We collect reviews directly from our clients via email and publish them here. We hope you enjoy reading through them as much as we do, they are a paper trail of happy memories!
We also have reviews on UpFront and on our Google page
We collect reviews directly from our clients via email and publish them here. We hope you enjoy reading through them as much as we do, they are a paper trail of happy memories!
We also have reviews on UpFront and on our Google page
We had a wonderful stay in your beautiful Villa Ludoviuca. I love the bedrooms, bathrooms, the windows, the garden, the pool, the terrace. We love going to Da Luciano, and I personally love to go to the little pasticceria to get my daily beignet di chocolato. We also love the boat trip with Giorgio, the swim at the Comacina was the best. Thank you for your hospitality, for your assistance and for the bread.
Mark staying in Villa Ludovica. Jul 2022
Second time at villa di mezzo. First was Covid so didn’t explore the area then. But loved the villa. This time we got to know the area better.
Villa Di Mezzo is well equipped and has the advantage of AC in the bedrooms a must in 36 degrees heat. We very rarely spent anytime in the villa as there is so much outdooor space. Eating outside under the covered area, or spending time by the pool is the main way we spent our days. Long into the evening. If you cook, the kitchen is one of the best we have seen in 20+ years using Invitation To Tuscany. (The best way to book Tuscan/Umbrian villas in my opinion they really do inspect and approve all villas!)
Sonia who looks after the inside and Mario who does the outside are always available whatever you need. In all one of our best holidays and certainly one of our favourite villas.
Justn Kempson staying in Villa di Mezzo. Aug 2026
Really beautiful house tucked away off the beaten track near Livorno and Pisa.
The pictures don't do it justice, there are two very well proportioned double rooms, one of which is en suite plus two twin rooms and a family bathroom on the first floor, all with air conditioning.The spacious ground floor has a large kitchen and adjoining dining room which opens out onto the patio, plus a large living room and shower room.
The pool is a good size and well suited to children with half of the pool approximately relatively shallow before a drop off into the second half.
The road leading to the house is unpaved and probably unsuitable for any cars with a low profile, but manageable in any normal vehicle. Its secluded so no concerns about kids being noisy during siesta time.Due to being in the woods there are quite a few mosquitos etc but as long as you're prepared you should be ok.
Overall a terrific house I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
Mark and family, UK staying in Villa di Mezzo. Jul 2026
My family (husband and two children aged 13 and 10) and I returned today from a week’s stay at Villa di Mezzo. We all feel completely deflated at having had to leave - we had an absolutely wonderful time.
The villa itself is so dreamy, a lovely farmhouse with a comfortable and stylish interior. Full of character, we loved all the furnishings and the outdoor space was also amazing. The welcome hamper was such a thoughtful touch, we felt very lucky when we arrived tired from our journey and saw the lovely basket of goodies!
The villa couldn’t have been any cleaner, it was spotless. All the fixtures and fittings are of really high quality and it was just a complete pleasure to stay there for a week. We had everything we needed there - every single thing we needed was on hand.
The housekeeper, Sonia, was so lovely. She was highly responsive when we messaged a couple of queries and when a storm tripped the pool filter switch Sonia quickly arranged for Mario the gardener to sort it out for us.
Location-wise, you do need a car here just as is described in the villa information. The villa is so close to everything though - very convenient for some amazing sightseeing and experiences.
We would definitely recommend booking with Invitation to Tuscany and also Villa di Mezzo itself. All four of us would happily return and we have never said that about a holiday villa before!
Matthew and family staying in Villa di Mezzo. Aug 2025
A really nice stay in a wonderful house located in the forest. The house was authentic and comfortable. There were sun beds around the pool which we used several time a day. Be aware that aircon only is installed in the bedrooms.
Pia and family staying in Villa di Mezzo. Jul 2024
Such a great stay at Villa di Mezzo. The house was perfect for our little family and the privacy of the property was excellent. We enjoyed the pool a lot and will return next year. Special thanks to Sonia.
Helle & family staying in Villa di Mezzo. Jun 2024
My family and I had a wonderful week at Villa di Mezzo. We were six adults and there was plenty of room for all of us, both inside and outside. The setting of the villa is totally secluded and is reached via an unmade road. We could have spent the whole week in the garden and pool - it really is very tranquil. You can hear the birds and we were delighted to see fireflies each night when darkness fell. The pool is great with a shallow and deep end and there are plenty of sun loungers. Everything that holiday makers could want is provided. The beds are really comfy and the showers are brilliant - no problem with the water pressure. The wifi is excellent so if you needed to do a working holiday, its certainly possible. The furnishings and decoration are homely and comfortable and the kitchen is very well equipped. We were welcomed by a huge hamper of Tuscan specialty food and even a bottle of Prosecco. Sonia, who looks after the house met us and is very friendly & informative. She was so helpful, making extra visits to the villa when we needed extra towels. I'd say that a car is essential, both for getting to the villa from the airport (only 25 minutes) and for exploring. We went to Lucca, the beach, wine tasting and of course the supermarket which is only 10 minutes away. All in all, we all agreed that the villa is a fantastic place to base yourself in this beautiful part of Tuscany.
Juliet and Family staying in Villa di Mezzo. Jun 2024
We enjoyed two amazing weeks in this unique villa in Toscany
All rooms are tastefully and authentic furnished and especially the great pool area caused great excitement among the younger family members.
The villa is located very private but still close to Pisa Airport, restaurants, good shopping opportunities and of course good wine options.
Upon arrival the owners had provided us with a basket full of local specialties and wines, and our host Sonia was a great help throughout our stay.
Huge recommendations from Copenhagen - we will be back:)
Warm regards
Thomas & Familiy.
Thomas & Family from Denmark staying in Villa di Mezzo. Jul 2023
Had an amazing time at this lovely peaceful getaway.
The caretaker Sonia and her family where very helpful people from the get go, you could tell they had taken care of the place.
Beautiful surroundings and great value for money if your looking a peaceful getaway
Tom from UK and Australia staying in Villa di Mezzo. Sep 2022
We found the villa spacious and well-appointed in a lovely garden area. The pool was ideal for our party from a 1 year old to adults. There are plenty of places to sit from full sun to shade and a good choice of outdoor furniture. It is so peaceful and private that we found it very relaxing; in fact we had most of our meals there on the covered terrace which is a great space.
We found the village shop handy and very friendly and the larger supermercato is a short drive away with everything we needed - we loved the spremuta machine!
The villa is convenient for Pisa Airport and Livorno is a nice day out, including an Aquarium which is great fun for children. We would definitely consider staying here again.
Mark and family staying in Villa di Mezzo. Jul 2022
Good location to reach lucca, Livorno, pisa, Florence.
Sand Beach 1/2 hour drive away. Special thanks to the house keepers Sonia and Mario who really took good care of all our needs and wishes.
Eric B staying in Villa di Mezzo. Aug 2021
Genau wie auf den Bildern. Sehr schönes gepflegtes Haus.
Christian C staying in Villa di Mezzo. Jul 2021
This is without doubt the best Villa I have ever stayed in in all my years travelling to Tuscany through Invitation to. From the size to the furnishings, layout, kitchen and ambience. Down a track surrounded by trees the seclusion is excellent. It is a little slice of heaven. The personal touches inside the Villa no doubt collected over the years by the owner gives the villa a homely touch with many interesting things to look at (Check out the downstairs bathroom to learn a bit about the owner!) even that piqued our interest 😊. The pool is an oasis in the garden with shaded areas to escape from the midday sun (parasols not necessary!) During our time there we didn’t once eat inside - the arched covered outdoor table will accommodate all your needs with a handy barbecue for alfresco dining adding to the delight.
We arrived to a welcome hamper from the owner with delights including the usual authentic Italian delights, local honey, Jam and of course a lovely local Red Wine with Prosecco chilling already in the fridge. Sonia - with limited English (better than my Italian) showed us around the place but we are experts on Tuscan Villas. Everywhere was of course safe (Covid) and immaculately clean. With fresh sheets after the first 5 days it was a home from home.
If you want somewhere close to the Airport at Pisa this is the perfect place. With the coast also near a day at the beach is highly recommended. There is good information in the Villa on local shopping, eating and touristic stuff with personal recommendations included.
All in all, considering the times we are in this is the perfect retreat to get away from it all. The Villa is so special you wouldn’t actually need to leave it as long as you had enough food and drink in stock! We certainly didn’t want to leave.
J.K. and family staying in Villa di Mezzo. Aug 2021
I first visited this house in September 2019 and I was struck by the calm serenity of the place, surrounded by a Mediterranean forest, within its own fenced grounds. It feels like a real retreat from the world, yet Pisa, Livorno, Florence and Lucca are all close by - and the coast is at less than 20 minutes drive too. The house itself is elegantly decorated - the owners are diplomats and there are clues to their postings around the world in the decor. Since then we've had guests staying here for long "workcations" as well as shorter week-long stays for family get-togethers - it works well for either, with easy access to Pisa Airport, fast wifi and air-conditioning throughout. In May 2021 I pass by again mainly to check how long the walk is into the village, and whether the cafe/bar was still open. It's a beautiful house and I can highly recommend it.
