Villa Il Gufo
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Nestled within the small medieval village of Anghiari, Villa il Gufo is comprised of several Tuscan farmhouses, restored with love and passion to create a magic...
Read moreOverview
Nestled within the small medieval village of Anghiari, Villa il Gufo is comprised of several Tuscan farmhouses, restored with love and passion to create a magical estate of distinctive earthy colour tones and subtle aromas of jasmine and rose.
The property consists of three units dating back to 1600, that include a monastery that housed Camaldolesi monks for over a thousand years, a main house spread over three stories with private terracotta terraces, and a charming stone cottage about 30m away from the main building. All of these fascinating buildings have long and varied histories, and have been restored with respect to their heritage, keeping many of the original features such as the floor tiles, stone steps and thick wooden trusses.
Surrounding the buildings are carefully maintained landscaped gardens boasting a wide array of colourful blossoms, and a further five acres of woodland home to one of the oldest cypresses in the valley and many resident squirrels, hares, deer, pheasants, and owls. This strong connection to nature is one of the standout attractions of the property, where guests can relax in the sun by the large outdoor swimming pool, hide away in a small wooden snug secluded among the olive trees, enjoy the children’s playground with hammocks and games, or dine al-fresco on a veranda surrounded by roses.
It's a foragers paradise too with mushrooms, truffles, blackberries and all sorts of spices - the owners would be delighted to accompany you into the fruitful woodland.
Indeed, the family behind the renovation of this wonderful property is extremely passionate about the experience that each guest enjoys and encourage you to specify any needs you may have before you arrive in order for them to ensure they can provide you with the perfect tailor-made service. To ensure that the culinary heritage is fully appreciated, the owners who live in a cottage opposite the villa, are on hand to help organise meals, wine and oil tastings in many oil mills and wineries in the area. They can even arrange all of this within the estate so you never have to leave the comfort of Villa il Gufo!
What you should know…
- An exceptionally friendly owner lives in the cottage directly opposite and is always at hand, both for carrying out usual property maintenance tasks as well as for providing optional catering and range of local services.
- During winter the old buildings can get a little chilly, so make sure you request the heating be turned on (charges apply). The antique fireplace also creates a warm ambience in cooler months.
- The pool is accessed via a staircase with wooden steps.
- The cottage benefits from having a disabled toilet for guests with reduced mobility.
- The first floor of the main villa can also be accessed via an external staircase from the garden.
- When minimum occupancies are booked, certain rooms may not be accessible (subject to owner's discretion) - best to enquire with us beforehand.
This home is a part of our Great Value Collection!
Our great value homes:
- may be traditionally styled for a laid back feeling
- may have some simple amenities and features
- mean that you can enjoy top holiday destinations for less!
This home is a part of our Sustainable Collection!
- Wild foraging of mushrooms, blackberries, truffles and spices
- Solar water heating
Property Features
1) 4 double bedrooms (8 guests). The main villa is at guests' disposal. The other bedrooms will be closed.
2) 7 double bedrooms (14 guests). The number of bedrooms at guests’ disposal will depend on the group composition, though some bedrooms might be closed.
3) 7 double bedrooms + sofa beds (20 guests). All rooms and sofa-beds at guests’ disposal.
The Villa (access to the main house is from two sides: the kitchen and the living room)
Ground Floor
- Large living room with huge antique fireplace, Steinway piano, 3 sofas, 5 square tables and chairs
- Small sitting area with armchairs
- Fully-equipped kitchen with 6 burners, a large oven, 2 large fridges, two sinks, a dishwasher (that completes a full load in 60 seconds!), washing machine, coffee machine, kettle, microwave, dryer, toaster, deep fryer and a kitchen table next to a working fireplace
First Floor
- Living room with original working fireplace
- Large terrace with stunning views
- Suite with a double bed, ensuite bathroom and a corner bath tub
- Suite with a double bed, ensuite shower room and access to the terrace
- Suite with a sitting area with a double sofa bed (suitable for two guests), ensuite bathroom and French doors leading to the terrace
Second Floor (said to be an old watchtower)
- Mezzanine library
- Suite with a double bed and a living room with fireplace and double sofa bed (the two rooms are separated by a door but share the same en-suite bathroom)
The Cottage
- Master bedroom with two bathrooms (a disabled toilet and a bathroom with hydro-massage shower)
- Compact kitchen
- Garden with table and chairs, suitable for 2 or 3 people
Former Chapel
Ground Floor
- Suite with a double bed and en-suite shower room
First Floor
- Suite with a master bedroom and en-suite bathroom with shower
- Kitchenette with refrigerator
Outside Grounds (1 hectare)
- Swimming Pool (12m x 6m, depth: 1.5m), open approximately mid-May to mid-September
- Large outdoor terrace furnished with sun loungers, tables, chairs and parasols
- Extensive lush gardens
- Ancient well
- Games area with table tennis, hammocks, rackets and balls
- Pergola with a table and chairs near the kitchen and another by the pool
- 5 acres of woodland
- Laundry room with a washing machine and tumble dryer
- Parking
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating (available for use from 1st November, unless requested in advance)
- Air-conditioning (bedrooms)
- TVs (in each bedroom)
- DVDs
- Stereo with CD player
- Mini-bar (in each bedroom)
- Hairdryers
- Books and magazines
- Guides and information about the area
- Board games
- Iron and ironing board
- Mosquito screens
Extra Sustainability Gems About the Property
The owners have installed solar panels to provide hot water, the park is home to centuries-old plants and the property benefits from no air pollution meaning the starry skies, sunrises and sunsets are truly amazing.
