Do you have suggestions for companies that rent houses or apts. in Venice and Tuscany?Many thanks, SoBe

Hi SoBe!
Had very good luck two years ago with "Windows On Tuscany"
(windowsontuscany.com)
Good luck with your search.
-Mark M.

Thanks, Mark - I will contact them. Have a good day!

You are missing the boat to:

a) ask this question of a specific person, and...

b) fail to look through www.slowtrav.com which has tons of info on individual properties, agencies that list them, and the personal reviews of dozens and dozens of renters who have stayed in them.

Best wishes,

Rex

rex, my theory is that the demure New Yorker posted the question herself under a new name.

Such a thoughtful and kind gesture, done only in order to give us another wonderful opportunity to learn something important from a true master traveler.

I'd like to see this wise sage lose all modesty and do this more often. She has so many gems of wisdom to give us. We should all be clamoring to have more exposure to such a global legend.

Hee, hee...But of course a South Beach traveler would look to a NYC food snob for their expert opinion, makes perfect sense...

Try Tuscany.net, lots of great places at great prices. Warning, it doesn't have a designer label and has very little snob appeal.

Obsession, however cleverly masked, is still obsession, CafeBatavia. Take it somewhere else.

CafeBatavia, could you suggest a really decent restaurant in northern new jersey? thanks so much.

Beachboy, your gruff defensive shield is not needed. I am a big, big fan of the glorious NYCFoodSnob.

I've sobbed loudedly through her many painful divorces, laughed at her long, complex family stories, rejoiced in her grand career climb and even cried a few tears when she took the time from her busy cooking and business schedule to point out the wonders of Venice to the great unwashed masses.

I'm going to continue to support and admire this progressive grand dame of travel and fashion. I am only too happy to give this fine citizen of the world what she so rightly deserves.

Long live the Queen!

Blacktie, I thought you had all the Burger Kings on your speed dial.

NYC Food Snob rocks!

Sorry, SoBe, I missed this thread. It's been very busy here and this week I'm on a jury in criminal court. The fun never ends (even though I love performing my civic duty).

For me, "snob appeal" simply means getting things right, regardless of price-point or high-brow fanfare. I think there's nothing wrong with surrounding your life with all things beautiful and paying for truly special service, one that is provided with tender loving care.

Beauty, charm, and people who know and love great hospitality can be found most everywhere and this plateau of expectation has nothing to do with designer names, four star properties, or hip, hot, trendy, overpriced temples for all the wannabe's (although, sometimes they get it right, too).

I haven't worked with Tuscany.net but word on them is good. I wouldn't hesitate trying them. I used Parker Company almost eight years ago when they offered the best choices in Tuscany. Their service was divine back then but I hear things (or people) have changed since competition has increased.

I love Villa Casalecchi so much, I don't think about taking on a house anymore in Tuscany. When in Tuscany, I just want to relax, swim, and enjoy good butler service (if you know what I mean).

I know a dear friend of Denise, the woman who owns and operates VeniceRentals.com. I hear Denise is a conscientious woman who's been providing rental service in Venice for a very long time. I wouldn't hesitate to try her service.

I also know Ann-Marie Doyle of venice-rentals.com. She's very connected to some exclusive properties in Venice and her website is one of the best on the internet. She's a woman with discerning taste, my kind of gal.

I won't give out the names of private renters to people I don't know and certainly not on the internet.

beachbum, thanks for scolding my fans with acid in their veins. I consider anyone who reads my life experiences to be fans, whether they choose to enjoy my honest candor or not. Actually, I thought CafeBatavia's 1:46 post was very funny. Some of my <i>young</i> assistants refer to me as their &quot;grand dame,&quot; and it always brings a smile to my face. (I've been called worse.)

The first divorce was the only painful one but, then again, do we ever get over our first love? All these years later I have to ask myself what on earth was I thinking.

My family is complex but whose isn't? I'm just one of the few who actually left the state and went on to <i>live</i>, at least by my definition of the word. Even though I don't have children, I always wanted three.

My career climb has been grand, especially compared to folks who don't enjoy the manner in which they earn a living. I thank God every day for my talent and my good fortune.

Even though I studied cooking with some master chefs, I only cook when I entertain on a small scale, which is not very often.

I happen to think good, clean body odor can be very erotic, so the masses can be unwashed. That's OK by me.

Well, how very rude!!! Now, how about those NJ names!! The least you could do.

Blacktie, I really can't help you.

I always try to FLY OVER northern NJ or SPEED PAST it without stopping when driving. Eating there is a risk I have not been willing to take so far.

Why is it nobody ever admits to being from nj! Anyway, just teasing you! Take care.

I was born in New Jersey, but I didn't inhale.

Good one, Marilyn!

And NYCFoodSnob, anyone who washes blobs of Roman street mud out of her assistants' jeans has my vote. Who says you don't have any kids?

Blacktie - I'm a foodie from Northern NJ...where do you wish to dine? I'll be glad to offer some suggestions.

Just let me know where (North Jersey is a big place...and type(s) of cuisine. Trish

Back to the original question. SoBeTraveller, I can also highly recommend Denise with Venice Rentals. I'll be staying in one of her apartments again soon. She's a gem, as is her &quot;friend&quot; from Chicago who owns a bead shop with some of the assortments of glass beads in Venice. Both terrific, very helpful ladies.

Good luck in your trip planning.

That should have read:

&quot;some of the best assortments of glass beads...&quot;