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
Casa Etrusca
“ A little slice of heaven in Castelmuzio! ”
This beautiful villa does not disappoint. From the moment you walk through the large double doors, you are greeted with stunning furnishings, a stocked kitchen, incredibly comfortable bedding and plenty of bathrooms. The patio, landscaping and plunge pool just add to the allure of this little slice of heaven. We did not want to leave. But when we did, we were just a short drive from vineyards, restaurants and other gorgeous towns located in the area.
Karlie, US staying in Casa Etrusca. Jul 2024
Casa Etrusca
“ A fabulous house in a great location to make the most of your time in Tuscany ”
Great location that allowed us day trips to more than 10 different towns and cities. Excellent design and decoration of the house and all amenities. Air con worked, very functional kitchen and all bedrooms and bathrooms very comfortable. Easy to access washing and various relaxation areas made it a pleasure to stay in. Concierge Paola was a huge help in arranging restaurants and all her recommendations were fabulous!
Mark, Australia staying in Casa Etrusca. Jul 2024
Oliveta
“ We can’t wait to return! ”
We spent a week in Oliveta and we can’t wait to return! The interiors are incredibly refined, with a perfect balance between Tuscan tradition and modern comfort. The bedrooms are huge, the beds are extremely comfortable, and the bathrooms feel like a private spa. The living room was perfect for cozy evenings. The outdoor space is just as spectacular—immaculate gardens, beautifully scented flowers, and a breathtaking view of the rolling hills. The heated pool is a true luxury, ideal for relaxing at any time of the day. A special thanks to Chef Pietro that made our dinner unforgettable! Last but not least we love tennis and having the tennis courts at our disposal was such a great thing!
Charles staying in Oliveta. Aug 2024
Oliveta
“ Simply stunning! ”
What can I say… Oliveta is simply STUNNING! It looked amazing in the photos, but in person, it’s even better. The interiors are a perfect blend of elegance and comfort: spacious rooms, refined furnishings, and every little detail carefully thought out. The garden is a dream, a peaceful oasis with perfect spots to relax in the shade of olive trees. The heated pool was the cherry on top—taking a swim at sunset with a view of the Tuscan hills was an unforgettable experience. Special mention to Barbara that took care of our stay and organized service and activities for us! If you're looking for a place to unwind and enjoy Tuscany to the fullest, this villa is the best choice. We’ll definitely be back!
Carol staying in Oliveta. May 2024
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
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
Fienile
“ Excellent Villa ”
Stayed in the villa for a week with our family of 10. For starters, Laura with Invitation for Tuscany was extraordinary helpful responding to numerous questions before and after booking the villa. Marco, the owner, is very accommodating and has done a very tasteful job of converting what was once a barn into a lovely villa. Some of the bedrooms convert to single beds which made the grandkids very happy that they did not have to share. The location is wonderful, being just outside the suburbs of Siena, close to a small town with a grocery store, but isolated enough with great views of the countryside. While always skeptical at the pictures I see on the website, rest assured it is a very good representation of reality. I would stay here again in a heartbeat.
Joe from the USA staying in Fienile. Apr 2025
Fienile
“ Great Stay ”
Wonderful location and beautiful Villa. 5 couples stayed comfortably with plenty of space. Place was very clean, updated, and well maintained. Very private. Communication with Marco and invitation to Tuscany was excellent. Would highly recommend!
Mr M.C, USA staying in Fienile. Sep 2024
Fienile
“ A Wonderful Property ”
We stayed in this home for 3 weeks and enjoyed every minute. Marco, the owner, met us the first day and provided an incredible briefing, along with detailed written information about the house and the local area (his restaurant recommendations are great). The home was clean and neat, and everything in the home worked and made the stay comfortable. Marco kept in contact to ensure there was nothing we needed or lacking in the home.
Marta, the owner of Marta's Cooking Classes, came to the home twice and prepared spectacular meals that were better than any we enjoyed in the many restaurants we visited. We have been to the Siena area three times before, but this property, and Marco and Marta, permitted us to have a completely different experience. For instance, we walked to San Miniato each morning and enjoyed cappuccinos and pastries in the local coffee cafe, which permitted us to meet the local baristas (an experience we also highly recommend).