D.W. staying in Villa di Mezzo. Feb 2021
Our stay at Casa dei Fichi was truly one of the most wonderful holidays we've ever had. From the moment we arrived, we knew this place was special. We made memories as a family that we'll treasure forever, and we're already talking about coming back next year. The location is simply stunning. Whether you're looking for complete peace and tranquillity or want to explore a beautiful Tuscan village of Campiglia Marittima, which was so welcoming, with a wonderful bakery, fantastic gelato, lively bars and wonderful restaurants - this stay had everything we could have hoped for. The house itself is breathtaking. Every morning I woke up, looked out over the view, and genuinely had to pinch myself. Watching butterflies dance through the garden while swallows and swifts swooped gracefully over the pool felt like something from a romantic novel. One of our favourite things about the villa was the fantastic family spaces which encouraged everyone to spend time together. The pizza oven became the centre of some wonderful evenings, and the four different outdoor seating areas meant we enjoyed a different view and atmosphere every night. Every meal felt special.
The kitchen was exceptionally well equipped, and you could immediately tell that this isn't just a holiday rental—it's a much-loved family home. It feels like a place where memories have been made, celebrations have been shared, conversations have flowed long into the evening and many glasses of wine have been enjoyed together. That warmth and sense of history made our stay even more meaningful.
We also want to say a huge thank you to Sonia and the entire team. The communication before and during our stay was absolutely excellent, and nothing was ever too much trouble. Their kindness and support made the whole experience completely effortless. We honestly can't recommend Casa dei Fichi highly enough. In fact, we're already hoping to book again next year.
If I'm completely honest, there's a part of me that almost doesn't want to tell anyone about it because it feels like such a magical hidden secret. But it deserves to be shared, because everyone should have the chance to experience the same sense of peace, beauty and joy that we found there. Even now, if I close my eyes, I can hear the cicadas singing, the swallows and swifts calling overhead, and I can almost smell the jasmine, rosemary and sage drifting through the warm evening air. Casa dei Fichi is more than just a beautiful villa—it creates a feeling that stays with you long after you've returned home.
Thank you so much for such an unforgettable stay. We can't wait to return.
Verity and family, UK staying in Casa dei Fichi. Jun 2026
We had the perfect family vacation at this beautiful and spacious Italian home. The house is aesthetically pleasing and surrounded by stunning nature, offering a private and serene location. The pool area is fantastic for both play and relaxation, and we loved the outdoor pizza oven and terrace. The rooms are beautiful and decorated with taste. The bedrooms are large and equipped with comfortable beds: Our host was incredibly sweet and helpful. We enjoyed a wonderful week here, including a special evening where a chef prepared a Tuscan dinner for us. Also there’s a charming town nearby to explore! We highly recommend this place for a successful family holiday.
Brigitte and family from Denmark staying in Casa dei Fichi. Oct 2024
My sons, daoghters in law and grandchildren spent a memorable holiday in the House celebrating my 60th birthday. The House has an autentic ambiance and looks beautiful. Made me feel like a real Italian Mama 😊, making meals with the wonderful products in the area, e.g. twice pizza in the outdoor oven. The pool was a great asset, where we all spent a lot of time. Manuela was most helpful with everything in advance, and managed to provide a real chef Allesandro and housekeeper Sonia to make a delicious dinner for my birthday. We will always remember our lovely summerdays in Casa Dei Fichi, and return in the years to come.
Tina, Denmark staying in Casa dei Fichi. Sep 2024
Sometimes holidays don’t fulfil expectations. Sometimes holidays make you content, but home calling offers a sense of pleasure and excitement. Rarely there are holidays like Casa Dei Fichi where one would wish the clock stops. A place where the warm air carries the scent of cypresses and flowers, the crickets chirp in the sunshine and under the stars. Where the sun sets at the horizon, softening the red sky and surrounding hills, before disappearing in the shimmering orange sea. Where the wind gently breezes through the villa, silently lifting voile curtains as the world awakens. A haven of peace where mind and soul disconnect from life’s relentless pace, a place, no matter how long the stay, never seems long enough. Grazie Casa Dei Fichi, ci hai fatto sognare.
Ellemieke and family staying in Casa dei Fichi. Aug 2024
Third time staying at Casa dei Fichi and still as wonderful as ever. Invitation to Tuscany make everything before your stay very straight forward and whilst you are here Sonia is on hand to sort any problem.
The location is perfect. Just far enough from the rest of the world to feel isolated but close enough to the most wonderful medieval Tuscan village (with its modern amenities and good selection of restaurants) to not make feel like everything is a chore. Walking to and from the town for dinner is no problem and great fun after dark and some vino rosso.
Eight years since our first visit and the house pool and gardens are just as fresh and well kept as they were the first time. Nothing looks or feels tired and the kitchen and pantry still perfectly stocked with everything a budding cook needs. The amazing bbq and pizza oven are a great asset, just make sure you have enough wood on hand. No air conditioning but there are now big ceiling fans in every bedroom so they never feel uncomfortable in the summer heat. WiFi is limited to certain rooms in the house but we were still able to get by.
One word of advise. The track up to the house is now much improved but still would be a struggle for low slung cars or big 9 seaters hired from Pisa for example.
Richard and family staying in Casa dei fichi. Aug 2024
Casa dei Fichi was the absolutely perfect place for our family of 7 to gather for a memorable visit to Tuscany. The house was very beautiful and featured many amenities designed to make us feel comfortable and relaxed.
We are a family who loves to gather and cook, and that glorious kitchen plus outdoor grill and wood fired oven made our dreams come true. The local Coop grocery store was filled with fresh vegetables, meat, and fish as well as many Italian delicacies.
We loved eating while watching sunsets and listening to the peaceful countryside sounds of crickets. The pool was a perfect way to hang out and cool off. Our ages ranged from 67 to 3, and it was an amazing place to feel at home for each of us.
The Invitation to Tuscany communication and customer support was excellent.
Susan from the US staying in Casa dei Fichi. Jun 2024
Dejligt hus med fantastisk udsigt til nærmeste by og mod havet. God plads til familie på 6 voksne og 2 små børn. Flere gode siddepladser udenfor, hvor man kan nyde morgenkaffen eller aftensmaden. Dejlig pool med liggestole. Vejen fra byen til huset er lidt bumlet i bil, men er en fin gåtur.
Gitte and family from Denmark staying in Casa dei Fichi. Jun 2024
Fantastic house in perfect location. Luca was a fantastic help and all worked fine. The house was clean and great but the pans and porcelain in the kitchen was a little bit sticky. People should clean up better.
We did love the place for sure
Morten & family from DK staying in Casa dei Fichi. Jul 2023
The house was exactly as described, in a very beautiful Tuscan setting with great views of Campiglia Marittima and the sea. The house has lots of places to sit, relax, eat, in sun or shade, as required. The wood fired pizza oven was gainfully employed as was the wood fired BBQ. The unsurfaced road and access track to it was a bit bumpy and narrow for the SUV we hired, but manageable with care, and was walkable to Campiglia in 20 mins or so. We were early in the season and the garden was still a bit wild, with opinion divided as to the degree of charm that added! The surrounding area is blessed with great beaches, historic hilltop towns and more modern resorts, the whole ensemble providing for a very relaxing stay. We couldn't find the fig tree though!
Chris P from UK staying in Casa dei Fichi. May 2022
We had a lovely time staying at Casa dei Fichi.
There were six adults in our party and the accommodation was perfect for us. The views from all parts of the villa were wonderful in particular from the front bedrooms and the terracing. We could see the Mediterranean from the pool and the castle from the terrace. The settees and chairs in the lounges were very comfortable. The kitchen was extremely well equipped with a very good cooker. The utility room had two fridges and a convenient washing machine and dish-washer. Really, the house was well equipped. The villa was very secluded and we only saw a few of the estate workers and a couple of walkers during the whole week – very peaceful. There were no city noises, no street lights and no crowds – ideal for us.
We had an enjoyable evening when Luca, the caretaker, came to prepare pizzas for us – a really nice meal and although we didn’t cook any pizzas ourselves during the week, we had a few barbeques. Most evenings and early mornings were spent around the pool. The weather was in the high 20’s all week and we only had a shower of rain for an hour one afternoon.
We walked several times into the village and ate lunches in the cafes in the centre. Being on top of a hill, the walk from the villa to the village was easy but a little harder on the way back! We found a map of the trails around Campiglia and followed one of them to the Archaeological park – mines that had ceased working some while back but are now open to the public. The site has several mines and includes small railways – very interesting.
