Tuscany:17th century hillside villa farmhouse- private pool - stunning views - Monterchi

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Casa Fontemaggio viewed from poppy fields

10m/30ft diameter pool with lemon trees and rosemary hedging

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

9.8

Exceptional

Popular amenities

Hot tub

Pool

Kitchen

Free WiFi

Explore the area

Monterchi, Tuscany (Arezzo)

Madonna del Parto Museum5 min drive
La Madonna di Citerna di Donatello12 min drive
Anghiari Historic Town Center17 min drive
Florence (FLR-Peretola)103 min drive

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom

Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom

Toilet

Bathroom

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Separate dining area

Garden

About this property

Tuscany:17th century hillside villa farmhouse- private pool - stunning views

Fontemaggio is a 17th century stone farmhouse villa set on a hillside, surrounded by 2 acres of mature landscaped gardens that merge into the sunflowers, vines, olives, pine and cypress trees beyond. There are terraces on all sides, each with its own dining table and breathtaking views of a landscape that seems to have changed little throughout the centuries, including a lake and a Renaissance castle on a hill. Sympathetically restored, the house retains a wealth of terracotta floors and chestnut beams. The 30 ft diameter circular pool, surrounded by fragrant rosemary hedging and lemon trees, benefits from the sun for the entire day. Set amongst mature pines, cypress and olives, it enjoys tranquil views of the Tuscan and Umbrian hills in complete seclusion. The medieval hilltop village of Monterchi, featured in 'The Most Beautiful Villages in Tuscany', is close by. You will find Casa Fontemaggio a blissfully relaxing home from home in which to enjoy the pleasures of Italian life.

The house
Fontemaggio is spacious, airy and has the feeling of a well cared for and elegant family house. The furnishings are in calm neutrals throughout. Wireless internet connection is available both inside and in the grounds. The comfortable sitting room with tv, dvd and stereo system, has a library of glossy books on Italian art and culture, extensive holiday reading and a range of cds and dvds. The adjacent dining room, with original inglenook fireplace and chestnut refectory table, leads out to a large dining terrace with views to the surrounding hills and to the dramatic Renaissance castle of Lippiano. The kitchen and breakfast room, that opens on two sides to terraces, has marble worktops and a central island. It is a blend of modern convenience and tradition. Cook's love the professional range cooker and sharp Sabatier knives. There is an adjoining utility/ laundry room with washing machine.
All bedrooms and bathrooms have propeller fans and insect screens. Two master bedrooms have walk-in wardrobes and en suite bathrooms, one with travertine wet room shower, the other with freestanding stone bath tub and travertine wet room shower. The third master bedroom is in an extensive suite on its own floor with sitting room, en suite shower room and an additional independent entrance opening onto a vine covered terrace with table and chairs. The fourth bedroom is twin. One of the master bedrooms can also be made up as a twin. All overlook the gardens and have views to the surrounding landscape. Guests find it a perfect home from home in which to enjoy the pleasures of Italian life.

Covid 19 sanitisation standards are applied throughout the property.

Please note that central heating is usually required from October to April and is not included in the rental price. It is charged at the current market rate for the amount used, as measured by the meter readings at the start and end of your stay.

The gardens and grounds
The pool is cleaned and chemically balanced twice weekly. A robot is available for extra cleaning.
The gardens and grounds have been professionally landscaped and contain planting typical of Tuscany. Trees include some very old pines and almonds, cypresses, olives, acacias, oaks, figs and lemons in terracotta pots. There are box, lavender and rosemary hedges. The terraces have pergolas covered in vines and wisteria. Chilean bell-flowers, jasmine and roses climb on the house walls. A tiled loggia provides a shady retreat and alternative place to dine. The tranquil sound of running water is provided by a fountain

Location
Although peaceful and idyllic, Fontemaggio is not remote. It is well placed to enjoy the excellent cuisine and wines of the region and take trips to the historical and cultural sites of both Tuscany and Umbria. The timeless hill top village of Lippiano, crowned by the castle that can be viewed from Fontemaggio, may be walked to for a drink at the friendly bar. 3 km away, the hilltop village of Monterchi, a tiny triangle of medieval perfection, with its intriguing arches and alleyways, is Roman in origin.
You will find the local community in Monterchi welcoming and friendly. There are bars and good restaurants serving local specialities.
On Sunday mornings there is a market and in the summer there are outdoor concerts.
Florence, Siena, Arezzo, Cortona, Assisi, Perugia, Gubbio and more are all within easy reach.