We cannot recommend Fienile enough.
Mary & Friends staying in Fienile. Jun 2023
Fienile
“ Beautiful villa in gorgeous surroundings ”
Beautiful villa in gorgeous surroundings. Happy place. Lovely pool, al fresco eating, comfortable beds. Lovely decor, spotlessly clean. Marco, the owner, stopped by a couple of times to say hi. I'd highly recommend. Very close to Siena too. Take a cab, not worth the hassle of finding a parking place.
Sandra Thompson staying in Fienile. Jul 2015
Fienile
“ A very enjoyable two week stay ”
Great location - 20 mins from easy to access car park in Siena (Il Campo). Supermarket on road by from Siena to villa. Villa - Very clean, great use of space, comfortable furniture inside and out. Pool very clean and large. Lots of places to sit. Shade from the Sun if required at all times of the day. Wifi worked well. Villa well equipped. Air conditioning very cheap (25 Euros for two weeks, used every night). Owner was helpful and responsive. We had a very enjoyable two week stay.
Mr. S.J. and family, from the UK staying in Fienile. Sep 2014
Fienile
“ The villa is absolutely georgeous ”
This villa is absolutely gorgeous. Ten of us stayed there, ranging in age from 13 years to 59. Plenty of room for all. We didn't spend much time inside because the garden, patio and pool were so beautiful. We ate Italian family style dinners outside in the evening. Adults and kids alike hung out in the pool in until well after dark. The views from this villa are to die for, and the sunsets. We met Marco, the owner a couple of times. He was charming and extremely helpful. Wish I'd booked two weeks instead of one. You can get a taxi into Siena for ten euro, which is better than trying to park there. Can't say enough good things about this comfortable superb property. Loved it!
Mrs. S.T. and family from the USA staying in Fienile. Nov 2015
Fienile
“ Definitely recommend Fienile to family and friends ”
Fienile had wonderful indoor and outdoor space and was very comfortable for our group of 8. We loved dining outside at night under the canopy next to the pool while sharing our experiences and tasting our newly found Tuscany regional wines. Also, the terrace and garden views were so beautiful and relaxing...we often enjoyed our morning coffee there. The villa kitchen is very well equipped with plenty of glasses, dishes, pots and pans. We enjoy cooking, so we prepared several meals in the kitchen there. Two nights we arranged to have dinner catered...one was a drop-off and the other was an in-house cooking class. We enjoyed a full day private wine tour to Montalcino and another day trip to Antinori Winery. We also spent a few relaxing hours one day at the thermal springs (not sure of name). Of course, Siena itself had so much to offer in the way of shops, restaurants, and beautiful churches and museums. Our favorite restaurant in Siena was Trattoria Papei. On other days, we just drove and discovered small villages with very quaint restaurants for lunch and just enjoyed sitting and "soaking in" the atmosphere. We would definitely recommend Fienile to family and friends and would love to return with our family in a few years. Thanks for your help and information to make this a beautiful and memorable trip.
Mrs D.K. and family, USA staying in Fienile. Feb 2015
Fienile
“ Excellent base to explore this part of Italy ”
The property was delightful, beautifully situated in the peaceful hills with amazing views, yet only a very short drive (10 minutes) to Siena. The property was spacious and very well equipped. Wonderful gardens with terraces, a pool and fabulous views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside. The owner, Marco was most welcoming on arrival, showing us all round the property and ensuring us of his assistance should there have been anything we needed while staying. We enjoyed a brilliant evening when a local family came and cooked an amazing Italian feast for us - absolutely delicious! Plenty of beautiful places within easy striking distance. We would certainly recommend the villa as an excellent base to explore this part of Italy.
Mrs. C.A. and family, from the UK staying in Fienile. Feb 2014
Fienile
“ Very relaxed environment, well appointed spacious villa ”
We stayed at Fienile for a week with extended family (including 3 children between 1-3). Very relaxing environment, well appointed, spacious villa with good facilities (internet (which did drop out a bit)) and decent sized bedrooms and bathrooms. The outdoor area was well used and the pools proximity to the house was important to us with little children running around, the pool isn't fenced and we bough a water alarm for our 17 month old daughter in case she fell in. There is a lovely area for eating meals in-between the pool and the house. The location of the villa is excellent with a supermarket (Co-op) about 1.5 kms away and Siena a 15 minute drive. It is also conveniently located for day trips to other places in Tuscany (San Gimignano, Montepulciano, etc). Marco, the owner was very helpful and responsive to any issues or questions we had.