Since we had not been to Tuscany before, we had two city trips – to Florence and Siena. We decided the best option was to drive. In Florence, we parked in Fortessa de Basso – about 0.5 km from the centre. In Siena, we parked in the Stadio – the football stadium – again just outside the ZTL (no car) area – both had plenty of space (but it was September). Both days were filled with the wonderful sights of the cities.
On another day, we visited a winery. We were advised to go to the Bolgheri (about 30km) area where there are several wineries that provide a tour. We visited Marina at Mulini di Segalari who gave us a description of how her wines were produced and then provided us with glasses of the five wine types.
It was truly a most enjoyable week. Location – great; villa – great; weather – great; food and drink – great; pool – great. What else could one say!
Thanks to Luca and Sarah at your office for advice and hospitality.
We had a lovely time staying at Casa dei Fichi staying in Casa dei Fichi. Jul 2019
We first visited Casa dei Fichi three years ago and knew then that we would return. Going back we were a bit apprehensive that maybe the memories of the previous time there would not be repeated but the minute we drove around the bend in the driveway and the house appeared I knew we needn’t have worried.
Knowing the locale from last time we knew how to get to the house which wasn’t necessarily the case case first time round (careful not to end up driving down the wrong street and ending up into middle of the old town when you are not supposed to!) Also we knew the local big Coop in Venturina and with the flight into Pisa getting in at 12.30 by the time we had made to Campiglia Marittima we had time to nip there to stock up with our first shop before heading to the house for check-in at 17.00. We also had time for a quick drink in the beautiful town square (great ice creams for the kids at the Bacco Bar) and book a table at La Tavernetta for our first evening (Saturdays it gets a bit busy in the square so worth securing a table outside.)
The dirt road up to the house had been a bit of a challenge the last time but I am glad to report it has been upgraded to an extent and now is no real issue at all. Tuning off the track onto the drive way of the house with the line of cypress trees never fails to bring a lump to your throat as the view and house appears after 400m or so.
Whoever cleans the house between guests does an amazing job as the house was immaculate . The kitchen is fully stocked with every tool and could possibly need. The pantry full of essentials and plenty of fridge space. Books, toys, electronics a plenty to keep everyone occupied. A big stock of seasoned olive wood for the bbq and the pizza oven that are just great for making very special lunches and evening meals sitting on the patio or under the loggia watching the sunset. The pool is just perfect. Not heated but never cold and really fresh being fed by the houses well. The beds were all made up, plenty of extra linen and towels in the store cupboard and big silent fans in the ceiling of each room meaning not once were we uncomfortable sleeping despite the 30+ daytime temperatures.
The week was made up of breakfasts on the terrace, swimming in the pool, pasta and pizza dough making for long lunches, afternoon walks, bbq evening meals or strolling 20 minutes down the hill into town for exploring, drinks and great food in the larger than expected choices of restaurants hidden away down little side alleys off the main square. The walks back up the hill in the dark was always a great source of excitement. Coming across families of wild boar, hiding and jumping out to scare the kids in the dark and telling scary stories makes the walk back and the steep slope fly by.
Last time we did days out to Lucca, Pisa and Sienna so didn’t need to repeat these (although certainly worth it and all less than an hour and a half away). This time we took a day out and visited Volterra and San Grimignano as well as a trip to find some wild swimming on the river Celina (check out the book Wild Swimming in Italy). An afternoon at the beach along from Piombino after a lovely lunch at Restorante Canessa in Baratti was great too.
All in not just a repeat of a previous holiday but perfect week made all the better by feeling you were back home to an extent. Bring on next time!
As a foot note, I think it is worth describing how we got there. I love a road trip but that’s not best with two young kids. As such I set of in the car and met the family at Pisa airport a few days later. We still needed to hire a car as there were six of us in total but it did mean the Easy Jet flights could be done with no luggage and the family car loaded to the gunnels with more than you would every look to take on a plane. Hiring a 5+2 sear car (think Ford SMax, Renault Grand Scenic or Nissan Quasqui+) meant we could still travel around for the week in one car whilst the familiar car was left parked up. The first time I did a direct route via the Mont Blance tunnel and a stop at Vercelli between Turin and Milan for a day and a half 900mile trip to Pisa. Back was a repeat with the over night in Dijon France. Easily doable but not the most fun.
This time I added a day to the trip south and after a day getting to Grenoble drove the Route Napoleon down to Nice and then a night in a seaside town 30miles from Genoa for a quick dash to Pisa the next morning. Much more fun! One thing to note is that since the collapse of the bridge in the middle of Genoa a year or so ago, getting through there is daunting. That Saturday morning there had been an accident on the detour route causing chaos. I did however follow the Waze app which took me off the signed route and through the middle of Genoa missing the whole problem and only 15 mins extra drive time. Well worth putting your faith in Waze!
On the way back I did the same as last time but instead of the cost and waiting at the Mont Blanc tunnel I crossed the alps by the Mont Cenis pass. Again more fun and didn’t actually add much more time or distance.
Thanks for making the family holiday perfect. It won’t be long before we are back.
R.N. and family, UK staying in Casa dei Fichi. Mar 2019
We stayed for a week at Casa Di Fichi in June 2018 and I just cannot recommend it highly enough. There's along dusty track leading to the villa, which given we arrived on a late flight, was interesting to navigate! We were delighted to be met, even at a very late hour, by someone to hand over the keys. This was in stark contrast to our experience in Monte Carlo in April when the owner refused to allow a check in for a late flight, so we were most grateful to Dan. The villa exceeded all our expectations. It was huge, clean and had the most amazing views over the valley. The David Hockney print of the view made it very special! The villa had absolutely everything, and more that we needed for a relaxing holiday. The kitchen was so well equipped there was nothing we couldn't find. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of books to read and games too. The pool is chilly but lovely and lots of sun loungers and shade if needed.There is outside space and terraces at every level, so many private spaces, so no problem with feeling cramped or crowded. The nearest village is very pretty but not walk able. We took a day trip to San Gimignano, stunning but busy, and Pisa too, ditto. I don't think the villa would suit very young children due to the number of steps and no alarm or fencing round the pool (mandatory in France, but my kids are older). In summary I would not hesitate to rebook this beautiful and obviously much cared for villa.
R.S. and family staying in Casa dei Fichi. Feb 2018
Just thought I would drop you a quite email to say how much we enjoyed our holiday in Casa dei Fichi. The villa surpassed our expectations in every way. It was a perfect location with stunning views and excellent facilities. Our eldest son (a keen amateur cook) was in his element in the kitchen and barbeque, we also had a fun pizza night.
A.F. and family staying in Casa dei Fichi. Mar 2018
We had an absolutely fabulous time at Casa dei Fichi and cannot speak too highly of the house, the help and support received from you before we got there (including sending us a video of the drive to the house so we could check if our van would be ok with it) and from Luca when were there. The only issue we had was from very flickering lights the first night we were there, very efficiently sorted by Luca that same night. The house was perfect, and we especially appreciated all the different outdoor sitting and eating spaces around the house. The views from the property over to the sea were beautiful and the pool too was gorgeous and perfectly maintained. We loved walking into Campiglia in the evenings and back after enjoying the excellent restaurants and bars. Finally, a special thanks to Luca for his lovely tomatoes, and for posting us back the keys we left behind!
We used your company many years ago when we used to holiday pre-children, and would never book with anyone with anyone else for our Tuscan adventures.
L.T. and family staying in Casa dei Fichi. Feb 2017
We were lucky enough to stay in this beautiful villa for the first week of August. The house was beautiful, stylish, relaxed and homely! As everybody has mentioned, the kitchen and huge utility room were particularly useful and we even had 2 fridges which kept the beer cold as well as the food! We had three children in our party, aged 7, 7 and 11. The pool keep them amused for most of the week! My husband adored the pizza oven and we enjoyed many evenings worth of pizza! The views are unbeatable and panoramic so wherever we ate, we enjoyed looking over mountains, the sea. It was gorgeous. Now you don't get those views without a hillside drive! From my perspective it might have been a good idea to mention that the track to the villa is a single and fairly narrow track. We had hired a 9 seater minibus but had we known this, we might have gone for 2 smaller cars... would have saved my blood pressure! We immensely enjoyed this holiday and I suspect we will be back to visit Casa Dei Fichi! My only feedback for the owners would be that there are only 3 sun loungers and 1 umbrella for the poolside. Given that there are 4 double bedrooms here and you can accommodate a number of people, I would suggest a few more of each. I don't like to share my sun bed! Air conditioning would have made this villa absolutely A grade but we were provided with fans.