Location
About the surrounding area of Villa Il GufoJust 1km from the property, in the village of Tavernelle di Anghiari, you will find the basic necessities and a couple of restaurants.
Anghiari (5 mins drive away) is a small gem known throughout the world for its art and culture, antique shops, local crafts, excellent restaurants and its medieval history. Built around the flow of the Arno and Tiber rivers it is dotted with churches, medieval houses, monasteries and archaeological sites. From the top you can see the entire valley - a truly magnificent view. Its narrow streets and squares are home to masterpieces of painting and sculpture that in recent years have received recognition from the Italian touring cub who declared it one of the most beautiful villages of Italy.
Over the years various famous artists have lived here including Michelangelo Buonarroti, Piero della Francesca, Luca Pacioli and Leonardo da Vinci who painted here at the famous Battle of Anghiari.
The food, the art, the history, the culture can all be felt everywhere, from the farmer's market on Wednesday to the Tuesday and Saturday markets in Sansepolcro, during the many festivals held throughout the year, and especially in the summer music festivals.
The house’s location is an ideal base from which to visit the most popular places in Tuscany such as Florence, Siena, Assisi, Perugia, which are all less than 100km from the house, or in just over two hours you can reach Lucca and Pisa.
An easy drive takes you to the lesser known but charming villages of Sansepolcro, Cortona (famous for the book and film "Under the Tuscan Sun" by Frances Mayes), Citerna and Monterchi. Also nearby is the beautiful hermitage of La Verna where Francis of Assisi received the stigmata and Arezzo, famous for the film "Life is Beautiful" where every first weekend of the month one of the most famous antiques fairs in Italy is held here.
Being on the border with Umbria, it is well worth a walk in Città di Castello, Gubbio and Lake Trasimeno up to Spello, or visit Deruta which is known worldwide for its famous handmade pottery.
If your passion is fishing there are many lakes where you will find trout and chub, and you can also fish at the dam of Montedoglio, that is full of pike and carp.
If shopping is your thing then there are many outlets (the mall, Prada, Valdichiana outlet, Befane) that can be reached in less than an hour's drive.
Tennis courts and bowling can be found in Anghiari and Sansepolcro, where there are also gyms and fitness centres. Meanwhile there is a stunning 9-hole golf course in Perugia.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Perugia Airport
(77km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Florence Airport
(100km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Arezzo
(27km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Tavernelle di Anghiari
(1km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Anghiari
(3km) |
||
| Nearest Beach |
Adriatic Coast
(150km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Perugia
(80km) |
||
Region
Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, the Chianti and Arezzo region is a captivating destination that effortlessly combines the rustic charm of the Italian countryside with rich historical heritage. This enchanting area is renowned for its rolling vineyards, picturesque landscapes, and quaint villages, making it a haven for travellers seeking an authentic taste of Italy.
Tuscany
With its rolling fields, historical heritage and a cuisine that’s a delight for all the senses, it’s no wonder Tuscany is one of the most popular regions in Italy for holidaymakers. Yet even with its popularity, you can still kick back in one of our luxury villas in Tuscany and feel peace, tranquillity and the joy of seclusion.
This is one destination that really does have a little bit of everything for everyone, whether you’re travelling with family, friends or are just looking for a romantic getaway with that special someone.
Kids
Best Suited For: All Ages
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Booster seat
- Bath toys
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Village
- <1hr to Airport
- Tennis Nearby
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Children's videos/DVDs
- Children's books
- Board games
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
- DVD
- Fenced Grounds
Services Available
- Catering Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
Oliver's Extras
- Cooking Classes Available
- Wine-Tasting Available
- Transfers Available
- Catering Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- On-Site Concierge
- Property host
- Shopping Service Available
- Air Balloon Rides Available
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From pr...
Read moreExtras
Oliver's Extras
- Cooking Classes Available
- Wine-Tasting Available
- Transfers Available
- Catering Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- On-Site Concierge
- Property host
- Shopping Service Available
- Air Balloon Rides Available
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help.We can help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras available on request at the property (payable locally):
- Welcome basket (on request) with jam, butter, biscuits, cookies, pastries, juices, tea, sugar, salt, pepper, cleaning products. It's free of charge, but still on request, for bookings of 2 or more weeks
- Extra cleaning(no kitchen)
- Extra cleaning of the kitchen
- Towel and linen change
- Shopping service
- Cooking demonstration and classes
- Tasting of local products
- Hairdresser
- Airport transfers
- Car rental
- Mountain bike rental
- Local guide/Guided walks
- Horse riding
- Tennis
- Golf
- Air balloon rides
- Italian classes
- Wine tasting
- Foraging: mushroom, olive, strawberry, blackberry amongst others (according to the season)
Optional Meals
You can enjoy delicious breakfasts, snacks, lunches and gourmet dinners lovingly prepared by the owner Laura and her team, or even picnics in the woods (always fondly remembered by previous guests).
