Overall: We LOVED Villa Fontana! The villa was perfect for our group of 4 adults and 4 teenage girls. The weather was beautiful and we spent almost all of our time at the outside tables or by the pool. The location of the villa was ideal for day excursions to Cortona, Assisi, Pienza and Montepulciano. We were also very close to Siena but ran out of time! We loved having the opportunity to relax at the villa between excursions. Stefania, the property manager, was extremely helpful with getting us situated and telling us about local markets, restaurants, shopping, parking, etc. Because of her, we discovered some nice little local gems including the adorable lakeside town of Passignano. Stefania also runs a local vineyard, so she invited us for a tour and a wine and olive oil tasting--it was so much fun. The area felt very safe and we felt comfortable leaving our teenage girls while we adults went out for dinner. Enjoyed Most: The location of the villa and view were amazing! The villa itself was clean and well-maintained but still had that rustic feeling. The pool was beautiful--very large with an infinity edge all around. The pool had plenty of very comfortable lounge chairs with shades. Everyone enjoyed reading poolside and swimming, especially after a long day of touring. The adults enjoyed playing cards and drinking wine under the shaded patio. Enjoyed Least: The washing machine was very small and there was no dryer. Also, the shower stalls were very small and it was a challenge to take a shower without soaking the entire bathroom. Surrounding Area: We loved being centrally located near some key sightseeing areas but also being remote enough that we felt like "locals". Through Stefania, the property manager, we were able to find great markets, shops and pizza and sandwich shops that were geared towards locals. Stefania even wrote out what we should order at one place! Nearby Events or Locales: There was no town that was within walking distance. The nearest grocery stores, pizza, sandwich shop were less than 10 minutes by car in Tuoro or Camucia. We could be in Cortona or Passignano for a nice meal in around 15 minutes. Tips or Restaurants: Stefania was the best resource for local information! She spent quite a bit of time with us when we arrived drawing maps and answering questions. She even made dinner reservations for us one evening. We also booked a meal to be prepared in the villa and a wine tour through www.theenthusiastictraveler.com. I worked with Doumina who runs the company and she was very helpful and responsive. The meal was AMAZING. The chef and also our tour guide (Stefi) was so much fun and the food was the best we have ever had. I would suggest future guests bring beach towels for the pool. Directions: The directions were not helpful; the owner said she would have to send new ones to RentVillas for future renters. This was probably the most frustrating aspect. I will say that the local RentVillas rep and the property manager were easily reached by cell phone and worked together to finally get us to our destination Check In Out: Very smooth.