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Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto - Rentvillas.com
Siena, Tuscany, Italy
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Email Manager |
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| www.rentvillas.com |
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Vacation Rental Description
Few Tuscan villas offer a more ideal combination of elegant simplicity, historic charm, tranquility, and accessibility than this family-friendly luxury villa with private pool in Tuscany: Only 5 km from the cosmopolitan university town of Siena, which is where the novel by Herman Wouk and TV series starring Robert Mitchum, Winds of War, took place as well as where the movie "My House in Umbria" starring Maggie Smith was filmed, and yet still nestled in the peaceful countryside, Villa del Cielo is an ideal choice if you want to "have it all" during your Tuscan villa rental experience. Anyone with an appreciation for architecture will enjoy the chapel's original vaulted ceilings and nave---which now meld seamlessly into the lines of the living space. Other highlights of this Tuscany luxury accommodation include a beautiful swimming pool and spacious grounds for exploration. It's also a good base for daytrips to Florence [there is regular train service from the train station in Siena], and the fascinating medieval hill towns of San Gimignano and Volterra.
[4 hectares] Originally a 17th century chapel, Villa del Cielo has been tastefully converted into a charming and unique villa rental in Tuscany for up to 8 people. Attached to the chapel by a corridor is a small villa [Caminetto] that can accommodate up to 5 people, and is rented as Villa del Cielo with Caminetto. The villa's outdoor amenities include a lovely swimming pool [12m x 6m], shaded parking, and sitting/dining areas which seat up to 12 people, with views of the vineyard-covered hills.
Chapel [180 m2] Two floors.
Ground floor: There is a sitting room with three sofas and an armchair. There is a kitchen with breakfast counter, refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, and microwave. There is a dining area seating 8-10 people. There are two bedrooms with queen-size beds. The two bedrooms share one bathroom with bathtub.
First floor: There is one bedroom with a queen-size bed and one bedroom with two twin beds, both with air conditioning, and two bathrooms with shower.
Caminetto [160 m2] One floor.
The Caminetto has a living room with three sofas and a fireplace. The small kitchen is equipped with an electric oven, four gas burners, large refrigerator, dishwasher, and a small pantry. The dining room table seats up to 12 people. There is a large glassed veranda and a sitting room. There are two double bedrooms with air conditioning and one small single bedroom. The bedrooms share two bathrooms with showers. There is an outdoor laundry area.
The delightful city of Siena is approximately 5 km away. The bus stop for Siena is 200 meters away [5 minutes walking distance], but the bus passes only twice in the morning. A taxi costs about 10-15 Euros one-way. A rental car is highly recommended while staying at this luxury villa in Tuscany.
Pisa: 114 km
Florence: 76 km
San Gimignano: 37 km
Siena: 5 km
Small restaurant: 1 km, within walking distance
Available Amenities: American coffee maker, dishwasher, telephone, washing machine, dryer, satellite TV, CD player, and iron with ironing board, ceiling fans on ground level, air conditioning in upstairs bedrooms, central heating, window screens, swimming pool [open May to September], welcome basket upon arrival with wine, olive oil, cheese, milk, and more [please be aware that items change according to availability]
Extra Services: Two baby beds, two high chairs, and a baby bath tub are available upon request and are free of charge. Additional housekeeping and a cook are available at an extra cost. A bundle of wood for the fireplace costs 30 Euros and will last 1-2 days.
Please note:
* It is important to note that from late October to mid-April, the old chapel can be chilly due to its unique construction.
* All utilities are expensive in Italy, particularly heating, which costs about 50 Euros a day just for the chapel. Each bundle of wood for the fireplace costs about 30 Euros, and it must be requested.
Minimum Stay: 7
Check-In: 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Details:
Property Type: House
Sleeps: 13
Bedrooms: 7
Bathrooms: 5 - 5 bath(s)
Suitability: |
Features for this Property
| Dishwasher |
Housekeeping |
Garden Equipment |
| Incoming Telephone |
Swimming Pool |
Washing machine |
| Television |
Private Outside Area |
Outgoing Telephone |
| Independent House |
Air Conditioning |
Stands Out |
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Rental Pricing Information
( all rates subject to change) |
Rental Availability
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From $2000 per week to $5765 per week
Rates usually change based on season and availability.
Please inquire for exact rental rates for this property. |
Rental availability is not provided for this unit.
Contact the manager to inquire for specific dates. |
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Photos
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Map Location of Vacation Rental
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General location of this vacation rental property |
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Guest Reviews of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto
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All Reviews are Verified by FlipKey
This is a Professionally Managed Home.
To leave a review on FlipKey.com of a "Professionally Managed Home" a guest must be invited,
via email, based on confirmed booking records as determined by back-end reservation systems,
FlipKey inquiry records or authorized entries from the vacation rental manager.
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Susan's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Susan
Reviewed on: 10/31/2008 for their stay in 10/2008
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The Villa is exceptional, so beautiful as well as the surrounding property.
Very spacious, and peaceful.
Spiders and mosquitoes are plentiful, so don't forget the repellent.
You are so close to so many wonderful towns and cities. It is easy to take day trips from the Villa. |
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Fred's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Fred
Reviewed on: 10/31/2008 for their stay in 10/2008
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Lovely setting, interiors and exterior. Great walking out front gate. Peaceful with multiple gathering or "alone" areas.
