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
Argentum
“ A great experience ”
Fantastic place for family. Excelent service and great standard. Perfect pool for families with kids. Great basecamp for visiting Pisa, Lucca, Firenze and Siena. The place is on a hill top and even in high temperatures there is slways a chilling wind.
Morten from Norway staying in Argentum. Jul 2023
Rocca
“ A lovely place ”
A lovely place. The house is better than what you see in the pictures. All excellent. An unforgettable week.
Angela staying in Rocca. Jun 2023
Villa Quirico
“ What a wonderful week ”
What a wonderful week we had. Your kindness and wonderful service to our family will never be forgotten. The house is faboulous and the food out of this world. We appreciated everything that you did.
Joseph, US staying in Villa Quirico. Sep 2022
Stefania
“ We highly recommend this place ”
Our time at Villa Di Casole was just amazing! The villa offers a perfect blend of historical charm and modern comfort. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, the views of the Tuscan countryside are stunning. The pool area is ideal for relaxing with a magnificent view. The hosts were extremely friendly and helpful, especially Anna was always on the spot for questions. We highly recommend this place and look forward to seeing you again!
Dr Mohamed staying in Stefania. Jun 2024
Pagliaio
“ Our stay at Pagliaio was wonderful ”
Our stay at Pagliaio was wonderful. The accommodation was clean, spacious, the grounds and pool areas were beautiful and the visit of the wild boar in the late eveninga made it even more magical. The host, Annmarie was on hand at all times, and her knowledge of the area was really helpful. The information and support before the trip from ‘Invitation to Tuscany’ was perfect and we look forward to booking with them again in the future.
Andrew & family from UK staying in Pagliaio. Aug 2024
Pagliaio
“ A wonderful week at Pagliaio ”
We stayed for one week during August and we had a wonderful time. We were so lucky to have the whole property to ourselves and made the most of days relaxing by the pool alternating with trips out to some of the beautiful nearby towns including Arezzo which is stunning. Ann Marie is really helpful and made lots of excellent recommendations and restaurant bookings which we really enjoyed. The property was very clean and the kitchen was well equipped for cooking when we decided to eat in. We found the property perfect for a relaxing stay with lots to explore nearby.
Alison & family, UK staying in Pagliaio. Aug 2023
Pagliaio
“ A wonderful getaway ”
We loved our stay at Annemarie's villa, even though it was rainier than we'd prefer! The location is beautiful, tucked away in the Tuscan countryside, very private and peaceful. The villa itself was clean and lovely; it looked exactly like the provided photos. One thing to note, the wifi does not work in the villa itself. You have to be closer to the main house and sit outside in the "wifi chair." This wasn't an issue for us, but would be good to note for future guests. Another thing to note is that the kitchen had only the bare essentials--we had to buy salt and pepper, cooking oil, etc.
The extras we booked through Invitation to Tuscany were great as well. We very easily rented bikes, signed up for a wine tasting, and found restaurants (Annemarie was a great help with those!). One of the highlights of the trip, perhaps even THE highlight, was our cooking class with Martina. She and her cousin brought food and supplies to the villa and taught us the best way to make pasta, sauce, eggplant Parmesan, and tiramisu. It was spectacular! Overall, the villa suited us perfectly and we would love to return--maybe when it's sunnier!
Caroline staying in Pagliaio. May 2023
Pagliaio
“ Wonderful Break in Tuscany ”
Annemarie was very friendly and hospitable. The location is stunning, very rural yet within easy commute to Florence, Sienna and all the wonderful little towns and villages around about. Loved having the pool. Plenty of lovely places to eat, especially recommend the little fish restaurant that Annemarie took us too that is open Friday/Sat/Sunday only. Will definitely return one day.
Louise and family from UK staying in Pagliaio. Aug 2022
Pagliaio
“ Overall we had a splendid time ”
The property is excellent and we really enjoyed our stay. Very comfortable rooms and bathrooms. Annemarie was very welcoming and helpful with much information to share about the house and locality. The pool is splendid and we would have made more use had the weather been a little brighter. Kitchen is well equipped (once we had traced a coffee maker and some adapters for the plugs - thank you Annemarie!). Could do with a knife sharpener and a decent cook’s knife. We were not troubled as we brought our own. Another chopping board or two would also help. We would definitely revisit - the property lends itself easily to a small group or indeed a large family group. I don’t know how you would broach my final point but the road/drive leading to the property is not well maintained and the actual entrance to the property through the gates can be a little tricky to negotiate due to a poor surface and much gravel. Our large car with low profile tyres found that the surface was catching on the underside at times. This is a minor point but other visitors may find it a problem. Overall we had a splendid time - beds are very comfortable and we all slept very well. Location is great for trips around Tuscany with easy access to Siena and Florence by train.
A.M. staying in Pagliaio. Feb 2017
Pagliaio
“ Such a pretty setting and such a pretty house ”
Such a pretty setting and such a pretty house. The estate is very well cared for by Annmarie its welcoming British owner and wandering around the extensive grounds and sitting by the pool, we felt such peace and tranquility. We loved the style, for though the furniture is not typically Tuscan, it all works so well.
L & L. staying in Pagliaio. Dec 2014
Pagliaio
“ ...a lovely stay at Pagliao ”
We had a lovely stay at Pagliao in August. The 2-bedroom, 2-storey converted barn was absolutely lovely. The pool was an excellent size, all of us enjoyed it immensely. The owner was very pleasant and friendly and provided us with helpful information about the local area.
Mrs. K.M. and family, UK staying in Pagliaio. Aug 2015
Pagliaio
“ We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Pagliaio ”
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Pagliaio and Tuscany overall. Anne-Marie was such a lovely person, very welcoming and incredibly helpful with any questions we had about the property, things to do and general logistics. A couple of minor issues with a few pieces of missing kitchen equipment were quickly sorted out. Anne-Marie was always around but also discreet so we could fully relax. We thought the accommodation was very high quality – very clean and stylish – lovely to have hand soap and kitchen cleaning items included. Also the grounds of the property were beautiful and very well looked after. A lovely place to chill out and get away from the humdrum of London. 2 minor points for improvement · Unfortunately we didn’t have the best of weather and so it was rather chilly in the evenings in the property so we would have appreciated some kind of heating option we could have controlled ourselves. · I would have appreciated an information folder in the “barn” as I like to hear what other guests have to say about the area and read about things to do. Although that said Anne-Marie did help a lot with this – she supplied us with a good road map, a Tuscany guide book (which supplemented the one we had already) and plenty of recommendations about where to go. Thank you for a lovely week – and for sorting this out so quickly for us.
Mrs. S.C. and family, UK staying in Pagliaio. Feb 2014
Villa San Donato
“ We enormously enjoyed our stay! ”
What a pleasure to wake up with an amazing view with San Gimignano in the distance. We enormously enjoyed our stay. The children made the most of the swimming pool and we enjoyed exploring the surroundings. An amazing place, an oasis for rest which we will fondly remember and warmly recommend.
Simon staying in Villa San Donato. Sep 2023
Villa San Donato
“ Perfect location in Tuscan hills ”
If what you’re looking for is a beautiful retreat in the Tuscan hills look no further. The views from the house, terrace and pool are all panoramic and spectacular - you can see the towers of San Gimignano in the distance and hot air balloons in the valley if you’re up early enough! You will need a car to get around but you can walk into the local village for daily supplies (the village store is surprisingly well stocked) and there are plenty of towns and sights within an easy drive. That said, you could quite happily spend the whole week by the pool soaking in the sun and the view. The owner has spent years tending to the grounds around the house and it shows. The roses are beautiful and the jasmine covering the house smells divine. The house itself is charming - around 1,000 years old in parts and done up to be comfortable but in keeping with its history. The rooms are all spacious and there is plenty of space to eat and sit inside if needed - the sitting room is probably the most beautiful room in the house, if you can tear yourself away from the views outside! We had more than enough space for 6 adults and 2 children. The owner lives next door and was quick to respond to any queries and happy to offer tips on what to do locally but wasn’t at all intrusive. We’d highly recommend a visit to his friend at Le Masse cellars - far more than a wine tasting experience - more a glimpse into his beautiful life making delicious wine in the sun.
