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Sleeps:
14 - 16
Single Bedrooms:
0
Double Bedrooms:
7
Bathrooms:
7
Type:
Farmhouse
Property #:
10134
Nearest Town:
Sarteano
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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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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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Incoming Telephone |
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Outgoing Telephone |
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Stands Out |
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Garden Equipment |
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Private Outside Area |
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Baby Beds |
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Dishwasher |
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Television |
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Based on 19 Reviews |
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Overall
Peace and Quiet
View
Outside Area
Living Room
Kitchen
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
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Overall:
Lovely place. The office administration and staff were extremely accommodating and helpful.
Enjoyed Most:
The layout of the villa was well designed for our needs. Everyone in our
family found a comfortable place to rest and the common rooms allowed
all of us to be together without feeling too crowded.
Unpleasant Surprises:
That there were no swim towels available on the premises and that we had to
rent towels from the staff for 10 Euros per towel.
Surrounding Area:
The view and the peace and quiet of the location. Nice to have the villa fairly
close to a small town, Sarteano, where we could purchase our groceries and
other items we didn't bring with us.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sarteano was the nearest town; it is approximately 15-20 minute drive down a curvy but fairly quiet road.
Tips or Restaurants:
Just a reminder about the swim towels and to remember to bring adapter plugs
for camera battery chargers and cell phones. We rented a couple of mountain bikes for the day and when they turned out to be disappointing bikes, the office immediately called the vendor and had them come and pick up the bikes. We paid a portion of the rental
fees for transporting the bikes to and from the villa but that was OK with us as the bikes were taken out for at least one ride etc.
Hiring a cook for the week was also a good investment for our family as we had 14 people to feed. Average cost for the company that we used was approximately 200 Euro per meal. Had we gone out to a restaurant, it would have been double that cost.
July, 2007
Overall:
As good as our expectations of the villa were, the actuality was much better. We would go back in a heartbeat. We had dinners cooked for us the first and last night and that worked very well. The food was excellent and we had leftovers for several lunches/dinners. We had a chef come in for a day of cooking and the large kitchen worked well even with 10 of us.
Enjoyed Most:
The privacy was exceptional. It was so nice to get up and take breakfast and coffee outside in our PJ's with no worries of being intruded upon or spend the morning reading by the pool with no interruptions.
Unpleasant Surprises:
One morning we had some students on a scavenger hunt practically walk in uninvited. That was worrisome, but a phone call to the Abbey seemed to clear up the problem.
Surrounding Area:
Sarteano was a charming little town; we enjoyed several meals there. The villa is located just a short drive from the Autostrada so most of Tuscany was within little more than an hour's drive.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The nearest town was Sarteano, a short drive, but not within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
The Abbey had a wonderful basket loaded with basic groceries to get us started. One thing that caught us off guard - we had to refill the toilet paper. In Sarteano we watched where the locals ate and just followed them in. We were never disappointed.
Directions:
The entrance to the Abbey is at km marker 12KM; the entrance to the villa is at 13KM III
Check In Out:
The linens at the villa are lace-edged. Apparently one of us got makeup on two towels that could not be laundered out and we were charged for that.
September, 2006
Overall:
Absolutely delighted. Thought it would be good but was somewhat concerned that it would be too far off the beaten track. It turned out to be very accessible to most of the places we had in mind.
Enjoyed Most:
The extraordinary site and the spacious rooms.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Nothing comes to mind.
Surrounding Area:
Great accessibility to wonderful hill towns.
July, 2006
Overall:
We travelled with 8 Adults and 6 children, 5 years and under. The property made this very easy and set the scene for a holiday our family will always remember. We would recommend it to anyone and stay for at least 2 weeks.
Enjoyed Most:
A fabulous house with the most amazing surroundings. The whole estate is worth exploring and provided nice relaxing walks. The house itself was sizeable and it made our stay very relaxing for the 14 of us. We would go back and stay for longer anytime.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Nothing
Surrounding Area:
Exploring the small towns in the surrounding area. Cetona is very close and a highlight for most of our family.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sarteano is the closest town and although it is not walking distance it is only a 5 minute drive and is absolutely gorgeous. A car is definitely necessary to provide you the freedom to explore the most gorgeous areas of Tuscany and Umbria.
