We collect reviews directly from our clients via email and publish them here. We hope you enjoy reading through them as much as we do, they are a paper trail of happy memories!
We also have reviews on UpFront and on our Google page
Reviews
What our customers have said
Salvestro
“ We had a fabulous time ”
We had a fabulous time here and you made it a very special exeperience for us. Your place is beautiful and the meals and the service we received was excellent. Thank you for everything.
John, UK staying in Salvestro. May 2022
Villa Amorosa
“ Definitely our best villa in Tuscany all round in over 30 years. ”
Our stay was relaxed and trouble free. Very well equipped kitchen, BBQ and Pizza oven all worked well to ensure everyone was happy. AnnaMarie cooked two evenings - her food is delicious and very local in its style and ingredients. Only suggestion would be to put a toddler proof closure/latch on the gate to the pool enclosure to make the most of the fencing and to provide maximum peace of mind. The tennis court and equipment and pool were all excellent.
Definitely our best villa in Tuscany all round in over 30 years.
John and Melanie staying in Villa Amorosa. Jun 2022
Villa Amorosa
“ Beautiful villa far off the beaten path ”
My extended family (6 adults, 1 infant) had a beautiful stay at Villa Amorosa. We especially enjoyed the swimming pool (completely fenced in; a plus for those with children!) and the screens in all of the windows (there were some bugs in the house, as it's a in a pretty rustic, remote locale, but the screens in the windows significantly cut down on that and allowed for a nice breeze). We also had a cook come in and prepare a beautiful meal (thank you for helping us set this up, Kim and Dan!) The house is a bit of a drive from the grocery store and town, but it worked wonderfully for us, and we'd highly recommend it to others looking for a relaxed, family-oriented stay.
J.P. staying in Amorosa. Jun 2022
Villa Amorosa
“ Great property and location for our reunion with friends. ”
Property was great and Invitation to Tuscany were super helpful. however the property was missing a few things, eg bin bags and instructions for refuse / recycling. wifi was poor and inconsistent, no ice making facility, no dishwasher tablets, rinse aid and salt and clothes washing detergent. coffee making was inadequate for the property size, (2 x 2cup expresso makers). the master bedroom was full of the owners belongings so we had to live out of our suitcases! the BBQ / Oven had no equipment and didnt work owing to lack of fire bricks to raise grill from charcoals. we had a great stay but it would have been better if we had been advised of the above or it had been supplied.
Thanks Ben, I'll let the owner know - those items shouldn't have been missing, and the master bedroom can be easily cleared. The wifi is a mystery, we get different reports, but it's definitely not being consistent, we'll investigate. Cheers, Dan
Ben H from UK staying in Amorosa. Jul 2022
Francesca
“ Stunning location and wonderful house ”
We loved our stay here. The views from the house - and of course from the tower - were amazing.The house was characterful and comfortable. The garden and grounds were beautiful and the hot tub very well used.
Rosado was the perfect host We all appreciated the delicious buffet waiting for us in our arrival. He was helpful and informative and answered all our questions about the area.
Highly recommended villa
Liz and family staying in Francesca. Oct 2025
Francesca
“ A real experience of the Italian lifestyle ”
Our stay at Francesca was beautiful. Big property with a refreshing pool after a day of exploring Tuscany were the perfect combination. We had a real experience of the Italian lifestyle. The owner, Rosado, was very welcoming and helpful with his tips about places where to go. He was also available 24/7 which is very generous. The organized vine tasting and the delicious breakfasts were a beautiful experience. We are greatfull on his hospitality during our stay. We are definitely coming back.
Antonija, Germany staying in Francesca. Aug 2023
Francesca
“ Even more beautiful than the pictures ”
Francesca is even more beautiful than the pictures. There was plenty of space and our group was very comfortable. The en suite bathrooms and air conditioners are a huge luxury. The pool area is beautiful and the landscaping is wonderful. Rosado the owner is amazingly hospitable, kind, knowledgeable, and very responsive. We loved our stay and will definitely be returning.
Thomas C. staying in Francesca. Jul 2023
Leccio
“ Die Villa ist unfassbar schön ”
Die Villa ist unfassbar schön, toll eingerichtet, ein riesiges Grundstück, rundherum Olivenbäume und Weinberge, alles super sauber, gepflegt und toll in Schuß, der Pool schön groß und wird jeden Tag gereinigt, man kommt an und entspannt sich sofort, wird sehr nett empfangen und wenn man während des Aufenthalts Fragen zu Restaurants, Ausflügen oder was auch immer hat, werden diese prompt beantwortet. Absolut empfehlenswert! Unbedingt bei Savini Tartufi Trüffel kaufen, nur 3 Kilometer entfernt
Translation
The villa is incredibly beautiful, beautifully furnished, with a huge property surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. Everything is super clean, well-maintained, and in great condition. The pool is a lovely size and is cleaned every day. You arrive and immediately relax. You receive a very warm welcome, and any questions you have about restaurants, excursions, or anything else during your stay are answered promptly. Highly recommended! Be sure to buy truffles at Savini Tartufi, just 3 kilometers away
A, Germany staying in Leccio. Aug 2020
Villa Bianca
“ Memories to last a lifetime ”
What an amazing stay at this beautiful Villa. We are so grateful! Memories to last a lifetime!
Bennett Family staying in Villa Bianca. Aug 2024
Villa Bianca
“ Fantastic week ”
Thank you so much for a fantastic week with our big family from 2 to 80 years. We've been 21 very happy people with this week.
R.S staying in Villa Bianca.
