Guest Comments

Margherita, we had an enchanting visit. Everyone has been nothing short of glorious. We all wept when we realized we were nearing its end. Elena was absolutely wonderful as was Giulia. We only regret the shortness of our stay. We will be in touch soon.

Tracy & John, US, June 2011

While searching for the perfect place to hold my husband's surprise 40th birthday celebration, I was immediately drawn to Le Pratola after seeing countless villas all over Tuscany on a variety of websites. I'm not sure whether it was the beautiful, old Tuscan farmhouse exterior coupled with the modern interior and furnishings (including a gym!), dedicated concierge services, or the gorgeous pictures on the website depicting special occasions and lush Tuscan landscapes, but whatever it was, I could certainly picture us there. Having never been to the region before, I was initially a bit apprehensive about how to coordinate the week, which included multiple guest arrivals, activities, day trips, and meals. Also, being a bit of a hands-on type of person, I wasn't sure how I could plan this from afar. Little did I know that Margo and her local team would take care of every detail and to the standards that I would have expected if I had had the knowledge and ability to do it myself, maybe even better!

From the minute we met our guide Stefania in Rome, I knew we were in for a very special trip and it only got better as the journey progressed. By the time our friends arrived at Le Pratola to surprise my husband, we were totally enchanted by the beautiful property and the impeccably furnished villa (and completely relaxed by the wonderful massages performed by Silvia and Luca!) As each day passed, we fell more in love with Tuscany and this was in no small part due to the beauty of Le Pratola and the wonderful activities and vendors that Margo recommended to us. Each felt hand-picked and very special and truly brought Tuscany alive! Of particular note was Silvano at Casanova Winery, who brought a tear to many of our eyes as he described good wine, good friends, and the passion with which he lived his life. Our "adopted Italian grandmother", Elena, was also a real pleasure. Seeing her cheerful and spirited face in the morning (and at the dinner she cooked for us one evening) really made us feel at home. My husband's birthday dinner was a truly memorable event with Monica's refined cooking and presentation style setting the tone for a very special evening. Our cookery course was an inspiration to many of us, with Barbara showing us the ease with which we, on our own, could make Italian staples like bread and pasta that far outshone anything store bought. I, for one, know that I will be trying some of the recipes at home. It even inspired us to make pizzas the next day (although we didn't get to try the pizza oven... next time!) There were other activities such as trekking and tai chi that we didn't get an opportunity to experience, but which we will certainly put on the list for next time. Apart from the 'planned activities,' I can't stress what a great time we all had just lounging around the gorgeous infinity pool or having an impromptu pool tournament. It was truly magical.

Our trip was, however, much more than just a set of activities or a nice place to stay in Tuscany. In fact, I was really trying to create a very memorable experience for my husband and for our friends and Margo truly understood this. To that end, Margo helped me to secure restaurant reservations (fabulous recommendations!), provided guidance around driving distances and directions, and made suggestions to ensure that we had a marvelous time – and that we certainly did. She was an absolute pleasure to work with and she clearly takes a great deal of pride in ensuring that guests of Le Pratola enjoy her lovely home as much as she and her family do. Although this was for a special occasion, we also fell in love with the region and Le Pratola and very much look forward to returning one day in the not too distant future. We are all still smiling about our time at Le Pratola and expect to be doing so for quite some time.

Jane, May 2011, Hong Kong

We are on our way home now. We had a lovely stay at your lovely home & the weather was fab. Elena was great & her food lovely.

Christine, UK, June 2011

Breathtaking vacation. Le Pratola has everything you might imagine and more. The views of the sun setting over the Tuscan mountains by the infinity pool are breathtaking. The villa is beautifully decorated with all the amenities of home. There is something for everyone. The owner is available with any and all questions which is very comforting - she clearly wants you to enjoy your vacation. In fact it is difficult to leave Le Pratola to venture the Tuscan area because it is so peaceful. We used the Pizza oven for a pizza cook-off after our teenage boys had in house cooking lessons with Barbara - it was a perfect day. The villa was rather large for 5 of us....we won't hesitate to go back and bring some friends.

John & Natalie, US, June 2011

Good afternoon Margherita, just a short note to tell you what a wonderful time my family had at your beautiful villa in Tuscany. It was, unanimously, the best vacation we have ever had and we plan on coming back in a couple of years.