Property manager

Sylvia Levy-Nichols

Premier Host

Languages

English, French, German, Italian

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Amenities

Pool

Hot tub

Free WiFi

Kitchen

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Barbecue grill

House Rules

Check in after 3:30 PM

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

Events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

Parties and events are allowed on site

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed GBP 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Monterchi

Located in Monterchi, this farm stay is in a rural area. Madonna del Parto Museum and Museum of Bilance are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Anghiari Historic Town Center and Town Hall. Travelling with kids? Consider Ravagni Oil Mill and Aboca Museum. Relax and indulge in the area's winery tours, or seek out an adventure with horse riding, cycling and mountain biking nearby.

Monterchi, Tuscany (Arezzo)

What's nearby

Madonna del Parto Museum - 5 min drive
La Madonna di Citerna di Donatello - 12 min drive
Anghiari Historic Town Center - 17 min drive
Vitelli Palace alla Cannoniera - 19 min drive
Arezzo Equestrian Centre - 33 min drive

Getting around

Arezzo Pescaiola Station - 31 min drive

Restaurants

‪La Pieve Vecchia - ‬6 min drive
‪Belvedere SNC Ristorante Pizzeria - ‬9 min drive
‪La Luna Piena di Barili Lorenzo - ‬12 min drive
‪L'Isola che non c'è piz. rist - ‬14 min drive
‪La Botte Gaia - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Tuscany:17th century hillside villa farmhouse- private pool - stunning views have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Tuscany:17th century hillside villa farmhouse- private pool - stunning views pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Tuscany:17th century hillside villa farmhouse- private pool - stunning views?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Tuscany:17th century hillside villa farmhouse- private pool - stunning views?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Tuscany:17th century hillside villa farmhouse- private pool - stunning views located?

This family-friendly Monterchi farm stay is located in a rural location, within 3 mi (5 km) of Madonna del Parto Museum and Museum of Bilance. Tiber River and Palazzo Taglieschi State Museum in Anghiari are also within 9 miles (15 km).

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Julian H.

11 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A classic Tuscan Villa

We had a lovely time with very pleasant weather. The villa is well appointed and comfortable. Sylvia was a discrete but very helpful host. The villa is very well sited for touring the Tuscany / Umbria borders The only negative were the mosquitoes that do come with the territory but (probably due to climate change) were particularly noticeable in the early evenings

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

tracy s.

14 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic stay at this beautiful home

Amazing house, even more beautiful than the pictures on line suggest. Sylvia was friendly and her love for the house and its gardens is evident. The views from the main terrace are stunning, we sat there every evening reading and playing games. Follow the simple rules and the house is lovely and cool. Our children loved the pool, as did we! There are lots of fantastic restaurants clise by but im an avid cook so visiting the local grocery shops and cooking in the kitchen was heavenly to me. Cant recommend enough, tranquil, wonderfully equipped, we will be back!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ainsley R.

8 Jul 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Monterchi

Wonderful villa and superb owner many thanks for a fantastic holiday

Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Esther N.

31 May 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Seeing is believing - the perfect dolce vita!

Having rented holiday properties in Italy for 15 years, I have to say that this is the best villa we have stayed in. Our expectations were high and the reality more than exceeded them.We were welcomed by Sylvia to an immaculately clean and beautifully presented property. The house has been sensitively and tastefully restored with a blend of historic features and modern facilities, including 3 beautiful spacious master bedrooms and stunning travertine bathrooms.The kitchen is well laid out, with marble worktops, and quality equipment.The gardens and pool are paradise. It was heavenly to swim surrounded by rosemary hedging and scented jasmine. There are several beautiful terraces with tables and chairs. The main terrace has a breathtaking panoramic view to Lippiano Castle and the hills beyond. We loved evening aperitivi on the lounge seating taking in the stunning views. Picking fresh lemons for G&Ts was a first!The wildlife is amazing.We heard nightingales and saw hare and deer. The property, although on its own track and surrounded by landscape, is only a few minutes by car from the village.There are lots of local gems to discover and it was easy to take the train to Florence for the day. Sylvia provides a fantastic guide with recommendations of where to visit and everything we tried was worthwhile.I cannot recommend this property more highly. My only regret is that we did not stay longer. We look forward to returning next year. Thank you Sylvia and thank you Fontemaggio.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

6/10 Okay

Anne C.