Hannah staying in Villa San Donato. Jun 2023
Capriata
“ 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 Capriata. Sep 2024
Podere Castello
“ It's like heaven on earth ”
We were 11 adults and enjoyed the time in the perfectly equipped house extremely. It has everything your heart desires. Viola and Christina were excellent hosts 5.0 is too little - you should give 10.0 We will be back
Birgit staying in Podere Castello. Oct 2024
Podere Castello
“ This ranks as the top location we have stayed ”
We spent four amazing days in Tuscany at this beautiful location. We were traveling with our best friends from the United States and could not have been more impressed with the location, the peacefulness, the amazing accommodations and the overall feeling of tranquility at the villa. We have traveled a lot of places in the world and this ranks as the top location we have stayed. The pool and the spa accommodations are second to none. The view from this area is breathtaking and the sunsets are awesome. We only had two couples in a house that had six master bedrooms and large bathroom suites. Each one was decorated differently and was extremely well done. Needless to say, we had way too much space but it was well worth the price we paid regardless. The adjacent church and grounds only added to the ambience of the experience. You’ve truly felt like you were stepping back in time, but still had all of the modern amenities and then some for today. Christine was an awesome hostess!!
Marty, Arkansas staying in Podere Castello. Sep 2024
Treggiaia
“ Charming Tuscan villa with pool, tennis court, and wonderful hosts who made us feel right at home! ”
We had a great stay at this lovely little family villa in Tuscany! The house was charming and comfortable, and we especially loved the pool and tennis court — we played almost every day with the kids. The host family was very kind and attentive, and the grandmother living next door was delightful — she gave us our privacy but even surprised us with some delicious homemade antipasti. We had a small issue with the hot water at the start, but it was quickly fixed by the hosts. Communication was easy, and even with a small language barrier with the grandmother, Google Translate did the trick. A wonderful and relaxing stay overall!
Kersti from Finland staying in Treggiaia. Oct 2025
Treggiaia
“ Wonderful ”
We recently spent 1 week in the Treggiaia Villa, what a wonderful week we had, very centralised to explore Tuscany, most major towns were only 1hr by car away. The villa was presented beautifully and the owners made our stay memorable. Although a little bit out of the way, peace and quiet was what we were after.
Paul H staying in Treggiaia. Sep 2025
Treggiaia
“ Beautiful House ”
Lovely house set in beautiful grounds. Unfortunately shooting season started the first morning of our stay so it was very noisy.
Alli staying in Treggiaia. Sep 2025
Treggiaia
“ Little piece of heaven in Tuscany ”
The villa and pool are delightful and the position is wonderfully peaceful. Our hosts were very helpful . This is our second time here and we love it. Great spot to tour around from or a quick train journey to Florence
Douglas Caldwell staying in Treggiaia. Sep 2025
Treggiaia
“ Our first but not last stay at Treggiaia ”
Our hosts were excellent, they made us feel so welcome and helped make our holiday one to remember. Treggiaia is surrounded by beautiful Tuscan countryside so from the moment we arrived we were able relax and unwind over a glass of Chianti or two.
There are a number of good restaurants within a relatively short drive but we also enjoyed meals on the terrace at Treggiaia, watching the sun go down.
Many of Tuscany’s and Umbria’s historic sites are accessible by both car and train but also days around the pool. gardens and tennis court at Treggiaia were just as enjoyable.
We are delighted to have found Treggiaia and look forward to returning to this comfortable and well maintained holiday home in a beautiful part of the world.
Keith and family staying in Treggiaia. Aug 2025
Treggiaia
“ Fantastic Stay ”
We had a fantastic stay at this beautiful holiday rental in rural Tuscany.
The location is peaceful and picturesque perfect for a relaxing family getaway.
The house itself is spacious, comfortably accommodating our family of four, with charming decor and all the amenities we needed.
We especially loved the pool and tennis court, which kept everyone entertained.
Our on-site contact was incredibly responsive and provided lots of helpful local tips that made our stay even more enjoyable. Highly recommended!
Petra and family staying in Treggiaia. Jul 2025
Treggiaia
“ Wonderful week ”
We had a wonderful week staying at Treggiaia. The villa was beautiful with lovely surroundings and views. The pool was great and much used especially as the weather was very hot. Niccolo showed us around the villa when we arrived. He also text lots of restaurants phone numbers to us and gave us his phone number in case we needed anything. His Grandmother was a lovely lady and brought over some crostini with tomatoes and cheese toppings, they were delicious. We felt very welcome. We would certainly go back to Treggiaia again in the future. Thanks Dan for all the information prior to our booking i.e. car insurance and Tuscany information.
Mike and family staying in Treggiaia. Jun 2025
Treggiaia
“ Lovely break in Tuscan hills ”
Great villa and outside areas ..hosts very helpful , Niccolo even lent me a neck fan as temp was highest theyve had 🥵🥵. The only negative is that there are dog kennels in the valley below and the barking was continuous on an evening and a few nights through the night which kept me awake, obviously this is out of their control.
Alison and family from UK staying in Treggiaia. Jun 2025
Treggiaia
“ We had a most enjoyable week here. ”
We arrived at the villa hours after our expected arrival time and still had a very pleasant reception from Niccola who showed us round the property. The weather was mixed but on the sunnier days lounging round the pool was perfect. The property is well placed for exploring places such as Florence, Sienna and Arezzo as well as vineyards and the surrounding countryside. We went by train to Florence which was easy.
Mr D.C., UK staying in Treggiaia. Sep 2024
Treggiaia
“ Perfect for a quiet getaway ”
Very enjoyable stay - perfect for a quiet getaway for two. The house is well equipped and placed in quiet and beautiful surroundings. The pool is fantastic and the rest of the outdoor facilities are also great - with a private tennis court as an extra treat. The owner was so sweet and generous and brought us homemade cake and delicious antipasti. Highly recommendable.
Anne and Morten, Denmark staying in Treggiaia. Sep 2024
Treggiaia
“ Simply wonderful ”
Perfect situation to visit Tuscany (Firenze, Pise, Sienna…). Easy to find, easy to stay and enjoy the large swimming pool and tennis court. The space was just perfect for our family (2 kids below 7), and the host so kind full. Thanks again Laura for the welcoming and all the small things for our well being and confort during our stay. Simply wonderful thanks!
Matthieu & family staying in Treggiaia. Aug 2024
Treggiaia
“ Welcoming and nice hosts ”
We had such a warm welcome from Laura and she was very aware and welcoming serving both aperitivios and fresh tomatoes from the garden.
Over all we are very satisfied and happy with the stay at Treggiaia.
Marianne & family from Denmark staying in Treggiaia. Jul 2024
Treggiaia
“ Perfect house with pool and tennis court ”
The house is cozy, clean and well equipped. The pool, outdoor area and private tennis court are really big and amazing. The view is stunning!!! Host is very friendly and shared a list with great recommendations of restaurants and places to visit. The only improvement I can think of is to buy a dishwasher.
Thanks Louis! I agree about the dishwasher but as the kitchen is built of brick we have to wait until they change the whole thing before they can find space to add a dishwasher ... but it is on the to-do list! Dan
Louis W from Germany staying in Treggiaia. Aug 2023
Treggiaia
“ Sommerferie 2023 ”
Vi havde et fantastisk ophold i villa Treggiaia. Rigtig fin velkomst og meget søde og hjælpsomme ejer som var meget opmærksomme på vores velbefindende.
Overraskede os med lækre pizza og grønsager.
Sanni & family from Denmark staying in Treggiaia. Aug 2023
Treggiaia
“ Tuscany Retreat ”
The property location was wonderful with views over to the Cliffs of Valdarno. Good to have air-conditioning in the house, but as it was so hot would have been nice to have this downstairs as well for the evenings.
Niccolo was very helpful and made sure we had everything we need. Very nice to receive a bottle of Chianti which was wonderful and the treat of the arrival of occasional plates of canapés from the owners.
Location generally was good just than everywhere is a reasonable drive of about an hour or so if you want to see the main sites.
Thank you to the owners for being so welcoming.
Chris W. and family staying in Treggiaia. Jul 2023
Treggiaia
“ Lovely holiday at Treggiaia ”
Enjoyed a lovely time at Treggiaia. Very comfortable villa with beautiful pool and outdoor facilities. Spectacular views and privacy added to our enjoyment and the warm welcome from Laura, the owner, and her grandson, Niccolo, made it more personal. Friendly and professional experience from ‘Invitation to Tuscany’ made us feel valued clients.
