A perfect location for Tuscany escapades

Guest: puzon (-)
Date of Stay: 08/20/09 Review Submitted: 12/15/09

Villa Cuiano is a place that I would absolutely recommend to people looking for tranquil place close to the nature. The house is located high on a forest mountain slope with no village or other property seen from that place. But with the car you are able to reach every place in Tuscany and Umbria in one day trip. The owner is a very kind and polite person who keeps the house, pool and garden in a great shape. He made us feeling like extraordinary quests always fullfilling our extra needs. One may always ask him for a valuable information about the local attractions and customs, restaurants worth going, etc. Among many advantages it is worth mention that Cuiano place is never too hot which makes sleeping and resting very comfortable. Despite the facility consists of some six apartments one may never feel the place overcrowded and I am sure that sometime I will visit that place again which is a best recommendation.

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Peaceful retreat in the hills

Guest: Paul (-)
Date of Stay: 07/20/09 Review Submitted: 12/15/09

We returned this year, having enjoyed our stay last year, and were not disappointed. The owner, Franco, works hard to keep the area clean and tidy and had clearly been working out of season to continue to improve the facilities and environment. The apartments are all comfortable and well equipped and the area around the pool can be wonderfully tranquil and relaxing. We would certainly consider returning Recommended for: Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children

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The Best Villa I Have Ever Rented

Guest: Deirdre (-)
Date of Stay: 06/28/08 Review Submitted: 12/15/09

We rented Villa Cuiano for a family reunion and it was the best villa I have ever rented -- in terms of the accommodations, amenities and the thoughtful concern and attention demonstrated by Franco, the property owner. We have rented villas in France, Italy, Mexico and several Caribbean islands and this one excelled in all regards. There were 18 of us ranging in age from 9-65 yrs. and there was plenty to do both on and off the property for everyone in the party. The descriptions of the accommodations and property are very accurate (not always true with all property descriptions) and each apartment was outfitted with all the basics that you would need. The furnishings were tasteful and the architecture beautiful. The family would split up and day trip and then end up around the pool (which really had enough chairs,lounges, tables for 18!) watching the sunset and trading stories of our day. The grounds are extensive and well manicured. It is a working farm and we always had a few friendly, well behaved dogs and cats roaming around which was a great plus for the kids. We'd wake up early some days to the sounds of tractors or roosters but it really just fed into the ambiance. If you don't enjoy that, Florence or Siena may be more to your liking. Franco was just the most gracious and concerned (yet not intrusive) host. He was tremendously helpful in terms of directions, suggestions and knowledge or the area. Perhaps most telling was his reaction when one of our youngest was ill. When we asked if there was a doctor or clinic, he phoned his personal physician, made an appointment and went with the child and her parents to the doctor to act as interpreter. That type of thoughtfulness transcends a dollar value and we greatly appreciated it. To celebrate the birthday of one of our family, Franco arranged to have a dinner prepared at the villa in an adjacent room which can accommodate 40. We had an absolutely terrific, reasonably priced 6 course meal (I think 6-- we were provided with wine as well as the meal which results in a somewhat clouded memory) that featured local specialties. In keeping with his attention to detail, Franco asked for a list of any allergies we may have so that the cook could avoid those ingredients. This is absolutely a great rental. We look forward to another trip to Villa Cuiano.

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Perfect for large group

Guest: Joanne M. and Family (-)
Date of Stay: 10/03/05 Review Submitted: 12/08/09

After quite an exciting ride up the mountain, a right turn into the driveway, your jaw drops. In front of you are Dottie and Pasquilino (the dogs) to welcome you to Cuiano. And Ceca too, the neighbors dog. Ten of us stayed at Cuiano in Oct. 2005. We rented La Loggia and La Stalletta (ajoining apartments). All the rooms were large and nicely furnished. The bathrooms were large and had enough hot water for all of us. The kitchens were well stocked with everything we needed if we wanted to cook. It did take a bit to learn the ins and out of the stove, but once mastered, we had no problem. To say the area is beautiful is an understatement. Suffice it to say, when my brother-in-law looked out his bedroom window he said "My God, what did we do right". The scenery is magnificent and every morning a sheer joy to see it. We totally enjoyed hearing the bells of our neighbors sheep in the meadow down below, and we were lucky enough to see the two newborn lambs. Cuiano was a great home base. We were able to go to Gubbio, Arezzo, Siena, Assisi, Camuccia for market day and Cortona we visited 3 times. Cortona was absolutely our favorite, although it's really hard to choose. We dined at Mimmi's twice; if you get a chance make sure you make a reservation, it's not to be missed. No menu, but who needs it, whatever Mimmi cooks is just delicious. Be prepared for a 10 course meal. Franco, thank you, thank you, thank you. Our home away from home was just the best. Dottie and Pasquilino were welcome visitors and such sweet dogs. For those of you who stay at Cuiano, Pasquilino will lead the way down the mountain at top speed and then meet you again on the way up to lead you back home. Like the mayor of Cuiano. If you're thinking of a visit to Tuscany, you couldn't pick a better place than Cuiano to stay. Enjoy the view, enjoy the food, enjoy the wine,enjoy CUIANO.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/05/09 Review Submitted: 07/05/09

