Larry_M

I know there have been numerous threads on similar subjects, but my interests are fairly specific. Here's what I'm looking for...

- A farmouse, apartment, or small hotel in the Central to Southern Tuscan countryside, roughly the area from San Gimignano to Siena to Montalcino.

- There would be 8 people...my wife and I and our 3 kids, each bringing one friend (late teens -to -mid twenties).

- We really want a family-type place with on-site owners who like to interact with their guests. It's very important that we feel like part of the family.

- A kitchen and a pool are a must. We'd like air conditioning, but could live without it.

- Though we'll be doing a fair amount of our own cooking, a restaurant would be nice (but not absolutely necessary).

- Price range up to $2,000 for the week.

- We're aiming for July of 2005.

My wife and I want to spend most of our time relaxing, swimming, cooking, and drinking wine, with a few day trips, maybe to Florence one day, and to a beach on another day. The kids will probably want more excitement, so we'll probably rent 2 cars.
What I'm really trying to do is have a family vacation that will open my kids' eyes to Italian ways and customs, and bring us all closer together.

Thanks for your recommendations.

MonicaRichards

Do a google search on "tuscany villa rental" and you will get so many choices your head will swim. I just booked a similar vacation. You're also in the right price range, you should have no problems finding something nice.

Larry_M

Thanks, Monica. I have already been to what seems like a hundred of these sites, and you're right, my head IS swimming. Many of them look great, but I've been burned before choosing a property over the web. What I'm really hoping for are a few recommendations from some of our Italy experts here, from direct personal experience.

SuzieC

Have you gone to Slow Traveler's forum yet? There is a great deal of info about Italy and this sort of thing on that site.

Larry_M

I have looked at the Slow Traveler's site, and am making my way through the forum. However, just about all of the villas featured seem to be well above my price range.

SuzieC

<sigh> I was just reading one family's trip report and the writer indicated that their large apartment in a Villa was about $1,480 for a week in June... They also were in Rome. IF I can find that Journal again...I'll try to post it. I saw her pictures it looked all very nice, had a pool, she talked aobut where they shopped, ate, etc. Niiice... definately worth a peak leastways

bobthenavigator

Larry, Are you looking at the rental reviews at slowtrav.com? Also, the comments on the rental agencies. If you really want personal endorsements then that is the best place to find them. For starters, go to tuscany.net and find these:
tuscany.net/pietrafitta
tuscany.net/bigozzi
tuscany.net/boscarecce
And a real sleeper near Castelmuzio:
www.lamoscadella.it

Good luck--sounds like a nice trip.

SuzieC

I erred before, it was 1,480 Euros'...
but still, www.petrolo.it

AFter the lady's recommendation, I'd stay here

nanb

we stayed at a place outside of Siena,
I booked it online, and had absolutely no problem with this.

The place was lovely, with a variety of accommodations.
I would definitely stay there again!

www.montalto.it

Larry_M

SuzieC and nanb - Both these places look promising, exactly the type thing I have in mind, thanks.

Larry_M

bob - Didn't mean to leave you out, thanks as well.

nanb

AS the accommodations at Montalto range from 2 -10 persons, you could consider renting two smaller places if either of the two large enough to hold your party is not available.

we rented Casa Guardia.
Feel free to contact me if you wish any info.
[email protected]

sheila

It's 10 years (10 years!!) since we stayed at this place. the only way it varies from your description is that the owners, who were on site, didn't really interact at all, except if you took a wine tour. Some of my favourite memories are of this holiday. Walking up the driveway (there was a restaurant- an ordinary trattoria- at the end of the road) the first night in the velvet dark, our way lit by fireflies; and hearinga nightingale sing in the garden.

http://www.agriturismo.regione.tosca...arch2?code=720