Interior-exterior building appearance and feel. Gorgeous setting with very easy access to Siena
Could not get heat in chapel. Coffee pots, 2 of 3, need replacing as they made coffee very slowly. if at all. Electrical plug converters from the small appliances coffee, toaster,etc were incompatible - prongs to thick to fit in several of the outlets. Plumbing in chapel upstairs bath - not over kitchen - was very loud. Shower below that bathroom let out a big stream of brown water once. Really could benefit from clear written history of the villa and chapel on premises. List of nearby restaurants would be helpful. Some beds had comforters but ALL beds need them.
Easy walking on roads around Villa with views and insights into estate, olive grove and vineyard living. |
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Manager Response: November 03, 2008 |
| The heating was on, but the temperature level is adjustable manually by the client. More convertor plugs have been provided, as well as coffee pots. November 20008. |
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Deborah's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Deborah
Reviewed on: 08/31/2008 for their stay in 08/2008
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We, a party of 10, had a fabulous stay at Villa Del Cielo. Everything was exactly as described and Jesus was extremely sweet and helpful.
We loved all the space at the villa. We had plenty of room and never felt cramped or on top of each other.
The kitchen in Caminetto was better equipped and bigger, but the outdoor dining area although very comfortable, didn't have any lighting. We ended up cooking in Caminetto kitchen and bringing the food up to Del Cielo's outdoor dining area. A bit of a hassle.
Absolutely everything! Waking to the rooster crowing, the beautiful views, the absolute peace and quiet and, of course, the refreshing pool. |
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Vincent's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Vincent
Reviewed on: 07/31/2008 for their stay in 07/2008
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It was a peaceful and relaxing stay at this villa, and a week that flew by too quickly. The expansive views of many olive groves, vineyards, and the buildings that dot the countryside continue to remain with us in memory. The villa has a rustic feel, but it is well complemented with the luxuries and conveniences we needed, including a large American-style refrigerator. We rented both parts of the villa, and with seven people including a two year old toddler, there was plenty of room to enjoy the experience.
The views and privacy are unparalleled. The appeal of the villa's chapel is an obvious one, but the newer addition also holds its own with this architecture buff. There is unusual masonry - steel beam - rustic wood detailing, and a sun room where the glass and metal roof structure is supported by arms attached to walls, and then covered by clay tile. The gutter and downspouts providing drainage from the inward sloping roofs are inside this room! There's a wealth of helpful tourist books, information, CDs and DVDs left by former renters, and a large American-style coffee pot in the back kitchen.
I was disappointed by the new chapel main room furniture. It appeared after complaints from former renters regarding its shabbiness, the dramatic emerald green furniture in the images was replaced by more standard furniture. Fortunately the unique architectural detailing overshadows the changes. The back bedrooms in the newer addition have a slight musty smell.
Siena is located very close to the villa, so it is only a quick jaunt by car to the sites and scenery of this magical destination. |
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Janis's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Janis
Reviewed on: 07/31/2008 for their stay in 07/2008
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We had a very pleasant experience! Jesus was very nice, he even got his compressor to fill up our flat tire when we were checking out.
Everything! The view was spectacular. It was very beautiful and spacious. Plenty of peace and quiet.
Some people had a hard time figuring out the washer and dryer.
It was very close for day trips. |
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Jackie's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Jackie
Reviewed on: 06/30/2008 for their stay in 06/2008
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We had a great time overall. The property is beautiful and the view amazing. The villa is rambling and a bit musty which sort of added to the charm. We cooked up some fabulous meals
The privacy, the view, and of course the pool.
Beds were really hard.
The proximity to Siena was terrific. |
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Terry's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Terry
Reviewed on: 05/31/2008 for their stay in 05/2008
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Excellent property.
Grounds, views, peace and quiet, number of bedrooms, and the 1-2 hours drive to most regions in Tuscany.
Utility costs.
Chianti region. Beautiful countryside, towns, and food. |
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Millie's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Millie
Reviewed on: 05/31/2008 for their stay in 05/2008
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Great. The house was spacious, clean, and the outside and surrounding area is stunning. The interior was nice but not luxurious, although certain bedrooms were really quite charming. There wasn't a great indoor space for hanging out, although the chapel ended up being a favorite spot. The pool was incredible!
The exterior...the patio, bench overlooking Tuscany, and the pool were all highlights.
Parts of the interior were rather dated and dark, but all very clean and comfortable.
It was gorgeous. We took some nice walks out from the villa and Siena is VERY close which is convenient. There are also a few great little restaurants about a 5-minute drive from the villa. |
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Leslie's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Leslie
Reviewed on: 11/30/2007 for their stay in 11/2007
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We had a fantastic time. It couldn't have been better - even more than we had hoped for. My husband and I took five other couples with us as guests for the 2 weeks and were delighted, as everybody else was, on arriving at the Villa. A magnificent holiday, spent in magnificent surroundings in beautiful, beautiful Tuscany. We would highly recommend Villa del Cielo with Caminetto to any large group - it is truly a beautiful venue
Jesus was totally wonderful our whole stay. The Manager and the Owner even helped us out over the phone; but the absolute BEST was the young chef and her husband who cooked for us on 5 nights! The food was absolutely unbelievable and such a treat. They were so courteous, efficient and always on time. We were a big group and we were catered for superbly.