Manager Response Dear Stuart, thanks for your review, I'm very glad you enjoyed it. I'll put a note on the website about the road - it is a bit tricky! I'll also ask the owner to provide more sunbeds and umbrellas for next year, thanks for letting us know! Best regards, Dan
Mr. S.B. and family, UK staying in Casa dei Fichi. Jan 2015
This beautiful home - because that's what it is - has a kitchen and shower room I'd die for in the UK. The owners haven't tucked their ceramics out of sight - they're there to pile high with salads and other fare from gorgeous Campiglia Marittima and the various nearby markets/supermarkets. There are so many different places to be in this home that in a week of 5 of us together - 2 in our 50s and 3 friends in their 20s - we never felt on top of each other. Morning coffee on the terrace looking down to the sea and over to Elba in the distance; lunch in the cool on the covered terrace by the pizza oven; evenings watching the lights of Campiglia at yet another table by the BBQ fire. And that's just outside. While the sun worshippers were at the pool during the hottest part of the day or playing scrabble (how do you do that riotously? - they managed) in a shaded spot outside, I stretched out on the sofa, with the breeze coming through the patio doors, working my way through the amazing selection of books scattered around the house. That's what I mean - it really is like a home. The owners have an endearingly potty sense of time and direction as they obviously know the area inside out and forget that those coming afresh can get rather lost. A few hand-drawn maps would really help. But when we came round that last spur of hillside and saw the house waiting for us, it was one of those moments I can count on my hand - ferry to Mull and sunset over Lantau included - when my soul tells me I'm home. It really is heaven. I can't wait to go back.
Ms. M.K. and friends, UK staying in Casa dei Fichi. Mar 2014
Das Haus liegt wunderschön in absoluter Ruhelage in den Hügeln mit Blick auf die etruskische Küste. eingerichtet ist es sehr geschmackvoll und rural, es ist geräumig und es gibt alles, was man für einen erholsamen Urlaub benötigt. Wir hatten eine wundervolle Woche dort.
Mrs. A.F. and family, Austria staying in Casa dei Fichi. Feb 2013
“We could not have hope for better” Casa di Fichi was the perfect place for the whole family. The toddler had plenty of space and loved the toys available. (Mr Potato man we miss you!) My mum and my partner are both chefs and were very impressed by the kitchen and the huge utility room. My dad loved the house being so secluded Lovely BBQ area and after being taught how to use the pizza oven, we spend a few evenings creating our own pizzas. The house is made with so much love and care, a true home away from home. My sister who is a keen piano player, loved the piano available to us. But for me the most beautiful thing was watching the most beautiful sunset evening after evening from our terrace. Casa dei Feichi, thank you for such a special stay.
Wendy, Greg, and family staying in Casa dei Fichi. Dec 2014
We had a super time, thank you. The house was lovely and the pool and views superb. It was so lovely to be able to retreat to the house in the hills where it was cool (and relatively free of mosquitos) when it was so hot in the plains below. Loved the fact we could see and hear no-one from the property. And the long track made ideal cycling escapades for our three boys! The only thing further we would have liked – but with all your properties – would be a piano!! Holidays are a rare time in which there would be time to play!
Mrs. C.W. and family, U.K. staying in Casa dei Fichi. Feb 2014
The casa dei fichi and the views from it were beautiful. We all really enjoyed our stay...... Thanks,
Mrs. R.B. and family, Gorizia, Italy staying in Casa dei Fichi. Dec 2013
Back home after a great summer... I just wanted to tell you that our stay (too short) was fantastic, the house was wonderful and exactly what we were looking for and we had a great time there. The house is beautifully decorated, the location is unique and there was everything you could need. The kids were in the pool a lot and it was really quiet and relaxing. We would absolutely like to come back next year! Thank you for everything!
Mrs A.F. and family, UK staying in Casa dei Fichi. Feb 2013
This was an amazing villa. We had 5 adults and 2 children and it was the perfect size. The open floor plan made our evening meals even more enjoyable and the view from the back porch was unbeatable. The owners were very accomidating and I would absolutely recommend this villa and hope to return again.
Mrs. S.B. and family, UK staying in Casa dei Fichi. Feb 2011
The Casa dei Fichi was a wonderful place to relax with friends and family. This old Tuscan farmhouse has been beautifully restored and modernised but still has many original features.The indoor space offers good accommodation, plenty of space to relax and eat and features a fantastic open-plan kitchen in which we could all enjoy preparing meals together. The location is peaceful and secluded with amazing views over the countryside and the most spectacular sunsets over the sea. The house is surrounded by terraces, enabling you to find a shady spot to read, paint or just relax even when the sun is hot. In the evenings, we made good use of the inner courtyard (equipped with a wood burning open grill) or sat up late counting the shooting stars. The attractive medieval town of Campiglia Marittima is short drive away - we were lucky enough to be able to enjoy the atmosphere of an annual festival. The area is worth exploring (Elba, Populonia) and the coast is blessed with many bays and beaches. However, in august the beaches are really overflowing with local holiday makers and we found it best to go in the evening when it is possible to find a quieter spot. The owners had left a lot of useful and practical information about places to visit, where to shop etc. which made finding our way around quite easy. A local couple look after the property and are available for questions and support throughout the stay (no language problems as Luciano's English was excellent). Being out in the countryside, be prepared for a dusty and bumpy track to get to this haven of peace and enjoy the wild-life on offer (everything from butterflies to bats and wild boars) as well as the occasional thunderstorm. We would love to return - perhaps in the Spring or autumn or when the less-intense heat would be more amenable to walking and rambling. In short, this was a perfect Tuscan holiday!
Mrs. M.S. and family, Switzerland staying in Casa dei Fichi. Jul 2010
I visited this house on a rainy day in October 2024. I found it striking, reminiscent of 1960s films. For some reason I kept thinking of "The Pool", a 1968 Blake Edwards film with Peter Sellers and Claudine Longet. Or of "Fumo di Londra", a 1966 film with Alberto Sordi. The fireplace and sunken seating area are fabulous - I could just see myself lounging there with a cocktail, listening to songs from Andy Williams' collection of "Music to Watch Girls By". Downstairs, the enormous games room continues the 60s vibe, while outside a kidney-shaped pool completes it. This is not a typical Tuscan converted farmhouse, but a delightful, vibrant and exciting slice of Italian sixties culture.
Daniel Wrightson (inspecting) staying in Villa Ema. Oct 2024
We had a very good stay in Pinolo. The location was perfect, we could walk into the beautiful village of Casole d'Elsa. There was a community supermarket very close opposite the petrol station which had everything you could want. 2 butchers in the village. Great restaurants and bar. We particularly like the little balcony where we ate supper, very private. We thought it was a great base to explore all the places of interest, Volterra, San Gimignano and Siena by bus from Colle di Val D'Elsa was so easy. Our host provided us with the timetable and all the info we needed. They couldn't have been more accommodating. We will recommend to our friends and family.
Alli Scott staying in Pinolo. Sep 2025
We had a really lovely time in Casole d’Elsa albeit extremely hot with the heatwave Europe is experiencing. Having a swimming pool was a must and greatly enjoyed. Seeing Elvira at nearly 90 years of age still looking so healthy and definitely the loved matriarch of the family was really lovely. I couldn’t understand a word she said but she was very welcoming as was her daughter-in-law, Katia who now manages the place. She even made us a cake which was so, so lovely😊
We did notice a few changes in the village although I would agree it still offers that authentic charm. We enjoyed walking into the village every day for a morning coffee. We really liked the Ristorante Pizzeria il Porrina – nice reasonably priced meals and the Ristorante Pizzeria il Colombaio di Cipressina (sit on the terrace so you get the view).
We have now experienced 3 of the 4 accommodation options at Agresto and each has their own charm. Loved the space of and the views from first floor Pinolo and the coolness of Rustico which was on the cooler side of the house. The layout of Rustico was certainly a bit different with no lounge other than the couch situated in 1 of the bedrooms and the ‘throne’ and shower at the top of stairs in the bathroom. Of the 2 options Pinolo would be our pick of the 2 bedroom options due to its layout and views. We got to see the new addition to the accommodation options (Mandorlo) – which is a lovely modern tastefully done 1 bedroom apartment on the ground floor which as ideal for a couple
Larkins from NZ staying in Pinolo. Jun 2025
This was our second trip to stay near beautiful Casole d'Elsa - and this time at Pinolo just outside of the village. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there. The property was just beautiful and just what we wanted. Very peaceful and quiet - with wonderful views and a great pool to enjoy. We spent time relaxing at the property, walking the gentle walk into the village for coffee or meals - and also driving to nearby villages for further exploration. Pinolo met all of our needs and more - it exceeded our expectations. We even had the lovely caretakers leave us a freshly made tart one day to add to the wonderful experience. We would highly recommend this property and would stay there again.
