This is a small selection of the many thoughtful reviews we have received about our vacation homes in the past years.
For more of them please visit the individual websites for the houses, where available.
Dianne and Friends : “Most enjoyable stay” I wanted to thank you on behalf of my group of 9 for a most enjoyable stay at Podere Palazzo. The villa is wonderful and very accommodating for a large group. Plenty of room in the common areas, a great kitchen, etc. and everyone loved their beds (very comfortable) and the unique and large bathrooms. The Welcome Dinner made by Valeria was out of this world, as you probably have heard from other guests. She is delightful. The Cooking Class held in our great kitchen with Romano was so much fun. We all took copious notes and vowed to duplicate that meal back home in California once we get together to share all of our wonderful pictures and memories. You have a beautiful home at Podere Palazzo and I am envious. I shall spread the word amongst my travelling friends!
Deborah and family : “Dreamlike memories” We are back with just the dreamlike memories of Podere Palazzo. It is no exaggeration to say that our entire family had one of the best experiences ever. We enjoyed every aspect of staying at Podere Palazzo. From waking up on the cool (yes, cool!) mornings and visiting on the patio with a cup of coffee in hand to lying in the hammock with a good book in the afternoons or taking a quick dip in the gorgeous pool to venturing forth from the house to discover a charming village and excellent Italian cooking, we tried to relish all of it. We loved the welcome dinner that Valeria prepared for us. Her cuisine rivals every meal we sampled. She set a very high standard from the first night. My absolute favorite event was the cooking class with Iside and the delicious courses that she prepared for our family. One evening we cranked up the music from the iPod and danced!! It was truly a most memorable 60th birthday celebration for me. You are to be complimented for your excellent layout of Podere Palazzo and all the comforts that you included with it. And, naturally, you chose the most beautiful view in all of Lazio/Umbria/Tuscany! We hope to be back next year!
Jasper: “Best week” Dear Patrizio, we celebrated my 8th birthday party here. I had such a good time in the swimming pool. I had a great time also playing soccer and the best part was eating cake. I also had a treasure hunt in this huge house. This trip was the best I ever had. I wish I could stay here forever on a trip!
Diane and Tim : “Magical 3 weeks” Hello Patrizio, I write this with blurry eyes, as I can't help but cry as we have to leave today. Our vacation in your beautiful home had been a magical three weeks. Tim, Lauren, and I have enjoyed every moment of our trip! Having friends and family here to fill the house gave us memories that we will cherish forever. I liked what you said before, that leaving always gives you something to look forward to come back to. That is how I will look at it, we will most definitely be back. Part of my heart will always be in Tuscany and I simply have to be back. Thank you again for sharing your home. I call it a home, because it is so much more than just a house. It is loved and filled with love, you can feel it from the moment you pull into the driveway and love is what makes a house a home!
Judy : “Night after Night....” Where should I begin? The seemingly endless country roads? The crisp Tuscan air? The first sight of that idyllic hilltop house? The picturesque medieval towns? The earthy Tuscan food and wine? Or the indigo starlit sky? Many thanks for sharing your lovely home. Mackenzie is right: It's the moment we most look forward to in our journey -- coming home night after night to that dimly lit hilltop home, awaiting ever so sweetly under the Tuscan stars! Until next time!
Mary Capwell : “Special experience” From the moment we drove up the driveway, we knew our experience was going to be very special. The house has such a lovely hilltop setting with endless sky, soft hills in a hundred shades of green all around, fragrant flowers everywhere and such total peace and quiet... The house itself has perfect elemental qualities- mellow aged stone, large rooms, sunlight, and a feeling of air and space everywhere. You did such a sensitive job restoring and creating! We loved so many things - the windows with their strong shutters, each which framed a distant "picture", the high ceilings and tall doors, the rustic floors, the delightful and different showers in each delightful and different bed/bath. The kitchen and portico were so fabulous - dinner preparation began each night as a group effort at about 6:00 pm and I don't think we got up out of our chairs until till midnight or 1:00 am! Those dinners were truly memorable for all. Of course, the blazing fire, maintained by our 15 year-old grandson, added to the ambience that kept us there. The well-designed garden was my favorite. How lovely to have as much fragrant lavender as one could want, a variety of beautiful roses, herbs and spring vegetables all at once! Baby artichokes, fresh peas, green beans, 3 different types of lettuce and little zucchinis abounding. Rosemary as a shrub surrounding the pond! And all so well-tended each day by Palmiro. Our 7-year old grandaughter was particularly taken by the garden - that's where she gravitated at the beginning and end of each day. Patrizio, I know I am not capturing all there is at Podere Palazzo. I just know that everyone in our family thought it was an absolutely magical and unforgettable place! Thank you for providing this experience for us
Paula and Janet : “Exquisite week” Just returned from an exquisite week spent at Domus Civita. The villa is a perfect blend of the modern and the ancient, and Patrizio spared no effort in ensuring that we enjoyed our stay to the maximum. Thanks for introducing us to drivers Luca and Francesca, who whisked us everywhere we wanted to go in comfort and luxury; Elisabetta and Francesco, who provided an impassioned and fascinating tour of Orvieto, both above ground and below; Agostino and Marco for a much welcomed massage session at the villa; and Gustavo for his wonderful meals, his attention to our every need, and most of all for his friendship. If you have the chance to stay in Civita, make sure you have at least one meal at Ostaria al Forno di Agnese and enjoy the hospitality and beautiful food courtesy of the owner, Manuela. This was an experience of a lifetime, and we cannot recommend Domus Civita enough to anyone who has ever dreamed of the perfect Italian vacation
Chris : “Unparalleled experience” Dear Patrizio It's hard to overstate how wonderful this country, town, home is. You have provided unparalleled experience by creating this lovely home inside this enchanting town. We enjoyed our three weeks, lived much as the locals do, and made some wonderful memories with the locals as well. And let me sing the praises of Gustavo, warm, charming, helpful and easy going. He has made an already excellent experience flawless. I do hope to come back someday, but if not I will have memories to last my whole life. And I will tell my friends (but not too many as I don't want the secret to get out). We wish you much success and thank you for a great time.