Susan and family staying in Treggiaia. Jun 2023
Treggiaia
“ Just a perfect vacation ”
We have a great and relaxing time in this beautiful villa surrounded by beautiful countryside. The location is perfect for trips to Florence, Siena, Arezzo, etc. A nice walk in the Le Balze nature reserve is also recommended. Many thanks to our very nice and helpful hosts Niccoló and his grandma. We'd love to come back. Kind regards Nicole, Helmut, Hannah and Emma
Helmut and family from Germany staying in Treggiaia. Jun 2023
Treggiaia
“ Prachtige omgeving ”
Heel mooi prachtig in de heuvel gelegen huis. Ontvangst door eigenaar was zeer aangenaam zeer vriendelijke en gastvrije mensen. Groot zwembad waar vanuit het uitzicht schitterend is. Huis zeer schoon en comfortabele. Dit is zeker een aanrader.
Sandra K from Netherlands staying in Treggiaia. Sep 2022
Treggiaia
“ Beautiful converted Barn with fabulous panoramic views ”
Our hosts greeted us with a lovely warm smile that set the tone for our stay. The accommodation exceeded our expectations, the pool was lovely and a reasonable size for the four of us to mess around in and the views across the vineyards were amazing. The location is quite remote and we were tempted to give 4/5 for this as it frustrated a little at times (hyper market 15 min drive) but in fairness if you book accommodation in the Tuscan hills what do you expect?! . Our hosts live adjacent to the property and would just check on us from time to time which was lovely, otherwise we barely saw anyone. A great spot to stay if you are visiting Florence as we did- It’s around 40 mins in the car and the road was clear each time we made the trip. Arezzo is also worth a look to the south.
Kevin staying in Treggiaia. Aug 2022
Treggiaia
“ Wonderful Location ”
Delightful stay at Treggiaia. Perfectly located for exploring Sienna, Florence (take the train from San Giovanni Valdarno - much easier than driving), San Gimignano etc. Great pool and very comfortable villa. The little things that make a difference - very well researched local restaurant suggestions take the guess work out. And a very welcome selection of antipasti provided to welcome us from our lovely hosts along with a lovely bottle of Chianti Classico. Really love the independent and friendly nature of Dan and team at invitation to Tuscany. What are you waiting for ? Book now!
Chris and family from UK staying in Treggiaia. Aug 2022
Treggiaia
“ We returned to Treggiaia after 19 years ”
We returned to Treggiaia after 19 years and it was as lovely as we’d remembered and a perfect place to bring our kids to get away from it all for a week.
The house is beautiful and the views are breathtaking. Outside, the terrace is a perfect place for eating together with lovely views of the sunset. The swimming pool is idyllic and the two parasols provide plenty of shade.
We appreciated the air conditioning in the bedrooms at night time, too. La Treggiaia is a great base from which to explore Tuscany, with Lucca, Florence, Siena and Arezzo all within easy reach by car. Definitely recommend hiring bikes in Lucca! We had a very warm welcome from Niccolò and Signora Matassini and have already booked to return next year. Thank you for a lovely holiday. Ci vediamo l’anno prossimo!
K from UK staying in Treggiaia. Jul 2022
Treggiaia
“ A lovely relaxing place to stay ”
Our family had a wonderful stay at Treggiaia. The location is beautiful and the views exceptional. The lovely pool and tennis court meant we could keep cool and do a bit of exercise even on lazy days.
The station is only a short drive away meaning trips to Florence were easy to do. The owners were nearby and very charming and helpful.
Sarah Jordan & family from UK staying in Treggiaia. Jul 2022
Treggiaia
“ A great place to recharge ”
Amazing stay, in a nice secluded environment, a great place to recharge. Very nice owners they are very attentive to details. Would love to visit again soon!
Richard from NL staying in Treggiaia. May 2022
Treggiaia
“ Great stay ”
The villa was a perfect stay, a bit out of the way but very peaceful.
Pool was amazing and Niccólo was incredibly helpful.
Air-conditioning in rooms was great and the villa had everything we needed.
Would recommend going back but make sure to have some itinerary items planned in advance so you know where to travel!
We went to Florence, San Gimigano, Siena and the Chianti region.
Thanks again! Danny and Hannah
Danny and Hannah staying in Treggiaia. May 2022
Treggiaia
“ Geweldige accommodatie! ”
We hebben 2 schitterende vakantie weken gehad in dit prachtige huis. Zwembad was fantastisch. Veel gebruik gemaakt van de mooi gelegen tennisbaan. Adembenemend uitzicht!
Alex from NL staying in Treggiaia. Jun 2022
Treggiaia
“ We had a most wonderful time in Treggiaia ”
We had a most wonderful time in Treggiaia. The location was perfect for us. Close enough to reach bigger cities and do sight seeing and out in the country for a restful holiday. The house was well equipped and the pool was lovely and well looked after. We also made use of the Tennis court which was great to have. The host family were an absolute delight. Very helpful with information and giving us a fantastic Tuscan experience. We enjoyed Treggiaia for its peacefulness and natural beauty. We had great fun exploring the surrounding villages and having day trips to Siena, Arrezzo and other places. Can’t really recommend any restaurants as we ate “at home” each night. Would certainly recommend it to other people.
Thank you also for being in touch with us before we went and sending us all the useful information and directions - it was much appreciated and helpful.
J. McN from UK staying in Treggiaia. Mar 2019
Treggiaia
“ .....cannot recommend it highly enough ”
We had an absolutely wonderful time staying in Treggiaia and cannot recommend it highly enough. It was exactly what we hoped for when we imagined our trip to Tuscany. Set in beautiful countryside but within easy reach of Florence and other gems like Siena and San Gimignano, it was the perfect spot for exploring the area - although we also enjoyed our lazy days by the pool. The villa itself was charming and perfect for our needs (the pictures don't do it justice). What really made it such a special place to stay was the hosts, who made us feel welcome and at ease from the moment of our arrival. They were on hand whenever we needed them (for tourism tips or delicious homemade snacks) but very respectful of our privacy at all times.
We fully endorse the other reviews and comments on this site. If you are looking to get away from the stress of work and unwind in a beautiful scenery - or if you are looking for a base to explore Tuscan culture - this is the perfect spot. And the people are lovely too. We would definitely go back again.
H.C. staying in Treggiaia. Dec 2018
Treggiaia
“ We would definitely stay there again ”
We stayed at La Treggiaia at the beginning of June to celebrate my Mum's 60th birthday. We couldn't recommend it enough - the villa was the ideal base for a relaxing holiday exploring Tuscany.
The location is beautiful, overlooking the valley from the side terrace and surrounded by the grounds of the owners' farmhouse. The barn conversion has been done very tastefully and is spotlessly clean, the photos don't do it justice!
The owners were so welcoming, bringing over homemade bruschetta and answering any questions we had. We would definitely stay there again.
L.E. and family, UK staying in Treggiaia. Sep 2018
Treggiaia
“ We absolutely love Treggiaia ”
We absolutely love Treggiaia. The house is perfect, the pool is to die for and the surrounding scenery is wonderful. We have stayed twice now. The family really look after you, bringing little homemade treats for you. There are a couple of lovely restaurants in the nearby villages which are not too expensive. The train station is about 10 minutes away so a trip to Florence is a must. We were very fortunate this year to see the grape harvest taking place which is something we were in awe of !! Invitation to Tuscany are our "go to" company for our Italian holidays :-)
J.P. and family, UK staying in Treggiaia. Feb 2017
Treggiaia
“ We greatly enjoyed our holiday at Treggiaia ”
We greatly enjoyed our holiday at Treggiaia. It is a delightful property in a delightful spot, with a splendid pool and attentive owners on hand (who provided everything from fresh linen to fresh apricots!). There is a lovely covered terrace for outdoor eating, with nice views and complete privacy, with a tennis court on hand too. Being able to go to Florence and Arezzo by train from the local station was a real bonus (though finding parking at the station was a bit of a problem). As it was a heatwave throughout our stay, the air conditioning in the bedrooms was especially welcome.The house amenities, while quite adequate, do need a bit of refreshing though. For example, the bed had a protruding spring, and there were no dishes for the oven (though one was supplied immediately when we asked for it). But these are minor quibbles in relation to an exceptionally lovely property.