Jason and Renee, UK staying in Pinolo. Oct 2024
We enjoyed our stay at Pinolo. Well equipped apartment with amazing views and Katia was an excellent host. Within walking distance of the lovely village of Casole D’Elsa and there is a nice bar serving great pizzas even closer. There is an excellent pool and well equipped outside seating areas so you can relax after a day sightseeing in this superb area.
Drew, UK staying in Pinolo. Sep 2024
Pinolo is situated in a beautiful picturesque location. It's an easy walk to the village (learning about the lift to the top of the town early is essential!). The setting is gorgeous with a lovely pool and countryside around. The accommodation itself seems a little tired in terms of furnishings, appliances and utensils and the bathroom is definitely utilitarian but if you don't mind quaint then this will be fine for you. Unfortunately the pool towels we had requested (and paid for) weren't left for us, and the single bed in the second bedroom wasn't made up (again as requested). These were attended once we raised it. All in all we had a lovely stay at Pinolo and would love to return - ideally after a bit of an upgrade of facilities.
Vincent from NZ staying in Pinolo. Jun 2023
My sister, a friend and I spent another wonderfully relaxing week here. We had stayed here last year and couldn't wait to return. Thank you to Katia and family for making us so welcome again. The wine that they produced was delicious and it was so nice to have the chance to try it. We had inadvertently timed our stay during the local Palio so we were able to enjoy the festivities too! I couldn't imagine a better location to stay as not only is it peaceful with beautiful views towards SAN GIMIGNANO , but it is a short walk into the little town of Casole d'Elsa which was a favourite place for morning coffee and breakfast. The kitchen facilities in the apartment are perfect which also enabled us to prepare simple lunches before returning to the beautiful pool.
We definitely plan to return to Pinolo and find it difficult to make any suggestions which could improve our stay next time !(perhaps bigger, softer pillows?)
Claudine & friends from UK staying in Pinolo. Jul 2023
Had a great last minute stay in Pinolo and received fabulous service from Dan – he came up with exactly what we were looking for. The apartment is in a superb location – being able to walk into Casole D’Elsa is a big bonus plus there are lots of great restaurants to choose from. There is also a supermarket within walking distance that is well stocked (not obvious from the road that it is actually a supermarket!). Apartment is well kept and has everything you need (no oven so need to bear that in mind) and has great views. The pool area is another added bonus. Overall this is a great base to visit the beautiful Tuscan countryside.
C.S. and family staying in Pinolo. Sep 2020
Our second stay at Pinolo only confirmed what we always felt about the place, the location, accommodation and amenities are, without doubt, exactly what is required for a peaceful, tranquil and restful stay in Tuscany. The first floor entrance is adjacent to the rear door to the owners accommodation and their kindness and generosity of spirit was wonderful, they gave us homemade cake, wine and ice creams and were always on hand for help and advice. The kitchen could perhaps do with being a little better equipped and the size of the drinking glasses a little small for beer drinkers, but on a score from 100 we would give it 99.5!
C.B. and family, UK staying in Pinolo. Jun 2013
Stayed at Pinolo in Casole d'Elsa - good sized apartment for 4 people, very clean and tidy and everything one would need for a holiday. Pool was a nice size with plenty of loungers/ seats around - and my favourite, a hammock hanging between 2 olive trees! 5 mins walk to nearest pizza house (which did pastries for breakfast too) and the local produce stocked supermarket and about a 15 mins walk to the town - which is beautiful with a good handful of restaurants and bars. Invitation to Tuscany - Very helpful in terms of booking and finding us something that would suit us and our small-ish children. Would highly recommend
H.B. and family, UK staying in Pinolo. Dec 2017
We were heartily welcomed by the owners, whose grasp of English was only marginally better than our Italian, but after creating a raport with suitable "thumbs up" hand signals to indicate our pleasure with the appartment, she moved on to describe the operation of the dishwasher in Italian, which was probably a little over-optimistic.
The Apartment was just perfect for 4 and had plenty of space in the lounge/dining area for relaxing out of the sun. Breakfast was often taken on the patio area overlooking the countryside - just fabulous. After a quick swim in the "its alright once you are in" pool, it was down to some serious sunbathing on the loungers - and there are more than enough for everyone. Lunch by the pool on a table conveniently located under a shady pergola with even better views and San Gim in the background. Afternoons spent relaxing - although sometimes interspersed with awesome thunder and lightning over the valleys!
Locals towns provide a good evenning entertainment, even Casola D'Elsa seemed to have enough going on to keep us going back, despite its small size. This place has everything you need for a quiet week or so, but a car is a must for getting about and shopping, the local supermarket and shops are limited.
Fantastic holiday made even better by the welcoming owners - even turned up with free homemade pizza and wine at 11pm one night, which we ate and drank in the moonlight! We would return tomorrow.
C.B. and friends, UK staying in Pinolo. Dec 2009
You know that scary feeling you get when you book accommodation on the internet that looks wonderful in the photos, but you're sure it couldn't possibly be that wonderful? Well, rest assured, Pinolo is wonderful! Charming hosts, beautiful, quiet, relaxed setting, yet still close to village. We stayed in the two bedroom upstairs apartment. Very clean, rustic and charming. I will always remember the view from the upstairs window - you can see the towers of San Gimignano in the distance. So many beautiful places to visit nearby, beautiful Tuscan countryside. We'll be back!
Mr. A.G. and family, Australia staying in Pinolo. Dec 2010
Situated in the heart of Chianti in Tuscany, this villa is in walking distance of a lovely village with restaurants and a weekly BBQ on the village plaza which is a must! The hosts are most welcoming and the Pinolo villa offers excellent views! Great sightseeing in the region. The hosts wine is worth the purchase. The outdoor pool is large and always clean. We are looking forward to returning.
Mrs. J.G. and family, Canada staying in Pinolo.
We stayed at Pinolo last summer and would highly recommend it. The location is excellent - within walking distance of the local village, and right in the heart of Tuscany. The family who own the property were incredibly welcoming and one evening we were brought homemade cake and a bottle of their own wine. Delicious. Having the pool also helped hugely on hot days. We will definitely return.
Mrs. C.J. and family, UAE staying in Pinolo. Feb 2011
The farm house is a little outside the village which is uphill and easily reached by car, bike or by foot. The latter will maybe take 30 mins. The apartment is on the first floor in the main building with its own entry. The two bedrooms have sufficient space for 5 and the living & dining room as well. In case you like outside dining you need to take note that you have to go downstairs, which is not very practical. There is a small outside sitting area, good for two and a glass of wine in the evenings. The pool is nice and the gardens (vineyard, olives) are lovely. The farm is a on a hill itself which allows for a cooling breeze and nice views. The owners are lovely and produce their own wine and olive oil. A good price compared to many other locations we saw on-line.
Mr. R.V.W and family, Switzerland staying in Pinolo. Feb 2013
Our apartment, Pinolo, was spacious and well equipped with beautiful views of the Tuscan countryside from every window. The building is a traditional farmhouse which added to it's charm and there were plenty of outside spaces to relax in. We found it a very convenient base to explore Tuscany, not far from San Gimignano, Siena, Orvieto and Florence.
Mr. K.M. and family, UK staying in Pinolo. Dec 2014
We knew we wanted to stay in Tuscany but could not find the ideal location. After stumbling across 'Welcome to Tuscany', the helpful staff recommended we stay at a charming, converted Tuscan farm house in the heart of Tuscany upon the outskirts of the small village of Casole'd Elsa. Father and sons the three of us set off from Carcassonne, and thus arrived late at Pinolo and Rustico after a beautiful, but winding drive through the Alpes and across the fateful Rubicon. Upon arrival the owner kindly stayed to greet us, which set the scene for the rest of the holiday; as the owners who lived on site worked tirelessly to ensure the accommodation and surrounding grounds were kept immaculate whilst remaining innocuous but there to help if needed. Both apartments well equipped with original features and large luxurious bedrooms. The complex was landscaped throughout with thoughtful touches like flowers and charming Cypress trees which framed the gentle descent from farmhouse to pool. The Village was a short walk on foot and although small it was a lovely example of some of the bigger and more impressive Casole's situated in Tuscany. With a great selection of Restaurants - in particular the Enoteca which runs a set course that changed each night of the week and friendly English speaking owners. Beware of 'White Tuesdays', when the whole towns descends to paint the town, 'white' (called so because they do not sleep - like another day and something of a tradition in much of Tuscany) In terms of location Casole d'Elsa was perfectly situated to explore the well known likes of Sienna, Florence and San Gimignano (recommend Quattro Gatti for super!) but also the lesser known, and less spoilt towns such as Volterra (see the Etruscan tombs - utterly fascinating - like steeping down through the gates of Hades explored in Homer's literature), Montalcino and the medieval walled city of Monteriggioni. For those who love red wine, not more could be asked in this delightful region; and a pilgrimage to Saasicaia and the aforementioned Montalcino is well worth it. We like it so much, we would consider hiring the entire complex the next time and bringing all our friends!
