We booked late and were lucky to find this beautifully appointed house. The layout has been well thought out and the finish of all the rooms is superb. The bathrooms are lovely and there is even one with a full-size bath. The soft furnishings give this place a really homely feel. The terraces allow outside seating on both sides of the house; one side is completely covered for protection from the sun (and the rain!) The pool is equally good with seating and shade for the maximum number of guests. The kitchen is fully equipped and even has an electric kettle (a kettle of any variety tends to be a rarity in Italian homes). We had 2 weeks of terrible weather but were very comfortable and happy here. The WiFi works well; we did not try the TV etc. There is a refreshingly realxed attitude to groceries with guests asked to use what is left and replace as they see fit which means that there is always a good stock of essentials in the cupboard. We took advantage of the offer to have a meal prepared for us when we arrived and I must say it was very good and most welcome. I would have to add a few very minor caveats: access is via a somewhat precipitous white road which is actually well maintained and not as daunting as it initially appears (incidentally the directions to the place were fully accurate, truthful and easy to follow); we had an 89 year old with us and she found the short climb to the pool hardwork but not an issue for younger; there are a few single steps on the ground floor and again these caused a problem for our 89 year old who had one nasty fall (thankfully no major injury); finally the tennis court (which is beautiful) is too far from the house for most people to be able to walk. Having said that this is one of the best rentals we have ever had in Italy and we have been coming to this area for over 20 years. The owners Ann and Tony are lovely.…
The property owners, Ann and Tony, were delightful and went out of their way to make the holiday special. The property itself was set out really well, spacious, excellently maintained and clean. We treated ourselves often to Ann's delicious home cooked three-course dinners which made for a rest from cooking. The property is away from everything and has an amazing view but its not far to the local shops or the nearby town. Plus its really well placed for numerous attractions including the lake, Florence, Siena, etc. Would definitely recommend it and happily return again and again!
Family of 2 adults, 4 boys plus one girlfriend in August. High in the hills, a peaceful haven with a beautiful pool. The villa was very comfortable and beautifully presented with all you needed for a large group. The owners made us very welcome, despite our late arrival and there was food in the fridge waiting for us. They were always close by to answer any queries we had. We made good use of Ann's 'meals to your villa' service. Food was delicious and it was lovely not to cook. Plenty of wildlife to interest children. : -deer, birds of prey, a porcupine, a viper a large freshwater crab. beautiful wild flowers on the banks surrounding the villa. Stunning countryside. While we were there it was initially very hot ( first week Italian papers said heat wave) so we made good use of the pool. The boys played tennis in the early evening when the temperature dropped and one in the second week we were able to walk to the Etruscan tomb in the evening. I imagine the location would be stunning at all times of year.…
We are a family of five: two teenage girls and one 10 year-old boy. We came to Italy having never visited before. It was a wonderful experience. Even before we set off Tony and Ann were supportive and helpful: advising us on the best routes, and what to expect when we arrived. We stayed at Calachiesa for two weeks. After a gruelling drive from France we were met by Tony and Ann, and a wonderful home-cooked meal, as well as wine and beer. We immediately relaxed, and, for the rest of the stay, remained firmly in that state of mind. The house was wonderful, and the photos do not do it justice: it is spotlessly clean, spacious, and has everything you could possibly want on a holiday. The kitchen is outstanding, and is designed with deep knowledge of what is wanted by cooks of all abilities, and families of every size. All the bedrooms are spacious, and, with the light breezes and overhead fans, the Italian heat is never a problem. When it did rain (once) we were able to play pool, or air hockey, or just read, and catch up on emails via the excellent and reliable wifi. Fantastic. And then there is the pool: we spent hours here, sunbathing, swimming, reading, or just admiring the astonishing views across the Umbrian valleys; we watched buzzards fighting with crows, a densely starry night, and even fireflies coming out late in the season. We especially enjoyed having the lights on in the pool at night, swimming under those stars, watching bats flying overhead. It came close, at times, to paradise. In between this domestic bliss we found time to play tennis and ping pong, and to walk when the sun allowed it. The villa is also ideally placed to explore the many magical cities in the region, including Gubio, Assisi, Orvieto, and Siena, as well as local towns such as Umbertide and Montone. Obviously these places contain some of the most wonderful architecture, and art, in the world, and they do not disappoint, but there are many other attractions that can't be planned for, but always found: the porchetta, hand carved in the street markets, and served in fresh bread is as good as anything you'll find in expensive restaurants (and the best one we found was in the local shop in San Giovanni del Pantano). There is so much to explore, so much to love, and to some extent the only regret is that we didn't have enough time to do everything we want: it is a true sign of an excellent holiday that, two days from the end, we were dreading leaving. At key moments Ann and Tony would text to ask if things were okay, or offer us informed advice about the best road to take, or the best place to eat, and there were those regular treats of home cooked meals, which are worth every euro (do try the tiramisu if you get the chance). If we have the chance we will return to enjoy, again, la dolce vita.…
We rented the Calachiesa villa for 2 weeks this summer. Our goal was to have a spot that all members of our family could come and enjoy for a few days or a week. 4 sisters, spouses, our dad and some of our grown children rotated through as they vacationed in Europe. What an amazing property. First is the setting, which is spectacular. The house and guesthouse sit on side of a hill and have dramatic and sweeping views of the rolling hills and valley below. Inspirational at all times of the day, rain or shine. Next, is the villa itself. A great house and guesthouse with 5 bedrooms and baths which appear to have been renovated recently. The kitchen is really large and well equiped and perfect for preparing family meals - lots of cooks can be in the kitchen eating, drinking and cooking. Many laughs and stories shared in this space - and lots of options inside and out to sit 10 people for meals together. We also took advantage of the pool and tennis courts on site. You should be aware this property is out in the country and not easy to find. It is 30 minutes on a windy, unlit road to nearest anything. On one hand, thats what makes it super special. On the other hand, you must have a car and plan accordingly. We loved it once we got in the groove. Last, but not least, the owners, Ann, Tony and Kimberley, were terrific partners to work with. They provided a lot of suggestions and tips and have a very relaxed, warm and friendly attitude that made us all feel welcomed. We will be back to the beautiful Umbrian countryside...…
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