Vacation Rentals by Owner

Exceeded all expecation

Guest: Clarissa A.
Date of Stay: 08/27/11 Review Submitted: 09/27/11

I was very happy with my stay at Le Moggie! It exceeded all expectation and it was absolutely the best vacation I have ever had! The pace was just right. We did a lot of walking around, near the house, near Varese Ligure, and the Parco de Aveto. For the most part we stayed in the area around Varese Ligure: though we did visit Sarzana, Lerici, Luna, Cinque Terre and Genova. Paths near the house were wonderful. Along the path which is reached by leaving the house, and turning right up the hill instead of down into Valletti, we made the acquaintance of several friendly elderly Ligurian ladies. We also ate at most of the restaurants in VL. I think the Gallo Nero was my favorite. There is a grocery in town which has everything we needed to cook at home when we preferred to do that. I loved the different foods we were able to sample especially the different pestos and pastas. I liked croxetti/crozetti which is a type of pasta I had not seen before coming to Liguria. I have been researching croxetti and apparently you can buy a croxetti stamp from a man with a small shop behind the red cross near the carabinieri. I did not know this while there or I would have bought one (we didn't hook up internet at the house so less ability to research things / waste time -it was actually a relief to be "unplugged."). I also met the gentleman who runs the leather shop in town, and he made me a beautiful handbag to my specifications. The handbag is of exquisite quality. My husband and I were able to relax and we loved all aspects of our trip (except maybe driving on those mountain roads, but we got used to it!) Thank you so much for sharing Le Moggie with us. We would love to visit again.

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

Stay at Le Moggie

Guest: gordon d.
Date of Stay: 08/14/11 Review Submitted: 09/11/11

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our recent two-week stay at Le Moggie, which is a superb house, in a superb location, in a superb part of Italy. The house is exceptionally well resourced offering everything you may need during your stay, and is very attractively furnished in a variety of interesting vernaculars. The location is excellent offering appropriate isolation and good hiking, but just 15 minutes from Varese Ligure which offers all the amenities you may require, including two very good bars and supermarkets. And this part of Liguria is well-positioned for important regional sites, assuming you want to take the trouble to leave the house! Dr & Mrs Gordon Downie, Cardiff, UK.

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

You Will Love This House

Guest: Anne (Decatur, TX)
Date of Stay: 05/23/11 Review Submitted: 06/21/11

Our week at Le Moggie was way too short. The house is wonderful and just exactly as it's pictured on the website. Everything we needed for the kitchen was there, the beds were comfortable, everything was clean and in order. We actually felt like pinching ourselves the first morning when we had breakfast on the terrace and looked at the hills surrounding us. Don't miss this house! It's a once in a lifetime experience. We enjoyed the opportunity to spend time in Varese Ligure, and we made side trips to the Cinque Terre and Lucca, as well as stopping in Genova on our way back to Milan. But mostly we relaxed, ate, walked, and drove through the little hillside towns around us. It was a great trip!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

La Dolce Vita

Guest: American couple living in Berlin (Berlin, Germany)
Date of Stay: 05/14/11 Review Submitted: 06/05/11

"We highly recommend this wonderful holiday location to experience another world that almost seems like a fantasy. What was amazing was the way that the place grew on us, day by day, until at the end of the holiday we wanted to offer to buy it so we would not have to leave. Unfortunately our jobs/lives called us back. We were also transformed by the experience of our week there, and have not stopped thinking about it since (now four weeks later). We looked about five years longer when we left, after eating the wonderful healthy food and breathing the fantastic clean air, and soaking in the relaxing atmosphere. We could see for miles around - views of mountains and trees and sun and fog that mesmerized us. There we were happy to just hang out on the patio, for our meals, and to rest in between. Sunrise and sunset were stunning. The villagers were very friendly and helpful, your caretaker immediately responsive when we locked our keys in the laundry room, and the grocery store full of delightful smells and tastes. When we could tear ourselves away, we were able to visit the amazing historic coastal towns that we've seen in the movies. Next time two weeks!"

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Ligurian vacation

Guest: Liz (Houston, Texas)
Date of Stay: 09/18/10 Review Submitted: 10/12/10

We had a lovely time at Le Moggie and in Italy. The first week the weather was warm and we took several day trips to the coastal towns recommended by the owners.. The second week the weather was cool and wet and we stayed closer to home with the fireplace and beautiful walks. We loved the restaurants in Varese Ligure and the people were so patient with our lack of Italian. The bakery was our favorite place. It was a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation that we will long remember. The owners were very helpful in answering all our questions and providing us with a great deal of information about the area.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Italian countryside, amazing house and view!