Mr T.H. and family staying in Pinolo. Dec 2014
We stayed in the upper floor of the farmhouse (Pinolo) at Agriturismo Elvira. The accommodation was great for our family of 4. A lovely large room for living/dining/cooking, plus 2 bedrooms and bathroom. There are pretty garden areas and terraces around the house where you can sit or eat al fresco with amazing views of the Tuscan and Chianti hills. The outdoor swimming pool and surrounding garden was great too! The hill town of Casole d'Elsa is a 15 - 20 minute walk with a good range of small shops plus some excellent places to eat and drink. Highly recommended
Mr. T.J. and family, UK staying in Pinolo. Dec 2015
We duly returned from Casole Saturday. There were no problems /breakages, the accommodation was perfect and the hosts very charming. All in all I would recommend to anyone and it has my highest credentials. We visited all around and had a great time. Thanks again for all your help
Mr T.H. and family, France staying in Pinolo. May 2014
We had a fantastic stay at Pinolo - beautiful part of the country. The accomodation was great, very authentic Tuscan farm feel while providing most of what we needed. The only suggestion would be for them to improve the WiFi reception within Pinolo itself. It was a bit hit and miss at times. Also to provide basic soap and shower gel. It was a bit of a surprise to us that this wasn't provided. Otherwise it was superb, and we really enjoyed having the private pool available to us. We also really enjoyed the local town of Casole d'Elsa. The pizza restaurant in particular was very good for lunch - great value for money and excellent service. We also had an amazing dinner at the restaurant attached to the local hotel. Can't remember the name of the hotel but it's on the main road to the left as you leave the housing estate area. Thanks for making this property and experience available to us.
Mr R.D. and family, UK staying in Pinolo. Dec 2014
Our second stay at Pinolo only confirmed what we always felt about the place, the location, accommodation and amenities are, without doubt, exactly what is required for a peaceful, tranquil and restful stay in Tuscany. The first floor entrance is adjacent to the rear door to the owners accommodation and their kindness and generosity of spirit was wonderful, they gave us homemade cake, wine and ice creams and were always on hand for help and advice. The kitchen could perhaps do with being a little better equipped and the size of the drinking glasses a little small for beer drinkers, but on a score from 100 we would give it 99.5!
Mr C.B. and friends, UK staying in Pinolo. Feb 2013
I stayed here with my family when our son Ben was around 2 years old and we loved it. I know the village well, as it's where I grew up, so it was great to be able to walk in every morning - Ben and I would go in to buy breakfast for mum from the local cafe. The living room/ kitchen is large and comfortable, and the little loggia perfect for an evening drink with an ear out for sleeping children.
Dan R. and family staying in Pinolo. Dec 2012
We felt so comfortable in this spacious apartment, with its lovely light and generous spaces just right for a small family holiday. The good-sized pool and the views of the vines to one side and the valley to the other are delightful. Strolling into Casole d'Elsa was so convenient for picking up supplies or going out for a good meal - truly an ideal location.
L. and L. staying in Pinolo. Dec 2015
Alles war zu unserer vollsten Zufriedenheit. Wir haben das komfortable Haus und herrliche Grundstück genossen. Das absolute Highlight war der wohl temperierte und grosse Pool. Vielen Dank auch für die nette Betreuung.
Traduzione
A fantastic property Everything was to our complete satisfaction. We enjoyed the comfortable house and beautiful grounds. The absolute highlight was the large, comfortably heated pool. Thank you also for the friendly service.
Dagmar B. staying in Ombra. Jul 2022
Die Villa inmitten der toskanischen Hügel lässt keine Wünsche offen (sehr gut und gemütlich eingerichtet, herrliche Aussicht) Genügend Platz für 6-8 Personen mit riesigem Pool. Der Garten ist herrlich und man findet immer einen Schattenplatz. Wir konnten in dieser Woche unsere Seele baumeln lassen und uns richtig erholen. Mit dem Auto fährt man ca. 20 Minuten zum Einkaufen oder ins Restaurant. Wir haben das Grundstück aber nur ungern für Ausflüge verlassen, da wir uns dort so wohl gefühlt haben.
Translation:
The villa, nestled in the Tuscan hills, leaves nothing to be desired (very well and comfortably furnished, with a magnificent view). It has enough space for 6-8 people and a huge pool. The garden is beautiful, and you can always find a shady spot. We were able to unwind and truly relax this week. It's about a 20-minute drive to the shops or restaurants. However, we were reluctant to leave the property for excursions because we felt so comfortable there.
Susanne S. Switzerland staying in Ombra. Sep 2021
We enjoyed an incredible ten day stay at Villa San Miniato. Our suite, Argentum, was large, clean, well equipped and perfect.
Our hosts Stefano and Francesco were available when we had a questions and went above & beyond to make our stay exceptional. After a booking error on our part, the hosts invited us to stay an extra night at the villa. After very hot days of touring in Tuscany, we were able to return to the villa for refreshing swims in the pool. The views surrounding the pool were breathtaking. On our hottest day, we chose to spend the entire day poolside! Other guests were friendly & conversational. We could prepare our own meals when desired and laundry facility in our suite made the trip seamless. Invitation to Tuscany did a great job facilitating our stay. When asked to find a place to purchase Sheep milk nearby, the provided recommendation led us to a fabulous farm visit and meal. The farm owner made further recommendations to enhance our stay!
Rosemary Livesey staying in Argentum. Aug 2026
Our apartment at Villa San Miniato, outside the beautiful city of San Miniato, was a quiet country oasis. It was so clean, so quiet and so charming. Complete with a beautiful pool - with a view of San Miniato in the distance - the whole villa was quaint, beautifully restored and so comfortable.
Lastly, the manager - Francesco - was so personable and helpful. He was the perfect host, helping us and advising us when needed, and giving us privacy to enjoy the Tuscan countryside. Villa San Miniato was wonderful; I highly recommend to anyone who wants to enjoy Tuscany, and spend day trips in nearby Florence, Pisa, and Lucca.
Damian Savarino staying in Argentum. Jun 2026
Fantastic place for family. Excelent service and great standard. Perfect pool for families with kids. Great basecamp for visiting Pisa, Lucca, Firenze and Siena. The place is on a hill top and even in high temperatures there is slways a chilling wind.
Morten from Norway staying in Argentum. Jul 2023
Those willing to navigate a couple of kilometres on a rocky rural track will be amply rewarded when they get to Casa del Pastore, a well-equipped but relaxed house with absolutely stunning views of Mt Amiata and the Val d'Orcia.
They'll get a warm and friendly welcome from Mike and Baal who look after the house, and can enjoy a stay at the heart of one of the most beautiful and remote regions of southern Tuscany in complete comfort.
The house is well looked-after, with a great pool, decent satellite broadband and loads of space - and a view that catches your breath every time you step out the door. It's a beautiful place.
Stephen and Janice from UK staying in Casa del Pastore. Jul 2022
The main feature of this holiday home is its infinity pool with that glorious view. The house has been beautifully renovated and has everything you need. Our boys appreciated the table football! Mike and Baal were charming, friendly and helpful. Their wine store was a welcome addition too. A robust hire car is necessary for the long dirt track.
Rachel and family from UK staying in Casa del Pastore. Jul 2022
We are already back home and I have to write that we had a wonderful time in Casa del Pastore. Everything was great, Nicolette is a perfect caretaker, very helpful. We were very happy and relaxed so please send many thanks to the owner for sharing such a beautiful property. Thank you very much - we hope we can visit Casa del Pastore again next year.
Mrs. M.T. and family, Poland staying in Casa del Pastore . Dec 2015
We stayed at Starna for a week with another couple who have been friends of ours for almost 50 years. We loved the property and Viola, who was our contact, could not have been more helpful. Our only thought is that the property has sleeping for six (3 bedrooms) but the living room seats five with three on a couch and two small chairs. We almost added a third couple to our trip and were glad they couldn’t join us because in the evening after dinner we would not all been able to sit comfortably in the living room. The pool is absolutely lovely and the gentleman who came each day to clean it was also was wonderful. We would have liked to have had more comfortable chairs around the pool area where you could read and relax. The lounge chairs offered were more for lying down and we were unable to sit upright on them.
Bonnie Snider staying in Starna. Sep 2026
We enjoyed a wonderful spring week in Starna. A beautiful villa in a quiet setting, equipped to a very high standard. The area speaks for itself - gorgeous open wine country and twisty-turny forests to explore by car or bike. Local town alike Radda and Lecchi have great restaurants and historic places to explore. The best holiday with Invitation to Tuscany yet. Thanks Dan & gang!
Thanks Tom, glad it went well! Dan
Tom Hostler staying in Starna. May 2026
We absolutely loved our stay here at Starna. We so wish we were staying longer. The property is beautiful and located centrally in Tuscany. I wish we were walking distance to the town but we just could not fault anything about the home and the way we were looked after. Would thoroughly recommend to anyone looking to unwind in the most beautiful place in Italy.