We had been warned, but, we were blown away by the energy bill at the end of the stay (we were a large group and everyone arrived with bags of dirty washing - if only they knew what it costs their hosts!!!). |
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Diana's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Diana
Reviewed on: 11/30/2007 for their stay in 11/2007
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The expansive view.
1. The extremely high utility bill-- about 400 Euros. 2. In the caminetto, there was no comfortable furniture around the fireplace. 3 We felt the dinner cooked for us was mediocre.
The view was stunning and we had a great base to explore the gorgeous, gorgeous Tuscan countryside. |
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Brie's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Brie
Reviewed on: 10/31/2007 for their stay in 10/2007
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Make sure to spend some time at the villa. It may just be a home base, but it was a truly amazing place to just be lazy. DEFINATELY have Carmen cook you a meal. She is so sweet and her dinner was the most fantastic meal we ate in 14 days in Italy.
I knew other friends and family who had stayed at the property but pictures and stories could not do it justice. The grounds were perfectly groomed. The villa was immaculate. Each time our family brings up the trip, everyone says the best part was enjoying each other's company in the villa. It is a magical little place. The chapel area living room was the perfect spot for our end of the evening, post-dinner socializing. Jesus and Max were fantastic.
It would be difficult to complain about any aspect of this property. There was a slight sewer smell outside but only when the wind blew a certain way. We did well with the coffee pot having read so many complaints. Honestly, nothing really took away from how gorgeous it was.
The local restaurant closest to the villa was fantastic. The octopus there was out of this world. We loved Siena. We did a family run while visiting and the surrounding roads and farms were so beautiful. The close proximity to the autostrada was helpful for day trips as well. |
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Deborah's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Deborah
Reviewed on: 10/31/2007 for their stay in 10/2007
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The pool was still open in October, and because it was so inviting, several of the party went swimming. The property is full of herbs to use in cooking.
Like everyone else, it was the setting. We sat for hours, both in the morning and evening just enjoying the views and atmosphere. Also good for birdwatching. The inside was very spacious with a great dining room table that easily sat all eleven of us.
We stayed here during the first part of October. Several of the bedrooms in the non-chapel section felt damp. Later we realized we should have turned on the electical room heaters that were provided a little while before turning in.
Well this is a plus and minus. We were totally away from all hustle and bustle, but on the other hand, there were some curvy tiny roads to travel to get to any main road. There are two nearby restaurants, neither walkable to at night. |
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Jim's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Jim
Reviewed on: 09/30/2007 for their stay in 09/2007
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I take a lot of vacations and I can count on one hand the number of times I didn't want to go home at the end. This was one. Make sure you go for at least two weeks.
The peace and serenity was outstanding. We often sat for hours on the bluff above the pool to hear the silence. The early Tuscan morning haze made the property seem as though it was from another world. It was exactly what we were looking for. Jesus was wonderful. He took us the Grocery store, the local Churches, the Bancomat, etc. September was the time to go to Italy, perfect weather.
The only thing that could be improved was the availability of some firewood near the barbecue. Americans love to barbecue. There was firewood on the grounds but it was a bit of a hike. The barbecue briquettes that you can buy in Italy do not generate enough heat. We barbecued often and it was great.
The scenery was beautiful. The local churches were great on Sunday. We went to church at the local convent, it was one of the highlights of our trip. The remoteness made us feel that after a busy day we were able to go back to our hideout for rest. |
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Therese's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Therese
Reviewed on: 09/30/2007 for their stay in 09/2007
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The pool and outside areas and well kept, and the views are stunning!
I feel that the owner should invest some money in the property, as some of the furnishings in the smaller villa are uncomfortable, and the kitchen in the villa should be replaced. The curtains were hanging off their rails in 3 places and the Satellite TV had people with green faces! It was ok after a few glasses of wine! Two bathroom doors didn't close properly.
The pleasant walks in the countryside and the local restaurant - and also the proximity to Siena. |
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Laura's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Laura
Reviewed on: 08/31/2007 for their stay in 08/2007
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The location and the setting were amazing. The house is very close to Siena and to the Siena - Florence Autostrada which made it easy to get around.
Two things -- the kitchen and the electrical outlets. It was challenging to cook in the house because there are two kitchens, neither one of which is quite adequate. We ended up using one kitchen for breakfast and the other kitchen for lunch and dinner, because it seemed bigger and better equipped. There were different kinds of electrical outlets throughout the house so we weren't ever sure which adapter to use where. The house has many adapters.
We loved Siena. It is a lovely city and we were lucky enough to visit during the Palio. It was fun to see the city and the people gear up for the festivities. Rentvillas also set us up with a great tour guide of Siena, who I would highly recommend. Her name was Stella Soldani. She gave us a lots of background on the city, talked to us about the contrade and took us to see the major sights. We also enjoyed the local restaurant -- we only got to the one closer to the house. |
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Cindy's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Cindy
Reviewed on: 07/31/2007 for their stay in 07/2007
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The entire villa provided beautiful, private spaces for our large family. Our grandchildren found it magical!!! We all loved the 2 loggias for al fresco dining.
The property was a perfect playground for the grandchildren to set lizard traps, chingula traps, play hide and seek and run around in the open spaces. We loved having a "local" castle and monastery nearby. The pool was fabulous.