The location is somewhat off the usual tourist trail, which meant that only Italian was spoken locally and there is not the range of restaurants or other amenities that might normally be expected. What would have been really useful was a visitors' book (which is nearly always provided in properties we have stayed in) in which people can recommend places to visit, eat etc. There was some basic information provided by the property itself, but the absence of a visitors' book was a significant omission in terms of advice on where to go and what to do, especially useful in a less visited area.
But the main verdict is emphatically positive. It is a wonderful property. We would also add that it has been refreshing dealing with a travel company that delivers such a helpful and personal service to its clients.
Thank you very much for your comments about Treggiaia - we'll raise your points with the owner via email and also when we visit in September, and will also help her make a more complete house book, we have templates for that! Thanks, Dan W.
T.W. staying in Treggiaia. Oct 2017
Treggiaia
“ ...the holiday was really enjoyable and care-free ”
My family and I spent a lovely holiday in Tuscany last week, staying at Treggiaia. I just want to let you know that the service we received from 'Invitation to Tuscany' was excellent and pass on my thanks to you and the team. While we where there, the property owner, Michela, was also fantastic. She could not have been more accommodating and helpful, which made the holiday a real pleasure. To name but a few examples: after we enquired about the curtains in the bedrooms (due to a light-sleeping baby) she arranged for blackout blinds to be professionally installed in the bedroom in the few hours between the previous guests departing and our arrival. She also lent us her mother's microwave to sterilise baby milk bottles, and ensured the house was immaculate, including fresh flowers and some provisions for our first night, in case we hadn't had time to visit the shops. All in all, the holiday was really enjoyable and care-free for the whole family; I wouldn't hesitate in recommending 'Invitation to Tuscany'.
Mr. I.H. and family, UK staying in Treggiaia. Feb 2015
Treggiaia
“ We very much enjoyed our stay at Treggiaia ”
We very much enjoyed our stay at Treggiaia. The Villa itself is beautiful, very well equipped and comfortable, pool and garden area fantastic. The owner Michaela was very friendly and on hand when necessary - especially as we arrived late! All in all we were really happy with our choice and we would recommend Treggiaia as a lovely place to stay and explore Arezzo. We intend to come back out again this year and would not hesitate to rebook.
Mr. J.K. and family, UK staying in Treggiaia. Dec 2015
Treggiaia
“ We had a wonderful and relaxing week at Treggiaia.. ”
We had a wonderful and relaxing week at Treggiaia - couldn’t fault it at all!
The weather fantastic, so much so that other than a couple of trips to COOP, we only went to Florence (took the train - fantastic!) and Arezzo . . . and of course the Prada outlet!
Spent the rest of the time playing tennis, swimming and generally chilling out by the pool which was exactly what we all needed. Steve also hired a road bike from Greve and had a great time exploring the area on two wheels.
Nonna and her grandson were lovely and very welcoming. The welcome goodies were very gratefully received as were Nonna’s bruschettas on Sunday morning.
As always, everyone at Invitation to Tuscany make it so easy and stress-free to arrange a holiday, it’s a pleasure to book with you.
Thanks again
Mr. and Mrs. S.E. and family, UK staying in Treggiaia. Dec 2016
Alta
“ Lovely stay ”
Thank you for the lovely stay! The view is amazing, we saw the best sunset from across the villa. The villa was easy to find and the restaurant nearby is an absolute must-try, the pasta and steak are delicious. Flavia was very helpful and friendly, she even helped us find a place for dinner and offered great suggestions, thank you!
Victoria staying in Alta. Dec 2024
Alta
“ A must do experience ”
Perched atop a mountain overlooking numerous cities and rolling terrain, it is hard to imagine anyone being disappointed. This villa estate has been owned by the same caring and dedicated family for many, many years. Their efforts to ensure all our needs were accommodated were Herculean. Would we stay there again ... absolutely! Rent a car or minibus within walking distance of of the Montecatini-Monsummano train station, because timely service from taxis down and back up the mountain could be challenging. Our group of 6 loved the remoteness, with convenient access to nearby small cities and wineries. The onsite restaurant (open Thurs-Sunday) is a "must do" experience. Special thanks to family owners Flavia and Julio for tending to our unique needs. mark
Mark, Ohio staying in Alts. Oct 2024
Casa Carina
“ What a fabulous villa! ”
We had a wonderful holiday in Casa Carina, what a fabulous villa! Comfortable stylish with the most magnificent views. Mario was invaluable! He welcomed us and guided us up the steep but manageable path to the idyllic venue set on two levels with the pool which was a delight to regularly jump in and cool down. Our week was so peaceful, relaxing and enjoyable, Mario gave us such a warm and kind helpful welcome. Thank you Mario! Would highly recommend. A 5 star experience.
Alison, UK staying in Casa Carina. Aug 2024
Casa Carina
“ Lovely villa and host (beware the driveway) ”
We stayed a week at Casa Carina in early October, and had a wonderful time. The villa itself is spacious and charming (save the disconcerting ceramic mask on the wall), and its best feature is the covered veranda with a beautiful view across the valley to the nearby villages of Colelungo and Morre. I thoroughly recommend relaxing there as the sun sets, sipping wine and listening to the local wildlife (we heard cicadas, crickets, owls, other birds of prey, and wild boar) and watching the bats chase down the insects.
Mario is a lovely host and could not do enough for us. HIs wife made us some delicious lasagne and tiramisu which were waiting for us on our arrival along with a couple of bottles of local wine. Mario also offered to stock the villa with supplies from the local supermarket if we had so wished. He brought us firewood when we wanted it, and kindly took the time to make recommendations of local walks and restaurants, and to walk with us about the local agriculture (olives and vineyards). We happenned to be there around the start of the grape harvest, so he obtained a bottle of mosto from his friend and brought it to us (it was very tasty).
I have very few negative comments about our stay: The fixings of the toilet seat had been broken by a previous guest, and it would have been nice if the seat did not move about so much, but I believe that Mario was still looking for the necessary parts to fix it, so that's understandable. I would echo the comments made by other guests about the driveway. It takes about 8 minutes to get from the house to the main road, and he driveway is steep and heavily rutted in places, covered with loose stones and dust. We had a front-wheel drive rental car, which coped with it all, but I am glad the rental car came to us with considerable pre-existing scratches and dents, because I did not have to worry too much about chipping the paintwork on it. I would not have wanted to drive a shiny new car up and down that driveway, and rear-wheel drive would be a no-no. Apart from laying rough concrete for the length of the driveway, I'm not sure there's much that Mario could do about it. Overall, we had a wonderful week, thanks in no small part to Mario's kindness and readiness to help. I have no hesitation in recommending Casa Carina to all. But Mario, please get rid of the ceramic baby's-face mask to the right of the fireplace; I'm still having nightmares about it! ;-)
Andrew, UK staying in Casa Carina. Sep 2024
Casa Carina
“ Beautiful Stay ”
Casa Carina was everything we hoped it would be.
It’s a wonderful, peaceful, beautiful location. Despite the heat of August, the house wasn’t too hot.
Mario was an excellent host - he helped us with the drive leading up to the house, and was incredibly friendly and welcoming. He even helped with an issue with our car, and gave our girls the opportunity to meet his horses.
Altogether we had a wonderful time and could not fault it.
Priscilla and family from the UK staying in Casa Carina. Aug 2024
Casa Carina
“ A True Umbrian Escape ”
Casa Carina is a smaller villa full of rustic charm, located well off the beaten track. We had a super week here, surrounded by the sights and sounds of unspoiled nature - in particular there were lots of butterflies. The pool was ideal, very refreshing on a hot day and the villa had pleasant outdoor spaces to relax and unwind, along with pretty walks on the doorstep. There was ample room for the four of us (good to have the two en-suite bathrooms) and we experienced it all in some of the best and worst weather. We were glad we to have a pack of cards and decent TV with Casting option when the rain was pouring down and the wind was howling!
Mario was an excellent host, always responsive and able to offer help and advice as required. We were very grateful to have a selection of wine and groceries waiting for us on our arrival after a long day of travelling. The kitchen could have been slightly better equipped but it was adequate for our needs. We cooked a few meals ourselves and also enjoyed eating out at a couple of excellent local restaurants (Osteria La Cruccola in Acqualoreto and Kairos in Izzalini).