Megan and family from Australia staying in Starna. Apr 2026
Starna was absolutely stunning and the property management was so communicative and helpful when needed. All the amenities and furnishings were high end and perfect. We can’t wait to come back!
Thuy-vi staying in Starna. Sep 2025
A lovely place. The house is better than what you see in the pictures. All excellent. An unforgettable week.
Angela staying in Rocca. Jun 2023
The property is exactly as advertised. Great location, beautiful property, everything was in perfect conditions. The owner is fantastic, always ready to help out with any requests. He helped organize a fantastic party (catering, tent, music etc.). Although his own house is very near, he always leaves you your privat space, while at the same time always being available to fulfil your requests. We had a great time and highly recommend this property. The region around the property (lago maggiore) is beautiful, the nearby village Arona is picturesque and offers nice cafes and restaurants. The owner is able to provide many recommendations.
Manuel staying in Erno. Sep 2013
Very good. Especially pool, outside pizza oven and barbecue.
Breakfast bakery service and rubbish service very good.
Matthew, Germany staying in Scudo. Aug 2024
Our stay at Villa Cortona was nothing short of magical. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms by the most wonderful hosts, Alessandra and Federico. Their hospitality and attention to detail made our week-long stay an unforgettable experience for our entire family. Alessandra went above and beyond in helping us plan our wedding, ensuring that every detail was perfect. Her dedication and passion for her work shone through in every aspect of the event. She also organized other delightful activities, such as a pasta-making class, which added a unique and authentic touch to our Italian adventure. Alessandra's meticulous planning and warm personality truly made our wedding an absolute dream come true. Federico was equally fantastic, always available to assist with any request and ensuring that we felt at home. Together, Alessandra and Federico created an atmosphere of warmth and joy that made our stay at Villa Ivana truly special. The villa itself is stunning, with breathtaking views and luxurious amenities. Every corner of the property exudes charm and elegance, making it the perfect setting for a memorable celebration. Thank you, Alessandra and Federico, for making our stay at Villa an experience we will cherish forever. Your kindness, professionalism, and dedication made our time in Cortona an absolute highlight of our lives. We cannot recommend this Villa highly enough and look forward to returning one day to relive the wonderful memories.
Taylor staying in Villa Cortona. Jul 2024
A magical two weeks at Villa Cortona. My wife and I celebrated our 70th birthdays by taking our children and grandchildren to Tuscany for two weeks. My grandson thought we were living in a palace and asked if there was a moat! Alessandra and Federico are without exception, the warmest most attentive hosts we've ever experienced among the dozens of rental properties we've engaged over the years. We asked many questions and made a few requests during our stay and they responded every time immediately, fulfilling each one. The housekeeping is immaculate. Each bedroom is unique and amazing as are the bathrooms. Complete privacy on this large estate yet close enough that some of our adult children walked into Cortona one day. The outdoor canopied patio is spectacular and we enjoyed most of our meals there. The pool is huge and perfectly maintained. This was a bucket list trip for my family and this Villa met and exceeded our high expectations.
Steven staying in Villa Cortona. Jun 2023
Wow! Dream vacation in Tuscany! The entire family spent the entire week in this amazing Tuscan Villa and enjoyed every minute of it. We were a total of 15 people of all ages and everyone just loved it. The villa is very clean and fit well with the surrounding. The pool is big and fun and the area around the Villa was great for a walk or a jog. The Owners are fantastic! I definitely recommend this place!
William S. staying in Villa Cortona. Jul 2018We spent a week in Oliveta and we can’t wait to return! The interiors are incredibly refined, with a perfect balance between Tuscan tradition and modern comfort. The bedrooms are huge, the beds are extremely comfortable, and the bathrooms feel like a private spa. The living room was perfect for cozy evenings. The outdoor space is just as spectacular—immaculate gardens, beautifully scented flowers, and a breathtaking view of the rolling hills. The heated pool is a true luxury, ideal for relaxing at any time of the day. A special thanks to Chef Pietro that made our dinner unforgettable! Last but not least we love tennis and having the tennis courts at our disposal was such a great thing!
Charles staying in Oliveta. Aug 2024What can I say… Oliveta is simply STUNNING! It looked amazing in the photos, but in person, it’s even better. The interiors are a perfect blend of elegance and comfort: spacious rooms, refined furnishings, and every little detail carefully thought out. The garden is a dream, a peaceful oasis with perfect spots to relax in the shade of olive trees. The heated pool was the cherry on top—taking a swim at sunset with a view of the Tuscan hills was an unforgettable experience. Special mention to Barbara that took care of our stay and organized service and activities for us! If you're looking for a place to unwind and enjoy Tuscany to the fullest, this villa is the best choice. We’ll definitely be back!
Carol staying in Oliveta. May 2024
Very charming and helpful villa owners. Not easy to find with villa directions issued by London company - very steep access , much better suited to a 4 by 4 or car with high ground clearance .
Comfortable villa with plenty of indoor and outdoor space - plenty of bathrooms . Kitchen could do with additional small saucepans - ( only frying pans available ) Bed mattresses were hard - could do with the option of toppers ! However the views are amazing and the swimming pool is kept immaculately. Additional towels for the swimming pool would be beneficial. Todi was a picturesque local town with a choice of many eating places . Would visit villa again.
Thanks Ilona, directions now corrected.
Ilona and family staying in Casa Umbra. Jun 2026
Located in the beautiful Tuscan hills of Morre, Todi, Casa Umbra is an amazing retreat. We visited in October so spent much of our time walking the local area of Collelungo, Izzalini and Todi and enjoying the views from the villa in the evenings with a glass of wine, before settling in by the fire. The villa does also have an amazing outdoor pool and we will definitely be back to visit in the summer months when we can take advantage of this too. Mario and Valentina are amazing hosts and very kind, thoughtful people. They were so helpful in suggesting things for us to do, as well as giving us lifts to places and delivering groceries to the villa, whilst also allowing us all the space we needed to enjoy the villa. We had a hire car so were wary of driving too much on the paths leading up to the villa (which are very steep and gravelled) so we were very grateful for their help. We can’t wait to return to Casa Umbra again, it is a truly special place!
Connor and family from UK staying in Casa Umbra. Oct 2025
This house is so beautiful and serene, surrounded by trees and the sound of cicadas and with a lovely view of rolling Umbrian hills. With thick stone walls it remains fairly cool irrespective of the surrounding temperature, and there is a good air flow through the house once doors and windows are open. The large pool is fabulous and warms nicely in the sun, but has the benefit of being increasingly shaded as the afternoon wears on. It is easy to spend the day lolling around the house without the need to go anywhere. But there are things to do: the area is very rural and sparsely populated, but the stunning hill towns of Todi and Orvieto are in relatively easy reach and there are numerous other places a bit further away.
Mario, the host, is very kind and helpful. He is able to offer recommendations of all kinds, and attends quickly to any questions or issues.
The road to the house is indeed a genuine challenge - I expected it to be a minor issue, but the steep and unpaved sections would likely be beyond the capability of smaller cars. I think Mario is working to pave the whole road (in which case it will be steep but otherwise perfectly fine) but is awaiting relevant permissions. The access road and other potholed roads around Umbria somewhat shredded our car's front tyres, which needed replacing in a Norauto garage before driving back to the UK.
David & family from UK staying in Casa Umbra. Jul 2023
We loved our stay at Casa Umbra, a wonderful spacious rustic house and fabulous clean large pool, surrounded by wonderful countryside, wild flowers, butterflies and birds. Lovely walk up behind the house.
Our host Mario went out of his way to ensure all our needs were met, provided recommendations for local events/places, introduced ours kids to his horses and helped arrange a private yoga instructor/masseur visit. Yet at the same time did not intrude at all.
The area of umbria also proved very enjoyable with trips to Todi, Asissi & Spello, Orvieto and Marmore Falls by Terni. Plenty options for vineyard, olive farm, horse riding visits also.
Highly recommend Kairos restaurant in Izzalini, just short drive away.
When booking you are warned about the road and type of car to use to get to the house, this is genuine advice and should be heeded. The house is off the beaten track but 100% worth it !
Carmel & family staying in Casa Umbra. Jun 2023
Casa Umbra is the perfect setting for a peaceful and relaxing break. Nestled in the hillside, surrounded by nature and incredible views, it really does offer a everything you need for a complete getaway. We could not have asked for a better place to enjoy Southern Umbria. The access road is steep, so a larger car (4X4) is recommended.
