“Great location, clean, safe and great price.” We loved our experience at affresco. I was a little leary of renting apartments as this was my first experience but Enrica was warm and genuine and we had a great time at her place. The apartment was very clean and modern and the perfect size for my wife and I. If and when we return to Florence we will definitely stay there again.

“Excellent Trip” Well what a trip. Something I will cherish forever. The owner was extremely helpful and location was perfect. The home had an old school charm and was nice and clean. Everything was as promised and our honeymoon was definitely something to remember. The Charm of Tuscany was definitely evident and we made many short trips to all the attractions (Florence, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano ) I would definitely stay again without hesitation. Thanks for the wonderful memories.

“" Home Sweet Home. . . "” I am pleased to provide a brief review on Borgo Pinti arnaldo rental property (the larger rental unit, Pinti 2) and it's thoughtful owner, Claudia. The entire process from start to finish was very pleasant and Claudia was very responsive and accommodating. (We had an early arrival and early departure from Florence). Claudia followed-up and followed-through during the entire process. Unfortunately, Claudia had a death in the family during the planning process which she communicated to me prior to our arrival; however, she still took the time to personally welcome me and my travel companions via cell phone. (very thoughtful and exemplifies Claudia's 'personal touch'). I reluctantly call this a 'rental unit' because the atmosphere is truly that of "Home Sweet Home." It's as if this is Claudia's only residence which she is overjoyed to share. The following items were very beneficial: 1.5 baths, Wifi, cell phone for making reservations or calling a taxi, washing machine, large eat-in-kitchen, screened windows/skylight. The property is located in a very quiet, pedestrian-friendly area which is walking distance to the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. The train station does require a cab ride. The lodging was very clean which was a huge plus for my sister and I with are sensitivity to allergens. Linens and towels were also good quality. A nice personal touch was fresh fruits in the kitchen, bottled water in the refrigerator and olive oil from Claudia's own farm! There is a nice binder with information on what to do, where to go and where to eat. Based on some of the suggestions, we decided to eat at the restaurant across the street and the owner/staff were very hospitable and the food was very good. We were not disappointed. Clearly, Claudia has the gift of hospitality and she takes great pride in her guests enjoying their accommodations and their stay in beautiful Florence. Mission accomplished! We look forward to a return visit. . . Peace & Blessings! Molte Grazie!

“Tuscan Magic” Il Gavillaccio is in a glorious part of Tuscany with motorway access close by [10 kilometers] that provides access to many of Italy's iconic and legendary towns and city's, such as 'Cortona', 'Perugia', 'Siena' and of course the jewell of Tuscany - 'Florence'! The complex of apartments is set high on a ridge with other striking historic buildings [truly beautiful], the store is a short work up the road and around a bend,olive groves are dominant in the landscape. The air is fresh and alive. The apartment is superbly fitted out with all the needs of a traveller included [including broadband internet access], we adored the ambience. Views are spectacular, the pool divine, but out of season when we were there. The apartment ranked for us 10 out of 10, beds are comfy, there's plenty of room to spread out, and the kitchen is equipped with all the requisite cooking utensils supplied. The more adventurous can take a walk in the bush and countryside as we did, or drive into the Chianti vineyard areas including 'Greve in Chianti' which is a small historic town in the world renowned wine region. Driving is a must, as there's heaps to explore. 'Figline Valdarno' is a lovely provincial town which showed us how italians really live. We had an amazing, magic time and the owners are helpful and obliging with meeting our needs. Personally I'd go back again and again given the opportunity. Highly recommended!

“Very Romantic and Relaxing” Podere Patrignone, is a very well managed holiday/vacation destination. Simon and Verity (owners), went to great lengths to make sure ours and other guests stays we're relaxing and enjoyable. Always available, but rairly needed, they have created an "old world charm" and very natural feel to their quiet olive orchard. Whether it's a romantic getaway (ours was our 10th wedding anniversary), a quiet place to retreat and relax, or just a quaint Tuscan "centrally" located place to stay, we highly recommend it. Everything on their website was exactly as advertised! What isn't as highly advertised, but left to us to tell about, is the care and passion Simon and Verity have for making this such a special place to stay. And don't miss the weekly group dinner. Verity goes all out for that, and it's a delicious Tuscan style feast with a wonderful group of people! We can't wait to return!

