Name: Rentvillas.com
Address: 1697 NW Precision Ln, Bend
Rating: 4.38

“Overall: Our hosts, Phil and Carmelo, were wonderful. The villa was perfect for our party of 12. The main living area had a large kitchen, dining room and living room which easily accommodated the 12 of us. The fireplace added a nice touch during the cool evenings. Our hosts provided us with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and plates of fresh oranges picked from the trees on the villa premises. All of the units were comfortable and decorated with beautiful works of art, mostly created by Phil and Carmelo. We were able to explore their art gallery and unique pieces of ceramic art which were then shipped via UPS to our home. We had a marvelous vacation at Villa Due Angeli and would love to see it again in summer when all of the foliage is in bloom. Phil and Carmelo were extremely helpful and attentive to all of our needs. Enjoyed Most: The rooms and accommodations were very warm and comfortable. Enjoyed Least: Villa is on a busy road, so the road noise could be an issue if you stayed there for "peace and quiet". Surrounding Area: The local towns are charming and fun to explore. The view of Mt. Etna is amazing and the property is close to the autostrada and beach. Nearby Events or Locales: There are two towns - Gaggi and Graniti. They are very close but not in walking distance. We did all of our food shopping in Gaggi and went to a wonderful pastry store called Caffe Nuovo in Gaggi. They had all types of typical Sicilian cookies, cakes and pastries along with gelato and brick oven pizza that is served in the evenings. Tips or Restaurants: Do not be afraid to talk to Phil and Carmelo - they were very helpful in explaining what and where to do things. We had an incredible meal at La Cassita next to the villa on Christmas Eve. From start to finish, we had 16 courses. The food and service was wonderful and it was a perfect way to do as the locals do. Directions: The orange exterior of the villa was hard to miss!”

Helpful Report

(Villa Due Angeli) - Posted 18 years ago

“Enjoyed Most: It was very large, and gave us an "uncrowded" atmosphere. There were 10 of us and we had plenty of room, and bathrooms to be comfortable. It was close to everything we needed and the owners were wonderful. Enjoyed Least: There was nothing I didn't like! I could have stayed for months!! Surrounding Area: Lucca is a wonderful city! Lots of resturants and shopping, and easy to get to. We did side trips to Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre and Venice. The Lucca train station can get you anywhere. Nearby Events or Locales: Not sure of the name of the closest town, but you could take a healthy walk to it. Tips or Restaurants: The owner will give you suggestions for restaurants. The Frattoria Mianoche was beautiful and very affordable. Follow directions or you could be lost! Pizza place close by that was delicious! Walking shoes are a must. Anything you forget you can get at the supermarket. When we would get lost, and couldn't find the villa, we always looked for the Carrfore sign, and it always got us back to the area we were looking for.”

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(Villa La Corte) - Posted 18 years ago

“Overall: The estate was very beautiful with the attached wild areas. Everyone treated us very well, and when we had a request it was taken care of quickly. I was especially impressed with the central location of the property and the ease to travel to so many places nearby. Enjoyed Most: We enjoyed the pool and the outside BBQ. I also enjoyed picking figs for breakfast. Enjoyed Least: Barking dogs all night. It would have been nice to have had an English Channel on the TV. Two-hour washing machine cycles. Surrounding Area: Tuscany is so beautiful and we were right in the middle of it. We all enjoyed the proximity to Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Pontederea, San Gimignano, Siena, and the coast. Nearby Events or Locales: Cappone was the closest town and it would have been a long walk. Tips or Restaurants: Bring wash cloths. Bring insect repellant,We found two great restaurants - one in Montopoli and one right below our Villa. Directions: It was hard for us to find our way to the Villa at first. Once we got layout it was fine. Check In Out: It went just fine.”

Helpful Report

(Fattoria Capponi - Dolce And Gabbana) - Posted 18 years ago

“Overall: The owners were very welcoming and helpful. Enjoyed Most: It was in town and close to restaurants and shopping, but quiet and secluded with a wonderful pool. The garden in September was a magnificent blast of color. Enjoyed Least: Nothing really significant, but the beds were harder than we like, and the upstairs shower was hand-held. Surrounding Area: Easy access to all the island of Paros by bus. The bus station was only two or three minutes stroll from the villa. Supermarket was within 100 yards. Nearby Events or Locales: We were in the middle of Naoussa. All easy walking. Tips or Restaurants: The owners recommended Pervolaria, which was excellent.There were numerous good fish restaurants on the waterfront.Very well appointed except for lack of a kettle. We used the microwave for coffee, etc. We were given four small towels for the pool and beach. We just bought two and brought them back with us.”

