Vacation Rentals by Owner

Guest: James
Date of Stay: 07/16/11 Review Submitted: 07/31/11

It was a wonderful trip all in all. Give Francesco and Franca our regards...they were lovely.

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Guest: Patti
Date of Stay: 10/18/10 Review Submitted: 11/17/10

We enjoyed our stay at Casa San Vito a geat deal. The house was beautifully restored,clean and comfortable for 6 adults (friends). The beds were all very cozy with down comforters and pressed sheets. Francesco and his mother were very friendly and helpful. Location is a little off the beaten trail but with the little grocery down the lane you could access everything you might need. It is a great location for driving to places in Tuscany which we did every day. A suggestion for October stays - have wood available for the fireplace. We managed with a small saw we found. Thank-you, Lisa, for the friendly, efficient correspondance. Your info package is excellent and we referred to it often. I hope we will be checking with you in the future because we would love to return to Italy.

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Guest: Eda
Date of Stay: 08/21/10 Review Submitted: 09/08/10

I wanted to thank you for my Italian holiday, which was indeed perfect. Casa San Vito so lived up to expectations, exactly the degree of comfort and charm that I wished for. The owners were, of course, charming and helpful, and oh, the beauty of the countryside! To open the shutters and see that landscape each morning was blissful. You provided an exceptionally thorough and helpful orientation. Quite extraordinary in how comprehensive it was. I hope that I will be fortunate enough to return and can require your assistance again!

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Guest: Alexandra
Date of Stay: 07/31/10 Review Submitted: 09/08/10

We enjoyed Casa San Vito very much. The house is very comfortable and there were only a few very minor issues to dealt with (the halogen ceiling track lights are too hot for the dimmer and circuitry to handle so they sometimes burned out or went off and on. Francesco, the owner's very helpful son, tried to remedy this problem but the lighting issue has to be retooled to be effective.) The views were unbelievably beautiful. We found this house very comfortable for 4 people and there was even a small extra bedroom for one or two more guests (perhaps children.) All the furniture is fine, not fancy but very adequate. The kitchen was well enough equipped for simple meals.The bed linens were very pleasant (changed weekly) and the bathrooms are more than adequate. The house was spotless. Here are the things to be aware of: The road to the cottage is dirt and rocks so be careful with a low standing vehicle. Your undercarriage will be hit. Often. You need to be prepared to drive quite a ways to the Co-op [grocery store] in San Casciano or Tavernelle. But you will find them to be outstanding supermarkets. We loved the mini mart in nearby La Romita which met many immediate needs. Driving in Tuscany can be hair raising and their poor road signs added to our sometime frustration. A GPS is very helpful. But if you like hair pin turns on mountain roads with gorgeous views you will be in heaven. Italy Perfect was fine to deal with although they really did not give any written instructions about using the television when we wanted occasionally to get the English language news. This would be easy to amend if they chose to improve that services. [Thank you for that useful suggestion. Verbal instructions were provided at check in but we will supplement this with written instructions. Lisa, Italy Perfect] There are bees and gnats on the patio bring insect repellent. Now that I have listed the problems, let me say that the cheerfulness of the owners made up for some of these deficiencies. They were a wonderful family whom we thoroughly enjoyed.

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Guest: Tim
Date of Stay: 07/26/10 Review Submitted: 08/13/10

We enjoyed this house. It feels like out-of-nowhere, but very conveniently located between Firenze and Siena. The host was very friendly and the unit [house] was very spacious and clean. Highly recommended for someone who would like to enjoy the country-side of Tuscany.

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Guest: Erik
Date of Stay: 07/18/10 Review Submitted: 08/23/10

We had a lovely stay at Casa San Vito. The location proved to be very convenient to Florence, the Chianti region and Sienna. We did a fair amount of cooking at the house, and the kitchen was more than edequate, with plenty of space, cooking utensils and dishes available. The outdoor table and chairs were the perfect setting to enojoy our feasts with wine we had aquired on our daily visits to the surrounding area. One of our favorite activities was a cooking school in Florence and visiting all the various small towns and vineyards in Chianti. Although it was very warm in Italy the week we were there, the temperature at the house was considerably cooler with it's hill top location and breeze. Fans were provided for our bedrooms. Overall, we had a great week and very good experience with Italy Perfect and Casa San Vito. We would definitely use this service again.

