A heated pool

Reviews of Totally Private18th Century Stone Villa with 15mt heated Salt Pool


Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 46 out of 46 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 46 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 46 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 46 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Victoria M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Even better than the photos!
The Villa is even better than the photos! Beautiful views, decor. Master BR and bath are fabulous! Lots of places to sit and relax outdoors. We stayed two weeks and are hoping to come back next year-the ultimate recommendation! Martin and Anna were so helpful-both were there to greet us at check-in and we found them delightful. Martin certainly deserves his Superhost rating-he was most responsive and helpful. Thushari came every day except Sunday to clean and do our laundry. She also cooked for us every few days. We had Teodora, the masseuse, come one day. She does book up so plan ahead if you want her to come. The only downside is the long unpaved road and steep driveway to get to the property. We had an all-wheel drive which we would definitely recommend. You have to cross a river with no bridge and the water level rose to a point where it was a little sketchy driving through the water. We were there the last two weeks of May during an unusually rainy period, so this should not be an issue during drier weather. The property is quite a long way from the motorway. Note that one bedroom has a narrow double bed with a footboard, not suitable for tall people. Because of the challenging road, we would do our excursions during the day, then stay in every night, which worked fine for us. We had a great time cooking in the very well-equipped kitchen. All in all, we would recommend Villa Dolce Vita-once you get there, it is like a dream!
Stayed 13 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dee Dee D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Idyllic!
Villa Dolce Vita in Monte Castello di Vibio is everything (and more) that anyone might imagine for a "dream" Umbrian villa! With its gorgeous two acres of picture-perfect views, the many choices for sitting/reading/relaxing/dining (outdoors and in), the large pool and decks, and - especially - the amazing and attentive hospitality of owners Martin and Anna, our experience was beyond perfect. We were there for three weeks, hosting two groups of family and friends with many side trips to Umbrian and Tuscan towns along the way. Returning after our side trips always felt like coming back to a five-star home. We loved cooking in the large kitchen, and thoroughly enjoyed the meals prepared by both Thushari (who's also the villa housekeeper) and Judy. It was hard leaving and we're already talking about coming back next year. Idyllic!
Stayed 22 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 May 2023
Dee Dee and Paul, what a pleasure to host you and we look forward to seeing you again next year. Thanks for being such great guests. !

10/10 Excellent

Fiona B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Picture perfect
After spending 2 1/2 weeks sightseeing Italy we were in need of some rest and relaxation. We could not have picked a better place. Martin was always available for any questions we had, he even meet us in town and drove us to the property as I had miss placed the directions. The villa is a dream, clean and stocked with more than you would expect. Although we spent a lot of time at the villa we did try some of the restaurants Martin suggested. All were beautiful and the best food we had in Italy. Day trips are easy from the villa as it is so central. We loved our week in the country.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lesley J., United Kingdom

Liked: Cleanliness
Heavenly Stay in Umbria
We had a totally relaxing week here in this beautiful, spotlessly clean and comfortable villa (the master suite and bathroom is sumptuous). We were two families with 5 children and there was plenty of space especially outside with many hidden corners to relax in. The pool (which is down steep steps) is huge and has great pool sun beds and a 4 poster sun bed. The views are stunning and a great location although it’s a long trek up on a dirt road to get there - but well worth it! The lovely housekeeper cooked a delicious meal for us and was always on hand to help and the owner was so helpful on the run up to our stay with local advice and tips. Shame the air-con and pool heating was extra…would be better if these had been factored into the original price for a high-end villa. Thanks for a lovely stay - we would definitely recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Aug 2022
I understand your point about including the cost of air conditioning and heated pool so here are a few considerations. The majority of guests do not want air conditioning or heated pool or, they chose one or the other depending on the time of year. It may seem strange but lots of guests want to get away from air conditioned living and enjoy fresh air. Generally speaking, if the house needs to be cooled the pool doesn’t need to be heated and visa versa. The pool is large and expensive to heat, as is aricon which runs 24 / 7 when it is on. We charge at cost to us (based on 2021 energy prices). If we include these in the overall cost it seems unfair to charge the majority of guests that do not want these amenities. At the same time, having a guaranteed pool temperature is really important to some guests. Lots of guests now have electric cars that will require a lot of power. We find that providing options is the most flexible approach - - each guest can decide what is going to make their holiday special. For e.g. some guests don’t want to cook etc. I hope this sheds some light on the logic, which is by no means perfect but so far it has worked for the majority of guests. P.s. we’re getting a quote on solar panels so the house produces energy rather than just consumes it. Finally thanks for your feedback, we really appreciate it.