Guest: Matt (Minneapolis, MN )
Date of Stay: 09/11/10 Review Submitted: 09/18/10

We loved Le Moggie. Exceeded all of our high expectations. We stayed 5 nights in September of 2010 (wish we could have stayed a month). Best vacation we have ever had. Peace and quiet, but close enough to town and the Italian Riveria, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence, Lucca, Genoa, Parma, etc! Amazing property and town and countryside. Terrace overlooks medieval villages and Ligurian countryside (amazing view!). 10 minute drive into town for artisan and local cheeses, pesto, meats, pasta and bakeries. House sleeps at least 6, but is great for a romantic getaway for 2 as well. Best location for a peacful Italian vacation with access to all the sites of Italy. Laundry facilities in house, as well as beautiful large fireplace for evenings at home. All the amenities ones needs with the serentity of a classic Italian village home. Property kept clean and modern. Great hikes available from the house. We hiked the Cinque Terre and enjoyed a beautiful day on the beaches of the Italian Riviera. But, the best days were spent around the house, enjoying the view and the shops and restaurants of the town. We cannot wait to go back! Do not miss the opportunity to stay at Le Moggie if you want to see Italy and the Cinque Terre. Matt and Anna (Minneapolis, MN, USA)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Umgebung toll, Domizil ?

Guest: Werner (Münchner Süden)
Date of Stay: 08/28/10 Review Submitted: 12/11/10

Wir haben uns sehr auf dieses Domizil gefreut. Angebot und Realität klafften dann jedoch weit auseinander. Das Haus hat keine Dorfnähe, sondern steht ganz alleine in Kastanienwäldern (romantisch). Für Pilzsucher ein Traum! Um das Haus herum Unrat und Unordnung. Das Haus selbst nett und den Bildern entsprechend ausgestattet. ABER: Modergeruch im ganzen Haus (war auch durch Dauerlüften nicht rauszubekommen), Schwarzschimmel im Bad in der Dusche, ein Dutzend Skorpione (2 oder 3 würde ich ja noch in Kauf nehmen), eine dicke Ameisenstraße durch die Küche (obwohl angeblich vor 3 Stunden alles gereinigt wurde) und modernde Wandteppiche und Bücher. Im Kaminzimmer ein Geruchsmix aus Moder und kaltem Kaminrauch. Die Umgebung ist für Allergiker geeignet, jedoch das Haus nicht. Mein Sohn bekam massive Atembeschwerden und so reisten wir nach einer Nacht bereits wieder ab (die Kinder, beide 15 J.) haben die Nacht im Auto verbracht. FAZIT: Dieses Domizil ist aus meiner Sicht im Vergleich zu anderen Objekten in dieser Preisklasse preislich überzogen. Mein Security-Deposit habe ich bis heute nicht erhalten. Kein Entgegenkommen des Vermieters.

Owner response:In Bezug auf die Bewertung des Gastes von unserer Villa, Le Moggie, in Liguria, Italien: Seit 1987 –beinahe 25 Jahre lang – vermieten meine Frau und ich unsere Villa an zufriedene Besucher.In den Beurteilungen anderer Gaeste koennen Sie sich davon ueberzeugen, wie angenehm und wirklich einzigartig unser Ferienhaus ist. Es tut uns leid, dass der Gast sich nicht ein Haus ausgesucht hat, welches seinen persoenlichen Beduerfnissen entspricht.Schade ist auch,dass wir eine erste negative Bewertung in 25 Jahren erhielten. Der Gast rief uns gleich nach seiner Ankunft an, um uns mitzuteilen, dass sein Sohn Asthma Probleme habe und keinerlei Brennholzrueckstaende tolerieren koenne; der grosse gemauerte Kamin wird von unseren Gaesten fast täglich benutzt und ist eine der Hauptattraktionen unseres Hauses. Hinzu kommt, dass unser Gast ueber Insekten klagte. Es ist natuerlich dass es Insekten und Fauna im allgemeinen gibt, da unser Haus direkt in einem Nationalpark liegt. Als drittes nennt der Gast einen Schimmelgeruch in einem der zwei Badezimmer. Auch dieses wurde bisher von keinem anderen Gast erwaehn.Wir halten unser Haus regelmaessig in Stand und pflegen es, trotzdem schickte ich am naechsten Morgen, einem Sonntag unseren Handwerker, der dann sofort die Kacheln neu ausfugte. Dem Gast unter Annahme einer berechtigten Reklamation, bot ich an, fuer die erste Nacht nichts zu berechnen. Er lehnte mein Angebot jedoch ab und verlangte statt dessen eine komplette Rueckerstattung, dem ich nicht zustimmen konnte. Wir sind der Meinung, dass der Gast dafuer verantwortlich ist, sein Ferienhaus auf seine besonderen Anforderungen bezogen auszuwaehlen. Ich bat diesen um seine Bankinformation, damit ich ihm sein 'security deposit' und die Kosten der esrten Nacht rueckerstatten koenne. Sobald ich seine Informationen am 5.Sept. erhielt, wies ich meine Bank entsprechend an. Wir bekamen 18. Feb. 2011, 7 Monate spaeter einen Brief von “Homeaway” indem wir darueber informiert wurden, dass der Gast falsche Bankinformationen angab und dadurch das überwiesene Geld nie erhalten hatte, sondern dies auf mein Konto rueckverguetet worden war. Der Gast gab mir endlich vor ein paar Tagen brieflich die richtige Bankinformation wobei er sich gleichzeitig fuer die Fehlinformation im September entschuldigte! Inzwischen hat der Gast sein Geld erhalten. Sicherlich ist es schade dass ein Missverstaendniss diese Art nach fast 25 Jahren Erfahrung auftritt, sind aber froh, dass es sich aufklaeren