Little mice running into the villa, but, Jesus was very attentive and great to work with. He supplied our every need. The dust from the road was partly trapped by the fencing surround, but, not completely.
Walking to Castella Belcaro, Monastery trips, the little farm across the road, and our quiet surroundings. |
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Sandy's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Sandy
Reviewed on: 05/31/2007 for their stay in 05/2007
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This is a great property for a group of 5 couples. We had Carmen cook a couple of evenings and these were 2 of the best meals we had in Tuscany. The only extra we needed was a set of bocce balls!
We were a group of 10 friends and the size of the rental was the best thing. We all had good rooms, there were lots of quiet nooks and a big living room and dining areas that would easily accommodate all of us. W had pretty good weather so the pool was a great spot as well.
Jesus is a very nice man and very accommodating but he does not speak any English. He had us speak to the owner who helped. It would be helpful to have an English manual to explain the appliances, trash disposal, local amenities, etc.
Very beautiful and peaceful. |
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Manager Response: June 04, 2007 |
| There is a new English-speaking contact person for this villa. May 2007. |
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Becky's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Becky
Reviewed on: 11/30/2006 for their stay in 11/2006
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We really enjoyed the villa and would definitely return if we're in the area again. It had great views and was very spacious and quiet. The location was off the beaten track a little, but that was exactly what we were looking for. Fabio was extremely helpful with reservations and finding out train schedules. The villa smelled a little musty at times but it would get better once the doors were opened. We were there at the end of October/beginning of November so it was a little cool outside. The heat hadn't been turned on yet, but it really was reasonably comfortable inside. Using the space heaters definitely helped. You could tell the villa had a lot of history. Some of the furniture (especially couches) is dated and could stand to be replaced but it didn't detract from our enjoyment of the villa. Due to the time of year, we didn't get to experience the pool but it looked like it would be a great place to spend time in the right season.
We enjoyed the spaciousness the most. We had 9 people (friends and family) and didn't feel like we were all on top of one another. We could spread out into multiple living areas and still have peace and quiet. It was also nice that there were sleeping areas on both ends - we put the early birds on one end and the late risers on the other. We also really enjoyed the views. The benches outside were rarely empty. We even enjoyed star gazing on a couple of mild, clear nights.
The washing machine was definitely a challenge until we figured it out. We'd recommend using cycle 6, 7, or 8 and don't load the machine too much. You should have high efficiency soap and use it sparingly. The dryer also took a long time so the entire wash/dry cycle was 3-4 hours, so set your expectations accordingly (it's not like washing in the US). We did find that hang drying helped with some types of clothing. The parking area is on the small size. We had a 9 person van and it was a tight fit; however, by the end of the stay, we were able to get in and out quickly. The best thing is to pull straight in and then back out if you have a large vehicle.
In addition to Siena, there are lots of great places to go. Our favorite was San Gimignano. We spent most of the day there just wandering the streets - the views are spectacular. Also, one of the best gelato places is located on the main square. We also enjoyed driving through the Chianti region and stopping at several vineyards for a sample of the local wine. |
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Judy's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Judy
Reviewed on: 10/31/2006 for their stay in 10/2006
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It is a little piece of heaven!!!
Everything.
Can't think of anything.
It was what you would have expected "Tuscany" to look like...Rolling hills with farms, villas, olive groves...Beautiful!!! 11 |
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Marilyn's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Marilyn
Reviewed on: 10/31/2006 for their stay in 10/2006
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It was the trip of a lifetime. Having this Villa for 3 weeks put us in the mood of Italy.
The views were spectacular and the Villa's proximity to Siena was ideal. In the evenings we would drive to the Piazza del Campo for a drink and people watching.
The two kitchens at either ends of the Villa needed to be renovated. Half the appliances did not work. Also, there were mosquitoes.
This location was ideal for touring Tuscan hill towns. And, we went everywhere...Florence, Siena, Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, Cortona, Pienza, Pisa, Gubbio, Assisi...even a weekend in Venice! This part of Italy is simply beautiful, with vineyards and rolling, steep hills. The towns were charming with shops everywhere and food and wine superb. |
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Manager Response: November 05, 2006 |
| The kitchens were completely remodeled in 2007. |
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Marilyn's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Marilyn
Reviewed on: 09/30/2006 for their stay in 09/2006
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Location was superb; view was extraordinary. Loved the way the villa was situated; very private for each couple having their own space. Loved the views from the pool. It was fabulous.
The views and grounds. Fabio was a dream. He could not have done more for us. He was always available for our needs, as was Jesus. Carmen was a fabulous cook. Each meal was better than the last, especially the tiramisu!
The kitchens were in poor condition. The furnishishings need to be refreshed (reupholstered). Need a larger seating area in the chapel, so that people don't have to go to the Caminetto to sit for dinner.
Great jumping off spot for San Gimignano, Siena, Lucca, Assisi, Gubbio, etc. |
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Tony's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Tony
Reviewed on: 09/30/2006 for their stay in 09/2006
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I would recommend this villa to everyone. It is incredibly comfortable, location is good and the view is amazing. Bring plenty of wine and never leave.
The view is amazing and the surroundings are very quiet. There is plenty of space to entertain in large groups or go off by yourself. The rooms are plentiful and well appointed with comfortable furnishings. Fabio is the best, very helpful and charming.