Mrs. C.C. and family, from the UK staying in Fienile. Aug 2012
Fienile
“ Lovely, very comfortable, clean and well-appointed ”
The house is lovely, very comfortable, clean and well-appointed. The pool is clean, close to the house and a good size for proper swimming as well as playing, though would not be suitable for very small children. The whole outdoor area, seating, dining etc is very well arranged. The owner was extremely helpful, and responded quickly when we had a couple of small issues or queries. The age range of the party was from 7 to 74 and all of us loved it.
Mrs. D.W. and family, from the UK staying in Fienile. Feb 2011
Fienile
“ A wonderful home during our two week stay ”
Il Fienile is a wonderful villa! There are six bedrooms (four double and two single) which were clean and comfortable with lots of wardrobe space, extra pillows, blankets and available plug-ins. There are four bathrooms with showers, 2 also have bidets. Hairdryers are provided as well. The kitchen is spacious with a large refrigerator and five burner gas stove with an electric oven. The kitchen is well-stocked with the cookware necessary to create your own gourmet meals. A stained glass window makes the atmosphere even more special. Three complete sets of china and a wide assortment of stemware are available for dining in the dining room or outside under the covered terrace beside the pool. The gardens are splendid and the pool, complete with a diving rock, is clean. There are lots of lights which allow the deck and gardens to be used after sunset. Access to the gardens is easy from one of two garden doors equipped with screens and shutters. The property, although not far from Siena and other villas, is secluded on a hillside from which the views are fabulous. The overall ambience of this stone house furnished with antiques and semi-precious art work is luxurious. The owner lives near by and is available to answer questions and deal expeditiously with any concerns. The available WiFi worked well but downloading was sometimes slow in the evening. Il Fienile was a wonderful home during our two week stay. It is centrally located for easy access to many Tuscan must-see places like Siena, Montepulcino, Castello di Verrazzano, Lucca and San Gimignano. For an extra special treat, contact Emily at a Tuscan Table (www.atuscantable.com). She can prepare a scrumptious meal for you at the villa.
Mrs. L.L. and family, from the USA staying in Fienile. Dec 2010
Dorica
“ Wonderful house ”
Wonderful house, comfortable but above all cared for in every detail. Spacious and air-conditioned rooms. Kitchen complete with everything. Mario is a friendly and caring host. Ideal for both families and a romantic getaway.
Alessia staying in Dorica. Aug 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
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
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
Malvasia
“ Delightful Vacation Location ”
We want to express our appreciation to the fantastic staff at Lornano, Malvasia. They were very anxious to meet any of our requests and answered questions providing us with locations of restaurants and groceries. The location is quite central to many of the hill towns in Tuscany and close proximity to the highway.
We certainly enjoyed tasting the wines!
Ruth Jackson staying in Malvasia. Sep 2022
Malvasia
“ I would recommend Fattoria Lornano without reservation ”
I rented Malvasia for one week and was there by myself - I enjoyed that week as I had an opportunity to contemplate as I wanted. The facility was great as was the countryside.
Angelita was kind, charming and extremely helpful. I then rented all four villas for the second week and had a changing cast of family and friends over the two weeks. Everyone loved it immensely. The physical settings and Angelita's and Silvio's support made for a wonderful time for everyone. The wine, of course, assisted.
Having all four villas allowed for an intermingling of people, some of whom knew each other and some meeting for the first time and it all worked well, in large part because of the warmth of the physical setting. My single complaint is about the WiFi which was a bit challenged. A pain in the modern era but hardly the biggest issue in life. I would recommend Fattoria Lornano without reservation and if I can organize it, would do it again. All the cottages met or exceeded expectations.