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(Villa Naoussa) - Posted 18 years ago

“Overall: Onsight staff was helpful and the wines and olive oil were delicious....there is even a sketch of the house on one of labels called Spazzavento. Enjoyed Most: The view, tranquil setting, wildlife pheasant, wild boar, quail, proximity to charming Castellina in Chianti, ability to experience life on a working wine-olive oil estate, easy access to Tuscan hill towns, as well as Siena and Florence, were all highlights of our stay! Enjoyed Least: The beetles and ants...plus the beds weren't extremely comfortable. Surrounding Area: The house is in the heart of Chianti wine country and close to many picturesque hill towns. We enjoyed taking day trips to towns like Monteriggioni, Radda, Greve, Siena, Cortona, Volterra, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Arezzo and of course Florence. Nearby Events or Locales: Castellina in Chianti is the nearest town - about 6 minutes by car - and is a wonderful place to be near. The town is not only beautiful but has everything one could need - a market, smaller specialty markets, some good restaurants and delicious gelato! It is not within walking distance because of being at the top of a steep hill and on a road with no shoulder and FAST Italian drivers. Tips or Restaurants: Bring a portable music player, insect swatter, a sharp knife or two - the cutlery was duller than a butter knife!Two favorite restaurants Il Pozzo in Monteriggioni and La Vigne just outside of Radda in Chianti.Once at the house, ask the staff to arrange for "Dora" to cook a meal at the house - a trip highlight for sure!”

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(Rosalia 3) - Posted 18 years ago

“Overall: We could not have chosen a better location for our first visit to Tuscany. Enjoyed Most: The setting of the property within the grounds of a historical castle added extra interest to our stay, particularly since there were links to historical paintings within the Galleria Uffizi in Florence. Enjoyed Least: The terraced sitting area was down a flight of steps and not convenient for taking food and drink outside. The setting near a road meant traffic passed regularly from early morning and occasionally disturbed us. Surrounding Area: The scenery and character of the countryside surrounding the property. Nearby Events or Locales: Bacaiano was the nearest village, about 1 kilometer, and could be walked to down a fairly steep hill. It had a small general shop where fresh bread could be purchased daily as well as other provisions, a tobacconists and post office, 2 bars and a fish restaurant. Tips or Restaurants: Ensure you bring mosquito repellant, and pool towels. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Leaning Tower at Pisa. Although about an hour's drive from the property, it is the most spectacular experience to climb the Tower and view the rooftops of Pisa City.”

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(Il Castello 4) - Posted 18 years ago

“Overall: First, this is a huge and beautiful old house, painstakingly and lovingly restored. The design has real character, the decor is distinctive and every room exudes a kind of personal touch that only a proud owner carrying out the work for their own pleasure can achieve. Enjoyed Most: Plumbing throughout is modern, even luxurious, which I mention here because plumbing is not always the highest priority in France. The kitchen also is well appointed, fully stocked with all utensils one could reasonably need, and we liked the way the kitchen was part of the main living room which meant that whoever was cooking was not cut off from the flow of conversation. The owners were staying in the house next door which I would normally regard as a negative, but in this case they were a very pleasant and helpful couple and we enjoyed having them around. My younger daughter had her first birthday while we were there and we were really pleased that the owners baked a birthday cake for her. On a more neutral note, the grounds of the house are very large and the setting by the river very beautiful. However, little landscaping has been done as of yet so that there was no "garden" as such. I am sure the owners intend to address this. Enjoyed Least: There was no swimming pool. I would not have booked this property if I had realized this - although one was not advertised on the web site. The immediate area disappoints. To the west, there is Saint Emilion and the glories of Bordeaux but this is about an one hour drive away. To the east, there is the beauty of the Dordogne but it takes over a one hour drive to get to any of the beautiful towns and villages. Surrounding Area: We did not find the immediate area to be of much interest.”