Lisa and Jacob : “Truly a find...” Patrizio, we had a WONDERFUL time at Domus Civita! As usual, you both have outdone yourselves. Civita is truly a find. I was delighted by the fact that it is so pristine and untouched---no touristy shops, no plastic signs, no McDonalds, no billboards. Everything was tranquil and unspoiled. The shopkeepers were so welcoming and friendly. Jacob came back from his first foray to the cafe on the corner to say that "word had spread in town" and people were asking if we were the family "at Patrizio's, with the babies". We received the same warm welcome at midnight mass, where we have a picture of Geoffrey kissing the baby Jesus after making the procession to the manger. You were right about the Live Xmas Nativity--it was a real treat. That was one of the two nights that our cousins were with us from Geneva. They also had a great time and took a ridiculous number of photos. We also had a fabulous evening with Iside and her cooking class. Our meal was so wonderful that Jacob and I actually drove up to their restaurant La Parolina in Trevinano the following day for lunch. I'm sure Iside thought we were insane!
Sonia : “Heavenly beauty” Civita di Bagnoregio has been defined as unique, extraordinary, magical. And truly, spending some days at Domus Civita heightens all of these aspects, adding a new dimension: the private enjoyment of Civita's enchantment. When you are done visiting the environs, or strolling around in Civita (getting to meet Civita's inhabitants is one of the many charms of this small village (as it is to eat at the cozy Forno di Agnese). Staying at Domus Civita felt like being able to privately enjoy the heavenly beauty of Civita. When all the tourists cross the bridge and leave, one feels left in a very special place: the large spaces and the hidden nooks of the house can only mildly prepare you to the stunning beauty of the garden. Sharing a glass of wine with friends in the private magic of the garden, or looking outside from the pool is an experience one can hardly forget.
Lynn: "Incredibly beautiful" Hello, Patrizio I know that you receive countless compliments on your incredibly beautiful property, and after our week at Mazzini 31, I understand why. Last week, my family and friends shared a truly special vacation in Umbria, in large part because of our home base. Every aspect of our stay was perfection -- from the greeting and welcome dinner prepared by Gustavo; to the cooking lesson by your delightful sister, Valeria; the spa, the wine cellar, the wine tour, our day trips, everything was perfecto! I have to share one very personal experience. As our week came to a conclusion, I awoke at sunrise and wandered out onto the terrace, my favorite music by Andrea Bocelli playing on my iPad. It was cool and quiet except for Bocelli singing Con Te Partiro' (accompanied by a crowing rooster in the distance), and I was absolutely overcome with such a sense of peace and total happiness that I started to cry (and as I write this, I am tearing up yet again.) This is a memory that will last the rest of my life.
Paul: "More spectacular in person…" My wife and I booked Mazzini 31 to celebrate by 50th birthday with two other couples in April 2018. This home which looks amazing in pictures was more spectacular in person – and is quite large with lots of room for 3 couples to enjoy. The terrace is large and offers an amazing view – and we took full advantage of the pool after dinner on a few of the nights – truly a unique experience with a door opening onto a very quiet walkway in front, great lighting and very warm water. Patrizio was very helpful with our initial booking – and House Manager Gustavo went above and beyond to arrange a private chef for us who cooked an amazing meal on site, arranged a driver for one of the days and was very helpful with reservations. We plan on returning one day – but will likely stay at one of their other properties first.
Eric: "Relaxing and peaceful" Our vacations have been great… just disappointed that they are now finished! Not because it’s your property but Mazzini 31 has been the best experience in Italy. Our stays in Roma, Firenze and Milano did not reach the level of relaxing and peace mind we have had in your house. Thank you!!!
