Tuscany has been a dream for many years, and thanks to a beautiful family and a wonderful villa in a spectacular part of Italy that dream came to life. The minute we arrived it felt like home! From the warm welcome we received from Ivan and his lovely family to the special touches, of home baked goods, a platter of meats and cheese, eggs and fresh fruit was unexpected but so welcome and delicious.
The family is wonderful hosts, and we were made to feel part of their special family from the minute we arrived. The warm and friendly welcome we received from Ivan, the coffee with Nona and Maria was a highlight every day, and Maria makes a fantastic espresso (I am now a converted espresso drinker), Giovanni’s vino rosso is just as good as any bottle of wine we drank, and Ivan & Maria’s home made pizza an bruschetta were a taste sensation.
The villa looks just as it does in the pictures, actually even better. The pool and gardens are lovely and a great place to relax under the Tuscan sun!! My favorite spot was on the little terrace at the table, watching the world go by, and listening and watching the comings and goings from the piazza and restaurant across the road. Casa Ivan is in a great location to explore the sites of Tuscany and Umbria the signage and directions are easy to follow, and the views of the countryside are like postcards. Ivan arranged for a day of cooking and this was a highlight. We shopped at the markets for our produce, then spent the day at a villa cooking, chatting, laughing, and best of all eating and drinking. Would definitely recommend adding this to the list of must do’s.
Ivan speaks English very well, but Maria, Giovanni and Nona do not speak any, but the language barrier was not an issue. I knew very basic Italian, and we could converse and understand each other. I looked forward to coffee time and chats with the family.
I was sad to leave, and know that I will definitely be back. You could not go wrong staying at Casa Ivan. (Il Poggio del Sole)
Casa Ivan Bellissimo
Michele & Kylie Melbourne Australia