Meal prices vary depending on the season and ingredients required.
Please note that the use of any external caterers and/or contractors is not permitted.
Please note that all services are subject to availability and must be requested in advance and that due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. Prices are on request. We will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
This gorgeous secluded estate nestles in the Tuscan hills near Anghiari, one of the most beautiful m...
Read moreEvent information
This gorgeous secluded estate nestles in the Tuscan hills near Anghiari, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Italy.
It’s such a romantic venue for a wedding and can accommodate a lengthy guest list in its beautiful landscaped gardens filled with colourful, fragrant blooms. There are olive trees, acres of woodland, a large swimming pool and a rose covered veranda for your guests to enjoy during their stay here.
The owners, who have a reputation for superb Tuscan cooking, can cater for smaller groups inside the villa and with so many wineries in the area you will be spoilt for choice.
Indoor Capacity - 36
Outdoor Capacity - up to 200
Wedding Ceremony
A symbolic ceremony is possible in any of the reception locations listed above.
A civil ceremony could take place at one of the local town halls between 1 and 10km from the site.
There is a chapel for up to 60 people 600m from the villa which could be used or there are larger churches 2km from the villa.
The owners can provide details of an English-speaking celebrant.
Wedding Reception
Up to 200 guests can be hosted for a reception in the villa gardens. Alternatively, there are many other areas throughout the grounds for varying group sizes. By the pool, up to 30 people could be seated or an unlimited number could have a standing buffet.
Up to 36 could be seated inside the villa, 28 under the outdoor wood-covered pergola or up to 20 seated on the terrace.
Dancing could continue in any of the same locations with music outside until 11:30pm and inside until 1:30am. Events should finish by midnight, but an extension can be permitted on request, for an additional fee.
Additional Fees for Events
Pricing is created on request, please enquire for details.
Wedding Planning
The venue can do all the planning in-house or can put the client in touch with a wedding planner.
Catering
Venue provides some event catering – groups of around 30 people are catered for in-house. Larger groups will be provided with external caterers. There is an extra fee for external caterers using the villa’s kitchen.
Wedding Packages
Day before and after events are permitted at an extra cost, please enquire for details.
Where To Stay
Up to 20 people can sleep at the property.
All remaining guests would be able to find accommodation 500m to 1km away from the villa.
The owners are able to supply details of local transport firms and, at extra cost, could provide help with booking additional guest accommodation.
Venue Accessibility
There are limited public transportation options available. There is complimentary parking on-site. There is limited access for wheelchair users.
Venue Back-Up
An external structure such as a marquee etc would have to be put up in case of rain.
Wedding Suppliers
The venue can supply lists of recommended suppliers for all aspects of the day. External suppliers can only be used on request.
Flexibility on Duration
There is a minimum stay of 7 nights in high season and a 5 night minimum stay for all other times.
Children
Children are welcome (no event childcare services are available).
Noise Restrictions
Noise should be minimised after a certain hour to respect neighbours - this is to be discussed at the time of booking.
Other Information
There are no restrictions on decoration and themes - bring your creative ideas!
There is limited security measures in place (as always, guests are responsible for their belongings).
Venue’s usual event timings are:
Lunch 12pm-2.30pm.
Dinner 6.30pm – 11.30pm.
Event to finish by midnight (extra hours available on request/for a fee).
Outdoor events run from May until mid-September.
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
| Security deposit | €2000 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. Check-in outside this time may be subject to an extra cost. Please enquire for more details. |
| Departure time | 9.30 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €2000 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. Check-in outside this time may be subject to an extra cost. Please enquire for more details. |
| Departure time | 9.30 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Extra €650 per week, paid locally in cash. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Extra €650 per stay, paid in cash locally. For stays of 2 weeks, cleaning is mandatory after the first week at cost of €450 in 2024 and €500 in 2025, paid in cash locally. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights during high season, 5 nights during low season. 7 nights in 2025. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. |
| Heating costs included? | Extra €850 per week, paid in cash locally. |
| Internet access? | Wi-Fi internet access included. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. |
| Pool towels included? | No. On request and at an extra cost. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately mid-May to mid-September. Early openings and postponed closings of the swimming pool can be arranged at an extra cost with at least 2 months' notice, to be agreed with the owner at the time of booking. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Villa can be rented with the following capacities: 8 guests: 4 double bedrooms. The main villa is at guests' disposal. The other bedrooms will be closed. 9-14 guests: 7 double bedrooms. The number of bedrooms at guests’ disposal depends upon the group composition, though some bedrooms might be closed. 20 guests: 7 double bedrooms + sofa beds. All rooms and sofa-beds are at guests’ disposal. |