10/10 Excellent

DARREN S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect family vacation home in Umbria
Beautiful home in a great location. Close to many Umbrian sights while providing quality family time at the house & pool. Beautiful scenery with total privacy. The hosts were quick to respond with any/all questions. The house has everything for a memorable vacation in Italy!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nan J.

Liked: Cleanliness
LOVELY stay at Monte Castello di Vibio
Our stay could not have been more wonderful! The house was spectacular along with the INCREDIBLE view. We arrived a little early for check in and met Martin who was so welcoming. He gave us the whole run down/lay of the land shortly after we arrived. The house has everything you could possibly need. Martin was so responsive whenever we reached out. The location of the property was ideal for us as we took day trips to Orvieto, Spoleto, Perugia, Assisi and Todi. Each trip was no more than 45 minutes-an hour. The pool was the perfect reprieve at the end of each day as most days we were experiencing record heat! I cannot say enough positive things about our stay. We had the most memorable vacation and this villa played a big part in that!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

James F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful for our family reunion
Perfect for experiencing the Umbrian country side. WE WILL RETURN NEXT YEAR.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

stefano T.

Liked: Cleanliness
STUPENDO!!
The property is fantastic, nice, clean with rustic but great decoration! We spent over two weeks and we enjoy every single moment. We love the area and surroundings. Umbria is beautiful and we are so enthusiastic that will looking to purchase a similar property in a close town near Todi. Highly recommended.. Stefano and Ghislaine Tome
Stayed 17 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Stana L., Croatia

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical place
The house, yard, pool and the view are magical. The pictures cannot describe the beauty that is there. There is silence and peace which you cannot pay. Everything is indescribably beautiful. Martin and Anna are fantastic hosts. We will definitely be back one day. Thank you for an unforgettable stay…
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Carol A., Brookline, MA

Liked: Cleanliness
Just like a "villa in Umbria" should be!
It may be even more beautiful than the pictures. Whatever comes to mind when you picture "villa in Umbria," this is it. Four gorgeous bedrooms, three with fabulous views and the fourth makes up for it with it's own sweet patio and huge bathroom. Large comfortable dining room and living room; well-equipt kitchen. Location close to the major towns of interest in Umbria.

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S., Mission Viejo, CA

Liked: Cleanliness
breathtaking views, relaxing retreat
We returned from a lovely stay in Dolce Vita this summer. The views from the property are amazing and photos don’t do it justice. The house is spacious, clean and well-equipped. The property is also spacious and beautifully landscaped. The bedrooms are large and bathrooms well stocked. We were able to eat breakfast outside before having to retreat inside from the warm Umbrian summer, though we spent afternoons in the pool. Our daughter enjoyed photographing the bumblebees in the lavender while we sipped Prosecco and enjoyed the view. The property is a long drive from the nearest town, up steep hills and across a creek bed so renters may want to consider their vehicle; an SUV might be a good idea. We recommend choosing a different village or two each day to visit and planning your activities around that. Most are about an hour away. Umbrian restaurants tend to offer simple, but delicious, fare and you’ll want reservations almost anywhere. We can also highly recommend asking Judith to come cook for you. She was a delight and the dinners she cooked for us were a highlight of our stay. Also, Tushari stocked the kitchen with our requested foods before we arrived. Keep this treat in mind so you don't have to run out for groceries!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Marianne M., Ossett