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(La Ferme De La Dronne) - Posted 18 years ago

“Overall: We had a lovely stay. It was nice relaxing on the patio and catching up on reading, drinking wine in the evenings. We didn't venture out too much in the evening as nobody really wanted to negotiate the unfamiliar winding roads of the nearby towns in the dark. Enjoyed Most: The lovely touches throughout the villa - the painted ceiling in the living room, the stained-glass shutters, the stained-glass on the front entrance, the furniture throughout and in the bedrooms. The space, which worked out well for our family of eight, even with only two bathrooms. Enjoyed Least: Nothing really, the first day we had some difficulty getting up the road to the villa, but we were tired after a long night and day of travel and not used to a manual car. There were some dogs barking very early in the morning and noise from the workers during the day. Normally, we left for excursions during the day so weren't really bothered by that. Surrounding Area: The peace and quiet, the flowers and vineyards surrounding the property. The view of the towns, both nearby and far away from different vantage points on the property. Nearby Events or Locales: The town of Ricco del Golfo is at the foot of the driveway up to the villa. It was easy to walk to, not as easy walking back up the driveway for my mother. There is a Bancomat right at the end of the driveway and a couple of small stores for light groceries, also a nice pasticceria for pastries and coffee. Tips or Restaurants: The owner's book with restaurant suggestions was great. We stocked up on groceries at a supermercato in La Spezia and grilled most evenings for dinner and ate breakfast on the patio. We did have dinner one evening at a small restaurant-pizzeria located in a hotel in town, very inexpensive and nice choices - however, their lunch is limited. Directions: We missed the sign the first try, went to the next yellow house, but we figured it out.”

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(Casa Rosaio) - Posted 18 years ago

“Overall: It was very attractive. We had fun just being together. Enjoyed Most: The pool area and that view to the mountains from the back of the property. Enjoyed Least: That I was never told that it was part of a three home complex right off the main road. Surrounding Area: It was easy to get to Lucca and the surrounding sites of interest. Nearby Events or Locales: Vorno was the nearest town. It was within walking distance but you would be taking your life into your own hands. The road is very narrow and walls are located next to the road and the cars speed down the road which winds Tips or Restaurants: We brought walkee talkee so we could keep in contact. Restaurants: A Bimbotta - Via di Vorno, 177 - Vorno Tel. 0583971193.Owner with husband; La Cecca - Via di Casse,55 - Corselli - 0583-94284. Directions: We used a GPS and it did a fine job of taking us around.”

Helpful Report

(Casa Samuele With Cottage) - Posted 18 years ago

“Overall: The on-site welcome and orientation to the apartment is exceptionally gracious. It is clear that they want the rental clients to have a wonderful stay in their properties and are committed to provide quality service. Enjoyed Most: The apartment was charming and had all the necessities. The central location is hard to beat. The apartment is small, as expected, but the efficient arrangement of closet space and the corner kitchen made it feel larger. Enjoyed Least: The shower provided just a dribble of water but it was not enough of a problem that I regret staying there. The apartment is on the 4th floor so water pressure in an older building may have been to blame. Surrounding Area: The neighborhood has everything one needs in a short walk. There is a laundry where clothes are washed and dried by weight so the lack of a washing machine was not a problem and the coin laundry is very close. The people in the neighborhood are very friendly and recognize you quickly as a a "longer term" resident rather than a two-day tourist. Nearby Events or Locales: This apartment is right in the center of Florence. Tips or Restaurants: The apartment has everything necessary. There are many excellent nearby restaurants. I am particularly fond of the family run Trattoria Nella in Via delle Terme, Cinghiale Bianco in the Oltrarno in Via San Jacopo and Ristorante Paoli in Via dei Tavolini. I love having a coffee and reading newspapers at the old literary caffe Le Giubbe Rosse in Piazza della Repubblica. Check In Out: They provided a thorough orientation to the property and demonstrated how to work everything.”

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(Piazza Antinori - Rigoletto) - Posted 18 years ago

“Overall: Staff are very good - working hard to make the stay successful. Enjoyed Most: Very quiet; peaceful environment. Surrounding Area: Nice historical towns to visit. Tips or Restaurants: San Gimignano is worth visiting.”