| Other Ts and Cs | A cot (excluding cot linen) and high chair are available on request. A second cot can be provided for an extra charge of €85, payable in cash locally. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Please note that, for bookings of 2-weeks or more weeks additional cleaning is mandatory after the first week at a cost of €450 in 2024 and €500 in 2025, payable in cash locally. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Please note that the barbecue is only available on request, at an extra cost. |
| Other Ts and Cs | An exceptionally friendly owner lives in the cottage directly opposite and is always at hand, both for carrying out usual property maintenance tasks as well as for providing optional catering and range of local services. |
| Tax | Italian Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night - please enquire if exact amount is required). |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 8 people:
| Rental period | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 22nd 2024 - Dec 21st 2024 | £3,969 | £5,557 |
| Dec 21st 2024 - Jan 11th 2025 | - | £7,524 |
| Jan 11th 2025 - Apr 19th 2025 | - | £5,557 |
| Apr 19th 2025 - May 10th 2025 | - | £7,640 |
| May 10th 2025 - Jun 7th 2025 | - | £8,798 |
| Jun 7th 2025 - Sep 20th 2025 | - | £10,418 |
| Sep 20th 2025 - Oct 25th 2025 | - | £8,335 |
| Oct 25th 2025 - Dec 20th 2025 | - | £5,557 |
| Dec 20th 2025 - Apr 18th 2026 | - | £7,640 |
| Apr 18th 2026 - May 9th 2026 | - | £7,640 |
| May 9th 2026 - May 26th 2026 | - | £8,798 |
Prices based on an occupancy of 14 people:
| Rental period | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 22nd 2024 - Dec 21st 2024 | £4,796 | £6,714 |
| Dec 21st 2024 - Jan 11th 2025 | - | £8,682 |
| Jan 11th 2025 - Apr 19th 2025 | - | £6,714 |
| Apr 19th 2025 - May 10th 2025 | - | £8,798 |
| May 10th 2025 - Jun 7th 2025 | - | £9,955 |
| Jun 7th 2025 - Sep 20th 2025 | - | £12,039 |
| Sep 20th 2025 - Oct 25th 2025 | - | £9,492 |
| Oct 25th 2025 - Dec 20th 2025 | - | £6,714 |
| Dec 20th 2025 - Apr 18th 2026 | - | £8,798 |
| Apr 18th 2026 - May 9th 2026 | - | £8,798 |
| May 9th 2026 - May 26th 2026 | - | £9,955 |
Prices based on an occupancy of 20 people:
| Rental period | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 22nd 2024 - Dec 21st 2024 | £5,623 | £7,872 |
| Dec 21st 2024 - Jan 11th 2025 | - | £9,839 |
| Jan 11th 2025 - Apr 19th 2025 | - | £7,872 |
| Apr 19th 2025 - May 10th 2025 | - | £9,955 |
| May 10th 2025 - Jun 7th 2025 | - | £11,113 |
| Jun 7th 2025 - Sep 20th 2025 | - | £13,196 |
| Sep 20th 2025 - Oct 25th 2025 | - | £10,650 |
| Oct 25th 2025 - Dec 20th 2025 | - | £7,872 |
| Dec 20th 2025 - Jan 10th 2026 | - | £9,955 |
| Jan 10th 2026 - Apr 18th 2026 | - | £7,872 |
| Apr 18th 2026 - May 9th 2026 | - | £9,955 |
| May 9th 2026 - May 26th 2026 | - | £11,113 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Owner name
Laura
How long have you owned the property?
Since 2000.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
In the perfect property with ...
Owner Profile
Owner name
Laura
How long have you owned the property?
Since 2000.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
In the perfect property with history and an unique place for the park
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
It was a monastery of Camaldolesi monks. This property has 1000 years old.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
yes many, artist, musical artist, politic, actors...We made a movie inside
For anyone coming to stay is there anything in the surrounding area they should...
Really do? vist Anghiari and all Tuscany We are in the middle, visit all our open market, walking in the nature, sleep without rumors
Really eat? Our tuscan specialities pasta, fiorentina meet...
Really see? Museum, La Verna Monastery, all te small country nearby
Lastly, what insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
Came and see...Lissen the sound of the nature and you will find the perfect armony. this is my Pearl I would like you see and discover how you will have fun
Reviews
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Everything we thought and more
Villa Il Gufo is everything we thought it would be, and more! Laura is extremely responsive - from the initial inquiry request to the morning we checked out with the host family personally sending us off, the communication and personal touch was beyond our expectations!
Highly recommend taking full advantage of Laura’s amazing cooking - Tuscan deliciousness!
The villa was a perfect setting for our group of 14 friends celebrating our 50th birthdays…we would highly recommend. -
Simply amaing
Our stay (14 adults, 1 child) in the villa was simply amazing. Laura gave us a warm welcome while communication with her before and during the stay was always simple and always received a quick response. The equipment of the villa is fantastic. The villa I can highly recommend without reservation.
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One of the nicest pools
We had a lovely week at Villa Il Gufo. The house is well equipped and comfortable. The pool area is beautiful and one of the nicest we’ve ever had at a holiday villa.
Laura and his family were extremely responsive and helpful. We had the chef service in the Villa one evening which was absolutely stunning and so worth it. We also took advantage of the transfer service and Laura was also happy to give excellent recommendations on supermarkets, restaurants and local attractions.
A great holiday - thanks to Laura, Dario and of course all the family. -
Phenomenal!