Sangiovese
“ ...excellent location in Tuscan countryside ”
Lovely, spacious and interesting accomodation for 4; excellent location in Tuscan countryside (although only good view from inside house from shower room); great access for Siena and Chianti towns; good local restaurant. Beautiful gardens for relaxing, and great pool. Kitchen equipment OK, but would have preferred electric kettle and toaster. Main drawback was patio area; access via very steep outside staircase proved tiring re need to carry food/drinks/glasses/crockery etc for every meal/snack for 2 weeks. Of particular concern, patio area did not, as described in brochure, feel very private. As directly in front of wine tasting room, lots of visitors milling around, and our "private" patio used regularly, mainly by guides/drivers I think, for smoking and telephone conversations. Unfortunately, my husband was unwell during most of our holiday, as a result of which we stayed around the property more than planned, hence more aware of patio issues. He did however enjoy and benefit from sitting reading in lovely garden under umbrella. Many thanks for your help.
Mrs. J.H. and family, UK staying in Sangiovese.
Ambra
“ Quiet, peaceful and relaxing ”
My friend and I enjoyed four days at this beautiful, peaceful villa and it was absolutely perfect - we couldn't have asked for more! The house has excellent facilities and is clean, organised and comfortable. The pool was glorious and the central location allowed us to explore the region with trips to Lucca and Florence via train, whilst also having a home base to unwind. Francesco was a wonderful host, going above and beyond to ensure our stay was perfect. He was so helpful and friendly and provided us with a lot of helpful local knowledge to get the best out of our time there. We will definitely be back, thank you for a wonderful stay!
Andrea G staying in Ambra. Jul 2024
Ambra
“ Always a guarantee ”
We have been staying for years now and we can only recommend this property. The apartments are exceptional, well maintained, organized in every detail. The owner always very kind, helpful and makes you feel really at home.
If you want to stay in San Minato with the family this structure is ideal
Greta P staying in Ambra. Nov 2024
Ambra
“ Top notch place. ”
Very charming and great for everyone. Francesco is very kind and takes care of his guests. Excellent!
Absolutely great place! Such a nice historical house with, which has been greatly renovated! It keeps a very charming atmosphere! You feel the place is very special. Francesco and his family maintain the property at the highest level. Swimming pool is another highlight and a view on San Miniato castle from the pool creates top experience!
Petr and family staying in Ambra. Aug 2023
Albero
“ It took our breath away ”
Albero is a villa in a class of its own. When we visited the house, it took our breath away - and this is no exaggeration. Here, luxury and comfort have been seamlessly combined, from a private vegetable garden to iPads in the walls that control the music and heating. The friendly housekeepers were the icing on the cake, as you can tell their hearts are truly in it.
Sophia staying in Albero. Aug 2024
Villa Lucia
“ Great stay with the family ”
Had a great week in this very grand villa set on hillside.
Good location and views. House full of antiques with great ambiance. Pool is private to the rear, well used, although very cold as not heated. Caretaker and housekeeper live on top floor but keep themselves private and don’t speak English.
Had a good meal organised by Invitation to Tuscany served in top floor dining room by Housekeeper, like having your own restaurant on the top floor. Also Great restaurants 5 mins by car and close by is local coop. Monteriggioni is very close too for wine tasting. Only thing missing was mugs for hot drinks, and maybe more towels midweek would have been good.
Anthony K and family staying in Villa Lucia. May 2024
Cardo
“ Very comfortable ”
We felt very comfortable in the apartment Cardo. The equipment is simple but functional. In the kitchen is everything you need for daily use. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available in sufficient numbers by the pool.
Stefan P. staying in Cardo. Aug 2022
Ispirata
“ Wonderful! ”
A lovely house with many wonderful elements. The owners very much care for the house and it shows. Unbeatable views across Lake Maggiore and it’s in a very tranquil location.
Nicola staying in Ispirata. May 2024
Balconata
“ Spectacular ”
We enjoyed the place and its spectacular views and facilities. The staff was so helpful and knowledgeable. Every concern we had was handled quickly. Enjoyed their kindness, hospitality and assistance. Easy to find, enjoyed our stay so much that we would definitely return. The only negative might be screens on the windows and doors to keep the bug and mosquitoes out. And add some quality pillows to the beds and rails at the steps on both sides for those with difficulties. Plus lighting at the walkway leading up to the villa. A little difficult to see your footing in the dark. Sincerely Adam Cuevas Thank you for your attention to this matter!
Adam staying in Balconata. Oct 2025
Balconata
“ A truly lovely place ”
A truly lovely place. Beautifully decorated quite modern interior in a fabulous traditional building. The complex is all stone buildings and lovely plantings. The pool is huge and beautiful with lovely sitting areas and a self service bar!! Good restaurants a short drive away.. also pleasant opportunity to eat in house. We loved the place. you can walk to the village if you find the lovely old path tru the valley with an ancient bridge 😍😍😍
Thomasina and family staying in Balconata. Jun 2023
Balconata
“ Beautiful Balconata ”
We have enjoyed the most wonderful stay at Balconata. Everything was perfect. Luxury villa, peaceful surroundings, huge pool! From the warmest of welcomes to the beautifully stocked honesty bar, this is a place that provides a quality holiday and a feeling of exclusivity. Thank you Borgo Rinnovato and Invitation to Tuscany.
Shirley & family, UK staying in Balconata. Aug 2023
Balconata
“ Tranquil and beautiful retreat but a bit remote ”
A lovely spot on a tuscan hillside with beautiful views across the valley, surrounded by olive groves. Perfect retreat for writing your novel, or unwinding in tranquility. A car is essential, as local sleepy village Pian di Sco is a good walk, and that is where you will find the nearest local shops and restaurants. Better shops and more restaurants were 20 minutes away at Figline Valdarno, from where you can also take the train to Florence or Arezzo, saving angst about parking in unfamiliar cities. Major tourist centres were generally an hour's drive away, so this location is probably not a good one if sightseeing in historic town centres is your priority. However, if you are looking for a high quality tranquil place, this is beautiful.