The kitchen was workable, but we could not get the oven to work on any other setting other than broil. I would have like to have had more dish towels available.
The proximity to surrounding areas for day trips is great, there are two local restaurants near by, both very good. You could walk to them, however, it is pretty dark and may be difficult to navigate by night. |
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Lori's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Lori
Reviewed on: 08/31/2006 for their stay in 08/2006
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The pool, the space, the views. We were a group of ten, ranging from teenagers to grandparents, and everyone felt there was more room than we could possibly use. We spent most of our time at the villa lounging around the fantastic pool. The weather was hot, and the pool was the perfect place to relax. There were 11 lounge chairs with cushions as well as some chairs making it very comfortable for everyone. The pool was large and clean. Pool towels were also provided, which was a pleasant surprise. When we did go inside the villa, we tended to stay in the chapel and marvel at the details and design of the room. The Caminetto had great space, as well, but because we were at the pool most of the time, there were actually rooms we never even utilized. The views around the villa are spectacular. Many mornings we would take our coffee outside and sit on one of the benches, overlooking the views. It was a great way to start the day. The best thing we did was have Carmen come to the villa and cook us a meal. I would recommend that for anyone staying at the villa. It was sensational. Our only regret was not having her back again. Our meal was served on the vine covered terrace, and was magical!
The noise made by a pump. You don't hear it as much in the chapel, except for one of the bedrooms on the first floor.
We really enjoyed being close to the center of Siena, where we spent a number of days and evenings. The center was very easy to get to, under a ten minute drive, with very accessible parking lots. We also drove to Florence for a day, and parked at the Santa Maria Novella parking lot. We did have very good maps for our trip to Florence, and would suggest that for anyone making the drive. We were going to take the train, but were glad we drove because the drive, which was just over an hour, was easy enough. We also drove to San Gimignano which was a family favorite. That drive was just about 30 minutes from the villa, and easy. We had been advised to go in the late afternoon to miss the crowds, and we were glad we did. Again, the parking was accessible. |
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Renea's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Renea
Reviewed on: 07/31/2006 for their stay in 07/2006
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The property is a 700 year old church that has been turned into a villa. This in itself was fascinating. The living space is wonderful. Many couches in a huge living room. The grounds were also beautiful. Amazing views!! Carmen, the chef, was outstanding. She cooked 2 meals for us that were equally incredible. Her tiramisu was to die for!!
The living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and 2 bedrooms are not air conditioned. Fans and more screens would have helped tremendously. The air conditioner broke in one of the bedrooms on Sunday and wasn't fixed until Thursday morning. This made sleeping very uncomfortable for the children whom were sleeping in that bedroom.
It only took 5 to minutes to be in the center of Siena, which was a lovely little city. |
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Jeffrey's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Jeffrey
Reviewed on: 07/31/2006 for their stay in 07/2006
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The villa, grounds, and pool were gracious, comfortable and spacious. It was a great place to relax each day after touring.
The kitchen was under-equipped and antiquated. Most problematic were the dishwasher, refrigerators, microwave, TV, and dryer. It would also be helpful to have a "property book" at the villa.
We enjoyed everything about the surrounding area. It was conveniently located for traveling to any of the sights in Tuscany. It's just a short, easy drive to the walled city of Siena. Excellent! |
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Richard's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Richard
Reviewed on: 07/31/2006 for their stay in 07/2006
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The pool. We had seven children with us and they loved to relax in the pool after a day of touring Tuscany. We enjoyed the external eating areas very much. We had so much room in the villa that everyone in our large party was always comfortable and never got in each other's way.
Nothing negative.
The lovely Tuscan countryside and birds singing each day. |
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Victoria's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Victoria
Reviewed on: 06/30/2006 for their stay in 06/2006
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The setting of the villa is spectacular, and the chapel itself is lovely. As a base for exploring Tuscany, you can not get much better. However, renters should be aware that the house is "rustic" and modern amenities are limited.
The views from the house are spectacular! It was lovely to eat outside and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
A lot of things in the house did not work properly - TV, stove, heating. The power went out twice. Sometimes it was a bit of a trial to get things fixed.
The proximity to Siena. It was wonderful to stay in such a peaceful country setting, and yet be a 15 minute drive from the museums, cafes, restaurants and shops of Siena. |
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Jeffrey's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Jeffrey
Reviewed on: 05/31/2006 for their stay in 05/2006
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The house was wonderful. Spacious inside and out. It was nice to come back "home" in the late afternoon after running around all day.
The grounds and views were spectacular.
We would have liked to be able to walk to some small town or facilities.
The countryside was beautiful. The two local restaurants were excellent. |
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Traci's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Traci
Reviewed on: 05/31/2006 for their stay in 05/2006
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The acoustics are great in the chapel - if you have some singers in your group, you should consider a concert. It was wonderful.
The beautiful view, the chapel area, the wisteria, the great decor and the location. It was very peaceful and the grounds were fabulous. It was close to Siena, but it felt a million miles away from anything resembling a city.
The coffee maker was an issue, electricity and the washer was fussy, the automatic door was problematic, and the pool was not ready despite the listing stating it would be ready starting the end of April. Nothing major - just minor annoyances that travellers grow accustomed to quickly.
