Vacation Rentals by Owner

Cottage La Ventolina

Guest: Ken and Marlane
Date of Stay: 04/28/12 Review Submitted: 05/15/12

Your internet ad captured my imagination, but the reality was even more stunning. Thank you for allowing us to enter into your land, your hospitality, your charm and grace. It is fair to say that you have gone beyond all bounds to share your love and knowledge of Tuscany. You are masters in creating environments both indoors and out. Thank you.

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Cottage La Ventolina

Guest: Tony and Elaine
Date of Stay: 04/21/12 Review Submitted: 05/15/12

We have truly enjoyed our stay here at your wonderful villa and exploring this beautiful part of the world. You have created a perfect retreat and your hospitality, attention to detail, and advice was greatly appreciated. It's a long way from Australia, but we hope to return someday and can't imagine staying anywhere else.

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Cottage La Ventolina

Guest: Jane and Felicia
Date of Stay: 04/14/12 Review Submitted: 05/15/12

How can we possibly thank you for the wisdom and kindness you have shown us the past two weeks since we arrived. Starting 5 months ago last October, 2011, when we first contacted you -you have been so very wonderful - answering each and every question we had. We appreciate La Ventolina, Greve, this beautiful cottage and most of all, the two of you! Thank you so much!

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A True Gem!

Guest: Delighted Guests (San Carlos, California, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/22/11 Review Submitted: 01/03/12

My husband and I just returned from spending time over Christmas at La Ventolina and could not possibly have been more pleased and charmed by the cottage, the area and by our hosts, Francesca and Uli. The cottage itself is an ideal, romantic, perfectly maintained get-away. It is architecturally gorgeous (pictures do not totally do it justice) and entirely comfortable from end-to-end. We arrived to a beautiful antipasta platter, with both a bottle of wine and olive oil made from what is grown on the property itself - both wonderful! Francesca and Uli provided suggestions and recommendations that truly optimized our trip and experience while there, in addition to being two of the most gracious people we have had the priviledge to meet and know. Florence is very close by, so it is easy to have the experience of "living" in the Tuscan countryside, yet one has the ease of a short drive to see all that is in Florence. There are also many other historically significant locations quite nearby (Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano...), in addition to a multitude of wonderful restaraunts to experience. In all, the trip exceeded all expectations and we fully expect to return (as often as possible!). La Ventolina is a true gem!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

It was WOW! from the beginning

Guest: DeWayne M.
Date of Stay: 10/08/11 Review Submitted: 10/29/11

From the time we walked into the cottage till we walked out, my wife and I were constantly saying "wow, this place is so great". The cottage was stocked with some local food when we arrived so we could relax and not worry about getting the basics. The guide that Francesca and Uli provide has all kinds of great advice, from when / where the markets are, to restuarants around the Tuscany region as you get out and about. We used Cottage La Ventolina as a base to explore the region, everything is really close and we were able to see and do, but still have time to relax. Francesca and Uli were incredible hosts and worked to make sure that we had the vacation that we desired while we were there as well as making recommendations for when we left their property. Our week at the cottage ended way to fast, but as we drove out we were still saying "wow, was great to have this experience".

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Our second trip to Tuscany but our first trip to Paradise!

Guest: Alice & Len (Buckingham, Pennsylvania)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11 Review Submitted: 07/06/11

The views from LaVentolina are breathtaking. The location provides access to many beautiful surrounding cities with a wonderful "home" to return to at the end of each adventure. Upon our arrival and throughout our stay, Francesca and Uli provided us with all the necessary comforts of home, daily and delicious surprises from their vineyard and gardens, but, most importantly, their friendship and guidance. Our two week stay was the most enjoyable vacation we have ever experienced. We cannot thank our gracious hosts enough for sharing their home with us. The description and pictures presented for review are exactly what you find when you arrive and yet one is still in awe to see it in person. We look forward to our next and most certain return visit to La Ventolina.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Valerie and Don
Date of Stay: 05/22/11 Review Submitted: 06/14/11