Susan and family staying in Balconata. Oct 2023
Celeste
“ Quiet, peaceful and relaxing. ”
My friend and I enjoyed four days at this beautiful, peaceful villa and it was absolutely perfect - we couldn't have asked for more! The house has excellent facilities and is clean, organised and comfortable. The pool was glorious and the central location allowed us to explore the region with trips to Lucca and Florence via train, whilst also having a home base to unwind. Francesco was a wonderful host, going above and beyond to ensure our stay was perfect. He was so helpful and friendly and provided us with a lot of helpful local knowledge to get the best out of our time there. We will definitely be back, thank you for a wonderful stay!
Andrea staying in Celeste. Jun 2024
Castelonchio
“ The location was perfect ”
As far as our stay at Castelonchio is concerned it was a lovely two weeks. The location was perfect for seeing that part of Umbria and for whatever wanted to do. The villa was clean and comfortable and very well equipped. The master bedroom in particular was extremely comfortable.
The gardens and outdoor spaces were so well thought out and the pool was perfect. The views from the house and terraces of Lake Trasimeno were stunning.
We cannot find any fault with the accommodation at all. In addition, what made our stay so special was our hosts, Barry and Karen. They were so welcoming and generous in every way. The thoughtful provision of wine and groceries for our arrival, their concern to make sure we were comfortable and had all the information we needed for maximum enjoyment of our holiday and our time spent with them and being included in an evening with their neighbours.
Thank you Karen and Barry so much. We are quite seasoned travellers. We have never experienced hosts who perfectly balanced being helpful and attentive and also unobtrusive.
Claire Potter staying in Castelonchio. Sep 2025
Castelonchio
“ Lovely place to stay ”
Barry & Karen are excellent hosts with a wealth of knowledge of places to visit while staying.
The property is beautifully restored with lovely gardens to explore. The pool is refreshing and well maintained. The absence of chlorine a benefit.
Well equipped kitchen.
The ceiling fans work excellently and I see no need for air conditioning as these fans kept us cool overnight with temperatures of 24+ on some nights.
Justin Kempson staying in Castelonchio. Jul 2025
Castelonchio
“ Barry and Karen are the consummate hosts ”
Barry and Karen are the consummate hosts. Attentive. Caring. And still provide the privacy. The house is well appointed and situated.
Beth Dickstein staying in Castelonchio. Jun 2025
Castelonchio
“ Beautiful Umbrian house with a view ”
We had a truly wonderful two week stay at Castelonchio and we highly recommend this beautiful house. The house is set in the hills, close to the olive groves, with spectacular views of Umbria and Lake Tresimeno before it. We arrived in the heatwave of July so we were very grateful for the overhead fans in most of the rooms. The bedrooms were all a good size, with nice furniture, while the kitchen is small but functional, with everything you need in it. And the owners gave us a great starter pack, which included local wine, olive oil, butter, milk and juice amongst other things. It's all very tastefully kitted out, and the insect screens on all the windows were especially appreciated. The saltwater pool area is just beautiful, with lavender bushes on one side and the olive groves on the other. Perfect place to relax with a book :-) The lovely owners, Barry and Karen, live onsite (the villa is semi-detached - the rented side looks out to the lake view, whilst their side looks out to the pool and olive groves), and they were so kind; eager to help with suggestions about where to visit and eat out, and they shared some delicious locally grown vegetables with us from their neighbours. They also gave our son a card and a bottle of Prosecco for his 21st birthday, which was very thoughtful indeed. In terms of the region, there is just so much to see and do. Highlights: 1) Taking the small ferry out to Lake Maggiore, walking up to the church, then having a swim at the small beach before enjoying a lovely lunch overlooking the lake at L'Oso. 2) Visiting all the old medieval towns in both Umbria and Tuscany such at Assisi, Montepulciano, Pienza (stunning views across the D'Orcia Valley), Gubbio, Cortona and the most local towns of Passignano sul Trasimeno (fun lakeside town about 15 mins drive away) and Castiglione del Lago (hillside town about 20 mins drive away). We loved all of them. 3) We drove from England so we also enjoyed stopping off at Colmar in France, then Lucca and Sienna en-route to the house. 4) We had many lovely warm evenings eating out on the terrace, playing games, and enjoying the wonderful views, the beautiful sunsets to the west, and all of the fantastic Italian wine and food! 5) A standout day for our kids was a trip to the Frasassi Caves over on the east side of Umbria - they were blown away by the magnitude and beauty of these grottoes (about 1hr 15 mins drive).
All in all, it was a very successful holiday - thank you so much, Karen and Barry :-)
Louise and Family staying in Castelonchio. Jul 2025
Castelonchio
“ An idyllic stay in lovely rural Umbria ”
We had an idyllic stay in lovely rural Umbria. The villa was perfect for our rough and tumble family with 2 little divas.
Daniel and family staying in Castelonchio. Oct 2024We have had a very nice time, we saw a lizard city! We loved Assisi and Isola Maggiore, the gelato was yummy (from B)
Castelonchio
“ A real haven ”
We have had such a special, relaxing time in your wonderful place. It has been well worth travelling 18,441 km (Hamilton New Zealand to Perugia). Thank you for being the perfect hosts, with welcoming food & delicious wine, not to mention the fantastic olive oil. I shall miss your lovely pod, the garden and such a well-designed house. A real haven.
Many a Guardian crossword was solved under the beautiful holm oak, thank you.