“My favorite vacation experience” My first trip to Podere Patrignone was in 1999, and I've been back four times since my initial visit. The setting is incredible, and the views extend to miles and miles of Tuscany. It's amazing to sit on the terrace and see the towers of San Gimignano far in the distance. The villa is located just 3 kilometers from Castellina in Chianti, a charming village with unbelievable shopping for leather goods (Cappelletti), artwork, and other wonderful Tuscan items. Patrignone is a perfect location for day trips to Florence, Siena, Montalcino, and many other wonderful towns filled with incredible history. Back to the villa...Simon and Verity are carrying on the tradition of Simon's mom Carla, who renovated this beautiful villa that was originally a 14th century farmhouse. The main house has 7 rooms (each with its own bathroom...no sharing!), a great kitchen, and lots of space for lounging and relaxing. I've stayed in the main house as well as each of the 2-bedroom apartments...each with its own kitchen and living area. They all are wonderful, clean, charming, and have beautiful views. This year I participated in a cooking class conducted by Verity. Even after multiple cooking classes that I've taken throughout Italy, I can say that this was one of the best learning experiences: Verity is a fantastic teacher, cooking all the courses was great fun, and we got to dine and wine on our results. She cooked dinner for all of us on our first night, and everything was delicious! There were 18 of us on this trip, although I've been here with as few as one other person. I have lots of other friends who are encouraging a return trip. This year was in the last week of May, but I think we'll return for a visit in September next year. Carla and Simon and Verity have created a paradise that continues to call to me even after all these years and visits. Podere Patrignone is absolutely amazing and I can't wait to return!

“A totally relaxing rural Tuscan retreat.” Podere Patrignone is a beautifully rustic, rambling farmhouse, secluded in its own woods. There are a number of properties for rent within the complex, from compact and bijou, to spacious and open, all with their own particular charm. It makes a wonderful base for touring, being within easy reach of Florence, many Tuscan hilltowns and villages, and stunning Sienna. Simon and Verity are charming, helpful and very friendly hosts, as are their family, and of course, their dogs!! The weekly "home cooked" meal is a great opportunity to sample Verity`s cooking, and meet your fellow guests. The position of the complex within the landscape, is superb, and there are wonderful views from the terrace and pool area, over surrounding olive groves and vineyards. There are a number of excellent restaurants within very easy reach, where local food and wine can be enjoyed. I would also suggest visiting local wine producers, of which there are many. My wife and I have stayed at Patrignone for two weeks, in both 2011 and 2012, and we would not hesitate to recommend this lovely destination. Do not be expecting a five star hotel, that is not what Patrignone is about!! It is, as Simon says, a work in progress. However, I fail to see how a stay here, could ever disappoint. Truly Tuscan in every sense.

“Wonderful place to stay” Our 10 day stay in the cottage at Le Ripe was wonderful!! The accommodations were beautiful, comfortable, private, peaceful, and relaxing. The property is lovingly tended by Leitha and contains beautiful flowers, fruit trees, fresh herbs that can be used in cooking, and a large garden from which we enjoyed fresh lettuce. Every evening we were able to sit out on our private terrace, watching fireflies and the moon rise over the hillsides. The restaurant at the bottom of the hill is fantastic! The location is perfect for visiting the entire Chianti region and all of Tuscany. Leitha and Fabio were extremely friendly and helpful; they offered wonderful suggestions on places to visit - all emails and inquiries (and there were many of them) were promptly answered. She even booked "the best table in the house" at a top notch restaurant in Lamole for my birthday celebration. The sunset was spectacular! When we return to Italy, this will be our first choice to stay again - a highlight of our month long trip of a lifetime!! It was the perfect place to unwind each evening after our exploits. Grazie, Leitha and Fabio!!! We will treasure our memories of your kindness and generosity until we meet again!!

“We had a very relaxing stay in a beautiful setting.” The house is newly renovated and very clean. The setting is spectacular with beautiful views. It is in a great location for easy access to popular tourist attractions. However, we did have to provide some household essentials such as dish soap, sugar, and a few other kitchen basics that we couldn't take back with us, as we were traveling overseas.