13 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property

Gorgeous property the only negative was that there was no air conditioning in the bedrooms, the extremely hot summer made the rooms unbearably hot and sleep was very difficult in the top floor bedrooms my friends had to sleep in the basement which was the coolest bedroom. Fans were provided however it was still very hot.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jo G.

31 Aug 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous farmhouse

We thoroughly enjoyed our week at Fontemaggio. The farmhouse was perfect in such beautiful surroundings. Ideally located for some sightseeing too. Thank you so much- we will miss our time and lazy days by the pool!!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Diana B.

24 Sept 2018

Beautiful secluded period farmhouse surrounded by a wonderful garden with breathtaking views

We very much enjoyed our week's stay at Villa Fontemaggio. We were greeted on arrival by the extremely helpful owner Sylvia who gave us a comprehensive tour of both the villa and pretty garden with its circular pool. The property is clean and well maintained. We were left a delicious welcome pack containing all we needed the for following morning's breakfast and other treats. The bedrooms and bathrooms are comfortable and well appointed and the living in and out areas are spacious and equipped with a large amount of reading matter appertaining to the area. There are extensive walks, the pool is most refreshing and the garden a delight to sit in. Many pleasant restaurants and bars are to be found a 5 minute drive away in the ancient town of Monterchi, The area is steeped in history and there are many medieval towns within easy access including Assisi and Sienna. We are most grateful to Sylvia for helping to make our holiday so pleasurable.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Katharine W.

23 Aug 2018

Tuscan heaven!

The house and surroundings were absolutely beautiful really in the heart of rural Toscana. The rooms and interior of the house were so tastefully presented and just allowed the house and its charm to shine. The photos don't do the house justice- our kids took a video tour on the suggestion of a friend who came to visit and it gives a much better sense of the space and terrace options-we were spoiled for choice for outdoor seating and eating-sometimes we couldn't find each other such were the choice of terraces! The pool was brilliant, perfect size for swimming, floating or playing and deep enough to dive. Sylvia was a fantastic host, she really helped us out when we needed it and was there to advise and tell us lots of interesting stories about the locale. Truly a holiday to remember, thanks Sylvia!! The Power and Wilson families.

Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Frances B.

15 Aug 2017

A beautiful rural idyll

Casa Fontemaggio was everything we had hoped for and more. Aware that it can be hot in August, I had looked for a villa that provided areas of shade, as well as sun. This was a place which did just that. The pool area was beautifully landscaped with cypress trees, lemons growing in pots, as well as greenery that had been trained overhead, yet there was still plenty of sun. It was a particular favourite of the two young children in our group & also much enjoyed by the adults too. The seventeenth century farmhouse is situated on several levels and has stunning views in all directions - rolling hills, cypress lined driveway, a castle on the horizon - the epitome of Tuscany/Umbria. The kitchen is well equipped, a wonderful bowl of fruit and welcome pack greeted us. There was a choice of a number of seating and eating areas both inside and out. The meal provided by Cinzia & Luciano was superb & definitely to be recommended. A wall of books lined the sitting room, contributing to the atmosphere of knowledge and history conveyed by this lovely old farmhouse. Bedrooms were rustic yet very comfortable and bathrooms provided all we required. We felt privileged to be the occupants of this beautiful old house for a week & could gladly have stayed for longer. Sylvia, the owner lived in the nearby barn & was there to answer queries. She booked meals at the local restaurant for us & even took two of us to a jazz concert in the local square one evening. The surrounding countryside is truly idyllic, we really enjoyed walking its gravel tracks through fields of sunflowers, tobacco plants, vines, tomatoes & more, as well as up to Lippiano castle. At almost every turn, there was a fantastic view. The extremely hot weather during our stay meant we preferred to stay close to the pool & in the immediate locality, rather than venturing to the bigger cities, yet there are many interesting and atmospheric small towns nearby. We came, as three generations of a family, to celebrate my significant birthday and to make memories of good times spent together. This wonderful villa, its accommodating owner and stunning surroundings provided the perfect backdrop. We left feeling that we'd love to return in the future.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Andy B.