Rick : "Best time" We had the best time at Mazzini 31. Your staff was tip top. Professional, so nice and fun. Your property was so perfect. Your architectural and design talent is also very impressive.Thanks for the best holiday ever. We may try a Mexican property next year. Thanks again for the great service.
Bronwen & friends : “Amazing time” Thanks so much Patrizio! We had an AMAZING time and the girls said it was the perfect vacation. Manager Leila was great as were Tanis (yoga) and the chefs (Maga & Mel). We really appreciated all of it. Thanks for creating such a lovely getaway. We actually didn't surf so we'll have to go back!!! I have my sights set on Domus Civita next!
Simon, Australia : “Fabulous time” We had a fabulous time in Sayulita and loved our stay at Casa Dos Chicos!We didn't want to leave! The property is exactly as the photos suggest, if not better. The views are stunning, the bedroom interior design is impeccable and the rooftop kitchen and living area are amazing. Thanks to you and Leila for all your help and hospitality. We definitely hope to return one day!
Liz, Michigan : “Best vacation ever” I cannot say enough about the house - every vista is beautiful and the amenities are first rate. We had the best vacation ever!
Lynne: “Amazing adventure” I've written in my head to you all week. Words are not enough to thank you or congratulate you on your amazing Casa dos Chicos. My girls and I are on an amazing adventure here. The sanctuary of comfort, detail and pure beauty. Thank you so much...we have so enjoyed your home. The kitchen is amazing, the pool so refreshing. The hammocks! We have so enjoyed the open air markets and cooking in our lovely kitchen together...we made tamales!!! We have incredible photos to send you. One of my daughters has quite the talent and I think her photos reflect Sayulita even better than yours! We would very much like to visit your home in the Tuscany area of Italy in two yrs for yet another graduation from High school! Well, off to my hammock for one last siesta! Muchas Gracias!!!
Amy : “Sad to leave” How sad to leave your lovely home! It was just as beautiful as the pictures! We couldn't think of a place we would rather be in town than Casa Dos Chicos - and we've been to Sayulita 3 times and know the various lodging options quite well! We loved the proximity to town but the remote, relaxed feel high above the bustle of the Plaza. Thank you!
Mitchell, USA : “Perfect Destination” I highly recommend Casa Dos Chicos as a prefect destination for anyone looking for a break from daily life in a chic beautiful setting. The house makes you feel relaxed and at home the minute you walk in the gates. The simplicity and elegance of the guestrooms, which are big, airy and beautifully appointed, will give you a feeling of a stylish, modern Mexican home. The Casa’s location grants a stunning view of the town of Sayulita and the sunset from the rooftop soaking tub is not to be missed. A short walk from the Casa, you will find wonderful shops, outrageously good restaurants and the famous surfing beach. Honestly it was the best vacation I have had in years! Casa dos Chicos was so relaxing, so very comfortable and simply not to be missed if you are planning on staying in Sayulita!
Meghan: “Ultimate Mexican Escape” Casa dos Chicos is the ultimate Mexican escape for people who want a luxurious but still authentic travel experience. Its position up the hill, looking out over the town (not to mention the rooftop living room view of the ocean!) gives the house a removed, serene effect without feeling disconnected. It's not a gated or resort experience. You feel every bit a part of the town of Sayulita while you're there and can enjoy the vibrant energy of this wonderful little town.
Maggie: "Wonderful trip" Hi Patrizio,
I cannot even begin to describe how wonderful this trip was. And it truly would not have been the same without our home base being the beautiful Casa Saturno. I already want to plan a trip back. The house is amazing in every way- authentic, simple, spacious, and the outdoor and pool area is fantastic. All of the ladies on the trip loved it.
The housekeepers were great and professional, as was Ernesto. It was great to have him as an accessible resource in the area. Loved our night guard Samuel also. I have already told tons of clients and friends about it and hop to send many your way in the future.
Thanks agin for everything.
Faisal : "Great views and location" We loved Patrizio's place, Casita Mimas! Great views and location. Would love to stay again!
David : "Casita Mimas" Wow! You can't appreciate Casita Mimas fully until you make it to the top level (where the kitchen/living area is) and see the breath taking views of the ocean and beautiful nature. The dipping pool is perfect during the day and enjoy the hot tub by night. An easy walk into town -- downhill --5 minute walk. The kitchen is fully stocked and a joy to use. We worked from the space during the day (taking advantage of the wifi) -- lounging on the top level and taking breaks for sun bathing and pool dipping. This place is as luxurious and breathtaking as it gets. You can tell the owners put great thought and care into the place. Maid service daily -- My Girlfriend and I selected this place for my 40th birthday -- and it was the best possible way to splurge on a big milestone.
Aaron: “More beautiful in person" Casa Saturno was even more beautiful in person, if that is at all possible. The house manager was extremely helpful in managing our airport transfers and any other questions that came up. I highly recommend having Maga cook for you, if only for one night. It was delicious! The house is in a great location but Sayulita can be a noisy town! Would definitely recommend it and hope to come again!