Siena was great and we walked to the 2 nearby restaurants regularly. It was so nice to walk to dinner and walk home. They both were very good. Our group was split on which restaurant was the best. Each had specialities. The views were stunning and we loved all the birds, the quiet and the good location. |
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Arden's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Arden
Reviewed on: 04/30/2006 for their stay in 04/2006
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This property was absolutely beautiful---the views, and the house itself exceeded our expectations. The photos on line don't really do it justice.
It's HUGE---basically, 2 wings---and there are plenty of bathrooms and nooks. You could have a rave in one side of the house and people could be reading quietly in the other side. If you are a light sleeper, you will LOVE sleeping in the chapel side. VERY quiet and you can shut the shutters so no pesky sunlight penetrates in the early a.m.
The only complaint, and this is so minor, but to some might be a bigger deal, is the kitchen situation. On one side of the house, next to the big dining room, there's a smallish kitchen that's very well stocked with appliances - a plus! - but the stove doesn't work. The other side has an even smaller kitchen with a working stove. so, on the couple of occasions where we cooked, we had to use the stove in one end, then walk it oh-so-many meters to the other. But this was a total luxury problem. "When in the Villa..."
That would be: 1. The views 2. The views and 3. The views! Unbelievable!! |
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Manon S.'s review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Manon S.
Reviewed on: 03/31/2006 for their stay in 03/2006
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Only pray for the sun to be present and all will be perfect!! I did eat outside on the last morning! The sun was not the warmest, but sufficient for me!! I would LOVE to return in April or May one year !!
PEACE!! HOME away from Home!! We didn't enjoy the outdoors since it was raining or foggy. And also, we did day trips during the day! Shopping for food was excellent and Jesus showed us where to go.
It needs refreshing but it's understandable. I was under the impression that heating was included but we had a small surprise at the end. |
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Amy's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Amy
Reviewed on: 12/31/2005 for their stay in 12/2005
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Property was great.
We loved the living room area. It was beautiful to sit in Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and enjoy such beautiful surroundings.
It was a little cold, but if you used the heaters, and kept the doors closed at all times we were able to keep it at a good temperature.
Great views beautiful surroundings. |
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Jeri's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Jeri
Reviewed on: 10/31/2005 for their stay in 10/2005
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Fabio was awesome! He was very accommodating. we saw him a few times in the surrounding area and he always made it a point to stop and chat to see how things were going. The market is not too far away and they have everything you would need for groceries.
Physically, I loved the set-up of the house, it was almost as if everyone had their own suites. In the chapel area, everyone had their own space, bedroom and bathroom. I also loved the fact that it was a 12th century church!
Parking. I am sure for a small vehicle it would have been sufficient but, we had a van and found it awkward to maneuver. Other than that, there is nothing not to like.
We walked the property and surrounding area and realized there were olive, lemon, fig, walnut, chestnut and pignoli trees all around us. We also had quite a bit of rain, so I am sure the views were more beautiful than what we observed. |
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Carol's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Carol
Reviewed on: 10/31/2005 for their stay in 10/2005
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We all loved the Villa. The two weeks went by too fast and we are all ready to go back again. Thanks for all your help in planning this vacation
The close location to the highway made it perfect for day trips yet you were in a country setting with the sound of roosters in the morning and wonderful views. The accommodations were fine. We did not cook elaborate meals but the kitchen was workable for the five couples. I can’t say enough good things about Fabio and the staff – wonderful to have access to such friendly and competent individuals. The chef was fabulous. We had her cook four dinners and each one was wonderful and at a very reasonable price which included prep, service, and cleanup. She was great. |
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Gary's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Gary
Reviewed on: 09/30/2005 for their stay in 09/2005
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My favorite part was the chapel. It was BEAUTIFUL!!! The detail and workmanship amazing. The view was amazing. You really can't explain how wonderful it is...you really have to experience it. I loved the big table where we all ate dinner afterward.
The bathrooms were small, and the kitchen. Only because the cooking utensils were dated and the knives dull.
It is centrally located. We made day trips to Florence - take the bus. San Gimignano, Siena, Assisi, Pisa and Deruta. |
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Julia's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Julia
Reviewed on: 08/31/2005 for their stay in 08/2005
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The setting was beautiful, with great running routes! We especially enjoyed dining outdoors and relaxing around the pool. Fabio was very gracious and a great help. He helped my father get tickets to the Uffizi, looked into the bus schedules to Florence, and even bought the bus tickets for him! This is a great house for a large group - we were 11. The rooms are spacious, and there are several great living areas. And of course, the pool is spectacular. We had 5 children ages 2, 3, 5, 9 and 11 with us, and they had a great time exploring the property, which is extensive.
The kitchens were small, with very few electrical outlets.
We loved being so close to Siena, yet still being out in the country. San Gimignano and Monteriggioni were great day trips, as well. |
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Robert's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Robert
Reviewed on: 07/31/2005 for their stay in 07/2005
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Physically, the property is quite good. There are many bedrooms and the villa really could have fit several more people; we had 8. The grounds, including the pool, were well kept.
We had a few hiccups while at the villa. First, there was a storm and the power went out. We had to hop a fence to get in and were not able to turn the power back on because we were not given full and accurate directions. Second, one night we came home to a large puddle in one of the living rooms. Apparently, a pipe burst. Third, the alarm on one side of the house started beeping late one night and it was not possible to turn it off. The alarm was not fixed for almost a full day. That made it tough that night for the kids' sleeping arrangement.