Wendy & Mark, NZ staying in Castelonchio. Aug 2024
Castelonchio
“ A perfect spot for a relaxing stress-free Italian holiday ”
Castelonchio is a lovely villa for a family or small group of friends. It is conveniently situated near Lake Trasimeno, only half an hour from Perugia. The little local town of Tuoro is walkable and the grocery store/supermarket is conveniently close by. There are stunning hill top towns nearby and many other wonderful tourist sites in the vicinity. The villa itself is a beautiful two storied stone building, an old farmhouse that has been re-built sympathetically, with very good layout and lots of space. The house has lovely furnishings and a kitchen equipped with all you could need. Also very welcome, were the insect screens on all the windows. Best of all, there are lots of outside areas with comfortable chairs and tables for dining and lounging. We spent a lot of time lazing under the old holm oak near the kitchen. The grounds are spacious and lovely, set among the wider olive groves, and the pool is a great size: big enough for serious lap swimming, or just for soaking. Barry and Karen, our hosts, were very welcoming and discreet, but helpful when we asked for information, and good company when we wanted it. Their olive oil is spectacularly good, and in ready supply. We bought lots of tins to carry home. This was a memorable holiday, and just the place for quiet rest and recuperation. We will definitely be back!
Ms M.R, NZ staying in Castelonchio. Aug 2024
Castelonchio
“ A Wonderful Place ”
Can't say enough good things about this property and the people who own it. It is such a great spot. The villa is spacious and well equipped with great beds, overhead fans in every room and two full bathrooms. It's nestled in an olive grove (they make their own olive oil!) on a quiet road that doesn't get much traffic. The salt water pool was amazing and a great place to hang out on some of those super hot days.
Barry and Karen are wonderful hosts, available when we had questions, and full of local information and recommendations for places to visit and restaurants to get a good meal.
The location is absolutely perfect if you want to spend time in some of the medieval villages in the area. Cortona is 20 minutes away, Montepulciano is about 30 minutes away. Orvieto, which has an amazing cathedral, is about 50 minutes. The nearby village of Tuoro is a short drive, or a 20 minute walk away...
Lago de Trasimino is about a 25 minute walk from the villa, and there's a ferry you can catch there to Isola Maggiore...a small island with some churches, restaurants and very good gelato. We would happily return when we visit Italy again.
David & family staying in Castelonchio. Jul 2024
Castelonchio
“ Our stay was wonderful ”
Our stay was wonderful. The house works perfectly for a family of adults with plenty of outdoor areas to have individual space plus communal areas to dine and play. The large pool and table tennis table were much appreciated by us all and the grounds of the house are beautifully maintained under the guidance of Karen’s expert eye. The peace and views from Castelonchio are very special and we fully appreciate why our hosts chose this particular plot.
We must say a special thank you to Barry and Karen for their care and attention during our stay. Barry was like a personal concierge and having insider knowledge of the area meant we made so much more of our time in Umbria. We enjoyed meeting them both and appreciate how hard they work behind the scenes (no doubt in full olive harvest mode as I type).
The temperatures were hot during our stay and perhaps air conditioning in the upstairs rooms would have been a bonus but the ceiling fans were indeed a relief and we understand the prohibitive cost and practicalities of aircon.
As with our holiday in 2023 we very much appreciated your help in choosing a location that worked for us. Villa Castelonchio is in a superb spot for accessing local villages and also in easy distance of many Umbrian and Tuscan gems. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
Julie & family, UK staying in Castelonchio. Jun 2024
Castelonchio
“ Beautiful farmhouse in great location. ”
We really enjoyed our stay at Villa Castelonchio, from the moment we arrived until the day we left Barry and Karen made our stay extremely comfortable and their thoughtful touches throughout enhanced our enjoyment. There was a very generous welcome pack of food stuffs, extremely useful info in a binder about day trips with valuable info about where to park in busy Tuscan towns! They even left the equivalent of a nectar card for the local supermarket (excellent Gala, 2 mins drive away) attached to a key ring for extra discount on our shopping. I went with two young grandchildren and B&K had organised two cots and a high chair for us.
As our stay went on we really appreciated the location of the villa more and more. Tuoro itself is a sweet little town with Passagano and its island ferry trips and lovely lake walks and cafes/gelaterias and restaurants only 10 mins max by car., a trip up the hill to the Squirrel a must for stunning views! Cortona only 20 mins, Siena an hour, Assisi 45 mins and Florence 1h30m makes the villa extremely well situated, I even drove my daughter to Rome airport one Sunday morning and was back by 11:30am.
There are stunning views of lake Trasimeno from the gardens and patio too! The beautiful salt water pool area is stunning and spacious altho unheated. I think the villa represents great value for money and the area on the Umbria/Tuscany border is stunning. Karen and Barry will make your stay very enjoyable! Peter
Peter and family staying in Castelonchio. Sep 2023
Castelonchio
“ Fantastic week at Castelonchio ”
We had a fantastic week at Castelonchio in August. The house is airy and spacious and well equipped - Barry and Karen seem to have thought of everything. The saltwater pool is lovely and was a hit with all of us - we also enjoyed the barbecue and eating outside with the spectacuar views. The house is well situated, just on the Umbria/Tuscany border. within easy reach of towns such as Cortona and Orvieto, and Barry and Karen were always happy to suggest ideas for places to visit (we also enjoyed going to the island in the lake). Although perhaps a but less well known than Tuscany (which is very close by), we found this corner of Umbria charming, with warm and friendy people rightfully proud of their region - and of course the delicious and ubiquitous Umbrian truffles! Many thanks to Barry and Karen for a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing week.
Alex and family staying in Castelonchio. Aug 2023
Castelonchio
“ The Perfect Place ”
Karen and Barry have created a place for true relaxation. Whether you are single or bring the family Castelonchio is memorable. The home is comfortable and has sunsets that are unmatched. They sense the amount of privacy each guests wants and are completely lovely.
Beth from US staying in Castelonchio. Jul 2023
Castelonchio
“ Wonderful 2 weeks ”
Thankyou for a wonderful 2 weekss! 3 generations of our family all happy, relaxed and wanting to come back. We loved the pool of course, but also the fabulous views, the serenity and your discrete care. You certainly live in paradise here.