Our stay at Villa il Gufo was phenomenal! We had 11 guests and lots of room to spare. The pool was wonderful (we have small children who basically lived in it during our visit). Laura was a great host and chef, the best food we had while in Italy (a high bar!).
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It is like a dream.
Amidst vineyards and olive groves, a hilltop oasis with spectacular views from all sides. Incredibly peaceful, spacious, and comfortable -we stayed with 14 people (4 kids and 10 adults) and everyone had their own bedroom and and plenty of room to be apart or spend time together-. All rooms are lovely and welcoming and well appointed. The house stayed cool even in 100 degree weather, and the air conditioners worked well. Laura cook 2 amazing dinners for us, one for the night we arrived to put in the refrigerator, and one fabulous feast of many courses to celebrate our son's birthday -a real highlight of the trip-. The pool is gorgeous and with a world class view. thanks for all the memories we hope to be back!
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Just amazing
The villa was just amazing and enjoyed by our entire group! We would highly recommend to anyone looking to book this for a larger group or family event. We had many laughs, lots of food and wine and just pure relaxation. The location, views, tours and food cooked for us was an experience that many will not forget. Many memories and laughs were had at the villa or poolside with pasta lessons, dinners and tours . Thanks for the nice experience!
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Beautiful views and peaceful
Excellent Tuscan Villa off the Via Francigena. Easy 5 minute drive to Anghiari. The villa was amazing. two of the rooms was a converted 1000 year old church. Beautiful views and peaceful. Laura was an amazing host that provided excellent recommendations for all our stay.
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Stunning view
Splendid Tuscan house nestled in the hills. Stunning view of the surroundings. Very quiet environment. Very nice outdoor furniture, especially around a large swimming pool. Very spacious house with 7 bedrooms that each have their own bathroom. Very large kitchen well equipped for a group stay (14 people) House very well located to visit the surroundings (Florence, Pisa Siena...) A big thank you to Laura, always available, who helped and advised us throughout our stay.
Thanks for the perfect stay!! -
Words can not describe it!
First of all we want to thank dearly to Laura who welcomed us. She was in contact with us way before our trip and helped us so much both to plan the holiday and other things we needed help with! Thank you very much! It's so not obvious to get such a warm hand
The place itself… even better than the pictures! Just PERFECT! We were 16 people as a family trip (6 kids between 4-8 years) and 10 adults.
Rooms were excellent and so the accessories of the house, we lack absolutely nothing! And the location is great, the views are breathtaking and phenomenal!
We’d definitely like come back. Thank you so much
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Great location
Fabulous farmhouse steeped in history with far reaching views over the Tuscan hills. Quiet and private with a great pool and several different eating areas inside and out. Laura was friendly and attentive in every way. Great location and thoroughly recommended!
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Clean, functional and nicely decorarted
We can highly recommend Villa Il Gufo. We spent a week with family and friends (7 grown ups, 10 children aged 6-12) and had a comfortable and fun stay. The space and great pool were larger than expected, everything clean, functional and nicely decorated. The beds were comfortable, air condition a plus before going to sleep and the mosquitos not as bad a expected. Despite spending lots of time in the pool and on the terrace, we spent a good amount of time exploring the surroundings. Many thanks also to Laura who was very kind, fast and uncomplicated with all the communication. We hope to came back soon.
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Amazing place!
Amazing place! Incredible views.
Really good dinner. The host Laura was very helpful and nice. Great Tuscan experience. -
Highly highly recommended
A wonderful house in an incredible environment. Very large and spacious.
The kitchen is huge and the rooms are cosy and decorated with a lot of charm.
The pool is fantastic and has memorable views of the surroundings.
The advice given by Laura was perfect to make our stay perfect
Highly highly recommended -
Delightful week
Our family, along with three others, had a delightful week at Villa il Gufo. The grounds were beautiful with abundant outside communal space and everyone had plenty of room inside the villa as well. The host Laura was lovely, bringing us complimentary homemade cake, lemon sorbet, and wine. We took day trips to Florence, Pisa, Chianti country, Siena, and San Gimignano and then enjoyed cooling off in the pool upon our return to the house.
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Wonderful holiday
What a wonderful and special villa. Lots of atmosphere. Perfect for a large family ( we were 12 adults, 4 teens and 2 small children) We cooked ourselves and enjoyed our meals outside. Great with the professional dishwashers!
We loved the pool and luckily we had a/c in the rooms because the weather was hot all week.
Thank you for a wonderful holiday. -
The view gives us the best of Tuscany
Magnificent building which transported us for these few days. A change of scenery guaranteed.
The view of the vineyards, olive trees and cypresses gives us the best of Tuscany.
The house is very well equipped, spacious, very good bedding.
Everyone has their privacy thanks to the numerous adjoining bedrooms and bathrooms.
Our host took great care of us. Special mention for the wine and olive oil of the house. -
Highly recommended
Villa il Gufo is such a lovely place to stay with a large group. There are lots of communal spaces inside & out to be together with great long tables so everyone can eat together. We enjoyed using the well equipped kitchen. The pool & surrounding area is great, there are two verandas to set up food & drinks. The pool is a great size for a large group of adults & children & lots of comfortable sun beds around.