We made trips to Todi (the nearest town), Assisi, Orvieto and Florence (a long but brilliant day). The duomo in Orvieto was particularly awe-inspiring! We visited Trebotti organic winery on our return from Orvieto for a fascinating tour and tasting experience. Definitely recommend!
Do heed the advice regarding the track to the villa - it has some extremely steep gradients to negotiate which are not for the faint hearted! A 4x4 would cope fine (would definitely recommend), but if you have a front wheel drive hatchback like we did then you might want to disable the traction control when you leave the main road. We got used to it though and it's worth the effort for the view when you get there - all part of the adventure!
Angela from UK staying in Casa Carina. Aug 2023
La Ronda
“ It was all that we could have hoped for ”
We had a wonderful time. It is indeed a lovely spot. It was all that we could have hoped for. The views and location were beautiful. Quiet, relaxing and comfortable. Antonella was so friendly, kind and helpful. Luciano , the chef, was wonderful and our meal was delicious and our cooking lesson was superb! We also enjoyed our tour of the cellars and wine tasting. Elena was great. The train to Florence was easy to get and Florence was everything we thought it would be. We were lucky enough to get a lift back up from Pontassieve to our accommodation. That would be the only drawback if you don’t have a car and have spent a whole day walking around Florence. We lucked out though! It was a perfect few days so thank you.
Laura & Emma from UK staying in La Ronda. Apr 2024
Modernista
“ Modernista's location is perfect ”
11 days, 2 families, 4 adults. Large 1950's stylish family house with super, airy living/ dining space and well equipped kitchen. Suite of beds and bathrooms in two wings giving good separation and privacy. Fantastic views, fabulous olive orchard and garden, good sized pool, seating everywhere, complete privacy, quiet, peaceful, 360* sun/ shade facing all day. Just a stroll away from a small, beautiful, (non-touristy, non-commercial) village centre with cafe-shop for basic amenities (bread and pastries, etc) and great restaurant, Le Cantine. Arezzo is full of character with more excellent restaurants and a hypermarket. Modernista's location is perfect for the many touristy sights but we couldn't really drag ourselves away from such a chill-out space.
Nigel S. staying in Modernista. Jun 2024
Modernista
“ I cannot recommend it enough ”
Let me start by saying that I have had the pleasure of staying in many villas throughout Italy. I have to say my stay at Modernista was joyous the property was better than I anticipated. The rooms were airy and modern and the pool was a great resource. The location in the small town of Peregine Valdarno was perfect enabling us to walk into the town for basic shopping and the bar in the evening and the restaurant. Yet it was only a short drive away from Florence and Siena. Our hosts were attentive and helpful and in no way intrusive. The whole region is wonderful and for me Certona was an unexpected bonus as was Civitella. Modernista helped me connect with Italians and the Italian ways in a way I have not been able to from other tourist type villas. I cannot recommend it enough.
Mr. T.M. with family and friends, UK staying in Modernista. Feb 2015
Casa Allioni
“ Rustic Tuscan farmhouse in stunning setting ”
Another lovely stay at Casa Allioni, such peace and tranquility in a beautiful rural setting with stunning views but within walking distance of good restaurants and within easy drive of the attractions of Florence, Siena and Arezzo. Beverly is a great host, so helpful and knowledgeable of the area, always willing to assist with restaurants bookings etc. A great place to relax and enjoy all Tuscany has to offer.
Pauline, UK staying in Casa Allioni. Sep 2024
Casa Allioni
“ A great introduction to Tuscany ”
We had a great week in August at Casa Allioni. The farmhouse is charming, with easily enough space for our family of five, and set in beautiful countryside. We really enjoyed eating outside (the house has several options for this) and taking in the stunning views in all directions. The pool (a few steps up from the house) was fantastic.Beverly is a great host - welcoming, knowledgeable and full of suggestions on what to see in the area that she knows so well - and we we were even lucky to able to enjoy tomatoes from her garden. We found trips to Siena, Arezzo and Montalcino all within easy reach and there are several nice restaurants nearby.
Alex & family from UK staying in Casa Allioni. Aug 2023
Casa Allioni
“ Million-dollar views! ”
We had a fantastic fortnight. Beverly is a wonderful source of local information and restaurant recommendations. The pool and house have beautiful views across the Arno valley. The location is great, with Florence, Arezzo, Cortona and Siena all within easy distance by car or train.
Susan & family staying in Casa Allioni. Aug 2023
Casa Allioni
“ A real Tuscan rural retreat ”
Just enjoyed a lovely week at Casa Alloni. The farmhouse is in a wonderful setting, amazing views from every part of the property but the view from the farmhouse kitchen was my favourite.
It was ideally located for exploring, Florence, Siena, Arezzo and the Chianti region.
Beverly and Mango were really welcoming and made us feel right at home. Beverly was very helpful with her local knowledge and provided us with info on train times, places to visit, where to eat and shop.
Local restaurants were excellent. The pool is lovely, an excellent place to relax and enjoy the views and soak up the atmosphere of rural Tuscany. Would highly recommend this Tuscan farmhouse experience.
Pauline & family staying in Casa Allioni. Jun 2023
Casa Allioni
“ Wonderful stay at Casa Allioni ”
Casa Allioni is exactly what we were looking for….Tuscan villa, privacy, swimming pool, easy access to restaurants, and sightseeing.
Beverly (the owner) lives on the property (in a separate apartment over a detached garage) but as she says,..she tries to remain invisible at all times…which she is. However she is most pleasant, knowable, interesting, helpful, fluent in Italian and English as she is originally from America.
The villa is fully equipped…especially the kitchen. Has a washing machine available to guests. The pool is excellent, very private and has a magnificent view of Tuscany.
Wonderful place to stay!
Kenneth and family staying in Casa Allioni. May 2023
Casa Allioni
“ Fantastic family holiday ”
I just wanted to let you know that we had an absolutely fantastic family holiday last August in Casa Allioni. The house and pool were just perfect for us and we enjoyed a nice combination of pool days and sightseeing trips to the neighboring towns and villages. Post covid it was the ideal holiday to show our children such a beautiful region - their favorites were the local restaurants Perbacco and Osteria dei Vignaioli !
Beverly was an excellent host and made us feel completely at home throughout our stay. We found the facilities at the house to be of a high standard, in particular the kitchen is well equipped. Overall we had a really super holiday - thank you !
J. D. from UK staying in Casa Allioni. Jul 2022
Casa Allioni
“ A Tuscan getaway ”
We had a lovely week staying at Casa Allioni, it had all of the rustic charm you would hope for. From the exceptional Tuscan views to the wonderful hospitality provided by Beverley who was always discreetly on hand to ensure our stay was as comfortable and enjoyable as we could possibly want. For a self catering experience this was one of the best properties we have ever stayed at, everything you could possibly need was available, a real plus. The pool was lovely too with plenty of shady corners for when things got a bit warm. The wildlife that often frequented the grounds at dusk and dawn added to the charm making for a totally lovely and unforgettable stay the whole family would totally recommend, definitely worth a revisit.
Ian and family staying in Casa Allioni. Jul 2022
Casa Allioni
“ Fantastic Stay at Casa Allioni ”
We had a lovely week’s holiday as Casa Allioni. The house is a home from home complete with lovely Mango the cat. There are beautiful views across the valley from the house and the pool, making it an excellent sunbathing spot! It’s a great place to explore some of the main attractions of Tuscany - Siena, Perugia, Florence etc. more locally there are very pretty villages to explore. Beverly made us feel very welcome in her home and we would love to come back - it was an amazing week that flew by!
Bridget and family staying in Casa Allioni. Sep 2022
Casa Allioni
“ Amazing ”
My family spent a lovely week in this quintessential Tuscan villa built in the 1600s. Beverly was a wonderful host and had some essentials and fruits and flowers waiting for us on arrival. She helped us to arrange a cooking lesson with Martina and Victoria that culminated in a beautiful dinner on the outside dining area that we will remember forever. We traveled to many local sites including Siena, Cortona, Assisi and Arezzo. The pool was beautiful and a nice respite from the heat and the house was rustic in a Tuscan way, yet very comfortable and spacious. I highly recommend this place and would encourage you to come and stay as long as possible. We hope to be back someday!