Mr. P.B. and friends, Canada staying in Malvasia. Sep 2015
Malvasia
“ a lovely time in Lornano ”
We did have a lovely time in Lornano and the surrounding area but I have to say that Malvasia is suffering from quite a few damp problems particularly in the basement areas (kitchen and bathroom) and although it did not spoil our stay at the Fattoria it is not something you would expect at what is after all quite an expensive rental, everything else was just about perfect and Angioletta provided a great tour and tasting session to boot - the Lornano chianti is actually very good!
In terms of local restaurants then Ristorante Enoteca is recommended albeit having a limited menu that could be varied a bit between lunch and evening meals but in general we would suggest that unless visitors intend cooking we would recommend they take their main meals at lunchtime when visiting the local and very attractive villages most of which have some very good restaurants with prices to suit all. Once you are back at Lornano after a long day out, it is a long trek out to try and find a good local restaurant - Badesse is not one of them though!
That being said, we had a great time with good weather, beautiful scenery in a very relaxing and quiet environment, which is why Lornano caught our imagination when we started to look for a place in Tuscany.
Thank you again for all your help in organising the break, if it wasn’t for the damp problem there would be five stars all round.
Mrs. L.K. and family, UK staying in Malvasia. Aug 2014
Malvasia
“ The house was great ”
The house was great, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. We were able to visit Siena in 10 mins and Florence in 45, or just hang around and play in the wonderful swimming pool.
They dropped just one star on erratic hot water supply and less than perfectly comfy beds.
Mrs. V.R. and family, UK staying in malvasia. Aug 2013
Malvasia
“ Overall a fantastic place. ”
We stayed here is summer 2010. The property was very comfy, clean and a great location. The wine and olive oil from the vineyard on site was fantastic. The owners were very accommodating in showing us around the wine cellar. We loved the restaurant in the village. The pool was great to cool off in. The bus to Siena was also very handy. Overall a fantastic place.
M.F. from UK staying in Malvaisa. Jul 2010
Malvasia
“ The villa is in an ideal location ”
I have been holidaying in Tuscany for several years and without doubt the most memorable trip was our visit to Malvasia at Lornano last July. The villa is in an ideal location for exploring all of Tuscany's treasures - you are minutes away from the main Siena to Florence motorway with San Gimignano and the fabulous Chianti towns of Radda and Gaiole also within easy reach.
However if you want to completely chill out and relax the villa is situated in the idylic hamlet of Lornano which is set in some of the most stunning countryside Tuscany has to offer. The villa itself was beautifully decorated with everything and more you can expect from a Tuscan villa. It is also a working vinyard which produces fabulous Chianti wine, grappa and olive oil - no visit to Lornano can be complete without a tour to the wine cellars and a tasting. You can also expect the warmest of welcomes at Lornano as the staff go out of their way to make you feel at home and do whatever they can to help you get the most from your holiday. A
lso give the restaurant in the town a go - you won't be disappointed. There are too many reasons to explain why I will be going back to Lornano in the very near future but I can assure you I will be and my advice to you is to take up this Invitation to Tuscany - you won't be disappointed.
Mr. J.H. and family, UK staying in Malvasia. Jul 2009
Villa Goga
“ The house is phenomenal ”
We really had such a great time. The house is phenomenal. We especially loved worn patterns in the flooring that echo the thousands of footsteps that have passed over them through the years. The history is magical and some of Jacopo’s stories had us captivated. Thanks for making it possible!
J and family, UK staying in Villa Goga. Aug 2022
Villa Goga
“ Good, but some challenges with host ”
The good
- amazing villa
- amazing location
- just so cool
- pool is awesome
- such a treat to be here
- WiFi is good
- the chef is beyond amazing
The bad
- owner kept entering without knocking and being in the house which was a bit creepy. Please in future knock on the door if you wish to enter. Not cool
- one of the chairs broke, and you could see it broke on a prior glued repair - the owner got very upset when this was entirely his issue
- the description misses that there’s no longer a diving board, the resteraunt and bar nearby is closed.
- the owner didn’t provide coasters or a cover for a side table then got upset at some marks on the table
Hi Tim, thanks for this - glad the overall was still 4.2 stars, I've corrected the description to reflect the restaraunt closure and missing diving board!