Each of the bedrooms has its own bathroom, which was so great for a large group. A good range of rooms with small beds & cots able to be added for children.
The hosts were incredible. They organized two dinners & also an incredible birthday cake from a local bakery for a birthday we had during our stay.
I would highly recommend staying at villa il Gufo, we are definitely looking to come back again. -
Perfect stay
The villa is simply a dream. It has a fantastic location. It's really placed on a remarkable spot in a fantastic landscape. The surrounding to make your day and holiday complete. All rooms were very well decorated. The service was excellent. The environment and the fantastic view are marvellous.
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Paradise in nature
If you want to take a break from your life this is the perfect place to go. In nature with all the comfort you need and specially with the smile of Laura the owner who will welcome you like home. The place and view are so beautiful. Perfect place to go for a break (villages all around are beautiful). Lots of things to do with kids and friends. Cooking is delicious and the swimming pool and sunset are great! We'll go back.
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Like home
Second trip to this amazing place, with another group of 20! Like the first time, Laura is an amazing hostess, always help us. We barely seen her through the whole week, and even though we were loud and full of energy, she never complained for the noise or disturbed in any way. We felt at home. The rules are simple, the place is amazing, clean, well kept and equipped for everything. The only problem is going back home!
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Truly Magical
The owner Laura was most gracious. She welcomed us with open arms and was lovingly sad when we left. We stayed for a week with a group of 12 family and friends. The rooms are beautiful, the views breathtaking and the grounds impeccable.We used all the spaces. Playing cards on the patio, wonderful mealsin the huge dining room, ping pong and swimming in the backacreage, coffee on the upstairs veranda. The kitchenthat was well designed made cooking easy. Laura made us an amazing meal, with fresh local ingredients, with about 12 appetizers, an eggplant dish, tasty spinach and sausage, pasta with mushrooms she picked fresh and desserts out of this world. It was the trip of a lifetime. Easy side trips to Anghiari, Assisi, Siena, Florence and Rome. Awesome place!
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Wonderful villa
We had a lovely week at Villa Il Gufo. It was the perfect place for us. The very spacious rooms were beautifully furnished: the beds were comfy, the linen spotless, the bathrooms clean and elegant. We especially appreciated the well-equipped kitchen and we just went out for the occasional evening meal. It was a great base from which to explore the surrounding area.
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Superb location
Our group of 14 hired the entire villa for a week. Superb location, wonderful dinner on arrival, pasta with Porcini was hilarious and enjoyed by all! We just relaxed and none of us wanted to leave. Grazie for a special time and place.
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Perfectly perfect!
All my memories of Italy are great ones. We loved and enjoyed the villa and all the kindnesses and concerns for all of us to make our stay so enjoyable. You thought of so many little things that made our days perfect. The food that the host made was wonderful. We all treasured the cooking lesson and everyone said they were going to try making it on their own. The lasagna was “to die for.” I still dream of it and feel that I am still tasting it. All of our day trips to the various towns in Tuscany were treasured. We loved Anghiari the best.
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Toujours une perle rare
Cette annee on a passé de nouveau une semaine a la Commenda et tout était absolument parfait! La chambre tres soignée, les petits repas preparés avec amour, la piscine dans le joli jardin bien entretenu et la gentilesse et la presence discrete du Laura.
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One week in heaven
We stayed 1 week in Villa Il Gufo. The place is a real gem, an old borgo, which has been renovated with respect to the places history, and located on a hillside in the beauty Tuscan countryside. The surroundings are beautiful, and perfect to enjoy a relaxing days by the garden or the swimming pool. There is many city's and attractions in a 10-30 mins driving, making it possible to do all kinds of day trips. Laura the owner was very helpful, gave us lot of ideas for our day trips, and always had time for a chat, telling us about the villa and Anghiari…
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Wonderful Stay!
We have just come back from a 3 generation stay, and all of us rated this villa very highly. It is situated in a beautiful part of Tuscany, and Alghieri itself is stunning. Easy access to other towns made it perfect for trips, and the wonderful swimming pool got top marks for those just wanting to "chill". The villa had everything we needed, and we liked the several seating and dining areas available. The owner was charming and very helpful. She wants everyone who stays there to have a memorable stay. Although she lives on site, she was unobtrusive, and we never felt she was keeping an eye on us! Her advice and help were invaluable, especially when we lost power for a short time one night during a thunderstorm! We can certainly recommend this villa and hope to return some day
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Cannot recommend this stunning property and its helpful owner enough!
We had the absolute pleasure of getting married at this stunning town of Anghiari. We hired the whole Villa Il Gufo for a week for a family holiday & wedding and had a wonderful time. We live overseas and the planning of the wedding was made so much easier by (owner) Laura - she made fantastic recommendations for everything right down to a wedding vehicle and there was nothing to worry about at all. The best part of the whole event was our wedding dinner when she had what felt like her whole family come and cater for us, they must have been in the kitchen for 12 hours at least! We had such a wonderful relaxing time here. The villa was as described, beautifully clean and the attention to detail with furniture is exceptional.
