We had a party of six staying for three nights in September. Pierpaolo was very responsive to all our various inquiries before our arrival and very helpful (and responsive) during our stay as well. We did not find the steps a major problem and helped bring suitcases down; Pierpaolo and his colleague carried almost all of our gear up to the taxi on departure. We found the beds comfortable and the main sitting room, which adjoins the small but functional kitchen, to be comfortable for our group, and the long kitchen table was great for eating and playing cards. The views were beautiful and we loved being away from the crowds of the Cinque Terre towns in the morning and evening. We were a little concerned about the hot water and electricity based on the warnings, but had no difficulties at all (but it was hot and we mostly took cool showers). The main downsides were: 1) as wonderful as it was to have help from Pierpaolo getting from the train station in Corniglia to the villa, six of us sitting in the back of the Land Rover was a little rugged-- we were sweating profusely by the end of the ride both ways. 2) without a vehicle (we didn't rent a car; not a great idea to have a car in Cinque Terre), we had to be back at the villa by dark (about 7:30), as it is not safe on the trails after dark even with flashlights, so could not eat out for dinner unless we ate early. But this was not a big disadvantage; Pierpaolo stopped in Corniglia with us on arrival and showed us to a Bottiglia owned by a neighbor, and she was wonderful and had homemade lasagne, quiche, and wonderful cheeses and other items that we brought home for our dinners. Other nights we bought a few more things that we had to carry back the 2 km to the villa, so best to stock up on arrival. We really enjoyed our dinners in this way so not a big disadvantage. Third was it was hot, and we could not open up as there are no screens and there are lots of mosquitoes (and bees during daylight hours). The villa did have fans so that made it tolerable for sleeping. Screens would be a game changer if you could get them, Pierpaolo! One other lovely feature is the bar 100 m from the villa, open until 6:00; easy to purchase cold beers (in bottles) and lemonade there to carry back; and fun to get an iced latte to bring back in the morning!