Planning to spend some time in the Lazio region of Italy (about an hour WSW of Rome). Would like to balance that with a week in Tuscany, probably a bit north of center. Want to rent a private villa with enough space for 2 or 3 adult couples, including separate bedrooms/baths. Prefer something away from any city center but with decent driving access to villages, wineries, etc. Any advice appreciated.
Parker Villas is a very good leasing outfit for this sort of thing…
I have always wanted to stay here:
http://www.tuscanynow.com/Rentals/Villas/Il_Villino_CardID_1684.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
George
We rented a little farmhouse near Radda and Castellina in April. It was very reasonable, but with a surcharge for heat. We may have gotten a friend’s discount but it was 600 Euros for a week. 2 bedrooms and two baths downstairs, and one small bedroom with a bath upstairs. The upstairs bedroom was more for children (low ceilings). It was on a 30 acre vineyard property, with big pool, and fully equipped, but not luxurious. Also, it was about a 3/4 mile dirt road to the house from the street.
Very quiet and peaceful, and about three miles to Radda, and three to Castellina. If interested, PM me and I will provide the owner’s contact.
Check this out: Tenute di Pecille - Official Site - Sito Ufficiale" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Owned by the Manetti family and located in their vineyards (Fontodi!).
Between Florence and Siena, outside Panzano (close to Greve). 40 minutes to Florence, less to Siena. The public bus is great when you want to go to either city.
We stayed there several years ago as guests of a family who rented it every summer. Really spectacular.
This is who we always use:
http://www.villavacations.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Never had a bad stay.
These guys rock and are FUNNY too:
vbella.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Fantastic thread … thanks for all the references !!!
This is where we will be honeymooning in May. I was there for a week on business (ITB) 5 years ago and knew I would return.
You’re central to Florence, Sienna, Montalcino, Montepulciano, and the village it’s in, Colle Val d’Elsa has some great restaurants including a 2 star Guide Michelin restaurant.
Jens Schmidt is the proprietor.
If you are interested send me a PM.
I know that the original post was over a month ago, but I wanted to add this for future searches.
Specialty Cruise and Villas does a really nice job and their customer service is top notch.
Thanks for everyone’s comments. Even though my original post was awhile back, I’m still working on planning this trip (for fall 2012). So keep 'em coming.
No specific recs as it’s been awhile, but 2 areas in Tuscany that I really loved were the hills around Lucca and the area around Pienza, Montalcino, and Montepulciano. The latter has more of a focus on wine tourism but the area around Lucca was beautiful with lots of old money villas and a very languid feel. Chianti, comparatively, seemed positively overrun by tourism and more of an outpost of the UK.
we stayed for a week at the villa ricrio property in Guardistallo. We stayed in Villa Luisa. I cannot recommend it strongly enough. Wonderful. The owner Paola is great and very responsive.
http://www.villaricrio.com/ita/villa-ricrio-affitto-toscana.php
After busy schedule finally i got time to plan for vacations with family and you post will be great help. There many things which must be taken in consideration when planning a vacation. Thanks!