Helpful Report

(Vecchio Borgo - Bella Vista) - Posted 18 years ago

“Overall: We are definitely coming back. It is without a doubt the only way to visit Italy. Thank you. Enjoyed Most: The privacy, the view, and the way it integrates into the rest of the landscape and the surroundings. Enjoyed Least: The lack of Internet connection. Also, we felt that the six euro rental for the pool towel was unecessary. Surrounding Area: You really feel that you are in the middle of Tuscany. The location is excellent and the feeling of tranquility and peacefulness is superb. Nearby Events or Locales: The nearest town is Poggibonsi, although it's not within walking distance. Tips or Restaurants: We read on the web page that towel supplies were limited and brought our own set of extra towels. Directions: We had a GPS navigator so between the directions and the GPS had practically no problem. The fact that there are several properties on the hill make it a bit confusing.”

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(Il Cortile Del Borgo 7) - Posted 18 years ago

“Overall: We had a lovely stay. Other than our one bad night with the late party, we had a very relaxing and enjoyable stay in the Tuscan countryside. Enjoyed Most: The setting was beautiful - the grounds, pool and surrounding property. The apartment was very nicely kept and comfortable for four people. Enjoyed Least: Nothing - other than one unfortunate incident with a party on the property during our stay that kept us awake until 3:00am. Surrounding Area: Driving to the local small towns and exploring both sites and every day Italian life Nearby Events or Locales: Montopoli and Capanne were the nearest small towns but not really within walking distance. Tips or Restaurants: Bring pool towels. As I read the property description I thought they were included but it is 8 euro per towel to have the property supply them. Also, the kitchen and fridge for the unit is a little small, so planning simple meals worked out best.”

Helpful Report

(Fattoria Capponi - Prada) - Posted 18 years ago

“Enjoyed Most: The large garden and pool and the large dining room. Great for 5 couples on both accounts. Enjoyed Least: The property needs to be signed better. Even though the directions to the villa are good, the house has a very little sign which we passed by three times before calling the house and getting a person to stand outside the house on our arrival. Surrounding Area: Local Restaurants and Lucca. Nearby Events or Locales: Its was Vorno, and it was within walking distance, but not really much there. The location lends itself more to visiting the coastal sites, then Florence or Siena. The distance from the villa to Siena is a little to far. If they want to spend time visiting the coast and Lucca, it is ideal. A good find is to visit Cinque Terre. This should be highlighted.< Tips or Restaurants: The day manager knew all the good restaurants, so just telling her what you are looking for is good enough.”

Helpful Report

(Casa Samuele) - Posted 18 years ago

“Overall: The property more than met our expectations, and is very well managed. . Many thanks. We will certainly use your services again in the future when we go to Italy. Enjoyed Least: Our only complaint is that the bed was uncomfortable, and we put the mattress on the floor. I spoke with the property manager about that. Otherwise it was a perfect place to stay.”

Helpful Report

(Toscanini) - Posted 18 years ago

“Enjoyed Most: The view and size of the property. Enjoyed Least: Parking was a small problem since the lot is short about two parking spots when full and is unlit at night. There were also thin walls in the master bedroom, at times we could hear noises from next door. Surrounding Area: The quiet, scenic vistas were tremendous. The roads were easily marked and the nearby towns were great. Nearby Events or Locales: San Gimignano was only a few kilometers away. It was within walking distance and took about forty minutes to get there. We never did the walk, but drove the car to the entrance gate and parked for a couple of Euros. Tips or Restaurants: This place has everything including a washer, dryer and iron. The kitchen is fully equipped. There was service for six, a coffee maker, and a dishwasher.”