Tim and family from US staying in Villa Goga. Aug 2025
Villa Goga
“ We absolutely loved our stay at Villa Goga ”
We absolutely loved our stay at Villa Goga. The villa is incredible - a step back in time and the perfect Tuscan experience. The Villa is exquisite and the location perfect. We explored Tuscany but also enjoyed quite a few days by the pool enjoying the landscape! We had four different families and various children join us at times and everyone was equally in love with the Villa. Jacapo, our host, was incredible. A lovely man who made the stay that much more special. We’ll definitely be back.
Julie and family staying in Villa Goga. Aug 2022
Villa Goga
“ Villa Goga is magical ”
Villa Goga is magical, practical and the perfect place to stay.
My family have been travelling to Tuscany and Umbria almost every summer for over thirty years, from when there were just five of us to there being around 13 including grandchildren. This was the only house we found that suited all of our requirements. Firstly the house itself; every room seems to tell its own story and the views are spectacular. It is not hyper modern, or done up by new owners, it is a place of history, of families and of nature, cared for meticulously by the family. You can stay there as an extended family and have your own private space. There are places to sit outside which are shaded at all times and the property is quiet, without feeling overly isolated.
There are ample places to walk to (or cycle) and Jacopo is the perfect host; facilitative without being obsequious, charming, funny and kind. For people with teenage children, there is a degree of independence as the property is in walking distance to the village which has a bakery, supermarket, pizzeria and cafe/bar.
The pool can be used throughout the day and from there you can see Siena, which is always heavenly to visit. Vana, who has cooked for the family for years, is a wonder and produces unforgettable three course meals. We loved it. If I had to fault anything it would be the dishwasher, which we couldn’t figure out, but Vana could. Utterly exquisite.
The D. family staying in Villa Goga. Aug 2021
Villa Goga
“ ...a magnificent time spent ”
Our week at Villa Goga ,was a magnificent time spent. A frequent traveller ,I find the times one settles in a house and lives in the local area ,gets to know locals, a very strong experience that stays with you. As for the house, in this case a majestic one ,carried us in time. A historic building ,many and vast spaces to accommodate us, beautiful gardens ,and set amid the most ,literally the most scenic landscape of Tuscany ,beautiful walks in the area. I must mention Jacopo ,the owner of the villa ,I would rather call him our host ,who was so welcoming, facilitating, and so pleasant in company. Missing our time in Villa Goga, we wish to return
S.A. staying in Villa Goga. Feb 2018
Villa Goga
“ ...all pleasantly beyond our expectations ”
Everything is going swimmingly. Everyone is very happy here. The villa itself, physical building, decor, grounds, location, and the staff, from the great cooking of Vanna to the knowledgeable assistance of Jacopo, and Rosa's oversight are all pleasantly beyond our expectations. Now entering our fourth day, it’s a winner.
Fortunately, the weather cooperated, not only to not require heat, but to provide warmth and sunshine to the glistening green hills covered in bright yellow colza and vines that are just beginning to waken from their winter vacation. It’s absolutely lovely.
(Post visit) Not much time now. but can tell you that we all (14 of us) enjoyed our stay. The cooks, Vanna and Francesca are wonderful. Jacopo and Rosa were always available and most helpful. The villa is as charming as ever. There were only 2 complaints ...one the spotty intermittent and extremely slow internet service, and the other the heat. Unfortunately, it was colder this year, later in the spring that the stay we had in 2013. ...... Anyway, were it not for the cold weather, this group would have been as unqualifiedly happy as last year's. The property is great, the location superb, the family present and gracious.
Mr. M.S. with family and friends, USA staying in Villa Goga. Dec 2013
Villa Goga
“ ...an absolutely fantastic stay ”
Thanks for your good wishes – I can confirm all my party are now back in the UK following a memorable stay at Corsano. We had an absolutely fantastic stay, everyone loved the villa and the owners were extremely friendly/helpful. We have nothing but praise for the whole experience and the organisation that went into it.