Beate and family staying in Castelonchio. Aug 2022
Castelonchio
“ The perfect place ”
This simply is the perfect place you've given us, we have unwound, relaxed and immensely enjoyed our stay here - Dan gave it the big sell and he wasn't wrong. The views, the house, the area, absolutely perfect. The lovely welcome pack in the fridge, your beautiful garden and pool and even the warm welcome from the cats and both of you.
You couldn't have been better hosts - your place is absolutely beautiful and we can't wait to come back again.
Jill & family from UK staying in Castelonchio. Jul 2022
Castelonchio
“ Exactly what we wanted ”
Castelonchio is in a beautiful hillside location with great views. The house, gardens and pool are all of very good quality and well equipped. The owners live next door and managed a perfect balance of being available and helpful without intruding on our holiday. The local area is full of interesting places to visit and things to do. There is no downside to staying here. We will definitely return.
Peter staying in Castelonchio. Aug 2022
Castelonchio
“ Perfect house and pool ”
We had a fantastic week at Castelonchio. The house was lovely, authenic, clean and everything was just perfect. The saltwater pool was the best, we have experienced in a rented house. It was nice to arrive to the house where the host bid us welcome and even had provided food and wine in the frigde. The host was very helpfull, informative and kind in a most friendly way. We already miss the beautiful view from the house and the lovely evenings at one of the terraces.
Hanne staying in Castelonchio. Jul 2022
Castelonchio
“ Castelonchio the Umbrian Idyll ”
Wonderful welcome, fabulous setting, Five star with bells, a real treat. We loved it Alla prossima B&T x
B & T from UK staying in Castelonchio. May 2022
Castelonchio
“ A real home from home ”
We have had such a lovely time here, a real home from home, and amazing views. Thank you for your help and hospitality.
Tracy and family from UK staying in Castelonchio. May 2022
Castelonchio
“ A delightful Villa with large airy cool rooms ”
Castelonchio it self was a delightful Villa with large airy cool rooms. The owners Barry & Karen made us very welcome and I hope we were no trouble to them.
We visited Assisi and viewed the Basilica of St Francis, the Cathedral and the Basilica di Santa Chiara and had an excellent meal outside on the street at Trattoria Da Erminio on Via Montecavallo.
Also took the boat trip to Isola Maggiore, I was quite tickled that the boat was run by Italia Bus, again had a local meal at Albergo Ristonant da Sauro.
We were were taken with the "Walled" adjacent town of Castiglione del Lago. We had a lovely outdoor meal on a very hot afternoon at "Osteria Calandrino" on Via Vittorio Emanuele not far from the local Hospital. Hope spelling is correct all taken from Google Street view!
On our last night out we saw 2 wild boar when dining at the "Squirrel" "Lo Scoiattolo" restaurant up in the hills, we were on the balcony!! Very unexpected! The locals were throwing food to them from the balcony!
P.E. from UK staying in Castelonchio. Sep 2020
Castelonchio
“ A great place, highly recommended. ”
We had a fantastic time at Castelonchio. The property is really impressive with lots of space, a wonderful pool and large grounds plus the hosts are incredibly accommodating and helpful.
The accommodation is nice and spacious for 6 people with big and airy bedrooms. Everything is modernised, comfortable and the kitchen is well equipped. The large eating area outside is amazing with great views over the lake and a lovely spot to spend your evenings.
We walked down to the town on a couple of occasions for meals and the local restaurants are great. There is so much to do in the area both around the lake and beyond so you will have no trouble filling your time between enjoying the property and getting out and about. The property also has good access so you can get out to places really easily.
The owners are on hand to help if needed and are full of good suggestions on what to do and where to go. The accommodation is at the side of the property and the grounds are spacious so it’s nice and secluded from the main house.
A great place, highly recommended.
D.A. from UK staying in Castelonchio. Jul 2020
Castelonchio
“ The views from the pool and eating areas are spectacular ”
We had a wonderful holiday at Castelonchio. The views from the pool and eating areas are spectacular. We never tired of the marvellous panorama over lake Trasimeno and the surrounding hills. Being up the hill also meant we had pleasant breezes in the heat of August.
Barry and Karen are very kind and thoughtful hosts. They were so kind providing things for us (a praying mantis in a jam jar was a particular favourite of our 8 year old and we have our lavender pouches, made with lavender from the pool, at home to remind us.). They are full of useful info which they happily share - our trips to Sienna and Cortona were made so much easier with Barry’s great directions and helpful places to park for instance.
We enjoyed many meals out locally on recommendation from Barry and Karen. We enjoyed ambling into Tuoro to eat (but weren’t so keen on walking back up the hill afterwards!!). Barry and Karen really know everything so there is little we can add. There are a lot of local dishes made from fish from the lake which are great.
The house is very comfortable, very nicely decorated and spotless!
The area is brilliant. Really easy to get around and we loved Perugia and Sienna (on Palio day!) which are easy drives. I cycled the 65kms round lake Trasimeno early one morning and it was fun and interesting.
W.D. and family, UK staying in Castelonchio. Aug 2019
Castelonchio
“ ..Villa Castelonchio was the highlight of our trip ”
We are just back from a very enjoyable 5 week European holiday, which included 2 weeks staying at Villa Castelonchio, Tuoro Sul Trasimeno, in Umbria.
Our stay at Villa Castelonchio was the highlight of our trip and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there.
Barry and Karen where the perfect hosts and couldn’t have been more helpful and friendly. Their input on what to see and do in the area was fantastic, the only downside was that on the first night they introduced us to……Aperol Spritzer which we have developed a real taste for and now stock the ingredients ready for the coming summer in New Zealand and also sent us to their favourite local restaurant where the Pizza is superb and we will be hard-pressed to find anything close to in NZ.
The villa was everything that your website said it would be and we couldn’t have been happier. The fact that it had a full kitchen was a godsend for us as we like to prepare our own meals for some of the time we are away. It was well appointed and the 2 level layout meant that the other couple we had staying with us for some of the time could have their own space.
