Before arriving with my family, my wife, and her family, I was a bit concerned. The weekly price was on the low end of other properties under consideration, but I couldn't really spend more, and I was nervous that the accommodations would disappoint. As soon as we pulled up to the property this concern disappeared: the property was perfect. People spread out and picked rooms, and then converged back to the back patio, where we collapsed from a long day of traveling with smiles on our exhausted faces.

We all look back with very fond nostalgia to evenings outside on the patio, overlooking the misty, hilly terrain. The mornings were crisp and beautiful as well. We had an absolutely wonderful week. We took day trips to Gubbio, Assisi, Perugia, and Lago Trasimeno, and even enjoyed some great interactions with local butchers and others in Umbertide. Oh how I miss the food.

Our hosts Beatrice and Alejandro were fantastic. Much fun was had in trying to use our poor, broken Italian to communicate. However, my father-in-law is originally from Cuba, and could converse with them in Spanish whenever we actually had a need or real question. On our last evening, we had Beatrice cook for us. She was great, and fun, and it was a memorably wonderful meal.

We spent the following week closer to Tuscany in a far less memorable arrangement. Sadly.

The Evening View at Casale degli Ulivi	Waiting out some rain in Gubbio

Saverio Spagnolie, San Diego.

we got on fabulously. we all loved it. the caretakers were extremely helpful and friendly, even to the point when we locked them out of the house when we left!

we were very pleased with the service offered not only with regard to the property, but from summer's leases themselves. thank you.

The kids in the pool

Jo Wilson, Hertfordshire.

The property is beautiful, very spacious with stunning views of the surrounding, wrap around mountains. It is very peaceful. Juan Carlos and his wife, the caretakers, were exceptionally helpful and kind. When we arrived very late on our first night, not having eaten, they quickly cooked up a delicious meal for us at no cost to us. The kitchen is magnificently appointed and the pool very user friendly.

We had a terrific time.

Neil Calver, London.

It was amazing value for money and we had a wonderful week. We weren’t bothered that we didn’t get everywhere that we wanted, because we know we’ll be back! Thank you for all your help, especially accommodating the extra couple at the last moment - most appreciated!

Avril Baigent, Northampton.

We were pleasantly surprised as the pictures on the website don't do right to the house. It is much nicer than you could imagine.

All rooms are so spacious, with big bathrooms for all 3 master bedrooms and a separate bathroom for the 3 children's rooms. Being together with so many people in one house requires a bit of space for everybody. Well, Casale degli Ulivi certainly has the space and possibility to withdraw from the others if needed.

The location is perfect with beautiful views all around, in what we think is the most beautiful spot of all Umbria.

Hein Scheffer, Amsterdam.

We loved our stay at your wonderful home. We were a group of 9 with 5 children under 7. The home easily catered for all of our needs. We will come and stay again.

Sergio Duchini, Melbourne.

We had a lovely time and were really impressed by the house. There’s masses of space, and the three double bedrooms are all (equally) huge, with their own dressing rooms and shower rooms - this made it particularly nice and easy to share with two other families, as everyone was equally well catered for. All the living accommodation is enormous and well equipped. The pool is huge and lovely. There’s a big cupboard chock full of kids videos and games.

Carlos and Sandra were really helpful and kind, and cleaned much more thoroughly than you indicated they would, three times a week! We were impressed that all the furniture and equipment was really high quality - like pool seats, loggia sofas, and dining tables and chairs.

We’re all foodies and were delighted with the kitchen and how well equipped it was. It became a game to try to catch it out in not having some obscure pieces of equipment - but we couldn’t do it!

To sum up, we loved it!

Grace Kitto, Devon.

This is a beautiful place to stay. We were delighted that the property not only lived up to, but exceeded our expectations based on the website descriptions and photos. The house is exceedingly lovely inside and out. There were 11 of us, and we never felt that we were tripping over each other. There are plenty of nooks and crannies inside and out to escape to when you want solitude. The outdoor dining area was terrific - we used it almost every night. Sandra also cooked for us a couple of nights - good cooking, and lovely service! The pool and surrounding patio were lovely and a great respite at the end of our hot sightseeing days.

Joyce Maroney, Massachusetts.

When my family (11 in all) arrived at the villa, they were like kids in a candy shop. The pictures on the internet came nowhere close to showing the beauty of the setting and house. We cooked every evening meal at the villa. We enjoyed the the pool and loggia through out the day. Being Americans who are used to air conditioning this time of year, we were concerned about heat. Your advice on shuttering the house kept us very cool and comfortable. When we returned from day trips, the villa was cool and welcoming. It was a delight to meet the owners of the villa. They had us up to their home and for coffee and graciously gave us a tour of the 13 century watch tower! The teenagers found this enchanting! They also loaned us a telescope for star gazing.

Julia Webb-Bowden, Durham NC.