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Happy birthday
Nestling in the Tuscan hills, 5 minutes drive out of Anghiari, this villa was an ideal place for a family celebration. The villa is extensive and has a large pool set away from the property making it great for the boisterous children. There are no immediate neighbours so there is no need to worry about disturbing the neighbours.
On arrival the owner showed me round so I could decide where all the family would stay. After a long journey I was not prepared for the long list of does and don'ts I had from the owner. A large wipe board in the kitchen reinforced the regime, not very client friendly! Apart from this the owner was very helpful and made me a lovely cake for my birthday.
I do feel the end of clean cost and energy cost should be included in the villa rental. I knew there would be a final clean cost but although I was told the energy cost was fixed I wasn't aware that it was another 300 euros. A higher initial fee would be better than lots of add ons. We didn't use the coffee maker as each pod would be 1euro. Clients could end up with a large final bill if not careful.
All in all we had a wonderful time, Anghiari is a little gem and there are some fantastic places to eat nearby. -
Charming villa, amazing food & incredible host
"After Venice, it was on to Tuscany. we stayed for a week at the beautiful Villa il Gufo in Arezzo near the medieval village of Anghiari. It was a beautiful villa made all the more special by Laura Barboni, the wonderful owner. Laura was an incredible host and an awesome cook! She made us the most incredible tagliatelle with wild mushrooms she picked herself! If you are looking to go to Tuscany, I highly recommend Villa il Gufo"
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Villa Il Gufo was wonderful
The ground and buildings are absolutely beautiful. Apparently Villa Il Gufo over its long history went from a Monastery to a Tobacco farm and is now a Villa. We went in early July and the country side was warm/hot during the day and cool at night. Which enabled us to use the pool often during the day. The pool was a good size. And then at night it was cool enough not to use the air conditioning although it does have air conditioning if needed. The cool breeze came over the mountain and came right through the house making for great sleeping conditions. Having one building with one bedroom and then another building with two bedrooms with the remaining bedrooms in the main house worked out perfectly for our group. Laura (the owner) was there when needed to make sure everything was taken care of. We had four dinners and three breakfasts prepared by Laura and the Villa staff and all were wonderful. The last night being especially wonderful with the home made ravioli followed by a grilled strip steak.
The Villa was wonderful but I also have to mention the area around the Villa as well. The town of Anghiari is a 5 minutes drive away. We had made a wrong turn trying to find the Villa and came down a road right next to Anghiari and everyone in both vans jaws dropped. It is something to see sitting on top of a hill with its 50 foot walls protecting the city. There is an elevator at the bottom of the wall that takes you up to the sightseeing terrace at the top of the wall which looks out over the valley. There is parking at the bottom of the wall which made for easy access. Walking the street of Anghiari was something out of a dream.
Other places we visited from the Villa were La Verna (40 minutes) which is where Saint Francis of Assisi experienced the stigmata. It is an amazing Monastery at the top of Mount Penna. The views and grounds are something to behold. We also had lunch and tasted local olive oil. We travelled to Arezzo (30 minutes) for the antique festival. Arezzo is where the movie Life is Beautiful was filmed so you can image the beauty there. We traveled to Montalcino for wine tasting which was a little further away (1 1/2 hours) but we were set on Brunello wine. Montepulciano with its wonderful wine which we did not visit is about one hour away. Laura the Villa owner had a list of twenty other places to visit which were local (under an hour) that we did not get a chance to visit.
My Family and I will always remember the great time we had at Villa Il Gufo. It was our first taste of Italy and it surely will not be our last. -
Our Recent Stay at Villa il Gufo
My family and I recently returned from a week’s stay at Villa il Gufo. We traveled from the US on 20 June, arriving in Venice. Following 3 days in Venice, we rented cars and drove to Villa il Gufo for the next part of our adventure. We stayed at the Villa from Saturday 24 June until Saturday 1 July. There were 10 total in our group which consisted of my family of 4, my brother’s family of 4, my father and my sister-in law’s father. We were very excited about our stay at the Villa in Tuscany, however, we couldn't fully imagine how amazing it would be yet, as we had only seen pictures on the website.
I am writing to express our sincere delight with Villa il Gufo. We had a spectacular stay and we thought Laura, the owner, was the most wonderful hostess. When we arrived, we were stunned by the beauty of the gardens and grounds, the landscape, and the Villa and 2 country cottages that we would be staying in during our vacation. It was so beautiful with the flowers and the Tuscan hills in the background. We were extremely happy that this was where we booked our stay!
The rooms were clean, the décor in each room was beautifully designed and the antiques around the Villa made us feel as though we stepped back in time. The pool area was pristine and we truly enjoyed the peaceful and relaxing afternoons spent laying around and swimming in the pool. The kids especially enjoyed the water and running up and down the hills of the property to explore. It was magical.
In addition, we thoroughly enjoyed the delicious breakfast buffets prepared by Laura for 4 days of our stay. Not only was the food delicious but the presentation each morning was lovely. Laura puts her “special touch” to everything she does and it is obvious that she truly enjoys her work. We had the pleasure of experiencing 1 dinner on the final evening of our stay at the Villa. Once again, it was beautifully presented and we were treated like VIP guests. The display of homemade food was incredible and each course was 5 stars! Laura is a magnificent chef.