The villa’s location just a couple of minutes out of the Village meant that it was lovely and peaceful in a rural setting surrounded by olive groves and being just over the Tuscan/Umbria border meant that all the amazing tourist destinations were a short drive away, or as we did on a couple of occasions, a short train journey from the local station.
Barry and Karen keep the place immaculate and between the Aperol Spritzers, the Pizza and the swimming pool we didn’t want to leave. We would have no hesitation in recommending Villa Castelonchio to anyone wishing to have a superb holiday in this location.
M&J P. from New Zealand staying in Castelonchio. Feb 2019
Castelonchio
“ We had an absolutely lovely time at Castelonchio ”
We had an absolutely lovely time at Castelonchio. Barry and Karen our hosts greeted us most warmly and invited us to coffee the morning after our arrival to tell us more about the fascinating area around Lake Trasimeno. Our little grandchildren ran to the pool in their bathing costumes before we had even unpacked the cars and from then on it was the pool or nothing for them so it was with difficulty that we explored the endlessly intriguing small towns around the Lake. The immediate area is fascinating and the property is well within reach of the more major towns of Siena and Florence, Perugia and Arezzo - that is if the children will leave the pool and the grown ups will leave the beautiful garden with its amazing views.
P.C. staying in Castelonchio. Dec 2018
Castelonchio
“ Very comfortable house ”
Very comfortable house.Excellent out side space. Very well situated for exploring or in our case returning to favourite places. One new place this year a little further afield was Pienza.Would recommend for a visit. Trattoria Dardano in Cortona is a good place for lunch.Always busy.
J. L.W. staying in Castelonchio. Feb 2018
Castelonchio
“ We had a fabulous time at Castelonchio ”
We had a fabulous time at Castelonchio. The villa was immaculate & had everything you could possible wish. Sitting outside on the patio with a glass of local wine & looking at the views was beautifully relaxing & the children in particular, loved the fabulous pool. Barry & Karen were great hosts & recommended places of interest and were incredibly helpful researching how we could do a park/ride to Rome on our last day. We had beautiful day trips to Siena, Orvieto, Gubbio & San Gimignano as well as a very enjoyable boat trip out to one of the islands in Lake Trasimeno. All in all, it was a fantastic week & we hope to visit Barry & Karen's beautiful house again sometime.
D.R. family staying in Castelonchio. Nov 2018
Castelonchio
“ I am jealous of your Italian paradise ”
I am jealous of your Italian paradise. If you need extra help with the pruning of the olive trees or grass cutting, do give me a ring! Free labour ;o) Wonderful relaxing week, good to see medieval towns and churches. Great history and good food. The pool is the icing on the cake and Castelonchio is a retreat from the hurly burly. As John Wayne said, 'I shall return."
Mr. N.C. and friends, from U.K. staying in Castelonchio. Feb 2014
Castelonchio
“ We have loved every minute ”
Karen and Barry - Thank you so much for lending us your beautiful home! We have loved every minute. Over our two weeks we have visited Florence (by train - very easy), Siena (our favorite city - so gorgeous), Cortona, Assisti and Isola Maggiore (almost by peddalo!). We've also had lovely relaxed days reading by and playing in the pool and making delicious food to eat on the super verandah. You have been most hospitable and have made our wonderful stay even more special! Many, many thanks...
Ms. C.B. and friends, from U.K. staying in Castelonchio. Feb 2015
Castelonchio
“ The setting is idyllic, so relaxing ”
Thank you Barry and Karen for sharing your beautiful home with us. The setting is idyllic, so relaxing. Thank you for your advice and recommendations and a fridge full of provisions. A wonderful holiday to celebrate our ruby wedding anniversary, will remember it always.
Mr. R.B. and friends, from U.K. staying in Castelonchio. Dec 2016
Castelonchio
“ ...a relaxing and pleasant experience ”
Thank you so much for you kind hospitality and letting us stay at your wonderful house. We've had a brilliant time exploring the area and coming back here to wind down has been a relaxing and pleasant experience. I even managed to surprise my beautiful girlfriend (now fiancee) with a marriage proposal in the olive grove. I'm sure we'll be back again at some point.
Mr. D.B. and friends, from U.K. staying in Castelonchio. Dec 2017
Castelonchio
“ ..another amazing holiday! ”
Thank you, Barry and Karen, for another amazing holiday! Gorgeous house, with a perfect pool and perfect hosts. We all hope to see you again soon!
Mr. T.E. and family, from the U.K. staying in Castelonchio. Feb 2017
Castelonchio
“ Umbria for us from now on ”
Thank you very much Barry and Karen - Very nice. I apologize for not doing my research before I arrived, Umbria for us from now on. Amongst all the culture, history, leather and wine shops, there was the lake. Treat yourself and hire that paddle board Barry, the best €10 per hour you'll spend for a sore back. ... and the house/ the view / the pool - if only Fife were warm (or even saw the sun), it could be this good. ... and what a surprise, there's we thinking that my summer C90 tape mix would be useless without my walkman - the next time, I'll bring a few more cassettes. Wonderful!
Mrs. F.H. and family staying in Castelonchio.
Castelonchio
“ ....really great personal service from Invitation to Tuscany ”
We all had a fantastic time thanks, and I can’t believe that it was a week since we left to come home!
The villa was beautiful and really well fitted out. Barry & Karen were the prefect hosts – there for advice if you wanted it but left you space for yourselves the rest of the time. The welcome drink and restaurant recommendations were most appreciated, together with all the food and drink in the Welcome Pack.
All of the local restaurants we went to were ones recommended, and we enjoyed really good local food, at a very treasonable cost.
We went to Siena and Cortona whilst we were there, and some of the smaller towns around the lake – all very easy to get to thanks to Barry’s instructions in the villa.