Tips or Restaurants:
No need to bring anything extra - it is all provided. We are sure there are many good restaurants around - however we found the cook was a fabulous option.
June, 2006
Enjoyed Most:
Almost everything. The place was very well done - the bedrooms, living area. Had excellent views. The staff and owners were very friendly and helpful. They found a cook for us - who was very good, but a tad bit expensive.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Could have done with better lighting. Watering plants in the evening - which meant the outside area was wet and muddy in the morning, not of much use. Heating can be expensive.
Surrounding Area:
we visited many small towns - within one hour driving distance. Enjoyed the peace and quiet of the villa.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sarteano was the nearest small town - but not within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
It is a great place to relax and enjoy the peace. Buy groceries before you arrive, as the nearest town has a small grocery store which is not open late. The big grocery store is about 13 kms away. Bring books to read - perfect place for de-stressing. The staff is very helpful - will give tips and advice on everything.
April, 2006
Overall:
Thank you for making our dream come true... Our stay was perfect, the wedding was incredibly beautiful, and our friends and family all LOVED it!!
Enjoyed Most:
It is impossible to say! Its just this amazing package deal, and Tartufo was simply perfect! We could never have guessed it would be that amazing.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Everything was really great...so this question is really stretching it. But if I had to say one thing that was less than perfect it would be that the bedrooms on the main floor were a wee bit damp for the seniors who traveled with us...But in the end you're in the Tuscan country side and what more could you possible want...
Surrounding Area:
The grounds of the villa and the abbey etc are breathtaking, and the small towns nearby are simply beautiful including Sarteano, Montepulciano, Montalcino.. It makes perfect sense that this area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We had car rentals that the villa kindly arranged for us!! Having said this, one day we did decide to walk to nearby Sarteano...probably the closest town of all. The walk was a good two hours...but we deliberately walked very leisurely to enjoy the view and explore!
Tips or Restaurants:
I recommend Casa Il Tartufo without hesitation. Just let Beatrice know what you need and it can be arranged. She was amazing!
Directions:
Because there were 22 of us, we had the property manager arrange for a bus to pick us up at the airport and deliver us to the villa and vice versa. Beatrice also arranged several car rentals for us that we were allowed to leave at the property when we left.
Check In Out:
The staff were perfect and everything went beautifully!
September, 2005
Overall:
We didn't know what to expect and were more than pleasantly surprised when we drove up through the trees and our first view at the top of the hill was the pool and an unbelievable view of the Tuscan countryside. It just got better from there.
Enjoyed Most:
Spectacular views, the pool, the large bedrooms and the seclusion. The cooks we hired produced the greatest home cooked Tuscan dinners for 32 of us two times at a very reasonable price.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The flying critters. Screens on the windows would be a great addition.
Surrounding Area:
The small hill top towns with great wine and food.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sarteano. It was about 8 km from the Villa.
Tips or Restaurants:
Have the cooks do group dinners outside. Buy fans for the rooms at the PAM store at the Autostrada exit to Sarteano. That is also the best place to get groceries and other staples.
Check In Out:
The staff was great thoughout our stay and accommodated our every request, including having the Tuscan dinners at one Villa for 32. They delivered tables and chairs with very little advanced notice.
July, 2005
Enjoyed Most:
The setting was fabulous - gorgeous views lush green fields, house set back in remote area which provided for tranquil, relaxing environment
The bedroom situation was great - 7 nice-sized bedrooms, tastesfully decorated, each with its own bathroom. Real Tuscan feeling inside the house - rather than a cluttered ornate house, the interior gave us the feel of Tuscany - exposed brick, cool tiled floors, the living and dining rooms were open and connected providing a big common area to relax in
We used the pool once, and it was great, but definitely would have used it more if the weather was warmer
Unpleasant Surprises:
The back door had a broken screen, not ideal since we would prefer to leave the interior door open and just have the screen door closed but tough to do because of the broken screen. More lighting would be ideal. Cutting the lawn prior to us arriving would be helpful. With 3 little kids who were running around quite often outside, having a cut lawn makes it more enjoyable for them to play on the grass
Surrounding Area:
The dirt path that conneced this villa to some of the other villas was quite an enjoyable path to walk or jog along - beautiful surroundings, almost no cars driving on it
Views were amazing, not to be belived, so enjoyable to sit outside with a cup of coffee in the morning or a drink at sunset and simply unwind
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sarteano - no not walking distance, probably 3-4 miles, but very hilly with cars zipping by so would be very tough to walk or bike ride there. Great little town - we didn't spend a day touring it, but there were some nice shops and great restaurants that made it definitely worthwhile. Also quite convenient
Tips or Restaurants:
IF you hire a chef to cook at the house, definitely take the time to write down a detailed list of foods that you would like and those that you would not like.