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Guest: Diane
Date of Stay: 07/14/10 Review Submitted: 08/05/10

Visiting Tuscany is always a great pleasure but having the opportunity to live in an original farmhouse such as Casa San Vito for a week made the trip to this region truly memorable. The house was charming because it was so well kept, spotless and filled with family heirlooms. One could sense immediately the pride that Francesco, Franca and Julio took in this home. Everything possible was done to make us comfortable and it was marvelous to have so much space. Our trip was enhanced by the personal touches such as gifts of wine from the family winery. The grapes were growing just outside our windows, so we knew exactly where the wine came from! Casa San Vito is central to the Chianti Road, Siena, Volterra, San Gimignano and Florence. We had a wonderful time exploring the neighbourhood as well as the countryside and were rewarded with magnificent views of this amazing country. The views for the framhouse were breathtaking. Franca and Francesco were always willing to give directions and advice on where to go and what to see. Their recommendations provided us with opportunities to see and do things we would not have done on our own. We were fortunate to dine at La Tenda Rossa in Cerbaia and the food was extraordinary. A trip to Radda in Chianti and the town of San Casciano is well worth the time. July is very hot in Italy, but despite the heat, Casa San Vito remained very cool and the large windows which provided a cross draft helped to keep us cool! I would recommend Casa San Vito to anyone who wishes to see Tuscany in a very different way; like a local instead of a tourist. I hope to return again in the near future. An amazing holiday!

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Guest: Larry
Date of Stay: 06/20/10 Review Submitted: 07/07/10

Thank you for all of your help. Francesco was very helpful and had told us to call if we needed anything. Hope to do this again, and will check in with you if we do!

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Guest: H.H.
Date of Stay: 06/12/10 Review Submitted: 08/12/10

Thank you for all of your help. From Lisa at Italy Perfect (reservation and information), Francesco and his Mother (owners and hosts), location, price (2 families shared the cost), true TuscanyChianti feel, to proximity to Siena/Florence, if you want to get the feeling that you are an Italian vineyard and olive orchard owner, choose this for your next Italian getaway! You become part of it and it becomes part of you during your stay! We had a vehicle and would recommend it as a drive around the surrounding countryside visiting some of the small towns along the way is very rewarding and the trip to Siena/Florence is not that far! The driving is easy in the country compared to the need to use public transportation in Rome/Venice. You can relax at Casa San Vito, or head out for many an adventure, great food, and of course, a Gelato a day! Our weather was mid 80's w/some showers. Heat could be an issue, but wasn't for us. If you need luxury, this might not be your destination, but for a warm and accommodating location on a hillside overlooking the Chianti region seriously consider Casa San Vito!

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Guest: Theresa
Date of Stay: 05/28/10 Review Submitted: 06/19/10

I just had to drop you a note to THANK YOU for the marvellous villa. It was everything that I had imagined and even more. The weather was superb for the week and we enjoyed more than one glass of wine on the patio. Francesco was very helpful and accommodating but we really didn't see much of him or his family [Owners live off premises, good for guest privacy. Lisa Italy Perfect]. We enjoyed our time in Florence - the bus was fantastic from Bottai - and we loved just exploring the area around San Casciano. Our time in Italy was just fantastic and finishing off our time at the Villa just seemed to be the icing on the cake. I have no words to express our appreciation for having such a welcoming and comforting home base! Who knows, our travels may take us to that area again. Thank you again, Lisa, for all of your assistance, your references and your answers to my many endless questions.

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 10/13/09 Review Submitted: 10/12/09

I just wanted to drop you a note. We just got back from Italy. We were very happy with our accommodations in Rome and in Tuscany. At Casa San Vito we enjoyed meeting the owner and his family. The house was perfect and of course we loved Tuscany. I have told numerous people about your website and recommended accommodations. Hopefully we can do it again sometime perhaps in Paris. Thanks for the help. Peter Alizzeo Harwich, MA

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 10/02/09 Review Submitted: 10/01/09

Casa San Vito was beautiful, nestled in very scenic surroundings. Only 5 minutes from the highway, we were able to travel to all the nearby areas (after we figured out the road signs). The webpage doesn't do it justice; the villa was much nicer in person. The rooms were large and clean, the villa was nicely decorated with antique furniture, and the host was very friendly and helpful. The view was outstanding!! Sara, Colorado, USA

