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 - and good tips!
From S.T. from Australia, guests September 2019
“ The villa was everything we wanted it to be, great decor and every possible comfort, in a quiet village but close to everything. Again it all ran smoothly with the pickup from Avignon a great help. Jenny the Aussie was very helpful, as was Rosie, an English resident of the village. They gave us great tips on the best markets etc. also told us about the best local restaurant.
From G.C. and family, from UK, guests September 2019
“ We had a lovely time staying at Casa dei Fichi.
There were six adults in our party and the accommodation was perfect for us. The views from all parts of the villa were wonderful in particular from the front bedrooms and the terracing. We could see the Mediterranean from the pool and the castle from the terrace. The settees and chairs in the lounges were very comfortable. The kitchen was extremely well equipped with a very good cooker. The utility room had two fridges and a convenient washing machine and dish-washer. Really, the house was well equipped. The villa was very secluded and we only saw a few of the estate workers and a couple of walkers during the whole week – very peaceful. There were no city noises, no street lights and no crowds – ideal for us.
We had an enjoyable evening when Luca, the caretaker, came to prepare pizzas for us – a really nice meal and although we didn’t cook any pizzas ourselves during the week, we had a few barbeques. Most evenings and early mornings were spent around the pool. The weather was in the high 20’s all week and we only had a shower of rain for an hour one afternoon.
We walked several times into the village and ate lunches in the cafes in the centre. Being on top of a hill, the walk from the villa to the village was easy but a little harder on the way back! We found a map of the trails around Campiglia and followed one of them to the Archaeological park – mines that had ceased working some while back but are now open to the public. The site has several mines and includes small railways – very interesting.
Since we had not been to Tuscany before, we had two city trips – to Florence and Siena. We decided the best option was to drive. In Florence, we parked in Fortessa de Basso – about 0.5 km from the centre. In Siena, we parked in the Stadio – the football stadium – again just outside the ZTL (no car) area – both had plenty of space (but it was September). Both days were filled with the wonderful sights of the cities.
On another day, we visited a winery. We were advised to go to the Bolgheri (about 30km) area where there are several wineries that provide a tour. We visited Marina at Mulini di Segalari who gave us a description of how her wines were produced and then provided us with glasses of the five wine types.
It was truly a most enjoyable week. Location – great; villa – great; weather – great; food and drink – great; pool – great. What else could one say!
Thanks to Luca and Sarah at your office for advice and hospitality.
From A.B. - Battersea Dog Home Charity Prize High Bidder!, guests August 2019
“ Hello Dan, I have been meaning to drop you a line to thank you so much for donating this to Battersea. I had the most wonderful time. We all thought the property was amazing (the views were spectacular) and loved the impressive driveway. Everything was well appointed (particularly the bathrooms). We loved the outdoor living, and used the pizza oven twice (and were very pleased with the results!)
I thought Sarah was very helpful in organising Il Bottini, which I would highly recommend. Barbara met us at the property and had very kindly provided some food which was much appreciated. Plus we met the owner who also gave us some of his wine (seriously, what more could anyone ask for). I asked Orietta to cook a meal one evening, she and Marina were brilliant and we had a great time and superb food. Everyone was friendly and relaxed, which made us feel very much at home.
Just a small observation; the directions to the villa weren’t easy to follow and we discovered by using the Waze app and typing in the villa name it directed you right there, so might be worth putting that in the advice sheet. (Dan says - thanks for this Amanda, I'll check it out!)
Thank you so much to you and the owner for donating such a wonderful prize.
From K.T. from USA, guests August 2019
“ 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.
From DP from France, guests August 2019
“ Nous avons vraiment passé des vacances agréables dans votre maison pleine de charme! Ne changez rien! Ce soir c'est la dernier soir chez vous a Fivizzano, nous allons profiter dé la fete au village ... demain nous partirons a Marseille, reposés et la tête remplie de beaux souvenirs. Merci beaucoup.