Central location near Siena, which is fantastic. Very easy to get to the Fi-Si Superstrada and explore. |
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Connie's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Connie
Reviewed on: 06/30/2005 for their stay in 06/2005
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The scenery was incredible. We loved sitting outside under the wisteria tree for dinner. The pool was excellent, the weater was hot, so it was a great treat.
Our particular bathroom was the one with a tub and hand shower. It was difficult at best to wash and hold it. If there would have been some place to hang the nozzle above our head, it would have been more convenient. This still was just a minor inconvenience overall.
The beauty of the area. There is a fabulous resturant very near. Good food at very reasonable prices. The small walled towns within driving distance, pretty much everything. |
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Mary's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Mary
Reviewed on: 06/30/2005 for their stay in 06/2005
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We highly recommend the villa.
Location near Siena; well maintained; the cook who cooked one evening at the villa was excellent.
The washing machine did not work well.
There was a restaurant within 5 minutes' drive where we ate several times. The surrounding area was beautiful and the villa was very convenient for day trips to places of interest. |
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Lorraine's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Lorraine
Reviewed on: 06/30/2005 for their stay in 06/2005
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Peace, tranquility and uniqueness of the property.
The scenery and views are great, and the villa's position in Tuscany is well suited for visiting places in Tuscany. |
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Catherine's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Catherine
Reviewed on: 05/31/2005 for their stay in 05/2005
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We loved everything about the property. It was fantastic. Beautiful, clean, and had everything we needed.
Nothing
Siena was absolutely gorgeous and we felt comfortable - nobody wanted to leave. |
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Annie's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Annie
Reviewed on: 04/30/2005 for their stay in 04/2005
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The villa and grounds were beautiful - great for a large group, and plenty of room for socializing, yet ample private space, as well. There are nice big dining tables, both indoors and out, plenty of dinnerware, lots of sitting areas, and a great fireplace.
We had some trouble getting hot water in one of the upstairs bathrooms - the problem was resolved by tripping the circuit, but it took us awhile to figure this out.
The villa is in a great location for exploring the wine country by car. We also did some great hiking in the Monteriggioni area. |
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Lani's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Lani
Reviewed on: 04/30/2005 for their stay in 04/2005
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I would and have recommended the property to others. Plan to spend two weeks if possible or more so that you can savor the experience. After our trip to Venice, one of our daughters said as we entered the door, it's like coming home.
It is incredibly beautiful, well kept and very quiet. There are actually 8 bedrooms, two that are singles. The fireplace was great to have due to the weather. We didn't use the main hall as much because it was colder but imagine it would be nice in the summer. The location was good to go either way in the country. We toured Lucca, Florence, Pisa and Venice from this location. Venice was an overnight; the rest were day trips. Rome would be an overnight but we were there when the Pope died, so did not go to Rome.
What's not to like? We reported some things that needed fixing, but other than that, it was great.
The area around the villa is beautiful. We walked to Siena one day and took many pictures. The whole area is beautiful. |
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Sharon's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Sharon
Reviewed on: 03/31/2005 for their stay in 03/2005
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On the net, I looked at over 3,600 places where our family might stay and decided on the Villa del Cielo with Caminetto, hoping it would be memorable, comfortable and appropriate. My 4-month search was not wasted. It was perfect.
This dream of a place was perfect! Having two separate wings joined by a window-lined gallery contributed even more to the feeling of privacy and serenity. Villa del Cielo is etched into memory as one of our favorite places. While Rome, Venice and Florence are fabulous, actually living in the countryside was a dream come true for more than one of us. We would go there again without hesitation and would all like to have the beds there in our own bedrooms at home.
Need better knives in the kitchen! Also, the only oven in the caminetto kitchen cremates things quickly, if you are not careful.
Going into Siena for market day was wonderful. Seeing her great Duomo with its cream and charcoal striped marble filled our spirits with joy and wonder. A few in our party even went into Florence for one day, but needed a day of recovery the next! We drove to Assisi, Gubbio a bit of a stretch, Montalcino, Montepulciano - 45 minutes, and San Gimignano, very over-rated, unless you're into mall-shopping. We enjoyed everything, even our few drizzly foggy mornings. |
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Rebecca's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Rebecca
Reviewed on: 03/31/2005 for their stay in 03/2005
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The villa is absolutely beautiful. The view from the patio is breathtaking. Definitely quiet and peaceful. It was nice to be away from the cars and city noise. Our contact person was WONDERFUL. He was very accessible and helpful with any questions or concerns we had. The cook we hired to prepare dinner for us was OUTSTANDING. I highly recommend her to anyone wanting an authentic Tuscan meal prepared for you at the villa.
The property was a little further from town than we anticipated, but it all worked out in the end. By the time we left, the taxi cab company knew us.
If you want to see Italy go to the big cities like Florence, Venice and Rome. But if you want to live Italy, go to Siena. The countryside was beautiful. |
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Esther's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Esther
Reviewed on: 02/28/2005 for their stay in 02/2005
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Fabulous Italian villa - a very surreal experience for all of us Americans and Canadians who only see this sort of place in the movies. Fabio was an excellent caretaker who attended to any of the small problems we had immediately. The Italian people are wonderful and the whole town helped to unite our fragmented party.