22 Oct 2016

Beautiful villa and well located

We were a group of six; two families. On arrival we found bread, butter, coffee etc. had been provided and fresh flowers in the hallway. A great start and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this unspoilt and, in September, fairly 'untouristy' part of Tuscany. The villa was quiet and well located for visiting Tuscany, Umbria and beyond. The photographs were a faithful representation of the charming and very well maintained house, pool and gardens. The quality of the kitchen equipment including washing machine/dishwasher was excellent. Notably the provision of all those things that one generally forgets or hopes not to have to buy on holiday, such as loo paper, cleaning materials, bin bags etc. was exceptionally generous. A small point but it sums up the very positive approach of the owners to ensure that their guests have an enjoyable and relaxing stay. They were not at all intrusive but could not have been more helpful or friendly even offering us fresh produce from their garden. This is one of the best properties that we have leased whether in the UK or elsewhere; we very much hope to have the opportunity to return.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

T C.

22 Aug 2016

A blissful stay at Casa Fontemaggio

Tucked away right on the border with Umbria near the Tuscan village of Monterchi, this beautiful seventeenth century farmhouse provided the perfect location for our holiday. We are a family of five who travelled from Australia to spend time with UK-based grandparents and other family members. Months before we had spent many hours online researching potential villas in Italy and were very taken with what Casa Fontemaggio had to offer. The already high expectations we had from the photos on the website were totally surpassed. The photos actually don't do it justice. From the jaw-dropping views from the terrace where we spent many memorable meals, to the simply sublime circular pool fringed by cypress trees, lavender and geraniums; it is all just achingly beautiful. The house itself is very comfortable, well-equipped, tastefully furnished and filled with interesting art pieces and books . An added bonus is that the hosts, who live in the neighbouring barn, are very friendly and extremely helpful. We shared a few proseccos with Sylvia and Martin (and dog Beppo!) on the terrace and cannot speak highly enough about them; genuinely warm, lovely and interesting people. They are there if you need anything but their presence is in no way intrusive if you value your privacy. The situation of the house itself is idyllic; surrounded by rolling Tuscan hills and fields carpeted with sunflowers. We had elderly grandparents aged over 80 in our party so didn’t venture as far afield as we might have done if it was just immediate family. However there are plenty of charming villages to visit locally; Anghiari, San Sepolcro, Citerna, and the beautiful city of Arezzo. A day trip into Florence is easy, only 50 minutes by train. If you stay, make sure you take advantage of the two-day roasted suckling pig sold on a Tuesday at Marcello’s in the local village - it was probably one of the best meals we had. There are plenty of good eating out options, our favourites were the Belvedere restaurant in Citerna and La Pieve Vecchia just outside Monterchi. We will always treasure the memories of our fantastic stay at Casa Fontemaggio and hope to return one day. The Cotton Family, Sydney, Australia

Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2016

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Annabel C.

8 Aug 2016

A blissful stay at Casa Fontemaggio

Tucked away on the border with Umbria near the Tuscan village of Monterchi, this beautiful seventeenth century farmhouse provided the perfect location for our holiday. We are a family of five who travelled from Australia to spend time with UK-based grandparents and other family members. Months before we had spent many hours online researching potential villas in Italy and were very taken with what Casa Fontemaggio had to offer. The already high expectations we had from the photos on the website were totally surpassed. The photos actually don't do it justice. From the jaw-dropping views from the terrace where we spent many memorable meals, to the simply sublime circular pool fringed by cypress trees, lavender and geraniums; it is all just achingly beautiful. The house itself is very comfortable, well-equipped, tastefully furnished and filled with interesting art pieces and books . An added bonus is that the hosts, who live in the neighbouring barn, are very friendly and extremely helpful. We shared a few proseccos with Sylvia and Martin (and dog Beppo!) on the terrace and cannot speak highly enough about them; genuinely warm, lovely and interesting people. They are there if you need anything but their presence is in no way intrusive if you value your privacy. The situation of the house itself is idyllic; surrounded by rolling Tuscan hills and fields carpeted with sunflowers. We had elderly grandparents aged over 80 in our party so didn’t venture as far afield as we might have done if it was just immediate family. However there are plenty of charming villages to visit locally; Anghiari, San Sepolcro, Citerna, and the beautiful city of Arezzo. A day trip into Florence is easy, only 50 minutes by train. If you stay, make sure you take advantage of the two-day roasted suckling pig sold on a Tuesday at Marcello’s in the local village - it was probably one of the best meals we had. There are plenty of good eating out options, our favourites were the Belvedere restaurant in Citerna and La Pieve Vecchia just outside Monterchi. We will always treasure the memories of our fantastic stay at Casa Fontemaggio and hope to return one day. The Cotton family, Sydney, Australia.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Juliet N.