May, 2005
Overall:
We had our wedding in the property and it was perfect. The little cove for the ceremony, reception by the pool and dinner on the garden could not have been more ideal. As many said, it was magical.
The whole thing could not have been possible without the staff at the Abby, Beatrice and Cristina, who were tremendous in arranging everything. We look forward to going back soon.
Enjoyed Most:
The property was very clean with great rooms and bathrooms. It has a spacious kitchen that was great for group cooking. We had many chefs amongst us so we really liked the room in the kitchen for everyone. The highlight of the property is the view. It is spectacular. Many of us spent the early morning sitting outside drinking awesome Italian coffee just staring at the view. The group called the view from the garden and the pool - God's view.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The only detraction to the property were the bugs. We had to keep windows and door shut to keep the flies and insects out.
Surrounding Area:
The property is ideally located to see other areas of Tuscany.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sarteano is the closest town. It is a very nice quaint town that's worth walking through. Nothing special except it's a classical Italian small town. Walk up to the watch tower through the cobblestone streets from the town piazza. The town is down the hill from the property about 10km, and is not walkable.
Tips or Restaurants:
The town of Sarteano and Chiusi had some hidden jewels in terms of restaurants. We found a phenomenal restaurant in Sarteano on the last day of our stay. It has a great wine list and awesome service and food. It's located on the top of the town. It's a restaurant and a small hotel and can be reached by walking up from the town piazza. It has a great view during the day overlooking the valley.
Another great restaurant was Zaira in Chiusi. The best wine list of anywhere in Tuscany at very cheap prices. The wine list was more extensive and cheaper than any retail store we visited. Definitely ask for a tour of their 500-year old cellar where they have 20,000 bottles. The price is very reasonable.
Another find in Sarteano was a small Tuscan product shop right outside of the Sarteano main square on SS946 toward Montepulciano. It is called Enoteca...
September, 2004
Overall:
This was a trip of a lifetime for us, and this villa was the icing on the cake. We were thrilled! The villa is beautiful, and this is enhanced by very helpful, English speaking staff at the Abbey office. They allowed us Internet access so that we could check train schedules, and they helped our friends when their daughter was injured and needed a quick trip to the hospital. Just wonderful in all regards!
Enjoyed Most:
Where to begin? It was beautiful - very private, very spacious. Perfect for the 9 of us including 4 small children. We wish we could have stayed forever. And although linens were only changed on Wednesdays and Saturdays, we did receive cleaning service every day - very nice!
Unpleasant Surprises:
Insects, but I think that is just part of the deal in Tuscany.
Surrounding Area:
So many wonderful, medieval towns within an hour of this villa. We had something to do whenever we wanted to do it! So scenic - pictures can never do it justice. We enjoyed Montepulciano, Montalcino, Pienza, Cortona, Cetona, Deruta, Orvieto... we even took the train to Venice 5 hour trip each way. Amazing!
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sarteano, and it was a 15 minute drive down a very nice windy road.
Tips or Restaurants:
We enjoyed the Trattoria-Pizzeria in Sarteano for numerous meals. We also hired a very wonderful woman to cook for us for 6 of the 14 nights we were there, and we were SO glad we did that! We wish we had brought music CDs for the car. You should note that there is no clothes dryer. There is a washer so bring only clothes that can be air dried. There is also an iron. And we recommend very detailed maps of Tuscany and Italy. We used those fold-out laminated ones from the book store.