We spent 1 week at Villa Goga from 24 May to 30 May, a family party of 12 to celebrate my parents joint 80th birthdays. We had a splendid time/experience – it is really difficult to fault any of the arrangements. The location was spectacular, the landscape stunning and the villa itself almost a work of art in its own right. We would score the holiday 9 out of 10 on almost every level. Two very minor observations: • We could not access the internet on the personal computer (PC) and this was a minor drawback – particularly so when trying to print off boarding passes etc. for the flight home; • The washing machine in the kitchen was not totally effective and some of the crockery was (as a result) a bit stained – as I say not a big deal, we reverted to washing by hand as it was much more effective; I think one further point could be made, we were disappointed that the pool wasn’t open/available. We did not know this when we booked but we were informed prior to departure so we have no complaints on that score. Nevertheless we never quite understood why the pool was not open – if it was a matter of running costs etc. we would have been more than happy to pay extra to cover this. The highlights for us were: • Spacious/comfortable/historic accommodation • Solitude/privacy • The 2 in-house dinners cooked by Francesca and Vanna • Murlo, Montalcino (which we preferred to Pienza) and Sienna • Jakapo/Jan (?) were very helpful at all times
Mr. R.L. and family, UK staying in Villa Goga. Feb 2014
Villa Goga
“ Go ahead and book it, you'll love it ”
We were at Villa Goga for a family reunion and my mother's 80th Birthday. Perfect for family reunions, it is a beatiful villa with loads of character dating back to the 9th century or so. Giacopo was great help, giving advice on what to do or where to go. And he also gave us a fascinating tour of the cellars and a rundown of the 11 centuries of history. Although we self catered, we had one evening dinner organised through him and the meal and service was fantastic..great food! Good size 'industrial style' kitchen needs a little orientation but we managed to turn out some great meals for all 24 of us. Lovely swimming pool, well maintained. Location is great, 10 minutes from the Coop supermarket and about 15 minutes to Siena. You can strike out from here to pretty much everything. Go ahead and book it, you'll love it. We did and have a thousand photographs to prove it!
Anonymous staying in Villa Goga. Sep 2011
Villa Goga
“ ...marvelous dinners ”
The best thing about the vacation were the two cooks who came in everyday to prepare marvelous dinners, serve them, and clean up afterwards. The Villa is so large that there was privacy for all families. Outdoors area were great for kids to explore but the pool was a disappointment as it hadn't been opened for the seasons and the furniture, cushions, and towels were in need of replacement. The town had a very good grocery store and restaurant. Town and church were in walking distance.
Mrs. M.V. and family, USA staying in Villa Goga. Feb 2011
Villa Goga
“ ...well suited for our large party of 18 people ”
We were a party of four families with 10 children, ages ranging from 5 to 20yrs old. The pool was a nice feature, since the children were able to play and relax there afterwards. If you are staying there with young children who have not learned to swim yet, you will need to supervise them, as there are no fences or gates to keep them out of the pool area. The rooms on the third floor were more like attic rooms, and in the summer, it was quite warm, we kept all the windows open. The windows do not have screens, and are low. Also something to watch out for if you are staying with very young children. All the rooms were quite spacious, most with high ceilings. There was a dining room inside, but we ate outside everyday. We used the kitchen quite a lot, and was happy to find it fully working with pasta boilers and gas range. The helper working for the owner was very helpful and cleaned our rooms during the day when we were away sightseeing. The owner lives in another section of the villa, and checked on us everyday to help us arrange tours. He was very helpful and accommodating. There was a washing machine on the third floor, but no dryer, so all the clothes had to be dried out on the line in the yard. Hot water, shower and bath all worked well. Clean towels and bed sheets. There were a couple of stray cats on the property, and if you are allergic to flea bites, do not feed them as this will encourage them to follow you into the house. A few of us had flea bites that were quite aggravating afterwards; the cat that we fed found its way into the house one night. There is a grocery store and a small pizza restaurant down the street, a nice walk of 7 -10 minutes from the villa. The property is beautiful and scenic. The villa has been well kept for generations, with a very homey, warm atmosphere. The villa was well suited for our large party of 18 people.