Una M from USA staying in Casa Allioni. Jun 2022
Casa Allioni
“ This is a 5-Star review for a 5-star experience ”
We had the great pleasure of staying at Casa Allioni for a week in August ’21 and it was fantastic. The house and grounds perched on top of the hill overlooking the valley is a breathtaking sight. The home has been beautifully restored keeping the history alive but offering all of the amenities you would expect at home. The pool offered a nice respite from the travels to the towns in this magnificent area. The house is also a short walk from the village with two very good restaurants.
Beverly’s place is a great value considering all that is offered and that can be enjoyed. She is also a fantastic hostess and the benefit of her being around the week we visited was wonderful. She helped us arrange a few catered dinners and the work the team did for my wife’s birthday will never be forgotten by all of us in attendance.
Beverly thank you and we have officially adopted you into our clan and look forward to another visit soon. This is a 5-Star review for a 5-star experience.
P.C. and family staying in Casa Allioni. Aug 2022
Casa Allioni
“ A “classic” Tuscany house updated to meet your modern expectations! ”
Imagine a “classic” Tuscany house updated to meet your modern expectations! Casa Allioni has all that, except for a/c. We found during our month there in August/September, that even hot days spent at the beautiful pool, gave way to cooler evenings easily managed with fans. The setting is beautiful, with views of hillsides, olive groves, and vineyards all around. Location ideal for access within an hour to many sights. The owner, Beverly, was super concerned about our comfort, and extremely pleasant and easy to have around when she was there. She’s also good for getting advice about local stuff. Restaurant at bottom of hill is wonderful, but not walkable for anyone who has trouble going back uphill after a meal.
K.T. from USA staying in Casa Allioni.
Casa Allioni
“ Traumhaftes Haus ”
Es war alles perfekt. Das Anwesen, das Haus, der Pool, die Aussicht. Es hat alles gepasst. Beverly, die Vermieterin, war sehr nett und hilfsbereit und hatte immer gute Tips, was Sehenswürdigkeiten und Restaurants angeht. Wir kommen gerne wieder.
S. Z. from Germany staying in Casa Allioni. Aug 2021
Casa Allioni
“ ...our week at Casa Allioni was the highlight ”
Our family has returned to the US. What memories we have of our 3 weeks in Italy. We all agree that our week at Casa Allioni was the highlight. You are a gracious hostess. Thank you! The cooking lesson with Gabriella & Antonio was such fun and delicious. Martina & Victoria’s dinner on Friday evening will be a beautiful memory for all of us. Visiting your local olive oil & wine store with you was fun along with the side trip to Pergine. The view from your home was breathtaking. We could have stayed a lot longer!!! It was such a pleasure to meet you. We all hope to return someday.....so we’ll see you all soon. Take care of yourself. All our best, Jill and Dan S. PS - A big “thank you” to JoAnne for recommending and setting up our visit to the Felsina Winery. Beautiful setting, great wines. Thank you!
J.S. from US staying in Casa Allioni. Dec 2019
Casa Allioni
“ ...the pics do not do the place justice ”
thank you so much for recommending this beautiful villa to us. We could not be happier. Beverly is the perfect hostess, and the pics do not do the place justice.
K.L. staying in Casa Allioni. Feb 2018
Casa Allioni
“ ...everything we hoped for ”
To celebrate a special birthday a group of four of us stayed in Casa Allioni for a week. It was everything we hoped for. The villa itself is both spacious and homely. There are a number of good outdoor spaces with great views to relax and unwind. The pool is fantastic, big enough for all of us to enjoy, in privacy. The village is nearby at the bottom of the hill, there is a small grocery shop adjacent to a restaurant; on most days it’s open from 8am to 12.30, then 4.30 to 7pm. The owner of the villa, Beverly, is very friendly and helped us out when we had any questions. As it’s the countryside, do come prepared for mosquito bites! The products we brought from the UK didn’t seem to deter the pests, so you may need to buy something local. We were very happy we chose Casa Allioni for our holiday, it was a special stay, and can highly recommend it.
M.K. family and friends staying in Casa Allioni. Dec 2018
Casa Allioni
“ The Villa was terrific and exactly as advertised ”
the Villa was terrific and exactly as advertised. My family had a wonderful time and the views and surrounding areas were terrific. I will be back!!
Lyn did a wonderful job helping to prepare for my mother’s party and special thanks to Beverly Katz and Martina for all their help as well.
Perfect holiday, great house.
Thanks again!
AJB from Singapore staying in Casa Allioni. May 2018
Casa Allioni
“ It was so hard to leave... ”
Hard to believe we've been home for over a week. It was so hard to leave Beverly's Hill!
Here are some highlights....
due to travel challenges, we arrived very late at night. Nevertheless, Beverly was there to help us find our way to the villa and welcome us to the area. She was exceptionally welcoming and available for whatever we needed. We even had some essentials in the fridge and pantry to tide us over until we could make it to the market.
when we awoke the next morning, the scene outside the kitchen Windows was spectacular! The best part of this beautiful villa.
we really loved the convenience of the small market and fabulous restaurants right at the bottom of the hill (Perbacco and the Osteria).
we spent a day traveling to Arezzo. Definitely something to see.
travel to Firenze is really convenient. We rented a car and had no issues.
the cooking lesson / meal at the villa by Martina was a real treat!
the villa is very comfortable. Plenty of space, inside and out. The pool was our favorite place to hang out as it had the best views.
Beverly is a lovely and generous host. She made the week real special for us.
I would recommend this rental to anyone!
K.B. and family staying in Casa Allioni. Nov 2016
Casa Allioni
“ ...even better than the promotional literature described ”
Service rating : Information received prior to our holiday was exactly what was required. Some good local information that was not available in the tour books and a real personal service from the staff at Invitation to Tuscany Ltd. Product: Casa Allioni was even better than the promotional literature described. Ideally situated on the hill with beautiful views overlooking the valley. We often sat on the terrace watching the stars, whilst drinking the local wine and eating the sumptious olives grown nearby.
Beverley was an amazing host. She was not overbearing, but we knew she was nearby if needed. A truly lovely person.
The house itself was beautiful inside and out with a wonderful rustic charm. The kitchen was our favourite room and inspired my wife and I to create some local dishes (the olive oil flowed).
We visited many of the local sights including Sienna and San Gimignano. I would though recommend a trip to Arezzo, which was not visited by as many tourists.
We only stayed a week, we wished it could have been longer.
Anonymous staying in Casa Allioni. Feb 2017
Casa Allioni
“ We loved our stay at Casa Alliona ”
We loved our stay at Casa Alliona. Beverley was a perfect host and even though she lives part time in her independent studio she kept to herself. We did invite her for wine and canapes one evening and found her most interesting as she told us about her husband who had written several books on WW2 in Rome where she now resides. Very handy for day trips and our only regret was that we didn't spend more time in the villa!
Anonymous staying in Casa Allioni. Dec 2016
Casa Allioni
“ .....a lovely family home ”
Casa allioni is a lovely family home with beautiful views within walking distance of several restaurants. We especially enjoyed the cookery book collection, the film library, pictures, pool and being surrounded by vines and olives. The owner is very generous with her own produce and we delighted in her wine, olive oil, tomatoes and figs. Arezzo and Siena are within easy driving distance and with a motorway fairly close it was easy to get to Florence. We have two criticisms, the first is that the directions to find the house were not very good although the owner very helpfully came to find us and the other concerned the beds and bedding for whilst perfectly adequate it would have been nice to have pure cotton sheets and better mattresses.
Anonymous guests staying in Casa Allioni. Mar 2011
Casa Allioni
“ ...thoroughly enjoyed our restful stay at allioni ”
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our restful stay at allioni. Beverly, the owner, was very welcoming and went out of her way to make sure that we were comfortable in our home away from home. She even took us on a short tour of Pieve a Presciano and a neighboring town, pointing out restaurants, the pharmacy, and markets. This lovely home exudes all that Tuscany means to us--perfect vistas out every door and window of olive trees, grape vines, wildflowers and rolling hills. Gardens and pots of geraniums, petunias, and herbs abound. We love t o cook and the kitchen was not only well-equipped with modern appliances, but was also warm and inviting in a typically Tuscan way. It was thoughtfully stocked with staples, spices, condiments, olive oil from the casa and "first night food”. After walking to and from the village for lunch, in the evening, we grilled some delicious meals in the outdoor wood burning oven and enjoyed eating them outside under the spacious loggia. In addition, Allioni is perfectly located for trips to arezzo, Firenze, and Siena--even Montalcino is not too far for a day trip. There is a small train station very nearby which is on the main line to and from Rome and Firenze. The pool area is lovely--too bad it was still too cool during our visit to properly enjoy. We were appreciative instead of the availability of firewood and several crackling fires in the living room fireplace.