The big hit with the most important person, our 11 year-old granddaughter, was of course the huge pool. In fact our son and daughter-in-law used it quite a lot as well.
I will, and have already, recommend it to friends, and I hope that we can go back as a family someday.
Finally, a big thanks to you and Dan for all your help in the year since we first booked it, really great personal service from Invitation to Tuscany.
Bob D. staying in Castelonchio. Feb 2017
Castelonchio
“ Castelonchio more than lives up to its reputation ”
Castelonchio more than lives up to its reputation. Excellent accomodation,wonderful salt water pool in substantial well kept grounds and easy walking distance to shopping and the village. And a plus--charming and most helpful hosts.
Anonymous staying in Castelonchio. Sep 2011
Castelonchio
“ ..stayed at Castelonchio 2 years ago and loved it so much we returned ”
We stayed at Castelonchio 2 years ago and loved it so much we returned again this year. The English owners Barry & Karen are super hosts (they live next door) and are able to offer sound advice on all things local together with a warm welcome. The accomodation is lovely with 3 big bedrooms and 2 'well appointed' bathrooms. Bed linen from 'The White House' and everything really comfy and clean. Kitchen well stocked with the necessary implements if you want to practice your Italian cookery skills as we did. Beautiful view over Lago Trasimeno from your little balcony outside the main double bedroom and the outside terrace which is perfect for breakfast. There's a decent supermarket nearby - within walking distance if you run out of wine but 5 mins by car if you need heavier supplies. Good local (and cheap) rail links to tourist towns ie Assisi if you don't want to be a slave to the car. Passignano 10 mins away for some lovely restaurants near the lake. If it’s convenient then we recommend flying to Perugia as it's an easy drive. Enjoy!
Anonymous staying in Castelonchio. Oct 2010
Castelonchio
“ I can see us going back soon ”
The house was comfortable and spacious, it felt fresh and everything we needed was there, inside the house and out; lots of garden, ample parking, we enviously eyed the pool but were there too early in the year for a swim, so contented ourselves instead with wandering around the olive grove, enjoying the views of Lake Trasimeno and beyond. And to misquote someone, the angels were in the details: a bottle of home grown olive oil in a kitchen cupboard, some fresh milk and cold wine waiting in the fridge when we arrived, and joy of joys, the kitchen knives were properly sharp! It is a house that has been thought through, and through again.
The hosts Barry and Karen were helpful and friendly - even when our 5 year old sneaked off and hid behind the wintering lemon tree, for a full 20 minutes, enjoying our increasingly frantic flapping. (It was reassuring to realise that small adventurous children cannot escape without the key to the gate.) They gave us suggestions for things to visit and see which were perfect for our family, with genuinely useful and detailed information; like knowing exactly where to park on our trips to Assisi and Cortona, or printing off the ferry timetable for Isola Maggiore on the lake, and which of the local train stations to choose for the best services to Orvieto (with its funicular, extraordinary double helix well, caves: a perfect day out for both adults and kids.)The local village - in walking distance - had everything we needed. A pizzeria - delicious pizza, good value and welcoming, a well-stocked supermarket, and much more that we didn't get to explore. It is a really rich and interesting part of Italy to visit, with more to see and visit than is possible in a week, or even two. I can see us going back
Mr. D.D. and family, Italy staying in Castelonchio. Mar 2010
Castelonchio
“ My favourite thing was the swimming pool ”
The hosts, Barry and Karen, were very helpful and attentive. The villa was in excellant condition and fully equipped. Location was good and having a supermarket a mile away was very convenient. The panoramic view of the lake was fantastic from Castelonchio. My favourite thing was the swimming pool, surrounded by lavender bushes. Great to smell whilst you were swimming and listening to the bees was relaxing too. Great summer holiday memories. Honestly can't think of anything negative to say about, maybe the only thing is that you would need a car to get about. Public transport not near farmhouse.
Anonymous staying in Castelonchio. Dec 2010
Castelonchio
“ The location here is incredible - very quiet with stunning views ”
The owners, Barry and Karen made our family feel so welcome. We arrived late, after the shops had shut and there was even pasta and provisions left to fill our rumbling tummies! The location here is incredible - very quiet with stunning views. There's a handy shop nearby and a few local restaurants. We were even invited to help pick olives in the next door grove. The beautifully restored farmhouse is immaculate and comfortable. I hope we can visit again sometime!
Ms. M.K. and family, UK staying in Castelonchio. Feb 2010
Castelonchio
“ ...everything in the property is five star ”
The location is great, overlooking Trasimeno, with outstanding evening views. But what is exceptional about staying here is that everything in the property is five star. It is really well designed, and furnished and looked after and comfortable. So when you get there it exceeds the promise of the pictures. Every part of the proerty so well-cared for - and that makes for a better holiday. Add to that that the hospitality (we were really well looked after - far and away beyond what we might have expected) and it made for a fantastic week. We'd happily go back there and can recommend it without reservation also - excellent location - Trasimeno a walk away, Assissi nearby, cycling round the lake etc...perfect. We'll be back.
Anonymous staying in Castelonchio. Dec 2011
Castelonchio
“ ...a high standard with extras as well ”
We could not fault the service we received from the initial booking to the stay in the villa. The owners made sure everything was provided to a high standard with extras as well. They were very friendly and helpful when needed but remained discreet during our stay. The farmhouse was wonderful itself with amazing views and the grounds gave us lots of space to spread out. The pool was beautiful, very refreshing and surrounded by fragrant lavender. The location was wonderful and quiet being in a rural setting outside the small town with views of Lake Trasimeno. You can easily visit several famous cities and local historic towns. We particularly enjoyed being able to walk to local restaurants (slight hill involved on homeward route). We also enjoyed discovering for ourselves the local area.