Anonymous staying in Villa Goga. Feb 2009
Villa Goga
“ ...spent two glorious weeks at Villa Goga ”
Our family (20+ people) spent two glorious weeks at Villa Goga. The accomodations were outstanding, everything you would want from a 300+ year old villa and more. Every room from the kitchen to the bedrooms to the bathrooms were exceptional. Everyone from Grandma and Grandpa to the teenage grandchildren rated the villa a 12+ out of 10, even the toddlers had a fabulous time. The wonderful family memories we created were priceless. Beautiful Villa, beautiful grounds and so much to do in and around the surrounding area. We could be as busy as we wanted or have quiet days just relaxing by the pool. Barath and Jacopo made sure we had everything we needed and were invaluable sources of information. The Village of Corsano has many hidden treasures including a fabulous restaurant with THE BEST pasta dishes we have ever eaten. Only a short car ride to Sienna and many other wonderful villages in and around the area. A train ride to Florence and many other destinations. We will certainly be back to the Villa and hope that we can stay longer next time.
Anonymous staying in Villa Goga. Sep 2009
Villa Goga
“ One perfect week in Tuscany ”
One perfect week in Tuscany - We were a group of 17 - 9 kids under the age of 10 and 8 adults. The pool is far enough away from the house, that it holds no danger for the small kids. We asked if they could help with meals and they suggested 2 ladies who came in to cook the most wonderful 3 course meals of Tuscan specialities every evening. This meant we could sit and relax, watch the sun go down, go for walks, play with the kids. We also rented a couple of bicycles, but walking is just a much recommended.
Mr. H.M. with family and friends, South Africa staying in Villa Goga. Dec 2013
Villa Goga
“ We all want to go back ”
Villa Goga is a truly beautiful house and a wonderful location. We all fell in love with Tuscany. The owners Jacopo and Rosa were lovely people and excellent hosts. It was the perfect location for a large group of friends to come together. We enjoyed the home cooking of two the lovely local ladies. They cooked the most amazing meals for us. I would recommend Villa Goga to anyone wishing to go to Tuscany. We all want to go back.
Mrs. J.F. with family and friends, Australia staying in Villa Goga. Feb 2015
Villa Goga
“ Fantastico, bellisimo, wonderful ”
Fantastico, bellisimo, wonderful is what I would call our stay at the Villa Goga (Corsano). Madam Rosa and her son were invaluable with helping us navigate throughout Tuscany and especially in Sienna. Baruth, our man-on-site was fantastic. It was one of the most rewarding two weeks we have ever had. We hope to return some day. Our only complaint was that it was hot on the third floor for people who were sleeping on that floor but I think Madam Rosa was considering air conditioning that level in the future.
Anonymous staying in Villa Goga. Mar 2009
Villa Goga
“ ...near perfect site for our family reunion ”
Villa Goga (Corsano) was the near perfect site for our family reunion. We brought our 3 sons and their families to Italy to experience the hills, the beauty, the food and wine and the opportunity for all of us to share something special. Our hosts were wonderful and provided us with everything we asked for. Our grandchildren range in age from 6 to 16, and we all had a terrific time.
Ms. C.W. staying in Villa Goga. Jul 2010
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
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 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-copy.jpg)
Cellevista
“ Remote and lovely ”
A quiet and remote location, this was a lovely villa to explore the surrounding countryside from. Room sizes were good, kitchen and bathroom are compact but fine. We had a very warm welcome from Rita who was very helpful . We have stayed in other villas where the local taxes and cleaning are included in the price whereas we had to leave 70 euros for this. I think it helps to have everything in the price. It didn't take away from our enjoying our stay.
Mr D.C, UK staying in Cellevista. Sep 2024
Cellevista
“ Lovely villa. Beautiful pool and views. ”
Poor communication with lady who welcomed us. No English at all so couldn’t advise on anything like walks etc however it may be part of the authenticity which is fine. A few pieces lacking: Only 1 wineglass, Broken bottle opener.
Once again we had an excellent holiday thank you.
"Thanks Gyles, I'll let Rita know about the glasses and bottle opener! best, Dan
Gyles from UK staying in Cellevista. Sep 2023
Cellevista
“ Excellent location for a relaxing time in southern Tuscany, especially after visiting busy Firenze. ”
We really enjoyed our stay at Cellevista. It was good to relax beside the well maintained pool. Local Property Manager Rita was warm, welcoming and very helpful. Kitchen was v. small - bookers for more than 2 people should be alerted to its limitations: single power outlet, single light, & 5m bench length.