Gertraude, Switzerland, July 2011

Dear Margherita, Just a quick note to thank you for all your help with ensuring we had a lovely holiday. Everyone had a most enjoyable break and we all left thinking we would love to return

Tim, UK, July 2011

Hi, Margherita, thank you so much for the most fabulous two weeks, we had a fantastic time. One of the best holidays we've had in a long time. All the best to you hope to visit again. Thanks again.

Symon, UK, July 2011

Hi Margherita, first, It was great meeting you and Iain and I wanted to thank you for the week at Le Pratola. The Villa and your property are exceptional and the location gave us access to more attractions than we could possibly visit in a single week or even several months. The net result is our group thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Phil, Canada, August 2011

Hi Margherita, Back at work today to a grey damp city! Just a quick note to say we had a wonderful holiday at Le Pratola, thank you. The villa was gorgeous, Katy was excellent and we had a great time at Silvano's vineyard! Elena is lovely and her Tiramisu was the best we have ever had! All in all a great holiday.

Hema, UK, September 2011

We loved, loved, loved, Le Pratola..... the set up was perfect....one of our best vacations ever

Susana, US, September 2011

Our stay at Le Pratola was beyond exceptional and we all enjoyed ourselves very much. Also, my husband rode his road bike everyday in Tuscany.......We had a really great trip and look forward to returning to Tuscany next summer.

Elle, LA, USA

I really don't know where to begin. We had never before been to Tuscany but had read quite a lot about the area. The whole holiday was a joy from beginning to end. We couldn't quite believe how green it was everywhere, particularly when you consider the intense heat. We found the countryside absolutely stunning, so too the picturesque little towns and villages in and around the area.

We didn't have one bad experience re food or wine, needless to say perhaps. As for the villa... well.....utterly stunning location, views to die for. Outside - the pool was as if from a film set, immaculately kept gardens all around...nothing to disturb the peace except for the occasional buzz from a large turquoise beetle, butterflies enjoying the lavender and the brief afternoon company of a number of swifts or swallows coming for a dive and a sip from the pool.

The numerous terraces and seating areas provided lots of opportunities to sit in shade or sun and enjoy a coffee or a pre dinner glass or two of something chilled! David and I had the 'annexe', so were completely self contained should we have needed to be. Shower and washing facilities stylish with always plenty of hot water and fluffy towels. Lots of wardrobe and drawer space too. The main villa had every possible facility from gym equipment and games area to large lounge, dining room and fully equipped kitchen and utility area ....numerous bedrooms with en suite facilities, again all beautifully furnished and equipped. The welcome pack was much more than that really... what more could you ask for? Help came daily from the gardener, who kept the pool area and gardens close to the villa immaculate and from Eleanor, who helped keep the kitchen and bathrooms fresh and clean and came with a cheery smile. Le Pratola, the villa itself and the stunning location will be hard to beat.

Many thanks... one day we would love to come again.

Pauline, UK

Thanks very much for all you help in arranging what we all agreed has been the best family holiday we have had. We have stayed in many villas over the years, but never found the attention to detail that we enjoyed at Le Pratola. The little things were all more than we expected, but as for what we did expect, we were blown away: the gardens, the house, the pool, the views, the cycling, the towns, the restaurants...

When can we come back? Thanks again....Florida is cancelled for the forseeable future.

Chris + Helen, UK

Trip of a lifetime! Spectacular views are just the beginning. Luxury accommodations, sunsets and wine by the infinity pool, and authentic Tuscan experiences made this trip everything I imagined and more. Whether it was spending countless hours looking at the stunning countryside or simply relaxing with friends, food and wine, Le Pratola delivers all that it promises. Tons of space to be with friends or family and lots of rooms to have your privacy as well (not that you can't find that by taking a short stroll around the property!) If you are looking for a true Tuscan holiday Le Pratola is the place to be. Definitely recommend checking out the local village of Gaiole and absolutely recommend the Wine tasting tour. Only thing that could have made this vacation better was staying longer!

MaryBeth, Connecticut, USA

My family & I stayed in this beautiful Tuscan villa (Le Pratola) for one week & I must say we had an amazing experience. We arrived to a fabulous welcome grocery pack with wine chilling in the fridge. That night dinner was prepared & served by a lovely Italian lady. Our week was very relaxing & we felt we had a true Italian experience, eating al fresco & enjoying the views as the sun was setting. I highly recommend this beautiful home for your taste of Tuscany.

Samantha, Wollongong, Australia

Thanks for all your help on this and for hosting a great holiday. You have a beautiful house in lovely surroundings. The doors, steps and outdoor space kept us very fit chasing round after 4 very young children. We had a fantastic time - thanks again.

Claudio, UK