Finally, we would HIGHLY recommend Villa il Gufo to our family, friends and in reviews on Trip Advisor and other sites. We were extremely pleased with our stay at Villa il Gufo and the exceptional service at this gorgeous Villa. We hope to return again for a reunion in the near future. -
The ultimate Tuscan experience
We had a wonderful stay with friends at Villa Il Gufo recently. Laura really looked after us, checking that we had everything week needed and she prepared us the most fabulous Italian breakfasts and dinners, going too extreme lengths to provide us with the best local produce she could find. Villa Il Gufo is in a beautiful area of Tuscany, and we very much enjoyed exploring the local town Anghiari and taking a day-trip to Sienna. We would love to go back.
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Wonderful week for 4 families in Tuscany
We went as a group of 8 adults (+ 2 nannies) and 7 kids under 3 and had a wonderful week. The set up of the rooms was ideal with most bedrooms having 2nd bedrooms just off them to accommodate the youngsters.
The pool is huge and the best spot to while away the hours during the day. The setting of the house is extremely beautiful and peaceful with wonderful views from the top of the garden (just above the pool).
Anghiari (just about walkable but better by car (5 mins)) is a delight and a real boon to the holiday. A stunning medieval town with numerous excellent restaurants and incredible views (google them!).
I'd highly recommend the outdoor hot springs about 40 minutes from the house - worth the drive.
Laura, the owner, lives in a separate house within the grounds and makes herself available only to help the group with any catering/cleaning/day trips and then you don't see her for the rest of the day! She is absolutely lovely and we were so glad to be able to pick her brain on the best things to do locally but also to enjoy her fantastic catering service (usually 5+ courses!). We opted for breakfast each morning, dinner every other evening and a daily clean which made the holiday so much more relaxing and enjoyable.
Overall, a great week - which both adults and kids absolutely loved. -
Thank you for a lovely stay at Il Gufo
We had a marvelous holiday at Villa Il Gufo. The villa is beautiful and perfect for large groups. The owner lives there and was very helpful. The grounds are spacious and peaceful - it is a magical setting.
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Delightful stay, delightful location, delightful hostess as well
Just out of Anghiari, Villa Il Gugo surprised us as we arrived because of the peaceful yet unique atmosphere: an ancient mansion just off the road, cozy and really well-groomed. Our room, in the main building, was charming and comfortable, somehow as out of a fairy tale, with a view on the valley below and a way to the flower-decked terrace. We asked to take a look at some other rooms: every one was unique and specially furnished!
We must admit that our stay has been so pleasant also because of Laura, a particularly attentive and kind hostess; she did her best to make us have a delightful time at the villa and in the surrounding countryside. Laura gave us also one of the fondest memories of this place: a superb dinner with typical Tuscan food, in the main hall aside the fireplace.
BTW: Although it was in late September, the weather was mild enough to enjoy some relax by the swimming pool, a few steps up the hill. -
Amazing Family Vacaction
The Villa is an amazing villa in a breathtaking setting. My family and I (ten people total- including two children) stayed at the Villa last June (2014). It was the trip of a life time. The house(s) are amazing. The Villa is a gorgeous monastery that has been completely restored with every modern convenience. All the rooms have comfortable beds, AC, TVs, etc. The pool is beautiful, clean, and the pool furniture is clean and modern.
The grounds around The Villa are clean and well maintained. The houses look over Tuscan hills and sunflower fields. There are tables, chairs, and hammocks for outdoor meals and relaxing
Anghiari:
Anghiari is typical/beautiful medieval Tuscan hilltop town. It has a town square, church, castle, shops, art galleries, and restaurants. We were the only tourists in the town and we could walk to town from the villa (around 2 km). I am not sure why more people don't go there. It is just as beautiful as Montepulciano and Cortona but without the tourists and crowds. A more authentic experience.
Laura is the owner of the villa. She is an amazing woman. She lives on the grounds, but gives you complete privacy. She will cook amazing Tuscan gourmet meals with fresh ingredients from her garden (not just pasta- that's what I expected). She accommodated my vegetarian wife and mother and also my two young nephews. We had Laura prepare fantastic breakfasts for us every morning. Laura made sure every detail of our stay was perfect. She helped arrange tours and gave the car rental company an earful for being late. She was very sweet and protective of us. She treated us like family.
I love the villa and Anghiari and can't wait to go back. It's perfect for a large family or a group of friends. We had ten people with room to spare. We are already trying to plan a trip with our couple friends. -
Amazing
It was amazing. Beautiful house, Laura was very kind and discreet. I enjoyed my stay there with my friends. I'm pretty sure everybody would love it and there is nothing much to say otherwise that you, the one who read my comment, should immediately book this amazing and romantic house !
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Lovely site with attentive service
Lovely property restored and developed with great care and taste, boasting a convenient situation for the lovely typical Tuscan hill city of Anghiari, lovely views and pleasant garden, pool and shaded areas.
Breakfasts are generous and delicious plentiful lunches can be provided by cordon bleu Laura, who makes the most of fresh produces available in the region.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