Mr. and Mrs. P.S., USA staying in Casa Allioni. Dec 2012
Casa Allioni
“ ...a simply stunning villa in a fantastic location ”
Our family stayed at the very beautiful Casa Allioni in July 2012. It is a simply stunning villa in a fantastic location.The villa has all the creature comforts you would want to find with so many extras. This might be due to the fact that this is someones home rather than a holiday let but this doesn't make you feel uncomfortable or intrusive in anyway. We marvelled at the way the owner had furnished the villa and the many artistic touches which felt so Tuscan. My daughter felt that the pictures on the website didn't do the villa justice and I would agree.The pool is fantastic. We were lucky to come during a heatwave and without the pool, the stay would have been very uncomfortable but instead we were able to spend every day playing in the pool after our brief sightseeing tours to nearby Siena and Florence or indeed trip to the Prada outlet store which is only down the road (we only walked in, looked at the price tags and walked back out again but each to their own..).There is a great outdoor dining table where you do want to have your dinner in the evening if you are eating in, if not, there are plenty of restaurants in the little village down the road which was also so nice! And hardly any other tourists.The owner, Beverly, absolutely added to our stay. Not only is she a very interesting and clearly giving person but also organised a cooking lesson for us all as well as a wine tasting evening with extras. We loved both.We hope to one day return.
Mrs. A.M. and family, UK staying in Casa Allioni. Mar 2012
Casa Allioni
“ ..larger than expected and very comfortable ”
The villa was larger than expected and very comfortable. The boys particularly enjoyed both the pool (which was very well maintained and kept clean) and the extensive DVD collection. Beverly, the owner, was present and available to call on for advice throughout our stay which we found helpful. The views from the villa were breathtaking and truly Tuscan. A short walk provided us with both a local grocery shop and two local restaurants which served lovely food. Thank you for a relaxing stay.
Ms. T.R. and family, UK staying in Casa Allioni. Jul 2012
Casa Allioni
“ ...such an interesting and beautifully restored villa ”
What a fabulous location and such an interesting and beautifully restored villa. Many a peaceful hour was spent in the shade of the loggia, interspersed with dips in the pool. The villa has marvellous views and is situated close to Pieve a Presciano which has two good restaurants, with many more in the vicinity. Beverly, the owner, was a warm, engaging and generous hostess - welcome pack of food, wine and her olive oil, access to her vegetable garden and herb bed - and was concerned about our enjoyment and the quality of our experience. The villa is full of character and interest and was very comfortable, with many alternative locations for sitting and relaxing in the shade, or for enjoying the view. This part of Tuscany is less touristy than Chiantishire but is a good location for following the Piero della Francesca trail.
Mrs. J.C. and friends, New Zealand staying in Casa Allioni. Dec 2012
Casa Allioni
“ ...just a joy to stay at ”
We stayed for a week and Beverley was the most gracious and accommodating host. A wonderful villa with everything you could need or want for a week of rest and relaxation - just a joy to stay at. We would recommend to family and friends. We stayed with our three young children and have great memories of a fantastic week.
Mrs. E.B. and family, Australia staying in Casa Allioni. Feb 2013
Casa Allioni
“ Highly recommend ”
We are a family of 5 with teenage kids. My parents also joined and 7 people was a bit cramped. This would be perfect for 5-6 people. The house is at the top of a stone road and set amongst olive trees. The views are spectacular and the house has a rustic feel. A bit old fashioned but everything works and the setting is exceptional. The pool area is great too. Our only complaint was the flies and bugs but there is not a lot the owner Beverley could do about them! Beverley was really helpful and great company and full of stories of her interesting life in Italy. We did day trips to Sienna, Arezzo, and Florence, all easy to access. My daughter went horse riding 10 minutes away and we visited a local vineyard. Highly recommend.
Mr. M.S. and family, UK staying in Casa Allioni. Dec 2013
Casa Allioni
“ ...a beautiful place to end the day ”
From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, everything was perfect. We had a group of 5 and the house was a perfect size for us. The pictures don't do the views justice!!! From the beginning: The address did not register in our GPS, so we had t follow Beverly's directions, which were flawless. We arrived at around 8pm and Beverly had already stocked the kitchen with bottled water, yogurts, juice, cookies, bread, a bottle of bubbly and other essentials. It made it easy to avoid going to the store that night!!!! Beverly mentioned she was headed into town to meet a friend for dinner and asked if we wanted her to let the restaurant know we would be on our way. We went to dinner at Osteria dei Vignaioli and we greeted very warmly. My father-in-law was very excited by the smell from the kitchen, indicating that it reminded him of his grandmother's house growing up. This was one of the best meals we had in all of Tuscany. The Villa: Spectacular views, unique kitchen, great pool, Owner that goes above and beyond. The Location: At the top of a hill from town, the villa is a short, but challenging walk into town. In town, there are a couple restaurants, a bar and a small store. We drove to Siena, San Gimnano, Florence, Montepulciano and had a wine tour tasting Brunellos in the Montalcino regions. The highlight: Beverly's assistant came by with her mother to cook dinner for us. It was a fantastic and one of the best meals we had! They roasted chicken from her mother's farm, termpura fried vegetables, roasted potatoes, and a homemade apple tart. It was a great night!!! I would recommend this villa to anyone looking for relaxation, a beautiful place to end the day exploring Tuscany.
Anonymous guests staying in Casa Allioni. Mar 2013
Casa Allioni
“ A lovely home filled with charm ”
After two wonderful weeks, I cried when I had to leave Casa Allioni. A lovely home filled with charm. The accommodations are excellent: very comfy beds, spacious rooms, art filled walls, excellent kitchen and bathrooms. The farmhouse is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, wild flowers and wild life. The views were ever changing and beautiful, the pool refreshing and the air was sweet with spring blooms. Perfectly located to explore the three important Tuscan towns of Arezzo, Siena and Florence, plus the many lovely hilltop villages that Bella Italia has to offer. Kudos to all who make Casa Allioni such a wonderful spot.
Anonymous guests staying in Casa Allioni. Dec 2014
Casa Allioni
“ We loved our week at Casa Allioni ”
We loved our week at Casa Allioni. The setting, high above a tiny Tuscan hill town, was spectacular, amidst olive trees and ripened grapes (and a great pool), overlooking a beautiful valley and hills across the way. The house was beautiful -- 17th century charm with all the modern conveniences. The owner is incredibly helpful and generous. Definitely order in a meal your first day, and at least once more -- four courses of local ingredients and wine. Day trips to Sienna and Florence are expected, but also head for the Chianti Classico trail for an abundance of vineyards and tastings. We couldn't imagine a more idealic house to enjoy the wonders and beauty of Italy.
Manager Response: So pleased you enjoyed it! We love the view from the pool, with the house below and the hills stretching away into the distance!
Anonymous guests staying in Casa Allioni. Dec 2014
Casa Allioni
“ ...one week... it wasn't long enough! ”
My husband, 18 year old son and I stayed at Casa Allioni for one week, and it wasn't long enough!!! From the very first day, we knew that we were staying somewhere very special. Beverly went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable. Fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as coffee, milk, , bread yogurt and pasta were provided for us. The beds were crisp and comfortable, the movie selection was fantastic and the pool was delicious! It was just the place for escaping our busy every-day lives! We hope to return some day in the not-to-distant future!
Mrs. M.F. and family, USA staying in Casa Allioni. Feb 2015
Casa Allioni
“ What a wonderful spot... ”
What a wonderful spot high on the mountain with beautiful vistas of the Arno River Valley. Spacious, comfortable and convenient in the Casa; plenty of room for privacy. Beverly lives above the garage but you will hardly know she's there unless you need her. After house rentals around the world, we are done exploring. Hopefully we can rebook at Allioni ad infinitum...