July, 2004
Enjoyed Most:
The villa was placed in the most beautiful and peaceful setting. There was a timeless quality to it. I loved the simple, yet artistic design of the interior, and the view from the pool was unbelievable. We loved looking out at Mt. Cetona and over the valley for miles. We also enjoyed the wildlife surrounding the villa. A fox came around almost daily, as well as many rabbits. We also saw pheasant and boar. In addition, the staff was wonderful, very kind and helpful. I would recommend hiring the cook to teach a cooking class, as our group had a lot of fun making picci pasta and ate a great lunch.
Unpleasant Surprises:
There was really nothing I didn't like.
Surrounding Area:
I loved the Abbey, and our group very much enjoyed the tour they gave there. Sarteano and Chiusi were wonderful and served all our shopping needs, being 10-25 minutes away. Our groups favorite nearby city was Montepulciano, about 30 minutes away. But we also drove to Siena, Assisi and Florence. All of these took about 1 12 hours to get to, and the drive through the country was gorgeous.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The nearest small town was Sarteano, where the villa is located, but you really cannot walk there. It's about a 10-minute drive. The next closest is Chiusi, where there is a large supermarket within a small shopping center.
Tips or Restaurants:
I would suggest traveling to cities close to the villa, such as Montepulciano, Pienza, Chiusi and Cetona. These areas are so rich and authentic, and then you don't spend too much of your time driving to more distant locations. Instead you can settle into life at the villa, relax, and get a true taste of Italy.
June, 2004
Overall:
The value can't be beat! Italy is expensive but worth it. The cook was the very best value. With a large group we were paying about 15 a head for four courses. After traveling all day, it was nice to come home and find her busy at work in the kitchen.
Enjoyed Most:
It is difficult to chose one thing. The house is beautiful. The location makes you feel as if you have the whole estate to yourself. The pool is lovely although it was not opened for the season while we were there. The view is spectacular! Our cook brought us hors d'oeuvres each evening by the pool, as the sun set. We were 9 adults and two small children. It was a great place to gather the family. We had three cars so everyone could do what they wanted during the day and all assemble for the sunset and a wonderful Tuscan dinner. The weather in April is iffy, but we had four really sunny days and only one wash out the day we went to Siena. All in all, a wonderful family vacation!
Unpleasant Surprises:
As we were told, the lighting is poor but it was great to dine by candlelight.
Surrounding Area:
The beauty was breathtaking. We could have spent our time at home. The walled cities are amazing. Everything is so old yet it all is being used today. The vineyards are fun and many of the well known towns are easy day trips.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Sarteano is the nearest town but nothing is within walking distance. A car is a must. And if you are a large group, several cars would be better.
Tips or Restaurants:
The villa is very well equipped. The linens are the best. The bath towels are huge squares of soft terry cloth. The bed linens are actually linen.
Directions:
The directions were very good. We drove from Rome and had no problems.
Check In Out:
The staff is very helpful. They were very available when needed and absent when not.
April, 2004
Overall:
We had a wonderful stay for our 50th anniversary. It was absolute bliss. It was all perfect.
We loved every room in the house. What a well equipped kitchen!! Bedrooms were all great. The house had so many amenities.
Enjoyed Most:
Everthing! Having a cook and helper was one of best parts. They became part of our "group" although not one word of English was spoken.
Surrounding Area:
Many day trips within an hours drive.
Tips or Restaurants:
Would definitely encourage guests to hire the cook. It is such a treat to be served at home.
August, 2003
Overall:
I've never stayed in a house with a more beautiful setting. The house, while deceptively modest-looking outside, was enormous inside; furnishings were elegantly simple and very comfortable. Almost every room had a well-equipped private bath, and the kitchen was spacious and well-equipped. The staff was unfailingly pleasant and helpful. We're eager to go back.
Enjoyed Most:
We liked everything, but the swimming pool was certainly the favorite feature of the many children in our group. The pool was also the best place to enjoy the gorgeous view.
Events or Locales:
We enjoyed discovering smaller towns that barely were mentioned in the guidebooks, like Montichiello and Cetona.