Anonymous from UK staying in Casa Umbra. Sep 2022
You will need to take care with the road leading to the accommodation as it can be steep and narrow in parts. But the villa is in an enviable location with excellent views of the surrounding hills and villages. We had a very relaxing stay. The kitchen is excellent, well equipped and very convenient for cooking. Bedroom very comfortable. The swimming pool is wonderful, with good sun-beds, and we liked very much the hammocks on the lawn at the front of the villa. There are a number of places outside to eat, so you can choose depending upon the time of day. Mario is a very welcoming, helpful and generous host, always available but also very conscious for the privacy of the guests.
D.C. staying in Casa Umbra. Dec 2018
It is just a wonderfull place, beautifull villa with a very nice, romantic view of the small walley and surrounding hills. Ideal for families looking for silent place in umbrian nature. We spent there 1 week which was not enough for us. I would recommend to stay for 2 or even more weeks so you can discover the whole area and enjoy umbrian food, nature, history...one thing should be highlighted here, the owner - Mario Santoro. His helpfull attitude and personlity made our stay much more pleasant. Thank you
M.O. staying in Casa Umbra. Oct 2017
Located on a remote hill with a stunning view of the breathtaking landscape of Umbria, the Casa Umbra is the perfect hideaway in Italy's heartland. The elegant and luxurious residence is fully equipped with everything one needs for a perfect vacation. One can relax by the pool or read in one of the hammocks overlooking the hillside. The three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms are spacious and provide perfect privacy even when sharing the house. The kitchen is fully equipped and even though one is fully surrounded by nature there is a fast internet connection, a TV and telephone. While it could be easy to loose oneself in the serenity of the place and just never leave the villa, one is still very close to the gems of Italian art and culture. Beautiful must see towns such as Todi, Orvieto, Perugia, and Assisi are just a short drive away and offer fantastic dining and outstanding cultural experiences. Me and my family would have loved to stay the whole summer and hope to come back soon.
N.D. staying in Casa Umbra. May 2017
Time at this Villa is simply remarkable. The food, the staff, the hospitality, the comfort and the view are simply unmatched
C.T. staying in Casa Umbra. Aug 2017
One of the most beautiful places in the world! Peaceful surrounding, ideally arranged villa with exceptionally good taste, never ending visual and physical pleasure. To come back and experience again and again
K.I. staying in Casa Umbra. Dec 2017
A marvellously tranquil part of Umbria, and a great house high on a hill. I have spent happy days there, and highly recommend it. Day trips to great places are to be found in every direction. I only hesitate to recommend it because I want to keep it to myself!
W.A.E. staying in Casa Umbra. Dec 2017
Our stay at Pagliaio was wonderful. The accommodation was clean, spacious, the grounds and pool areas were beautiful and the visit of the wild boar in the late eveninga made it even more magical. The host, Annmarie was on hand at all times, and her knowledge of the area was really helpful. The information and support before the trip from ‘Invitation to Tuscany’ was perfect and we look forward to booking with them again in the future.
Andrew & family from UK staying in Pagliaio. Aug 2024
We stayed for one week during August and we had a wonderful time. We were so lucky to have the whole property to ourselves and made the most of days relaxing by the pool alternating with trips out to some of the beautiful nearby towns including Arezzo which is stunning. Ann Marie is really helpful and made lots of excellent recommendations and restaurant bookings which we really enjoyed. The property was very clean and the kitchen was well equipped for cooking when we decided to eat in. We found the property perfect for a relaxing stay with lots to explore nearby.
Alison & family, UK staying in Pagliaio. Aug 2023
We loved our stay at Annemarie's villa, even though it was rainier than we'd prefer! The location is beautiful, tucked away in the Tuscan countryside, very private and peaceful. The villa itself was clean and lovely; it looked exactly like the provided photos. One thing to note, the wifi does not work in the villa itself. You have to be closer to the main house and sit outside in the "wifi chair." This wasn't an issue for us, but would be good to note for future guests. Another thing to note is that the kitchen had only the bare essentials--we had to buy salt and pepper, cooking oil, etc.
The extras we booked through Invitation to Tuscany were great as well. We very easily rented bikes, signed up for a wine tasting, and found restaurants (Annemarie was a great help with those!). One of the highlights of the trip, perhaps even THE highlight, was our cooking class with Martina. She and her cousin brought food and supplies to the villa and taught us the best way to make pasta, sauce, eggplant Parmesan, and tiramisu. It was spectacular! Overall, the villa suited us perfectly and we would love to return--maybe when it's sunnier!
Caroline staying in Pagliaio. May 2023
Annemarie was very friendly and hospitable. The location is stunning, very rural yet within easy commute to Florence, Sienna and all the wonderful little towns and villages around about. Loved having the pool. Plenty of lovely places to eat, especially recommend the little fish restaurant that Annemarie took us too that is open Friday/Sat/Sunday only. Will definitely return one day.
Louise and family from UK staying in Pagliaio. Aug 2022
The property is excellent and we really enjoyed our stay. Very comfortable rooms and bathrooms. Annemarie was very welcoming and helpful with much information to share about the house and locality. The pool is splendid and we would have made more use had the weather been a little brighter. Kitchen is well equipped (once we had traced a coffee maker and some adapters for the plugs - thank you Annemarie!). Could do with a knife sharpener and a decent cook’s knife. We were not troubled as we brought our own. Another chopping board or two would also help. We would definitely revisit - the property lends itself easily to a small group or indeed a large family group. I don’t know how you would broach my final point but the road/drive leading to the property is not well maintained and the actual entrance to the property through the gates can be a little tricky to negotiate due to a poor surface and much gravel. Our large car with low profile tyres found that the surface was catching on the underside at times. This is a minor point but other visitors may find it a problem. Overall we had a splendid time - beds are very comfortable and we all slept very well. Location is great for trips around Tuscany with easy access to Siena and Florence by train.
A.M. staying in Pagliaio. Feb 2017
Such a pretty setting and such a pretty house. The estate is very well cared for by Annmarie its welcoming British owner and wandering around the extensive grounds and sitting by the pool, we felt such peace and tranquility. We loved the style, for though the furniture is not typically Tuscan, it all works so well.
L & L. staying in Pagliaio. Dec 2014
We had a lovely stay at Pagliao in August. The 2-bedroom, 2-storey converted barn was absolutely lovely. The pool was an excellent size, all of us enjoyed it immensely. The owner was very pleasant and friendly and provided us with helpful information about the local area.
Mrs. K.M. and family, UK staying in Pagliaio. Aug 2015
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Pagliaio and Tuscany overall. Anne-Marie was such a lovely person, very welcoming and incredibly helpful with any questions we had about the property, things to do and general logistics. A couple of minor issues with a few pieces of missing kitchen equipment were quickly sorted out. Anne-Marie was always around but also discreet so we could fully relax. We thought the accommodation was very high quality – very clean and stylish – lovely to have hand soap and kitchen cleaning items included. Also the grounds of the property were beautiful and very well looked after. A lovely place to chill out and get away from the humdrum of London. 2 minor points for improvement · Unfortunately we didn’t have the best of weather and so it was rather chilly in the evenings in the property so we would have appreciated some kind of heating option we could have controlled ourselves. · I would have appreciated an information folder in the “barn” as I like to hear what other guests have to say about the area and read about things to do. Although that said Anne-Marie did help a lot with this – she supplied us with a good road map, a Tuscany guide book (which supplemented the one we had already) and plenty of recommendations about where to go. Thank you for a lovely week – and for sorting this out so quickly for us.
Mrs. S.C. and family, UK staying in Pagliaio. Feb 2014
Quality rental and holiday experience that exceeded our every expectation. The villa is better than the pics, and a few highlights include: fully stocked kitchen that was clean, organized and easy to use; the living area is extremely comfortable with excellent seating and enough for everyone; several areas for dining that can seat everyone; bedrooms and bathrooms that are well stocked, clean and comfortable; the pool and area around it are everything anyone could ask for; and, the view is GORGEOUS! A few ideas to make this exceedingly comfortable, enjoyable villa better would be simply more plastic glasses to take drinks to the pool area, and wine glasses that are not so nice (thicker glass). That said, we weren't charged for broken glass. This villa is operated by real professionals. For the price this is the best rental we've ever encountered.
Judy M, USA staying in La Selva. Sep 2023
Fantastic old house in a secluded location.
E. H. staying in La Selva. Aug 2024
The Villa was wonderful and perfect for a family vacation. The hosts were responsive and great to work with. One thing, be sure to rent a car or have a driver available if you rent this house. Our driver Roberto was wonderful!!
Michael staying in Panfilo. Jul 2024
Amazing Italian Villa with plenty of room and views for days! Beautiful done and a true sense of this beautiful region. The owner is so accommodating and welcomes you throughout your stay. Love the owner. Close driving trips to many beautiful areas and towns. Totally privacy. You must have a car or a driver. You will need to plan to drive most everywhere. Will definitely come back and Loved it all.
Anthony R. staying in Panfilo.