Mr. C.H. and family, USA staying in Casa Allioni. Oct 2015
Casa Allioni
“ ...a quintessential Tuscan hilltop house ”
If you want to stay at a quintessential Tuscan hilltop house, choose Casa Allioni. Perched high on a hill overlooking olive groves and vineyards, this lovely stone house is perfect for a retreat with family or friends and well-located for day trips to most Tuscan destinations. The house is nicely decorated and very comfortable to be in, with all of the appliances necessary to make living easy. And, the owner couldn't be more helpful and friendly. You won't be sorry if you choose Casa Allioni.
Mrs. J.S. and friends, USA staying in Casa Allioni. Dec 2015
Casa Allioni
“ ...felt instantly at home ”
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Casa Allioni. We loved the house and felt instantly at home and comfortable. We took advantage of all of the outside seating options, and found that the pool was the perfect spot to cool off after a hot day. The location of this property was just right as a base for sightseeing trips to many of the Tuscan towns in the area, but we also enjoyed spending time in the village, shopping in the general store and eating at one of the restaurants. We appreciated the attentiveness of the property owner. She did not intrude in anyway, but was very willing to assist us, making sure that we knew that the village store would be open for a limited time on a public holiday, and helping with reservations for dinner. We will recommend this property to our friends.
Mrs. K.F. and family, UK staying in Casa Allioni. Nov 2012
Casa Allioni
“ ...exceeded all our dreams and expectations ”
We can't thank (the owner) enough for letting us stay in her beautiful home in Tuscany. It exceeded all our dreams and expectations. Not only were we graciously welcomed personally by her, we were delighted to have Martina cook for us on our first night in Tuscany. After traveling with young children, Martina alleviated the stress of having to shop and cook on our arrival. The food was amazing! The portions were generous! The prices were beyond reasonable! And the fact that Martina cleaned up too was a bonus to our first Tuscan experience. It was so amazing to me and my family that we had her come back two more times!
Her house is beautiful. She were so helpful and attentive to our needs. Her kindness made us feel like we were right at home. Taking us to the local store, helping us find a stroller (after we forgot ours in America), and making sure we had everything we needed was so genuine. And staying in Tuscany, swimming each day overlooking the Tuscan hillside was a dream come true! We will remember this week for the rest of our lives. We only hope to come back again and visit!.
Mrs. A.S. and family, USA staying in Casa Allioni. Feb 2012
Casa Allioni
“ We loved staying at Casa Allioni ”
We loved staying at Casa Allioni calling it home during our two weeks in Tuscany. The house is located in a great area and close to all the cities that we visited, and we did see quite a few. We especially loved visiting Arezzo; in fact, we went there twice. Other cities that were special to us were Florence, Sienna, Anghiari and La Verna.
Casa Allioni was certainly what we needed during our time in that region-------waking up each morning and opening our kitchen windows to view the fog coming through the mountains was inspiring. The house itself was very comfortable, and the gardens were so welcoming and restful. Loved the fact that we were able to use some of the herbs that were left in the vegetable garden. Even though we didn't take advantage of the pool, we did spend time sitting around it......Bella!!!!
Our hostess, Beverly Katz, was very helpful and introduced us to Pieve a Presciano our very first day there. She was always available for questions and hints about the area. We took advantage of the well-stock grocery store right at the bottom of our road, and we loved dining at Il Cacciatore, 15 minutes from our house on the way to Arezzo and The Osteria right in Pieve a Presciano. I would recommend both of them very highly.
Mrs. T.M. and family, USA staying in Casa Allioni. May 2013
Casa Allioni
“ ...an amazing two weeks at Casa Allioni ”
We had an amazing two weeks at Casa Allioni. Nestled on a hillside covered with vineyards, olive trees, wild flowers and wild life, we felt as if had landed in an Italian rustic paradise. The accommodations were perfect. The beds were incredibly comfortable; sheets and towels in abundance; an excellent kitchen; lovely farm tables for eating indoors and out. Casa Allioni is not a typical vacation rental, it is someone's home that is filled with eclectic art work and tasteful furnishings. The views from the pool and the terraces are magnificent, and we spent many an evening sipping wine and watching the sunset over the mountains and fields below us. The location is fabulous. We took day trips to Arezzo, Sienna and Florence. Spent time in Chianti country and wandering around little towns stopping to take in the beautiful vistas that appear at every turn of the road knowing that we would be returning to our little corner of Tuscany.
I'd recommend Casa Allioni to anyone wanting to explore Tuscany with an authentic Tuscan farmhouse as a base, or if you want some peace and quiet in Bella Italia you'll be perfectly content. I'm already planning my next visit.
Mrs. T.S. and family, USA staying in Casa Allioni. Feb 2014
Casa Allioni
“ ...what a fantastic time my wife and I had ”
With apologies for the late reply, this is just a quick note to say what a fantastic time my wife and I had at Casa Allioni. The holiday was to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and, despite only mentioning it in passing, we were greeted with a vase of fresh flowers and a bottle of red wine. We arrived in the dark so we didn't see the views until the next morning. This was our second surprise. The scenery was beautiful and the views across the valley to the villages and hills beyond were stunning. Unusually for us, by Sunday evening we were already relaxed and our one week stay felt like two. Please pass on our thanks to Beverly for her kindness and providing us the opportunity to share both the location and the story of her home at Casa Allioni.
P.S. Favourite places to visit? Siena, Siena and Siena. Best 'find'? The fish restaurant Tre Cristi........in Siena. Friendly and helpful staff, and well cooked dishes that are to be savoured.
Mr. M.N. and family, UK staying in Casa Allioni. Apr 2014
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.
Scuderia
“ ....it couldn't have been more charming ”
We had an extraordinary time — it couldn't have been more charming. We are utterly in love with Pieve, Emiliano, the whole family. Thank you so very very much for your insights and tips and for completely understanding what we were looking for for this bohemian elegance and relaxation palace. We hope to be back!
E.G. family staying in Scuderia. Jun 2018
Orologio
“ We can’t wait to come back! ”
Thank you again for our family’s amazing experience at Orologio last summer. The home was truly remarkable; one of the oldest and most important Villas in the Lucca area, but also stunningly beautiful and comfortable. The modern comforts, like air conditioning, and the beautiful large swimming pool made the visit more comfortable, and, for the kids, lots more fun! We appreciated all of your travel tips, and loved the private chef you arranged for us (we talk about how much we miss the chef regularly!!). Thank you again, we can’t wait to come back!
Sharps Family, US staying in Orologio. Aug 2019
Scudo
“ Very good! ”
Very good. Especially pool, outside pizza oven and barbecue.
Breakfast bakery service and rubbish service very good.
Matthew, Germany staying in Scudo. Aug 2024
Torrevista
“ Ideal stay for groups ”
Ideal stay for groups, to getting around in Tuscany, quite close to many attractions in the regionThe neighborhood was fantastic. The mansion is perfectly equipped, even with basic spices, oil, vinegar, for first day cooking. The owner was really helpful
Andras and family from Hungart staying in Torrevista. Oct 2024
Torrevista
“ Relaxing family holiday in a fantastic environment ”
Great location with a great view. The house was what you would imagine a villa in the middle of a winery in Tuscany. We were thrilled!
Eva and family from Austria staying in Torrevista. Jun 2023
Torrevista
“ We really enjoyed our stay at Torrevista ”
We really enjoyed our stay at Torrevista. The weather was great and the property just what we expected. I have to also say how satisfied I was with our overall experience using Invitation to Tuscany for our booking. Lyn was a great help and the whole process from making the initial reservations, being able to make them in English, making payments, getting information on the property and area in advance. The Internet is an amazing tool for this. I really appreciated how Lyn tried contacting us before our arrive to make sure we knew how to get to Torrevista as the address does not show up on GPS navigation. We would like to go back sometime.
We will highly recommend Invitation to Tuscany to anyone we know interested in traveling to Tuscany. Thanks for helping us have such a great vacation/holiday.
Mr. R.M. and family, USA staying in Torrevista.
Torrevista
“ Great value here! ”
Great value here! The hosts were fantastic and personable. The complimentary wine tasting is not to be missed - definitely a highlight of the trip. It's your own piece of heaven - very close to San Gimignano!I would definitely stay here again!
Mr. J.R. with family and friends, USA staying in Torrevista.