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 06/03/09 Review Submitted: 06/02/09

We enjoyed our entire time in Italy, but we'd have to say that the time we spent at Casa San Vita in Tuscany was our favorite! The Casa is perfectly located for day trips to the amazing hill towns in the region. We loved our morning coffee on the patio with those beautiful views and eating dinner in the warm, cozy kitchen. It was a joy to come home in the evening, open the shutters and let in the views and the fresh air! Francesco and Franca were wonderful - we enjoyed our tour of the Cantina and their gifts of wine and olive oil. The little grocery store in Romita was great - they have all of the basics and were very friendly and helpful. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed Casa San Vito and we hope to return for a longer visit! Joe & Barb Rosario, Littleton, Colorado

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 03/03/09 Review Submitted: 03/02/09

We found the location of Casa San Vito perfect for exploring Tuscany and beyond. The house was just as described, and Francesco and his family were very welcoming. It was very nice to come back to the peace and quiet of the villa after a day of sightseeing, yet we had wonderful access to the major roads for daytrips. We enjoyed going for walks right from the villa's door, which offered more of the amazing views also available in every direction from the villa itself. The villa was very clean and the kitchen was well equipped. We had no problem with the size of the refrigerator, and as we traveled with 2 small children, we certainly made use of it. The warm pastries at the mini-market in Romita are not to be missed. Michelle & Tim, Kennett Square, PA

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 11/03/08 Review Submitted: 11/02/08

WOW! Casa San Vito is a beautiful and comfy farmhouse that allowed us and my brother and sister-in-law to live a Tuscan lifetstyle that was filled with lots of laughter, wine and great food. To be able to pick fresh figs, apples, basil and rosemary right outside our door was super, and the views from every room was spectacular! Franca and family were wonderful to us, and made us feel right at home. We have used Italy Perfect before and they are simply PERFECT! Darrell & Sue Howlett, Vancouver, B.C. Canada

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 11/03/08 Review Submitted: 11/02/08

What a wonderful trip we had & Casa San Vito was a highlight. It so far exceeded our expectations and was clearly the best value of our grip. The villa was beautiful, charming, comfortable & spotless. The setting was right of "Under the Tuscan Sun". Pat Gillotti & family, Redding, CT

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 06/03/08 Review Submitted: 06/02/08

We had a great time in Italy. We loved Tuscany. Casa San Vito was wonderful. The various family members there were friendly and helpful. It couldn't have been better -- well, maybe, if it hadn't rained so much. But that didn't slow us down. Our bottom line is that Claire and I would love to go back for another stay at San Vito. We cooked at home most nights and enjoyed living like the Italian families in the area. Thanks for setting this up for us. If you want to use us as a referral for someone to talk with about the Casa, we'd be glad to do that. John Rubin, Oakland, CA

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 05/03/08 Review Submitted: 05/02/08

It was a lovely house in a lovely setting. We so enjoyed our stay. Francesco & his mother Franca who greeted us were absolutely charming. I wanted to tell you what a great time we had at Casa San Vito. The place was perfect, neat, clean, and had every amenity we could want. Even your EXCEEDINGLY THOROUGH directions. Instructions were really great, especially for the how- to-get-there directions. We would definitely stay there again. I hope we get the opportunity. Chip & Chris Marcin, Lakewood, Colorado

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 05/03/08 Review Submitted: 05/02/08

We can't wait to return to Casa San Vito. We loved the location, views and everything worked out ideally for us. P. Rusk, Cleveland, Ohio

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 11/03/07 Review Submitted: 11/02/07

San Vito was in the perfect location, close enough to Florence and the surrounding countryside. We loved the place, and would recommend it to anyone. As you had mentioned, Francesco and his family are very warm and friendly and welcoming. We even had a chance to help at the olive harvest, including taking the olives to the processing plant, seeing how the oil is made, and having our very own bottle of olive oil on our table the very next evening. Gordon & Elaine Graham, Ottowa, Ontario

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/03/07 Review Submitted: 08/02/07