20 Sept 2015

Paradise in Tuscany

Paradise in Tuscany This property is exceptional and well exceeded our high expectations. We have stayed in several Tuscan properties, at a similar rental rate, and this is, without doubt, the best. The web site photos, good as they are, can not capture the wow factor of this house. Staying at Fontemaggio is like having a boutique hotel all to yourselves. The spacious property is a stylish blend of contemporary and vintage furniture. Each of the three master bedrooms was comfortable and tastefully decorated. The bathrooms are superb - better than any luxury hotel I have stayed in. The kitchen worked really well. It is thoughtfully equipped and has a well designed layout, with a big central marble topped island which was great for shared cooking and wine tasting! The circular pool is much bigger than we expected and the whole pool area is enchanting – well furnished, beautifully planted, wonderful scents and views to hills, olive groves and castles. We loved hanging out on the big dining terrace with its cinematic view to the castle of Lippiano. We also appreciated the deep shade of the loggia for lunchtimes. The location is perfect, in the middle of the peaceful countryside , surrounded by sunflowers, yet only minutes away from the village. It is also ideally located for easy travel to the main attractions in Tuscany, Umbria and the Marches. We even took the train from Arezzo to Rome for the day. Sylvia’s recommendations were the perfect guidebook and made sure we did not overlook the many local gems. There are a range of great restaurants around Monterchi and each meal was a memorable pleasure. We are dreaming of our return to this Tuscan paradise..........

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

14 Oct 2014

fantastic house

We have just spent the most fantastic week to celebrate my husband's birthday with our family Such a wonderful position with superb views of the nearby villages This lovely house was far more superior than the website could express and the pictures don't do it justice. A brilliant location for easy access to the major cities for sightseeing. Thank you to Sylvia and her husband for making our stay so comfortable.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Karen O., Adelaide, South Australia

20 Aug 2014

One enormous tick for my bucket list

Staying in Tuscany has been a long time dream that finally became real. And what a perfect place for it to happen. After travelling with a friend for 6 weeks we met up with 6 other friends for a week of relaxation, laughter, fabulous food and wine. Sylvia & Martin are such beautiful people that are willing to help anyway they can to make your stay perfect. The Farmhouse is just gorgeous, with all the things you need for a great stay. The views are amazing and start from your morning coffee out on the terrace to the evening wine around the pool. There were so many 'pinch me know' moments as I was amazed with the beauty of my surroundings. We even worked out that the farmhouse has been around longer than white settlement in Australia. Such history and we lived part of it. Sylvia organised a local guide Ann that spent a couple of days with us, showing us around Florence and other local smaller town gems. We also had Cinzia cook for us one night which was just perfect after a day out coming home to a kitchen full of amazing aromas! I would highly recommend this villa for the perfect Tuscan experience! I know I can't wait to go back.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

12 Dec 2013

An excellent choice.....

"My family and friends absolutely fell in love with Casa Fontemaggio: the house is perfectly situated at the top of a small hill which means wonderful views from coffee to cocktails. The locations is within a short drive of a supermarket, butcher, pharmacy and a couple of excellent restaurants: go to Il Travato at the top of the hill in nearby Monterchi and ask them to just bring out whatever is special that day and serve family style. It was probably the best restaurant meal of our stay, and not just because it was so reasonable. We all enjoyed hiking in the hills and then relaxing by the pool: it is a house organized for enjoyment. Our party of 3 former restaurant owners were very happy with the centre island kitchen layout which allowed us to cook as a family every day. The beds felt brand new, lots of pillows and there was never any issue with hot water, even with 4 couples in the house. The living room was very comfortable for 8 to sit and read, watch movies or just relax. An excellent choice for a family holiday"

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Emily L.

