Every villa in our collection has been personally visited, evaluated, and approved by our family. No exceptions.
When I say "personally inspected," I mean I've walked through the rooms, tested the beds, checked the kitchen equipment, met the owners, and often sketched or painted the property. I've been doing this for over 43 years – long before "personally vetted" became a marketing phrase.
How We Select Our Villas
Step 1: Initial Contact
Villa owners approach us directly (after four decades, they know who we are). They send photos and property details, hoping to join our portfolio.
Step 2: First Review
Our team reviews the submission together. We're honest – sometimes we say no immediately. Other times, we ask questions: Is that view accurate? What's the WiFi really like? How close is the nearest neighbor?
Step 3: The Site Visit
If it looks promising, our local representative visits first. Then I go – walking the grounds, opening cupboards, sitting on the terrace at sunset. I need to feel it.
Step 4: The Family Test
I apply one simple rule: Would my family feel comfortable here? Not just impressed – comfortable. If we'd worry about spilling olive oil on the table, it's not right for our guests.
What We Actually Look For
The Practical Checklist:
- Cleanliness and maintenance standards
- Working equipment (nothing worse than a broken oven on holiday)
- Accurate photo representation
- Air conditioning, pool heating, WiFi (when promised)
- Safety and accessibility
The Intangible Magic:
- A view that makes you pause
- Architectural details that tell a story
- The feeling you get when you first walk in
- Proximity to authentic local life (not tourist traps)
The Services:
- Reliable maid service
- Access to local chefs and cooking classes
- Trustworthy transfer drivers
But Here's What Really Matters: The Owner
After 40 years, I've learned this truth: the villa owner determines your experience more than the thread count on the sheets.
A good owner:
- Maintains their property with pride year after year
- Responds quickly when problems arise
- Provides genuine local recommendations (not just the tourist spots)
- Creates a warm welcome that sets the tone for your entire stay
A disengaged owner with a perfect villa? We pass. A caring owner with a charming (if imperfect) cottage? We're interested.
This is why our portfolio is so varied. You'll find everything from rustic farmhouses to luxury estates, village apartments to vineyard villas. What they share isn't a star rating – it's owners who care and properties that create memories.
My Architectural Eye
I studied art in Florence, then read architecture at Cambridge and Sheffield. When I inspect a villa, I'm not just checking boxes – I'm reading the space. Does the layout flow naturally? Do the proportions feel right? Is the restoration sympathetic to the original structure?
You'll see this attention to detail in our selection: frescoed Chianti villas, Baroque facades in Florence, contemporary renovations that respect medieval bones.
Four Decades of Knowledge
I've been painting Tuscany's villas and landscapes since the 1980s. Those watercolors aren't just art – they're documentation of how these properties have evolved, how owners have cared for them, how the cypress trees have grown.
What We Reject
We say no to:
- Properties where photos don't match reality
- Owners who are difficult or unresponsive
- Villas with maintenance issues the owner won't address
- Places that feel uncomfortable or unwelcoming
- Properties too close to noise or industrial areas
Why This Matters for You
Unlike booking sites that list thousands of unvetted properties, we stake our family reputation on every villa. When you book with us, you're not gambling on star ratings and filtered photos – you're getting a property that passed my personal test.
And if something's not right for your specific needs? We'll tell you. Better an honest conversation now than a disappointing holiday later.
Ready to find your villa? Let's talk about what you're looking for – and I'll point you to properties I know personally.