We struggled with this review because we know how important they are to a business. Our goal is to provide an accurate review of the property to help future guests. There were minor discomforts that we feel can be part of the European charm, such as inoperable door locks, lack of clear direction for the checkout process, or having a gardener on the property early in the morning and late into the evening.
Pros: The setting is stunning. The size of the home is also very accommodating, especially for a multi-family group. The ability to stay on the same site but in separate apartments was the main reason we booked this home for a getaway with our adult children. Communication with Angela, the property manager, was excellent (with the exception of checking out).
Cons: Advertised as a smoke-free house (with smoking only permitted outside). Upon our arrival, the stale cigarette smell was extremely pervasive. We immediately had to open all of the windows and doors in an attempt to “air out” the home and still my wife had a migraine that lasted all week from this. This put a tremendous damper on the trip because we were unable to spend anytime together indoors due to the odor. Another point of concern was the tremendous amount of clutter strewn throughout the space. Whenever we rent a home, whether domestically or abroad, the space is a clean slate so to speak. This home gave the appearance that we were unexpected guests that happened to call at the last minute for a place to stay. There were opened wine bottles on the counter, used masks on the radiator, empty boxes left in bags on the floor, drawers and closets filled with random items, etc. As such, we were never able to truly relax because we felt like we were guests at a Great Aunt’s home.
Overall, the home was relatively clean with the exception of the master bath tub (soap & hair), cobwebs on light fixtures, and an extremely dusty vent in the laundry (see photos). Again, I struggle with this review. I don’t want to come across as a snobby American with high expectations that were not met at a Tuscan home. There are basic expectations that come with renting a home through Vrbo. The house was intended to be a home base for the week: cooking dinner together most evenings and relaxing in the living room afterwards. But instead, due to the state of the house, we ate at restaurants and stayed away from the home until bedtime, thus changing the tenor of our trip entirely. This was disappointing.