Bernard staying in Cellevista. Jul 2023
Villa di Monterchi
“ Wonderful stay at Villa di Monterchi ”
We had a wonderful stay at the villa. Rosado made us feel so welcome and had great suggestions for visits. The villa is beautiful. It has an excellent location for visiting other towns. The views are gorgeous and hot tub and pool excellent.The kitchen is amply equipped for 6 avid cooks! We can’t wait to come back.
Susan W., USA staying in VIlla di Monterchi. Nov 2024
Villa di Monterchi
“ Absolutely wonderful! ”
Beautiful villa! The roses, the view, the pool, the house...all absolutely wonderful! Rosado was the most gracious host, offering to make dinner reservations, checking in to see if we needed anything and making amazing recommendations for day trips. We would love to return!
Marie R. staying in VIlla di Monterchi. Jun 2023
Villa dei Fiori
“ FANTASTIC VILLA DEI FIORI ”
Villa dei Fiori not only lived up to our expectations from the photos on the website, it exceeded those expectations. The house itself was fantastic - very comfortable bedrooms, the bathrooms were high quality, the kitchen had everything we needed and the lounge area was very comfortable and relaxing. Outside, there were a couple of attractive eating areas, and several places to sit and relax. The pool and the surrounding area was terrific - with plenty of space to sit or lie in the sun, or to enjoy the shade under the pergola. We had a wonderful time, and are already planning a return visit!
Colm and family staying in Villa dei Fiori. Aug 2025
Villa dei Fiori
“ We cannot wait to visit again! ”
We had an absolutely lovely time, and much was thanks to our warmly gracious and responsive hosts, Alessio and Cinzia. The property and villa was beautifully taken care of, clean, and met most of our needs… we cannot wait to visit again!
A., USA staying in Villa dei Fiori. Sep 2024
Villa dei Fiori
“ Wir würden gerne wiederkommen ”
Wir haben hier 5 Nächte verbracht. Wurden sehr freundlich empfangen, die Gastgeben waren sehr bemüht uns alles gut zu erklären. Im Haus war alles vorhanden, was wir gebraucht haben. Die Anlage ist wunderschön und sehr sauber. Lage: etwas abseits gelegen, aber man hat seine Ruhe und Schönheit der Toskana um sich. Wir würden gerne wiederkommen:-) In der 2 Etage dauert es etwas länger, bis es heißes Wasser im der Dusche/ Badewanne läuft. Wir haben uns dann einfach unter geduscht. Es ist für uns nicht dramatisch gewesen.
Translation
We spent five nights here. We received a very friendly welcome, and the hosts were very keen to explain everything to us. The house had everything we needed. The property is beautiful and very clean. The location is a bit out of the way, but you're surrounded by the peace and beauty of Tuscany. We would love to come back :-) On the second floor, it takes a little longer for the hot water to run in the shower/bathtub. We just took a shower. It wasn't a problem for us.
Olga, germany staying in Villa dei Fiori. May 2024
Tangi
“ Great host ”
Thanks to the villa owners for being the most wonderful and accommodating hosts we've had the pleasure to get to know. They went above and beyond with recommendations, and the welcome dinner was a beautiful introduction to Sicilian culture! We look forward to visiting again.
Yasmine and family staying in Tangi. Jul 2021
Tangi
“ Amazing villa ”
The villa is such a wonderful, clean, beautiful home to come back to either at the end of the day or simply to spend the day while enjoying the fabulous pool. We absolutely will return as we had an amazing holiday thanks to you!
Sarah, Richard, Josephs, and friends staying in Tangi. Jul 2019
Villa Quinta
“ Like going back in time ”
We (family of five) had a great time in this very special environment. It was like going back in time when entering the appartment (though it had WiFi, TV, a modern kitchen etc). Very good location to visit Venice and other nice towns like Treviso. Also a great pool to relax and spend the day when not going out.
Friederike from Netherlands staying in Villa Quinta.