24 Oct 2013

What can you say to do this amazing place credit?

The most beautiful place we have ever stayed in. The house and surroundings are the stuff of dreams. We chilled by the pool with the kids by day and visited the lovely towns and villages by night for drinks and lovely local food. The lady owner, Sylvia, was always on hand to ensure we made the best of the Tuscan/Umbrian culture. The only downside was that we booked a week and not a fortnight. A breathtaking place that we loved to bits. We will definitely be back.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Leslie M.

14 Oct 2012

Wonderful 20th anniversary Tuscan experience.....

Casa Fontemaggio is one of the best holiday homes we have ever rented. We spend 3 weeks 1-2 times per year in Europe and always enjoy renting a home instead of staying in a hotel. Sylvia answered my many, many, many, many numerous e-mails very timely and always without any irritation which is very important to me when I am spending hours and hours researching homes. Casa Fontemaggio was beyond our expectations and the pictures truly do not show how beautiful the property is. What they show is wonderful but when Sylvia greeted us upon arrival and showed us the grounds I am sure my jaw was needing to be closed. The grounds with many eating areas and pool were our favorite place to spend the afternoon enjoying local wines after a morning of site seeing in the areas around the property. The lavender, rosemary, citrus, cypress, many herbs, geranium plants, etc were lovely. The inside of the house was comfortable and we enjoyed every morning and evening cooking in the well equipped kitchen. There was plenty of room for the four of us and the house can easily accommodate eight. My favorite area was the pool and I enjoyed each afternoon there gazing out at the magnificent view! Martin and Sylvia were in town staying the barn located near the house and it was a pleasure to meet both of them and have some time to chat with them and enjoy their sweet rescue dog :) I had asked for bikes to rent while we where there and Sylvia had them delivered and they were awaiting our arrival and I truly appreciated that! We were celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary along with our good friends that were also celebrating their 20th and we all had an amazing time at Casa Fontemaggio. Cinzia and Patrizia were hired to cook for us one evening and the meal was the best we had while in Tuscany. They spent hours preparing the meal with the many courses and everything tasted beyond possible description. We look forward to coming back in 2014 and staying even longer. Thank you again Sylvia for always being there to answer my questions and offering such a beautiful place for people like us to enjoy. We can't wait to come back again in the future.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jill E.

14 Jun 2012

Beautiful house...

What can I say that hasn't been said before..! Fontemaggio can only exceed your expectations, and believe me our expectations were high! The house itself is a perfect example of the rustic charm you would hope for in a Tuscan farmhouse. Every detail seems to have been considered with a view to ensuring your stay is perfect. It was lovely to find simple things available like towels that you could use around the pool and hairdryers in every bedroom, as well as beautifully scented lavender soaps in the bathrooms. The setting is "breathtaking" to quote a previous reviewer with the house standing proudly above lush fields of various local crops. Wild flowers, including swathes of poppies, border the fields around the house making it utterly picture perfect. Make a mental note to listen out for the nightingale at the front of the house in the evening; it’s very special. It is very easy to get out and about and explore the plethora of hilltop towns and villages that seem to be scattered throughout this beautiful area. Monterchi itself is stunning and Marcello and family at the local supermarket reflected the wonderfully friendly nature of the locals. Our 9 year old daughter loved visiting the store; something to do with the big smiles, warm hugs and the chupa chups lollies she seemed to be given each time we were there! Not quite the same shopping experience in the UK! The weather was glorious for our week so much time was spent lazing around the pool only pausing for a few hours at lunchtime to partake of the salamis, hams, salads, and of course vino, under the dappled shade of the wisteria covered pergola which overlooks the pool. I'm sure we will visit again and would certainly recommend the house to anyone wanting to partake of a true Tuscan experience.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tony W., Rayleigh, England

8 Jul 2011

PERFECT TUSCAN RETREAT

We were a family group of six adults and two small children. Everything was provided that we needed including two highchairs and cots. The farmhouse has bucketfulls of character in an Idyllic location that is perfect for exploring Tuscany and into Umbria and Marche. I will cherish the memories of breakfast on the outside terrace with a gorgeous view, and also the evenings we had takeaway pizzas, icecreams and vino rosso on one of the terraces. Marcello the supermarket owner even treated us to drinks at 10:00am, something Tesco has failed to do in 30 years of shopping there. I must recommend that all visitors should have a meal at 'Il Poggio' restuarant. Great food, great value, great location. I can only confirm all the positive comments made by previous reviewers. Thankyou Sylvia and of course Italy

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

9 Jul 2010

A Tuscan dream come true............