We really enjoyed our time at Casa San Vito, making day trips into Firenze and all the other spots we wanted to see. The home was pretty much as we expected/described on the website. We felt the location was ideal. Even Pisa/Livorno were no more than 90 minute drives. Our weather was ideal, but in August, that's expected. As all other guests have remarked, the hosts are fabulous people... everything was great. Bob Shaw, Calgary, Alberta

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 06/03/07 Review Submitted: 06/02/07

Casa San Vito was a highlight of our family's Italy vacation. The house is just as it is described on the website and it is a great value. We enjoyed getting to visit with Francesco and his parents who were extremely gracious and generous. The location is great for side trips: We went to Pisa, Viareggio (beach town), Carrara (marble quarries), San Gimignano, Siena, Volterra, and several Chianti wine towns. You can take a bus into Florence from a nearby village and avoid the hassle of driving in the city, a huge plus. Hanging out at the house and relaxing is equally enjoyable. The nearby town of San Casciano is a handy base for groceries, restaurants and shopping. We prepared dinner at home several nights, and had some great meals in the nearby restaurants. Our week and a half at San Vito exceeded our expectations. We'd love to return. Mary Louise, David and Stuart Hopson, Dallas, Texas

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 04/03/07 Review Submitted: 04/02/07

Everything was better than expected. The stay at Casa San Vito was most enjoyable. Carol & Nolan Blades, Calgary, Canada

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 11/03/06 Review Submitted: 11/02/06

We had a great time in Italy and the Villa was a treat. It was perfect home base for us and in such a beautiful area. Also, Francesco and his family are wonderful. They were so kind and helpful even when we could hardly communicate with words they were very patient as well. In fact the people throughout Italy were amazing. It was really a fun vacation and we saw as much as was humanly possible in our little time there. I think one of my favorite days though was the last day on the way home from San Gimignano when we decided to just stop by Certaldo. It wasn't in any of our travel books and yet what a great old town that really didn't seem to be so focused towards tourists. That was a wonderful way to end our Tuscan stay. And thank you for your helpful hints. The restaurants you recommended were all fantastic. Teresa & RJ Devick, Maple Grove, Minnesota

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 11/03/06 Review Submitted: 11/02/06

Casa San Vito is fabulous, as was our entire trip (15 days). Even the weather was perfect, only turning cold the day we left. Francesco and his mother were most helpful. I will definitely recommend Casa San Vito and Casa Rossa. Your written materials were also great. We went to the MiniMart every morning for cappuccino and pastries and fell in love with Maria. One member of our group wants to move to Romita and become Maria's apprentice. Carol Breckner, Tucson, Arizona

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 10/03/06 Review Submitted: 10/02/06

My friends and I have just returned from our trip, which included a week at Casa San Vito. We had a wonderful time. The house was very spacious and comfortable, and the location was terrific for day trips to see Tuscany. We also managed to slow down for a couple of days and just enjoy the surroundings, including the grape harvest that was in full swing. Franca spoiled us with fresh-baked grape tart, extra coverlets and an extra hair dryer (when she realized we were 6 women renting.) The family was very accommodating, considering how busy they were. We were sorry to leave. Thanks for representing such a great spot in Tuscany! Laurie Pass, Boston, MA

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 09/03/06 Review Submitted: 09/02/06

We just spent 10 days at Casa San Vito and from the time we walked in the door at the house, we all fell in love with Tuscany. Francesco and Franca met us and our kitchen had fresh fruit, wine and olive oil. We picked fresh fruit every day. The first day we visited the market in Tavarnelle and stocked up with cheese, wine and all the wonderful Italian vegetables. The location was a great place to be able to visit all the hill towns. We were also privileged to be there during wine harvesting. The day before we left, Franca brought us a grape cake that she just baked, a cake they make special during the harvest season. Francesco visited a couple of times and he gave us a tour of the winery. The house had every modern convenience and we all plan to return for a longer visit in the near future. Bob and Sandra Thompson, Carol Zenow and Amy Fogo, Clinton Township, Michigan

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/03/06 Review Submitted: 08/02/06

Thank you so very much for everything, you helped create a very, very special experience for me and my family - full of memories we will treasure for many years. We hope to work with you again! E. Bussing, Mill Valley, California

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 06/03/06 Review Submitted: 06/02/06