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(Il Cortile Del Borgo 9) - Posted 18 years ago

“Overall: I would definitely rent this particular property. It was well appointed, well located, and the views were awesome. Aside from the noise and the mosquites, a phenomenal apartment and a phenomenal Italy experience! Enjoyed Most: The spacious floor plan, roof top terrace and location with in the city of Florence Enjoyed Least: Santa Croce becomes "Party Central" starting at about 1:00pm and continues until sun up. Bongo drums, soccer games, partying and screaming. We couldn't figure out how to turn on the AC until the last 3 days. Once we did that, the problem was solved. Also, lots of mosquites. Again, closing the windows and turning on the AC solved the problem. Be sure to ask how to operate the AC and where the units are located. Surrounding Area: The walking distance to everything! Tips or Restaurants: Definitely the need to bring mosquito repellent and ear plugs if you don't want to use the AC. The Standa market, which is just 3 blocks away, was a great supermarket and 2 restaurants that we liked a lot were the Open Bar restaurant south of the Arno, close to the Ponte Vecchio, and also Santa Croce Pizzeria across the square was fantastic.”

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(Piazza Santa Croce - Fiesole) - Posted 18 years ago

“Overall: We all loved it. Enjoyed Most: It is stunningly beautiful and very spacious. We had eight in our party and didn't even use the upstairs at all. The location is very quiet except for birdsong and the grounds are lovely. It is close to trains, sightseeing and shopping. Enjoyed Least: The pillows and the lack of soap! Surrounding Area: There is so much to enjoy. We recommend Carpineto, a winery, only 1.8 km down the road for tastings, and to some of the closer towns Greve, Panzano, San Gimignano, Cortona, Florence. It is in the middle of Chianti country so the countryside is rolling and covered with vineyards. Nearby Events or Locales: The nearest small town is Lucolena, definitely within walking distance, only about 1.5 km away. You can see it from the villa. Tips or Restaurants: The best restaurant is Locanda Borgo Antico, just past Lucolena. The food is fantastic and the prices unbelievable. Dinner for eight with wine was only 200 Euros. Shop in Figline at the Co-op, there are good prices and excellent selection. Keep in mind that you should wear the plastic gloves provided when choosing fruits and veggies, and remember to weigh them and get a price sticker before getting into the check-out line. The machine is easy to follow as it has pictures of the produce if you don't know the Italian names. In Greve there is an excellent wine tasting place where you can taste over 100 wines and olive oils. There is also an excellent butcher in Greve. Check In Out: Christina and Leonardo are wonderful and their English impressive.”

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(Antonietta) - Posted 18 years ago

“Enjoyed Most: The view, castle, and the peace and quiet. Enjoyed Least: Not being able to dry clothes and having no heat to take the dampness out of the apartment. Surrounding Area: The lovely view and the surrounding hill towns. Nearby Events or Locales: Montagnana is within walking distance. Tips or Restaurants: Bring warm clothes for the month of May. There are wonderful restaurant in Montagnana.”

Helpful Report

(Il Castello 31) - Posted 18 years ago

“Enjoyed Most: We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived and found a welcome basket with fruit, cookies, cereal, and bread, and eggs, cheese, and milk in the refrigerator. This was a very thoughtful gesture that we greatly appreciated. We enjoyed coming home to our cottage after a day of sightseeing and being able to cook dinner and watch a movie, read a book, or play a game together. The cottage had a wonderful selection of entertainment! The beds were very comfortable and the kitchen was fully equipped. Enjoyed Least: We didn't realize that the "bathroom" did not have a stand up shower - just a bathtub with a handheld shower. Also, the telephone was coin-operated and only worked for calls within England; no international calls. Surrounding Area: We absolutely loved driving to our property and seeing the fields of yellow flowers and the adorable sheep and baby lambs grazing in the green grass. The area was very peaceful and quiet and we enjoyed waking up to the sounds of birds singing. Our favorite nearby town was Bourton-on-the-Water, absolutely delightful! Nearby Events or Locales: The cottage is located in the town of Windrush, which consists of only a church and houses. Burford was the nearest larger town with shops, but it was not within walking distance. Tips or Restaurants: A mobile phone would be helpful. Directions: We did not have any trouble finding the property. Check In Out: We were supposed to call our keyholder prior to our arrival but we did not have a mobile phone. However the next door neighbor was home and generously called the keyholder when we arrived. She told us where to find the key and everything was fine. The keyholder did not meet us at the time of check-out either, so we left the key where we found it. Everything was fine though.”

Helpful Report

(Windrush Cottage) - Posted 18 years ago

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