Well...here it is...time for us to leave La Ventolina and Tuscany...and we really don't want to leave. This has been the perfect place for us to celebrate our 25th Anniversary and to relax after our three week tour of Italy. You have a beautiful place here tucked away in the hills. The first time we drove up your drive to the cottage, we thought 'Mamma Mia', but, after that, it was fun going in and out of the property! It's perfect. We were so impressed with all your lovely gardens. It's absolutely beautiful..and the view! I loved looking out the window from the bed in the morning and hearing the rooster and the cuckoos...and the fresh eggs delivered to us in the morning...how nice! We enjoyed checking out all the little towns here in the Chianti, and trying the restaurants. Maybe some day you can come and stay in our cottage on Lake Minocqua in northern Wisconsin! Thanks so much!

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Guest: Rick & Martha Reynolds
Date of Stay: 04/22/11 Review Submitted: 06/14/11

From the moment we arrived at this magical place, Francesca and Uli were more than the perfect hosts, but guides, sages, historians, artists and friends as well. Their exquisite taste for, and love of beauty is evidenced everywhere you look - no detail too small to be overlooked by these thoughtful and generous people. We'll never forget this Garden of Eden they created for the lucky few who get to stay here!

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Guest: Conlee & Signa
Date of Stay: 11/03/10 Review Submitted: 06/14/11

You met all our expectations! The perfect place for rest, adventure and explanation, with comfort and all theamenities at the end of the day. Grazie, Francesca and li, for warm hospitality and for conversations and suggestions. You have been perfect Tuscan hosts. With fond memories.

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Paradise Found

Guest: Happy renter (Hattiesburg,MS)
Date of Stay: 10/19/10 Review Submitted: 11/13/10

Truly a Tuscan paradise, Cottage la Ventolina will capture your heart when you pull up to the cottage. The grounds and the cottage were immaculate and true to the advertisement the kitchen was stocked with many local delicacies. The owners were on vacation so it was our pleasure to be assisted with anything we could need by Betjula, their worker. For those of you who have not been to Italy it is interesting how little Italian you need to know. The Cottage is a wonderful "base camp" for some truly amazing areas and our hosts were very knowledgeable about all things Italian. They seem to know everyone and everything and welcome your questions. We spent a lot of time at the cottage and were very comfortable. Don't let the drive off the main road discourage you, it is all part of the adventure and worth the amazing view. We enjoyed very much our lunch a Lamole, just a few kilometers away with beautiful vistas along the road. The town of Greve in Chiati is a very welcoming, quaint town with great restaurants and shops. You will definitely need a rental car.

Recommended for:Age 55+, sightseeing.

Holiday Paradise in Tuscany

Guest: Ian & Judy (London, UK)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 09/05/10

Our third visit! Could we recommend this tranquil, charming and hospitable sanctuary any more highly! Tuscany is wonderful, historic and beautiful. The cottage is relaxing and peaceful with fantastic views and incredible sunsets and Francesca and Uli are the perfect hosts in residence. We will return again!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful

Guest: Kim (Palos Verdes Estates)
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 07/11/10

We loved our stay at the Cottage La Ventolina. Francesca and Uli have created a very special place. The cottage is extremely well equipped, comfortable and charming. When we arrived, Francesca greeted us and showed us around the cottage and explained how everything worked. It was a wonderful surprise to find a delicious antipasti platter and raviolis that Francesca had placed in our refrigerator for our first night there. We sat on the wonderful terrace by candlelight , eating our delicious food and drinking a bottle of their wine. A great way to start our stay in Tuscany. Francesca and Uli also supplied us with other delicious food items from the store, so there was no need to shop for a few days. The grounds are meticulously kept and the view outstanding. We loved it so much, that we arranged our day trips in the Tuscan region so that we could also have 3 days to just hang out on our lounge chairs in the beautiful garden, looking at the spectacular view reading our books. We have recommended this cottage to all our friends and we will definitely stay there again when we return to Tuscany.