UK visitors staying in Castelonchio. Feb 2012
Castelonchio
“ It is the only home we would consider going back to ”
My friend and I vacation in Tuscany/Umbria every summer in a different home for two weeks for the last 12 years. By far, this was the nicest home and best experience. The hosts are wonderful; the home comfortable and is truly well located. The breeze from lake makes every day a nice one! It is the only home we would consider going back to.
Ms. B.D. and friend, USA staying in Castelonchio. Feb 2012
Castelonchio
“ Wish we could have stayed longer! ”
We thoroughly enjoyed our week's stay here. Wish we could have stayed longer! The villa is gorgeous, the pool is lovely and both have amazing views of the lake and surrounding countryside. The owners were very kind and helpful. It was a truly amazing stay! Highly recommend to anyone
Mrs. S.L. and family, UK staying in Castelonchio. Dec 2012
Castelonchio
“ Reading through all the reviews there is not one negative comment ”
Reading through all the reviews there is not one negative comment. That's because this is a perfect holiday, a real home away from home in an idyllic setting. We had a 2 and 4 year old with us and we felt very relaxed knowing they could safely explore the lovely grounds, swim in the great pool, pick grapes and olives and spend hours trying to catch grasshoppers and lizards. We enjoyed sipping wine at sunset overlooking the stunning view of the lake, visiting the beautiful towns of Cortona, Assissi , Perugia etc. A great little supermarket is close by, a winery at the bottom of the hill, gorgeous ice cream shops by the lake .... all very easy and stress free holiday. Thanks Barry and Karen - keep up the good work and we hope to return one day.
Mrs. L.W. and family, UK staying in Castelonchio. Dec 2012
Castelonchio
“ Our recent stay at Castelonchio was superb ”
Our recent stay at Castelonchio was superb. The villa was first class and the owners really know how to make their guests feel welcome. Their knowledge of the local area and the little tips on how to get around were immensely helpful. We were a family of 6, which included myself, my wife, 2 grandparents and 2 Daughters of ages 10 & 14 and we found enough variety during the 2 weeks to keep everyone happy. We swam and used the facilities at the local lake, Parco Del Lago Trasimeno, sunbathed around the Villas pool with its beautiful surroundings, went site seeing in many of the local towns, all soaked in history and tradition, and ventured out to Rome: only a 2 hour train journey.
Enjoying a good meal was an important part of our holiday and we had great experiences at the local restaurants with one particularly nice tavern within walking distance. Catering for ourselves was also easy to do as the Villa was fully equipped with all the utensils we needed, including the most important thing a BBQ.
I wholeheartedly recommend staying at Castelonchio if you are looking for a holiday that encompasses traditional Italy whilst staying in total comfort.
Mr. M.C. and family, UK staying in Castelonchio. Feb 2014
Castelonchio
“ This house is always a delight ”
This house is always a delight, the rooms are clean, crisp and comfortable, the views of the lake so pretty, breakfast, lunch and dinner on the terrace always has a stunning backdrop. We enjoyed exploring the area including the lakeside town of Passignano sul Trasimeno, just a 10 minute drive from the house, where we enjoyed seafood in some new favourite restaurants. You can take boat rides to the islands or just paddle on the shore, there is something for everyone.
L.& L. staying in Castelonchio. Sep 2015
Castelonchio
“ Barry and Karen were great hosts ”
We had a fabulous week at Castelonchio. Barry and Karen were great hosts. I was perhaps a little apprehensive about the "shared" aspect of the accommodation, particularly with 3 fairly small and noisy children, but I needn't have been. The annexe was large, comfortable and private. The pool was beautiful, as in fact was the location generally, and although we were effectively sharing Barry and Karen's home, we did not feel like we were intruding. They were there, but somehow not! (If that makes sense?!)
Barry recommended places to go and see, which were all worth the trip (again we had been slightly apprehensive about sightseeing with small children in the height of Summer). We ate out a couple of times at Da Silvano's, a pizza place in the village, which had good food and a friendly owner (Omar). We also tried a more up market fish restaurant in nearby Passignano, which was also good.
All in all, highly recommended. We would definitely go back.
Mrs. S.H. and family, UK staying in Castelonchio. Feb 2013
Salviati
“ Truly unforgettable ”
This trip was all the more wonderful with the addition of your great energies. We missed you on the days we were out touring! I can't imagine how much we'll miss you now that we're leaving. Thank you for your smiles, unbelievable food, great stories, and putting up with our loud dance parties. When we remember this faboulous trip, we will always think of you. Hopefully our paths cross again. This was truly unforgettable thank you so much for everything. This has been the best vacation of my life. You made it wonderful than I could ever imagined – your wonderful meals and hospitality were incredible. I hope you come to visit us in Arizona! Thank you for an amazing two weeks. I loved every moment
Jasmine, US staying in Salviati. Oct 2022
Salviati
“ What a lovely experience ”
What a lovely experience to spend a week at Salviati for my 60th birthday. My friends and I had a gloriuos time. We loved the food, the home, the grounds and pool. Giovanna and Pietro were efficient, talented, kind and patient. Arrivederci!
Maria, Italy staying in Salviati. Jul 2022
Villa Alessandro
“ Stunning views ”
We absolutely loved Italy and the children had a wonderful time. They especially loved the large swimming pool. The pool and surrounding countryside were stunning! Thanks again for all your help in making it such a smooth process.
Kate and family from UK staying in Villa Alessandro. Aug 2023
Lunetta
“ Gorgeous property ”
Travel advisor since 1981, traveled around the world. By far, the best Villa/home experience. Gorgeous property !! Every room in Villa is equally superb. En-suite bathrooms in all. Think old world villa vibe with enhancements of a new build. Serene property & excellent staff.
Kathleen G. staying in Lunetta. Sep 2024
Lunetta
“ Wonderful! ”
Wonderful location, stylish accommodation, and excellent staff who were friendly and efficient. The perfect combination for a wonderful Tuscan holiday.
David from UK staying in Lunetta. Jun 2024