit to Italy. It was a very good
value. Staying there allowed for quiet nights and a relaxed time. The best thing about the property was Mrs. Romanazzi. She was very friendly and made sure we were doing OK. The views were beautiful and the villa well equipped. We had everything we needed. We packed light and used the suggestions in Suzanne Pidduck's booklet. It was a lifesaver. All her recommendations were great and reliable. We found it more useful than Rick Steves, and several others we brought with us. She ought to put it on the market.
Enjoyed Most:
We enjoyed riding the bus with folks and going to the nearby markets.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The bathmat in the shower room was slippery.
Surrounding Area:
The surrounding area was beautiful. The markets were great and the people very friendly.
November, 1999
May 99
Overall:
The villa was in a great location but needed a little bit more in terms of bedroom accommodations. It was great that our host spoke some English and she was very accommodating. All in all, we had a great trip.
Unpleasant Surprises:
There was not enough room for us to store our cloths.
November, 1999
June 1999
Overall:
The villa was beautiful and well located. The owner was delightful. Please provide more explicit directions as to villa location. We almost gave up finding it.
Enjoyed Most:
Same as above.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The weather was particularly warm. Mosquitoes were very bad.
Surrounding Area:
Beautiful location above Florence.
November, 1999
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