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Unbelievably charming and romantic

Guest: Grant M. (Victoria, Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/08/10 Review Submitted: 07/21/10

We spent two weeks at La Ventolina in May this year. It is a charming cottage with exquisite views. Francesca and Uli are the most gracious hosts you could hope for and help ensure all your questions are answered and your needs taken care of (thanks again for the eggs and wine!). The cottage is up a long hill and a little remote if you are wanting to go out for dinner. But we spent the days exploring and the evenings cooking and enjoying the wine purchase of the day. The entire Chianti area more than lives up to its reputation - La Ventolina, Chianti, Tuscany and Italy are all highly recommended. If you are in Rome go to La Campagne - a Francesca and Uli recommendation!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The Cottage

Guest: John and Shelby (Encino, California USA)
Date of Stay: 03/29/10 Review Submitted: 09/29/10

Several months have past since our wonderful stay at what we affectionately refer to as "the cottage". Our hosts were truly gracious and helpful. It was the first trip for us where we were able to enjoy our time as though it was "our home" as compared to hotel stays where you are confined to your room unless you choose to wander out. While we went on daily day trips, we spent several evenings at home, cooking foods either supplied by Francesca or purchased by us at the local market in Greve. Restaurants that rise to the level of "don't miss" are Antiqua Osteria di Diva in Sienna for either lunch or dinner (it was our favorite) or Cat and Dog in Sienna for dinner. One should not miss dinner in Panzano at the home of the "most famous butcher in all of Italy"...it was a fabulous experience. If we could do it again, we would go later in the year, i.e. late March and early April is cold and damp (sometimes wet). I still tell people about our journey and have referred several friends to experience "the cottage". P.S. It is a small world....after arriving, I learned that I knew Francesca's mother from many years ago....unbelievable.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Guest: Elizabeth and Neil (Santa Monica, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/01/10 Review Submitted: 02/01/10

We were lucky enough to spend three glorious weeks at La Ventolina and we can't say enough about this charming little cottage that stole our hearts (as did the owners!). It's an ideal base for exploring Tuscany and both Florence and Siena are easy day trips. Some days we never left the property. It was heaven sipping a glass of wine and watching the magnificent sunsets from the garden ::sighing:: Our only regret? That we didn't stay there for three months! If you're looking for a quiet escape that will steal your heart, you've found it!

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Guest: Gail and Gary Adams
Date of Stay: 12/06/09 Review Submitted: 12/05/09

Often by the end of a vacation we all are in a rush to get ome. This place has become our new home and we hate to leave. Its location here in the hills is what one dreams of how Tuscany should be. The short drives to the local areads of interest made us throw away our planned trips and just ride and see. Little has changed here in a 1000 years. We leave and start planning a quick return. No one except those who have stayed here can appreciate the beauty and hospitality shown here by all. The hosts was great and the locals helpful. This is our first trip but will not be our last.

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Guest: Odette & Jurgen
Date of Stay: 08/22/09 Review Submitted: 08/21/09

Thanks for this Italian pradise on earth. This is such a perfect place it's difficult not to fall in love with it. Truly a cosy home away from home.

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Guest: Margaret and John Southern
Date of Stay: 07/30/09 Review Submitted: 07/29/09

We have been so busy doing nothing. The holiday has flown by - tantalised by the tipsy butterflies - stunned by the views - calmed in the cool waters of your pool. We're sure we'll be back here in our hearts and minds many times over the busy months ahead. Thank you for your hospitality and for allowing us to share some time in your paradise!

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Guest: Triana & Mike (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/30/09 Review Submitted: 06/30/09

Where to begin ... my husband and I spent a week at Cottage La Ventolina in May on our honeymoon. From the moment we drove up to the gorgeous property (after a very 'entertaining' introduction to driving in Italy) and were warmly greeted by Francesca, until our sad departure a week later, we fell in love with La Ventolina. Francesca and Uli were wonderful hosts and introduced us to Guilio, who took us on a fabulous private tour of wineries in and around the town of Montalcino. The cottage itself is ideal - just the right number of amenities while still feeling like you are living rustically, with a view to die for. The grounds are gorgeous and our stay was capped by a lovely home- cooked dinner with our hosts, complete with fresh chard and herbs from the garden. We could not recommend La Ventolina any more highly! Thank you Francesca and Uli for a truly memorable visit!