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful hidden gem
Beautiful villa. We stayed here for our honeymoon with family and it had everything we needed a lovely welcome and stunning views. We did not want to leave.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Hannah R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Heavenly
I can’t say enough wonderful things about this gorgeous hillside villa - it was perfect in just about every way for our little tribe of 4 adults and 4 kiddos. The villa has been beautifully renovated - honestly, I don’t think the pictures do it justice. We called this little slice of paradise home for a week in July and - once we got used to driving up and down the steep driveway - we didn’t want to leave! We adventured to surrounding towns in the mornings, spent our afternoons lounging by the pool (which was the perfect antidote to the 100 degree July heat) and ate dinner outside on the covered porch every night. My favorite spot was the cabana that looks out over the valley, I tried to sneak out there every morning before the kids woke up to sit quietly with my coffee and soak in the view of the valley, which I like to imagine has changed very little over time. Olive groves, hay fields and rows upon rows of sunflowers accompanied by the gentle rumble of a tractor in the distance - it was beyond peaceful. Anna was an excellent, responsive host equipped with all the house information and local recommendations we needed for a truly unforgettable week in Umbria.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ashley G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful villa and wonderful views
Our family of 5 very much enjoyed our time at this beautiful villa where there was plenty of room for everyone. Days spent exploring hilltop towns or lazing by the pool and evenings spent watching the sun go down over rolling Umbrian hills. Perfect!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Michelle B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spectacular villa
We were blown away by this gorgeous villa, couldn’t have imagined how beautiful the property and surrounding views would be!! The villa was beautiful and comfortable, the pool was wonderful!! We loved the surrounding towns and wanted to stay longer! We had Toshari and her lovely daughter cooking breakfast and dinner for a few days...so lovely!! Don’t miss this amazing villa!!! We will be back soon.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Anthony O.

Montecastello di Vibio
Spectacular property with every amenity required. Anna is an extremely helpful and attentive owner. Will return.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca T.

beautiful property
We just stayed for 5 days at this beautiful villa. It was an absolute joy. The surrounding area is lovely, great views. The villa itself has everything you would need and very thoughtfully appointed. The host was gracious and helpful. I am a bit particular and had been looking for a 4 bedroom villa in the surrounding area for a while and nothing was up to my standard that I was finding. We almost stayed in a hotel but luckily I found this place and am so happy I did. We plan to return next year!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Mary M., Portland, OR, USA

Wonderful home
We were here with five adults and one teenager. Very comfortable and well stocked with all that you would need. We used the wonderful services of Tushari, a great cook and caretaker of the home, who prepared a delicious menu of traditional Italian dishes for a party we hosted for our niece who was getting married. Was very impressed. The pool was beautiful but when we vacationed was too cold for hanging out although we did take one quick dip. Beautiful home with lots of places to relax. Anna and Martin were very responsive to all of our needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Aaron B., Seattle, WA

Ideal Italian Villa
We loved this place. The house, pool and grounds all exceeded our expectations. The house has been thoughtfully and beautifully updated and is very comfortable. The kitchen is spacious and exceptionally well equipped with the kind of appliances and utensils you would expect in a primary residence rather than a vacation rental. The pool is clean and well maintained and the view of the rolling hills of the Umbrian countryside looks like it comes from an idealized postcard. This place is wonderful.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Nicole S.

Villa Dolce Vita is a house that stays in your soul long after you leave...
I brought my family to Villa Dolce Vita for a week in August, and it was heaven! The house is beautifully restored, and exquisitely appointed. It was also immaculately clean, which I appreciated tremendously. The house is reached after a 10 minute drive on a dirt road that gets fairly steep at the end, but you are rewarded with a location that is spectacular. It is so peaceful and serene, the perfect antidote to crazy NYC which is where we were coming from. We very much enjoyed visiting Bevagna, Montefalco, Spello, Orvieto and Todi, going to vineyards and doing a cooking class at with Letizia Mattiacci at Madonna Del Piatto in the hills of Assisi. We loved being able to relax at the pool for a day or two, and one evening Tushari cooked a delicious dinner for us. And even though I didn't get to meet Anna in person, she was the most gracious host, and was unbelievably helpful and responsive. We were all so sad to leave, and we definitely look forward to returning, which we will without a doubt.

10/10 Excellent

Fiona W.