We were a party of 13 assorted family and friends with ages ranging from 27 to 84 when we visited Villa Cuiano in June 2009. We choose this property for its location and the variety of apartments within it. We rented La Stalla, La Stalletta and La Loggia spending several memorable evenings cooking and eating together in La Stalla which lends itself admirably to this along with the barbecue. The space both internally and externally in the most expertly restored farmhouse enabled us all to enjoy our various interests and we had everything we needed including the pool with ample loungers and parasols. The rural tranquility was completed by the sound of a distant cuckoo by day and an owl by night together with the fireflies up the track illuminated only by the moon. By day we variously enjoyed energetic walks up the hill, lazing by the pool or visiting the beautiful villages and towns of Umbria and Tuscany. Villa Cuiano is the ideal venue for those who want a friendly informal atmosphere in a stunning location with the attention of three devoted resident dogs who love to accompany guests on their walks and, together with assorted cats, wait hopefully for tasty morsels at mealtimes. The accommodation is very clean and comfortable (quite firm beds) with lots of bathrooms, the pool is maintained on a daily basis and there is a great view down the valley. The small supermarkets and weekly market in Mercatale provide all the essentials for self-catering with two excellent butchers and even a pharmacy. Both in Mercatale and the next village of Licciano Niccone there are good places to eat out including the bustling Fizz Bar with local fish on a Friday. All in all a great place to relax and enjoy a rural holiday yet within easy driving distance of Lake Trasimeno and a boat trip to the island, the lovely hill villages, Cortona, Perugia, Assisi etc and with good train links to Rome and Florence. Nothing was too much trouble for Franco, the owner and we really appreciated his willingness to turn the groundfloor sittingroom in La Stalletta into a single bedroom for the comfort and convenience of the oldest member of the party. On our first evening Franco, by prior arrangement, cooked and served a delightful meal of local produce and wine and coped admirably with the delay due to late arrivals. This was a great way to begin our holiday and one we thoroughly recommend for a large group. It is our intention to return in due course as we so enjoyed the relaxing

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Guest: Deirdre S. (-)
Date of Stay: 08/18/08 Review Submitted: 08/18/08

We rented Villa Cuiano for a family reunion and it was the best villa I have ever rented -- in terms of the accommodations, amenities and the thoughtful concern and attention demonstrated by Franco, the property owner. We have rented villas in France, Italy, Mexico and several Caribbean islands and this one excelled in all regards. There were 18 of us ranging in age from 9-65 yrs. and there was plenty to do both on and off the property for everyone in the party. The descriptions of the accommodations and property are very accurate (not always true with all property descriptions) and each apartment was outfitted with all the basics that you would need. The furnishings were tasteful and the architecture beautiful. The family would split up and day trip and then end up around the pool (which really had enough chairs,lounges, tables for 18!) watching the sunset and trading stories of our day. The grounds are extensive and well manicured. It is a working farm and we always had a few friendly, well behaved dogs and cats roaming around which was a great plus for the kids. We'd wake up early some days to the sounds of tractors or roosters but it really just fed into the ambiance. If you don't enjoy that, Florence or Siena may be more to your liking. Franco was just the most gracious and concerned (yet not intrusive) host. He was tremendously helpful in terms of directions, suggestions and knowledge or the area. Perhaps most telling was his reaction when one of our youngest was ill. When we asked if there was a doctor or clinic, he phoned his personal physician, made an appointment and went with the child and her parents to the doctor to act as interpreter. That type of thoughtfulness transcends a dollar value and we greatly appreciated it. To celebrate the birthday of one of our family, Franco arranged to have a dinner prepared at the villa in an adjacent room which can accommodate 40. We had an absolutely terrific, reasonably priced 6 course meal (I think 6-- we were provided with wine as well as the meal which results in a somewhat clouded memory) that featured local specialties. In keeping with his attention to detail, Franco asked for a list of any allergies we may have so that the cook could avoid those ingredients. The location, while about 20-30 minutes from truly major highways, was very good. Among our group, trips were made to Siena, Assisi, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Pienza, Orvieto,Civita di Bagnoregio (great by the way), Montone (anothe

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Guest: Cy Dillon (our guests- June 2005) (-)
Date of Stay: 10/22/05 Review Submitted: 10/22/05

My footfalls on the mountain’s gravel roadMake the sound of shadowsWhetted on a stone of late afternoon sunAbove the ruined castle of PierleI startle the lone cuckoo into silenceJust a moment in passingI am relieved to hear the calls againThey had taken me days After our arrival to discover Descending, the slope on my left flattensAnd after all these weeks of walksI realize that the ancient, struggling chestnutsAre uniformly spacedA formation of cultivationPerhaps a century oldRecognition is not often immediate for meYou may understand the timeIt takes to see or hear below the surfacesYou may appreciate the solitary natureOf this exploration left to usYou certainly recognize my disappointmentWhen the elusive calls are lostIn the happy voices around our farmhouse.