Stunning views. |
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James's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: James
Reviewed on: 01/31/2005 for their stay in 01/2005
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Loved the chapel- what a great room!!!!! Jesus, the caretaker, and Fabio were both wonderful helps to us. The view was magnificent. I loved the setup of the rooms and bathrooms.
It always seemed cold. more space heaters would help. Too bad you can't get a fireplace in the chapel.
Siena is a marvelous city. We loved driving around Tuscany. |
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Daniel's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Daniel
Reviewed on: 11/30/2004 for their stay in 11/2004
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The Villa is situated atop a hill with a spectacular view of the surrounding hills and mountains. The colors are so vivid, ranging from the olive green of the olive trees to the misty gray blue of the distant mountains. The sunrises and sunsets compete with each other in their splendor. This is truly a beautiful spot. The ancient structure is so well maintained that the creature comforts, so often looked for by we Americans, are there. However, the antiquity, which we Americans also seek, is still apparent. It is a delightful property. I hope to return one day.
I cannot find anything negative to say about the property. It so met my expectations that any inconvenience would certainly not be worth mentioning.
It is Italy! It is beautiful! It is history, art, wonderful food. What more can be said of the area! I enjoyed it all! |
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Jim's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Jim
Reviewed on: 10/31/2004 for their stay in 10/2004
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The beautiful views; its convenient location to Siena, as well as the rest of Tuscany.
The lighting in the chapel was poor and made it difficult to read either books or maps. Also, the caretaker spoke no English, and had to call Fabio to explain things to me. We were probably most disappointed with how small and poorly stocked the kitchens were. Even though we had both kitchens we still had difficulty finding the right pots and pans and tools. We also bought some GOOD wine glasses as well as kitchen utensils, which we left for future guests
We love Tuscany, the people, the food and the wine. Siena is our favorite city and this is our 5th time here. |
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Emily's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Emily
Reviewed on: 08/31/2004 for their stay in 08/2004
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Although we rented the villa and caminetto, the villa was more typical of a house -- 4 separate bedrooms and 3 full baths, but no separate inside dining room. The caminetto was comfortable with a large dining area. The sleeping arrangements would be better-suited to a family with children, rather than couples, as there is a nursery and single beds in almost every room.
Great accommodations with a lovely view. The bedrooms and baths were great, as was water pressure. All windows were screened although bugs weren't really a problem anyway. The pool was delightful and we used it at least once every day. The outside eating areas were spacious and attractive -- we never ate inside! The caretaker, Jesus, as well as everyone else connected to the property, were wonderful.
The kitchens were small compared to the rest of the accommodations, but it wasn't really an issue when cooking. We had a bit of trouble with the washing machine as there were not any directions for use.
Beautiful countryside, sounds of farm animals, solitude, olive and grapes orchards. |
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Elliott's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Elliott
Reviewed on: 06/30/2004 for their stay in 06/2004
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It was really great. Much nicer than the pictures led us to expect. Very spacious for bedrooms and sitting space.
Tranquility, immaculate landscaping, crystal clean pool, security gates, very spacious especially for a large group such as ours.
Kitchens were small and not the best equipped, or so our cook told us.
Convenient to Siena and all the hill towns. |
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Phillip's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Phillip
Reviewed on: 09/30/2002 for their stay in 09/2002
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The property was beautifully situated on the hills overlooking Siena. The architecture of a restored chapel was lovely and fun. The cooks we hired were skillful and we had a wonderful time.
The location close to Siena, yet in a quiet, scenic location which was awesome.
Heating costs were high. There was low water pressure.
Upper class suburb of Siena filled with large villas and expansive land with great views. |
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Richard's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Richard
Reviewed on: 08/31/2002 for their stay in 08/2002
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We had one of the greatest experiences we have ever had. I would say that for some reason the pictures on the website led us to expect a much nicer decor. Bathrooms were somewhat weak and furniture (couches, etc.) somewhat shabby. We thought for what we were paying it would have been a little bit higher quality.
Location, pool, plenty of room, view. We loved eating outside on the tables enjoying the fresh air and beautiful views.
There was a bee hive on the property. My kids loved to wander around the property on their "adventures" and when we came across this we were quite surprised. I got stung twice and one of the kids once.
Location was great. We wanted a place that was central in Tuscany and this was it |
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Linda's review of Villa Del Cielo with Caminetto |
Reviewed by: Linda
Reviewed on: 06/30/2002 for their stay in 06/2002
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We spent 2 wonderful weeks at this lovely villa just outside Siena. It is conveniently located, well furnished and equipped. The baths are quite modern and beds are very comfortable. We were happy to see screens on the windows and the number of keys reduced. We enjoyed 2 prepared meals during our stay. Both meals were excellent. I highly recommend a prepared meal at the villa. Our children were very happy exploring the grounds and swimming in the large pool. The pool is not heated, of course, but the water was very pleasant during the hot days and even in the evening. We had one in our group with severe asthma. We worried that such an old structure might be musty. Only one bedroom gave her any problem, but all others were fine. The owner and the staff were terrific. We hope to return to this villa in the future.
The gardens, pool, and views.
The washer is small.
We enjoyed exploring the local hilltowns and chianti wine region. |
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| Each review is the opinion of our individual member and not the opinion of Flipkey, Inc. |
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