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Guest: Diane Ryason (-)
Date of Stay: 06/24/09 Review Submitted: 06/24/09

If you are looking for a beautiful,well appointed stone farmhouse nestled in the hills of Chianti with a sweeping view and spectacular sunsets, Casa La Ventolina is it and more. Everywhere you look, the gardens (vegetable, rock and rose), pool, vineyard, olive grove, vista is a feast for the eyes. And the warmth and hospitality of the owners is unmatched in the best hotels. This is truly a rare and wonderful place to return to again and again. Thank you Francesca and Uli!

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Guest: Shannon and Maureen (Vancouver, Canada)
Date of Stay: 06/20/09 Review Submitted: 06/20/09

There is always a certain amount of uncertainty when renting via the internet. However, this property exceeded all of our expectations and was more beautiful than the photographs suggested. Our arrival began with passing through a lovely gated entrance surrounded by irises. From there we continued down a quaint narrow lane where a fabulous garden unfolded before us! We were warmly greeted by the owners and felt immediately at home in the immaculate farmhouse. The chilled Proseco, plate of appetizers and well stocked kitchen were very appreciated after a long day of travel. We quickly settled in to the peaceful Tuscan countryside, where the sounds of birds, a beautiful view to the town of Greve and sunsets were part of an easy daily routine. We found the farmhouse to be as comfortable as home and our hosts made every effort to make sure our stay was as enjoyable as possible (including arranging a visit to a local woodworker's shop for a woodturning lesson!). From beautiful landscaped grounds, an inviting pool, the opportunity to play a truly fine grand piano, restful sleeps in quiet surroundings and fine linens,as well as wonderful hosts, this was the highlight of our trip to Italy!

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Guest: Ian & Judy Drysdale
Date of Stay: 05/09/09 Review Submitted: 05/08/09

We said we would come back and we have! Same immaculate cottage, gardens and pool. Same fantastic views and peaceful surroundings. Same GLORIOUS sunsets! Same wonderful hospitality. How could anyone NOT come back! Thank you both for a wonderful 'saviour' hotliday. We return home recharged. Hope to see you again soooooon!!

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Guest: David & Cristal
Date of Stay: 12/30/08 Review Submitted: 12/29/08

Thank you for everything. David and I have really enjoyed ourselves, snow and all. You live in a beautiful place and home. Again, thanks for sharing your property with us and your hospitality. Your notes have made all the difference.

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Guest: Alison & Peter Walls
Date of Stay: 07/07/08 Review Submitted: 07/06/08

Thank you both for creating such a magical oasis. We've been reinspired for our own gardening. A quote from one of Pete's books: 'anima tit sendendo et quiescendo prudentior'. He says it means: 'the soul in repose grows wiser'. Let's hope he's right! Alison & Peter

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 06/20/08 Review Submitted: 06/19/08

Thank you so much for the loan of your beautiful, peaceful cottage. Thank you also for the lovely wine, tomatoes, cheese, etc. Your pool is the nicest! Take care. G. Horne

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 05/17/08 Review Submitted: 05/16/08

We had high hopes of Cottage La Ventolina and our stay in Tuscany for our honeymoon - yet we were stil 'gobsmacked' when we arrived - by our hosts' warm welcome, the garden, the views and the cottage itself. We felt immediately relaxed and at home. Sally-Ann enjoyed the piano and I spent too much time taking countless photos of the landscape. Thanks for everything. Salute. Mark and Sally-Ann Taylor

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Guest: Jackie and Greg Tallon
Date of Stay: 09/22/07 Review Submitted: 09/21/07