Utterly gorgeous villa in an idyllic spot
Dolce Vita was an amazing place to stay. The villa is even more stunning than the pictures suggest and it has the most incredible views. The owners were very helpful, answering my questions and suggesting options such as a meal cooked on arrival by the local lady (delicious, thanks Tushari!). The remoteness added to the appeal and romance but the directions to get there were spot on and we had no problems finding the place. The villa was well equipped and beautifully decorated. We took two small children (ages 5 and 3) and concluded it was probably better suited to slightly older children due to steps and the un-gated pool but it wasn't a problem for us and the boys had a marvellous time. The nearby town of Todi is one to visit, with a beautiful old town centre and grand cathedral. We would also recommend the waterfalls, Cascata delle Marmore, a bit further away but spectacular and dramatic (check the website first for times when the upstream dam is open). All in all a lovely holiday. Thanks so much!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2016

10/10 Excellent

Marlou P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Hidden Gem
Everything in this characteristic house is chosen with care and excellent taste. You will find style, peace, astonishing views of rolling hills with vineyards and cypress trees. There are plenty of seating areas to retreat to. We loved the sitting area under the romantic mulberry trees, looking down the green valley. The swimming pool is great for swimming laps, relaxing on the nice beds enjoying the late sun. The kitchen is very well equipped, we love to cook and we couldn't stop making Italian dishes. Dinner with our family until late on the terrace was atmospheric. We slept like princesses in the good beds and the bathrooms are amazing. Martin was more than fantastic. Very accurate in communication, very service-oriented, very personal and committed. Thank you Martin! If you are looking for a modern and classic high standard super holiday home with excellent guidance, book it now before its to late!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anna L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Empfehlenswert!
Das Haus und der Pool waren wunderschön. Die Vermieter waren sehr hilfsbereit. Wir würden ohne zu zögern wiederkommen.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Valeriano S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Assolutamente consigliato
Coppie con bambini per il capodanno. Tutto come descritto nell’annuncio. Villa stupenda immersa in una splendida cornice. Pulizia impeccabile e presenza di tutti i comfort, anche più dele aspettative. Ottima anche la comunicazione con l’host.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Julia H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect hideaway to spend some quality time with Family & Friends
Beautiful Villa in Umbria, with fully equipped kitchen, Pizza oven, lovely bedrooms and a nice pool site. If you need a time out, this is your place with plenty of space! We loved this villa and can hopefully come back one day;) Thanks a lot to Martin for being such a great host!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Giacomo B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great view and silence
My family and I spent a week at Villa Dolce Vita with two other families of friends. We absolutely loved the location, the breathtaking view of the hills and not a soul in sight just a curious fox. The house is fully equipped with the latest technology, Bluetooth speakers in most rooms and at the pool, Alexa, sky pay tv, Wi-Fi throughout the property, BBQ. Exceptional quality kitchenware, appliances and bed linen. It was clean. I would probably not recommend it for more than 10 people as the additional beds are quite small and definitely uncomfortable for an adult. Martin was a kind and very helpful host. All in all a great holiday!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Marcel G.

Liked: Cleanliness
malersiche Umgebung
Wir verbrachten eine Woche mit Freunden und Kindern in diesem sehr idylischen Haus. Die Zufahrt ist ca. 10Min. über eine Naturstrasse. In der näheren Umgebung hat es zwar ein paar Häuser, aber die sind zu weit entfernt, dass man etwas mitbekommen würde. Wir genossen die Tage am Pool und die Abende auf der Veranda. Es hat viele schöne Plätze ums Haus, wo man morgens entspannt lesen oder Café trinken und am Abend ein Glas Wein geniessen kann. Die Aussicht auf den gegenüberliegenden Hang ist wie gemalt und ist vorallem in den Abendstunden sehr idylisch. Die Küche ist top ausgerüstet und man findet alles was man braucht. Der amerikanische Kühlschrank ist sehr geräumig. Die Badezimmer und Duschen sind auch sehr einladend, sauber und haben genügend Platz. Wir haben die Woche sehr genossen. Es hat uns an nichts gefehlt. Besten Dank den Gastgebern auch für die schönen Tischlampen welche die Abendstimmung noch schöner machten.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Wilma v.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastische plek voor familievakantie
Wat een mooie plek voor vakantie met je familie! Ideaal vanwege de vele verschillende zitplekjes rond huis en zwembad, de grote ruimtes en de prima uitrusting. Smaakvol ingericht en geweldig uitzicht ook nog. Wij hadden er een heerlijke tijd, mede dankzij de gastvrijheid van de eigenaren Anna en Martin. Mille grazie!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sofie R.

Amazing house in Umbria
We were there with a couple of friends, and we totally fell in love both with the house and the area. Beautiful view from the house and really good standards. Anna and Martin were very nice and friendly through the whole process. I can really recommend to rent this house!