Superb farmhouse with masses of charm, history and romance in an exceptional location. It was more than we could have hoped for and a privilege to stay here. The spacious and stylish interior was spotless, with much thought given to both practical and aesthetic details. The garden is a dream. The position is perfect for sightseeing in both Tuscany and Umbria, although it was difficult to tear ourselves away! We loved just being ‘at home’. Our many memories include lounging at the pool surrounded by bird song, wonderful scents and stunning panoramic vistas; breakfasting on the terrace with magical views to the valley and the castle on the hill; sipping wine under the beautiful loggia observing the magical fire flies; wandering out into the surrounding meadows of wild flowers……… We have recommended Fontemaggio to friends, family and colleagues and look forward to returning one day.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

11 Jul 2009

Exceptional in every way

Fontemaggio is a really exceptional property. The web page does not begin to convey the reality of this authentic Tuscan farmhouse, steeped in history, elegantly restored, tastefully furnished, with all you could wish for in the way of modern amenities. Both house and grounds are spacious, enabling you to escape for a while from the rest of the group if you choose. We arrived to find a perfectly prepared and spotlessly clean property, beautiful flowers and a bottle of wine. The welcome pack was very 'welcome', as our flight was late and we missed the shops. There is much attention to detail: walls hung with art works, an enviable library of glossy art books, and beautiful bed linen with drawn thread work edging. The well- designed and equipped kitchen is a gastronome’s delight - we loved cooking to Italian arias on the cds provided with the hi-fi! The various terraces, all with wonderful views, made each meal memorable. The gardens and grounds are a dream – very Italianate, romantic and filled with fragrance. Old and young alike enjoyed the circular pool and sun bathing on the pool terrace, surrounded by the scent of the rosemary and the beautiful views to the hills beyond. At night the pool and garden are lit – we loved sitting there until bedtime after a barbecue in the olive grove. The friendly housekeeper called by a couple of times to check all was well – which it certainly was. Sylvia was really helpful , providing answers to all kinds of e mail queries, which were found in fact in her thorough information pack. This also supplied information on local facilities and personal recommendations for eating out and excursions – all of these were excellent. The property, although set in peaceful countryside, has easy access to local shops and restaurants within minutes. Fontemaggio is also perfectly situated for visiting the sites in both Tuscany and Umbria. I just wish we could have stayed longer. We look forward to a return visit!

10/10 Excellent

Chantal L.

3 Jul 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful villa and gracious host!

Wanted a true Tuscan experience with old world charm and were absolutely thrilled with Sylvia’s lovely home.

Stayed 28 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen P.

21 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tucked Away in Tuscany

My family and friends thoroughly enjoyed our week’s stay at Fontemaggio near the Tuscany and Umbria border. The property is exactly as depicted in the photos - absolutely stunning - and our Host/Owner was exceptional. It’s a quiet location with views of castles, working farms and old ruins. Spectacular! Day trips to Siena, Florence, Arezzo among others were easily completed plus 2 local wine tastings. Just lovely!

Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ad S.

17 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Little paradise in Tuscany

Our family spent a splendid week in May at Sylvia´s gorgeous house tucked away on a beautiful and idyllic Tuscan hillside, overlooking a luscious valley with an old castle on the hilltop. The charming house is spacious, has 4 large, comfortable and beautifully decorated bedrooms, a welcoming living room with beautiful books on literature, art and film, a kitchen to die for, with all mod cons but still with a rustic feel. There are various terraces around the house, providing privacy if needed, and a nice pool. The surrounding area is beautiful and Monterchi is a perfect starting point for trips to Arezzo, Assisi and Siena. Or for walks and cycling trips in the area. Sylvia is a lovely lady, very helpful, welcoming and funny. So, a little bit of paradise on earth, the perfect spot for celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. The only problem was: nobody wanted to go home!

Stayed 7 nights in May 2024