Tips or restaurants:
We hired the cook for two nights of our stay--she was terrific and it was a pleasure to have a restaurant-quality meal without leaving the house.
We had wonderful meals at Osteria Santa Chiara in Sarteano and Al Sottoborgo in Cetona.
August, 2003
Overall:
Well located and lovely setting
Enjoyed Most:
View and surrounding area
Unpleasant Surprises:
Lighting was very poor in the house. Fresh towels not provided frequently enough--only once during the week
Surrounding Area:
Beautiful ancient towns, dirt roads to walk. The cooks were wonderful.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Market at Sarteano, Visit to La Rocca( fortress), Visit to La Foce where Iris Orego had an estate and glorious gardens.
Tips or Restaurants:
Your resturants were very helpful and we liked the suggestions a lot. No other new ones I can think of now. There were no bugs, there was a lovely breeze and I'd highly recommend going at the time of year we went.
June, 2002
Overall:
This house is great! The staff at the Abbey are extremely friendly; the handyman, Francesco is part American, so no problems communicating if you don't speak Italian! We enjoyed the remote location of the property, the hiking trails and the horses! We got married at the property and there is even a spot just perfect for outdoor weddings. Definitely a week all of us will remember!
Enjoyed Most:
The views are breathtaking, beautiful settings, the pictures on the site don't do justice to the pool, it is amazing!
Unpleasant Surprises:
Everything was great. The road to access the property is pretty rough but as long as one is aware of that fact, it is not a problem.
Surrounding Area:
There are many trails to hike. The Tenuta di Spineto, raises "Spineto" horses, which are famous trotters. There are beautiful horses as well as pigs on the estate.
Tips or Restaurants:
There is a Pizzeria "al taglio" on the main square in Sarteano, which we DON'T recommend. There is a restaurant in town called La Giara, which can seat 30 people with no problem. The atmosphere isn't great but the food is good. There is a small supermarket in Sarteano but for more serious shopping, there is the Centro Etrusco in Chiusi.
May, 2002
Enjoyed Most:
Great location; the Abbey is wonderful.
Unpleasant Surprises:
House was nice, but windy location. In my opinion, the house lost some of its original character in the restoration.
Surrounding Area:
Very natural and peaceful. Good location for numerous day trips to the small towns in the region.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Cetona is lovely; great restaurants.
Tips or Restaurants:
Check out Cetona.
April, 2002
Overall:
It will be very difficult to keep myself from renting this house every year! We loved everything about it. I've rented two houses on the estate, and I can state that this is one of my favorite places in Italy.
Enjoyed Most:
The location on the top of a ridge with 360 degree views! In addition, the owners and staff of the Tenuta di Spineto are extremely friendly, helpful and responsive.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Absolutely nothing to dislike!
Surrounding Area:
It is much more rural and less touristed than other areas of Tuscany. Yet, there are the towns of Montalcino, Montepulciano, Pienza and Orvieto nearby. Wonderful wine! Nearby Cetona has wonderful restaurants!
Tips or Restaurants:
Nearby Cetona has wonderful restaurants!
October, 2001
Overall:
We rented the villa for a month, and couldn't have been happier. Our third and best rental thru you in Italy.
Enjoyed Most:
The view from the garden where we gathered for drinks and to swap stories every afternoon around 5 PM. The spaciousness of the house, and the good taste in which it was furnished. The charm and the talent of the cook and the server you hired for us. The incredible beauty of southern Tuscany through which we passed every day on our outings. The friendliness and creativity of the Abbey staff in helping us make special arrangements.
Unpleasant Surprises:
It's really hard to come up with anything! But maybe more lights in the public rooms for reading in the evening.
Surrounding Area:
It's absolutely stunning countryside. And there are so many interesting places to visit within a two hour drive. Our favorites included Pienza, Montelpuciano,
Montelcino, Orvieto, Perugia, Deruta (pottery), the Chianti region, the Maremma, Chiusi, Certona, Cortona and more.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Grape picking in Montelpuciano.
Tips or Restaurants:
Hire the cook Imola, and the server, Cecelia thru
the Abbey (in advance).
December, 2000
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