Recommended for:Adventure seekers

Le Moggie

Guest: Rex (Townsend, Tennessee USA)
Date of Stay: 07/11/10 Review Submitted: 09/25/10

While at Le Moggie we spent many warm summer days exploring the Cinque Terre and other costal regions along the Italian Riviera and also took side trips to Milan and Florence. But we began each morning with spectacular mountain vistas from the multiple decks of Le Moggie and ended each evening in the cool of the majestic mountains enjoying a glass of wine and gazing at beautiful star-lit skies. We actually felt as though we were getting two different vacations at the same time! The quaint little villages nearby and the people who reside there added to the old-world charm of our time at Le Moggie. Merchants and shop owners of the markets, stores, and restaurants in the nearest village even knew us when we came. We met some very friendly and memorable people during our two-week stay. The precise driving directions and suggestions regarding places to go and things to do offered by the owners of Le Moggie proved to be accurate and useful information to us as first-time visitors. Le Moggie offered our family a great adventure and a wonderful vacation and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Private vocation spot on the Ligurian coast

Guest: Oleg (Cambridge, MA, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/19/10 Review Submitted: 09/18/10

This is a perfect location for experiencing true Ligurian mountainous countryside. You will live in an authentic newly restored stone house with all the modern commodities. Fully equipped enormous kitchen will allow you to prepare culinary delights from the ingredients bough at the local farmers' market which meats every Tuesday in Varese Ligure in the morning. The most comprehensive English language collection of Italian recipes can be found in The Silver Spoon cookbook (not included). We immensely enjoyed returning to the refreshing air of the mountains from our daily trips to Genoa, Camogli, Portovenere, Sestri Levante and many other picturesque seaside towns. We highly recommend this place to all those seeking a peaceful retreat for busy modern life.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

very cosy,well furnisted home,clean

Guest: mik53 (the netherlands)
Date of Stay: 05/01/10 Review Submitted: 05/19/10

Our visit was unforgetable,we enjoyed the house ,in which we immediatly felt home.A lot of space.Two bathrooms ,very clean.You can make a lot of trips in the surrounding.Visiting Genova, Parma ,Lucca, Portofino, Cinqueterre,but also hiking and cycling.But you also can stay at le moggie and read books in the garden with a beuatiful sight.

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

Staying at Le Moggie - Ligure Levante

Guest: William D (Belgium)
Date of Stay: 05/10/09 Review Submitted: 06/05/09

Our holidays were excellent and we are grateful for staying at this property. The house and the scenery is just unforgettable. Magnificent landscape; listen to the silence; watching the brilliance of the stars. Entering Varese Ligure is like entering a movie-set.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, sightseeing.

A Fortunate Introduction

Guest: John B. (Bristol, TN, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/28/09 Review Submitted: 05/26/09

Staying at Le Moggie was a highlight of our family trip--our first to Italy. It has an interesting history we were glad we asked about. We found the description to be accurate and the photos were great for letting us know what to expect. The owner was very helpful, courteous, and prompt in replying. We didn't realize how beautiful the mountains would be and how friendly and helpful the people would be. It was a great introduction to the Italian countryside and we would have been happy to stay longer as we felt we had just settled in when it was time to go. There was plenty of privacy and "peace and quiet" and more to do than we had time for. We did go to Cinque Terre two days--and two ways--a nice trip by car or train. We hope to be able to return to Le Moggie some day for a longer stay.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing.