Thanks for helping make this a wonderful vacation for us. Your first emails and telephone calls were informative, kind and reasuring and you continued that policy throughout. It was much appreciated. The location and appointments could not be better. After active days , the beautiful and peaceful surroundings were great to return to each evening. We can't think of how this could have been better! Greg and Jackie

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Guest: Derek & Steve, Coventry, UK
Date of Stay: 08/25/07 Review Submitted: 08/24/07

Many thanks for such a warm welcome here at La Ventolina. After several visits to Tuscany before, none have ever lived up to the views from these windows! Your advice has been so helpful and we would have probably got on so much better if I had listened more to you and not to this stupid Tomtom! Thank you for everything and hope to see you again in the not too distant future....love and best wishes

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Guest: Richard & Camilla, London, UK
Date of Stay: 08/18/07 Review Submitted: 08/17/07

We have had a wonderful week. Thank you for greeting us with such a wam welcome, especially after our marathon drive from London. The cottage is everything we hoped for: beautiful, equipped as a home away from home. The piano was an extra bonus. We loved the garden - having supper under the oak tree, reading our books on the sunbeds next to lemon trees and geraniums. You were brilliant company and very thoughtful hosts - you have made our holiday.

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Guest: Julie & Bob Seavy, Denver CO, USA
Date of Stay: 04/28/07 Review Submitted: 04/27/07

What an enchanting week we have had. La Ventolina served us as the perfect 'homebase' for our forays into Florence, Siena, Lucca and Pisa as well as all the other charming villages of this area. Thanks for all your guidance on 'must sees' and great places to eat. Your personal insights and hospitality added so much to our visit. The beauty that is Tuscany will stay with us - the essence of which we experienced here at La Ventolina. Grazie

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/06 Review Submitted: 09/29/06

There are no words to describe how beautiful this place is. It is everything you dream Tuscany to be. The grounds are meticulously kept - the bountiful vegetable garden, the grape-laden pergola, the huge gorgeous pool, the olive trees and the vineyard. The guest house is quite large and was like staying at a luxurious 5-star resort. The owners are very charming and interesting. They have thought of every little detail for the comfort of guests. My stay with them was just wonderful and I can't wait to go back!

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Guest: Peter and Ann, Cornwall
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/30/06

Thank you very much for a wonderful week. This really was that special place that we were looking for to spend our honeymonn. The views and countryside are so beautiful, it must be one of the most beautiful places in the world. Everything we wanted was here in your wonderful cottage in your picturesque gardens with its butterflies and wildlife. Thank you also for the tips and advice you have given us - really useful and made our stay extra special. Thank you for sharing your home with us this week

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Guest: Kate and Chauna, UK
Date of Stay: 10/22/05 Review Submitted: 10/21/05

An amazingly beautiful place to spend our honeymoon! We loved it. We will miss waking up to the view from the bedroom window and I will definitely miss the grand piano. Amazing to play a great piano in a place with wood and high ceilings, with inspirational views just outside. A real privilege to play here. And as first timers to Italy, we appreciated our hosts' ideas for visits. We loved the cooking course with Giulietta & Stefania and the restaurant La Leggenda near Monteriggioni. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home.

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Guest: Chirs & Sue Davidson, UK
Date of Stay: 08/13/05 Review Submitted: 08/12/05

A great holiday, we want to stay forever! It's been said before, but the views are indeed sensational and the sunsets wonderful. Our thanks to our hosts for their generous hospitality, including the provisions of fresh eggs, vegetables and herbs. Also thanks for the helpful suggestions for enjoying visits to Florence and the surrounds. We'll come back again!

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Guest: Fanny & Martyn Apperley, UK
Date of Stay: 05/21/05 Review Submitted: 05/20/05

The 'Ritz' of self catering! We have SO enjoyed our stay here. It is beautifully equipped, the views are stunning and the ambiance is so peaceful. With directions from our hosts we have visited fabulous places and received insights into Tuscan life - willing friendship and patience of shopkeepers as we attempted our faltering Italian. A holiday to remember.

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