Just wanted you to know that we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Casa San Vito the end of May. I also appreciated the help you gave during the process. Everything went exactly as expected. Carole Schneider, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 05/03/06 Review Submitted: 05/02/06

We loved the house and the area. We had a great trip. The Storkson's, Eagle, Idaho

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 05/03/06 Review Submitted: 05/02/06

We just returned home from a fabulous two weeks in Italy. Casa San Vito was perfect. Its location was great for our sightseeing excursions and its ambiance was perfect for the end of the day wind down. The information you provide was extremely helpful. Thanks again for all your help. Jim & Melanie Williams, Dunwoody, Georgia

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 04/03/06 Review Submitted: 04/02/06

The house & view, as you know, are just amazing. We went to Florence twice, Siena, Pisa etc. But my favorite part of the trip was always coming home to the villa. Probably unlike most people we ate in the villa every night. My daughter is a vegetarian, my son is a kid who won't eat anything so it's hard for us to go out to eat at the many fine places we saw. That was ok for me. It's rare that I get to sit down to dinner with my whole family, so as I said coming back to the villa was my favorite part. We would put the Italian TV on sometime & watch Lord of the Rings in Italian, but mostly they read or played cards at night as I would go thru my next day's guidebooks. Getting home at night around 7:00 every night just wasn't early enough for me. I was always trying to get back to the villa earlier. The views were great. Saw a couple beautiful sunsets from our windows. Went for a couple short walks down the gravel roads. I loved the thick walls, the cool tile floors, & I loved opening the shutters every morning. What beautiful views - from all four side of the house & that fresh smell. It was a big house yet very homey & comfortable. Brian Sketch, Torrance, California

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 04/03/06 Review Submitted: 04/02/06

We had a great time. The house was a great value. And the location is excellent. I would recommend Casa San Vito in a heart beat. Bill Haag, Pepper Pike, Ohio

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Guest: Eric & Mary Lindquist (-)
Date of Stay: 12/15/05 Review Submitted: 12/15/05

We, together with 2 other couples, have just returned from spending a marvelous holiday at Casa San Vito in late October 2005. We could not have asked for more perfect accommodations while in Tuscany! The casa was equipped with every modern convenience we could ask for and our hosts, Francesco, Franca and Giulio were so welcoming! We were able to take day trips to Siena, Florence, San Gimignano and Montelupo; the restaurants and COOP markets in Tavarnelle and San Casciano were ideal! We especially enjoyed watching Francesco harvesting the olives from the surrounding grove one weekend. We look forward to returning to this delightful haven!

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 12/03/05 Review Submitted: 12/02/05

Thank you again for a wonderful place to stay while we were in Italy. Your service was excellent as well. C. Borges, Harrisburg, PA

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 08/03/05 Review Submitted: 08/02/05

We really enjoyed our stay at San Vito. C. Shen, Baltimore, Maryland

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 06/05/05 Review Submitted: 06/04/05

Loved Casa San Vito and Francesco - his parents are so sweet. I brought home some of their olive oil. I would definitely recommend both places to friends. Thanks for all of your help. Carolyn Frahm, Powhaten, Virginia

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 05/03/05 Review Submitted: 05/02/05

We are back from our trip to Italy. We really enjoyed our time at Casa San Vito. Francesco and his family were extremely gracous hosts and very helpful. Doug & Kendall Gelfand

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 05/03/05 Review Submitted: 05/02/05

When we started planning our trip to Italy, I was thrilled to find out about Lisa Byrne and ItalyPerfect. One look at the website and I knew Casa San Vito was the perfect place for us to spend a week in Tuscany. Lisa was always responsive and available for any questions I had. The information packet Lisa provided includes a wealth of information as far as driving directions, tourist information, shopping, restaurants, etc. I kept the packet with me at all times, and even though we have been home for two weeks, I keep going back to look at it and think about things we will do on our next trip to Italy. Our next trip to Italy will start with ItalyPerfect. Kevin, Claudia & Madeleine Burr, San Jose, California

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 05/03/05 Review Submitted: 05/02/05

We all had a great time. The villa was very clean, with modern appliances and the location was perfect to explore the hill towns of Tuscany. Francesco was a delight to deal with as was the rest of hisfamily. We will be recommending the villa to all our friends. Jon Pellechia, New York, New York

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