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Guest: Joanne Myers and Family (-)
Date of Stay: 10/22/05 Review Submitted: 10/22/05

After quite an exciting ride up the mountain, a right turn into the driveway, your jaw drops. In front of you are Dottie and Pasquilino (the dogs) to welcome you to Cuiano. And Ceca too, the neighbors dog. Ten of us stayed at Cuiano in Oct. 2005. We rented La Loggia and La Stalletta (ajoining apartments). All the rooms were large and nicely furnished. The bathrooms were large and had enough hot water for all of us. The kitchens were well stocked with everything we needed if we wanted to cook. It did take a bit to learn the ins and out of the stove, but once mastered, we had no problem. To say the area is beautiful is an understatement. Suffice it to say, when my brother-in-law looked out his bedroom window he said "My God, what did we do right". The scenery is magnificent and every morning a sheer joy to see it. We totally enjoyed hearing the bells of our neighbors sheep in the meadow down below, and we were lucky enough to see the two newborn lambs. Cuiano was a great home base. We were able to go to Gubbio, Arezzo, Siena, Assisi, Camuccia for market day and Cortona we visited 3 times. Cortona was absolutely our favorite, although it's really hard to choose. We dined at Mimmi's twice; if you get a chance make sure you make a reservation, it's not to be missed. No menu, but who needs it, whatever Mimmi cooks is just delicious. Be prepared for a 10 course meal. Franco, thank you, thank you, thank you. Our home away from home was just the best. Dottie and Pasquilino were welcome visitors and such sweet dogs. For those of you who stay at Cuiano, Pasquilino will lead the way down the mountain at top speed and then meet you again on the way up to lead you back home. Like the mayor of Cuiano. If you're thinking of a visit to Tuscany, you couldn't pick a better place than Cuiano to stay. Enjoy the view, enjoy the food, enjoy the wine,enjoy CUIANO.

Recommended for:

Guest: Karen D. Family & Friends (-)
Date of Stay: 10/22/05 Review Submitted: 10/22/05

What a great visit! Thank you and your staff for a two very nice weeks. I learned a lot about Tuscan foods and cooking by eating in many restaurants and also the three excellent meals at the Villa. Inparticular I will miss Mercatale. Very friendly, helpful people in the shops. Mentally, I am still very much in Tuscany! Images of the flowers, hills, trees and bird songs will be with me for some time. Have a very good summer!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/01/04 Review Submitted: 12/29/04

We spent a week at Villa Cuiano in September 2004 and held our wedding there as well. It was a terrific, memorable week for us and our guests. In fact, the entire week was as close to the vision of an informal wedding in a beautiful, foreign setting as we could have hoped for. We rented the entire villa, which is a great way to spend a week with friends and family. I think that one could rent an individual apartment and feel like they had sufficient privacy, though. The apartments were not luxurious but were pretty, clean, and comfortable. When awake, who would spend time in them in any event, when you could sit by the pool and enjoy the wonderful view? If you are thinking of a wedding, we easily accommodated 50 people for the ceremony by the pool and had two tents with food and drink in the gravel courtyard nearby. Others have mentioned the difficult single lane, dirt road, up the small mountain to get to the villa. Once you learned to keep up speed on a particularly difficult curve, we were able to get up without a problem even in an underpowered, compact car with a shift. The villa is a little remote with even Cortona 20 or 30 minutes drive away, so if you are having a wedding or other party make sure that there are sufficient rented cars. However, we loved the location with Florence and Siena no more than 2 hours away and Umbria so close. Cortona really is a nice little city. We also rented Villa Il Colle further up the hill which is owned by Franco and Fausto's cousin. That is a beautiful property, as well, though it is even more difficult to get your car into. Also, I was a little upset by the cousin's wife accusing us of breaking the refrigerator door as we were leaving and wanting money for it. The door never stayed shut well even from the beginning according to the guests that we housed there. I'd advise the cousin to keep his wife away from the foreign guests. On the other hand, Franco (I never had the pleasure of meeting Fausto) was as nice, attentive, and helpful a host as one could want. He really is a very sweet guy, and he truly made this a spectacular week for all of us. We can't thank him enough.

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