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> SlowTrav > Italy > Vacation Rentals > Reviews > Tuscany West Review 4689: Summer In Italy, Villa Vesta
2bed/2bath house near Montaione, Tuscany West WhenJune 3-June 21, 2010, 3 weeks LocationVilla Vesta is on a hilltop near the medieval village of Montaione (about a 10-minute drive). Nestled among grape vineyards and olive groves with magnificent views, it was just about perfect in every way. It is clean with modern bathrooms and a modern kitchen. It is very private, and has a back patio that is a wonderful place to have morning coffee, afternoon wine, dinner, to paint, or read, or... The villa is 30 miles (an hour train ride) from Florence, about 12 miles from San Gimignano, a short drive away from Siena, an hour train ride away from Pisa -- in other words a perfect place to use as a base for exploring Tuscany. We also took a side trip to Arezzo, and explored fascinating hill towns very close by (San Miniato, Monteriggioni). We also booked a cook for one evening to prepare dinner for us in our kitchen. It was a delicious meal, and if we were to go again, we'd definitely take greater advantage of this opportunity. The owners are very responsive and helpful, and the agency, Summer In Italy was honest, helpful and very responsive. We would rent through this agency and with these owners (3 brothers) again in a heartbeat. Nearby AmenitiesNothing was within walking distance, but the village of Montaione, atop a neighboring hill, was only about a 10-minute drive from the house. There are two nice markets in Montaione and a number of very good restaurants. The corner Bar Aione is great for gelato and hanging out. And, the village itself is historic, picturesque and interesting. The House/ApartmentThe building is a two-story 16th century stone farmhouse that has been completely renovated. The bathrooms and kitchen are modern. The house is very comfortable and in very good shape. There are three bedrooms and a large, luxurious bathroom on the second floor. Two of those bedrooms and large, comfortable with a queen or king-size bed in each. The third upstairs bedroom is very small with two twin beds.. All three upstairs bedrooms have magnificent views. The fourth bedroom is downstairs off the kitchen. It is very small with two twin beds. The house is in a peaceful and quiet setting. There is another house on the property that is completely out of view. That house has, I believe, three apartments. It is possible to hear children playing, but not obtrusive. The first week we were there, though, someone in that house played loud, annoying music. My only real complaint is that there was only one working washing machine for all the units, and though this was sometimes annoying, it didn't detract at all from our enjoyment. There is a large, shared swimming pool on the property that is in a beautiful setting. GardenThe outside patio for the house is very private, large, and in a beautifully maintained yard that is full of roses, olive trees, pomegranate trees, and oleanders that serve as a privacy screen. It is idyllic! There are many birds that chirp all day, and at night. We also heard a chorus of frogs at night! There is a shared pool elsewhere on the property. Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living AreasThe furniture was in good shape. There could have been more, and more comfortable chairs in the living room. The dining room was well furnished. Bedrooms/BathroomsThe beds were very comfortable. Three bedrooms are on the second floor. Two of those are large, with queen or king-size beds. The small upstairs bedroom had 2 twin beds and a magnificent view, but is very small. The downstairs bedroom is very small, has two twin beds and is off the kitchen. The upstairs bathroom is large and modern. The downstairs bathroom is smaller, but also modern and very nice. Both have beautiful tile-work. KitchenThe kitchen was modern and usable with a nice-size refrigerator, separate large freezer, modern stove-top and dishwasher. Everything worked, but the automatic ignition on the stove-top was not functioning so we needed matches to light the burners. Problems or BonusesThere were no real surprises either good or bad. If anything, the house was more beautiful that we could have hoped for. Agency and Representatives (and price)The agency and on-site people (the owners) were all very nice, very helpful and responsive. They all spoke English. Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?Yes! We would stay here again. And we have already recommended the place to all our friends. Things to do in this areaWe made day trips to Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, San Miniato, Monteriggioni and others. Our favorite restaurants in Montaione were Pesce Rosso, Jiampa, and La Tavernetta. The location is a perfect base from which to explore Tuscany. This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com. |
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