This house, part of which was built in the 1500s, is more than a villa: it's a total experience. The entire estate is imbued with the feel of a grander era, from the statuary in the hedges, to the manicured lawns, to the high-ceilinged bedrooms, to the artful sconces in the upstairs hallway, to the illuminated statue at the bottom of the stairs, to the magnificent views. The house is decorated with original art, lots of books, and comfortable furniture in almost every room. There's a sense of luxuriousness and well-planned design everywhere you turn, and Gretchen couldn't have been more accomodating. She even picked up two members of our party from the train station, which we were deeply grateful for. I can't recommend Villa Poggio Verde higly enough. The extra bonus is the list of day trips provided by Gretchen, all of which provided to be memorable experiences.