Real Italy

Guest: R and P (San Carlos, California)
Date of Stay: 01/18/09 Review Submitted: 01/19/09

Le Moggie has become our Italian home away from home. We have been there five times now. It really has a character all it's own; old world country charm and just enough convenience. It is is hard to beat the serenity of the pristine chestnut forest that surrounds Le Moggie; hiking in the day-time, watching the lightening bugs dance at night, staring in wonderment at the one-time-a-year toad celebration on the road into town (my son, at age five, will never forget this) or my favorite, getting up late at night to hear the occasional snort of the wild pigs foraging under the trees. We have met people in the surrounding communes who are now "family;" and we have dozens of tales of delight and adventure both in the hills and in the town below. We used Le Moggie as our base for exploring the seaside Ligurian Riviera (one hour drive away). Le Moggie is comfortable and spacious. My favorite bedroom is up the narrow staircase. It has large shuttered windows that can be opened at night. Down stairs is a large and comfortable den with a nice big fireplace, a sizable table, two sofas and chairs. On the main floor is a full service kitchen (which is very hard to find in many vacation rentals in Europe) with gas stove, oven and a refrigerator that is full (European) size. There is no dishwasher---but one really shouldn't have one in Italy. My wife says my cooking at Le Moggie is the best ever, especially after visiting the weekly (Tuesday) farmers market in town (Varese Ligure). When we want to go out we drive down into town to our favorite pizzeria (across the street from the grocery market--near the entrance to town) or go to one of the trattorias we like--one very small, down an alley. Ask around, some places to eat are sort of hidden. Advertising is not very Italian. The two hotels in town have very good food. The ristorante Gallo Nero on the main square has incredible food. Then there are the two cafe/gelatorias... begin your day people watching with an espresso or end it with a gelato while watching the swallows circle the small "castle". The owners of both cafes are very personable. We liked both places so we took turns. If you want a true slice of Italian country living--away from tourists---you cannot find a better place to stay than Le Moggie.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Villa Le Moggie

Guest: Burry (Pennsylvania, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/25/08 Review Submitted: 01/18/09

We had a wonderful stay at villa le moggie. The house and views were beautiful. It was a great way to see some less traveled but very scenic parts of Italy. We used Le Moggie as our base camp to see Cinque Terre, Lucca, Genova, and Florence.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A different Italy

Guest: Ellen G. (Ottawa)
Date of Stay: 10/15/08 Review Submitted: 02/01/09

We had a remarkable holiday at Le Moggie, as much for the sense of place and connection as for the lovely surroundings and beautiful house. Some days we took day trips to the wonderful towns on the coast (including La Spezia, Sestri Levante, Portovenere and Portofino) and others we stayed closer to home. We climbed up to the ridge above Le Moggie where you can see stunning mountains stretching off in all directions, explored the path that leads above Varese Ligure, with lovely views over the town, and visited the beautiful area around the village of Comuneglia on the other side of the valley. On all these outings we were welcomed and greeted not as tourists but as guests. We enjoyed the Tuesday market in Varese Ligure and also a monthly Sunday afternoon fair and market, with clowns and musicians. We went to a chestnut roast at the church in the village of Valletti just below Le Moggie, where we were warmly greeted and ate delicious roasted chestnuts with red wine. For a relatively short holiday it made an impression that we will not soon forget. The house itself is lovely – spacious, comfortable and having everything we needed. The views are spectacular and the silence almost total, except for the occasional sounds of wild boar and a passing tractor. We made delicious meals and spent long evenings reading in front of the fire. When not cooking at home, we enjoyed wonderful regional cuisine at the Albergo Ristorante Amici and the Albergo della Posta. For a different side of Italy one could not hope for more.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Le Moggie

Guest: BP (The Woodlands, TX, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/26/08 Review Submitted: 07/26/10

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Le Moggie and appreciated all the information at the house as to what to do in the area, and how to operate everything. The house has so much character and so spacious. The kitchen was extremely well equipped, which was nice since we did cook at least a few times during our stay. We loved the beautiful sights from every window, the sounds of the bells from the nearby towns and the nights we spent eating out on the terrace. Our children loved all the daily hikes and exploring around the local area. Our son especially loved playing soccer with the local kids and then afterwards getting a gelato in town at Varese Ligure. We really enjoyed Varse Ligure, especially the local market. As "the house book" suggested we tried the pesto and the parmiggiano- which is delicious ! And we also tried the focaccia at Cinque Terre -- the best we have every had. We tried to do day trips, about four, but always wanted to hang out at the house and enjoy the area. The views are amazing and the people are so nice. Our children didn't want to leave and or that matter, either did we.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers