Entire home

Villa, Heated Pool, Spa, Firepit, Outdoor Kitchen, BBQ's, Pizza Oven,

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Villa, Heated Pool, Spa, Firepit, Outdoor Kitchen, BBQ's, Pizza Oven,

Aerial view
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Property grounds
Exterior
Outdoor pool, a heated pool

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 83014 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
Lunigiana, Tuscany
  • Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park
  • Bagnone Castle
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Lagastrello Pass
    ‪37 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Villafranca in Lunigiana

Located 3 mi (4.9 km) from Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park, this villa is within a 15-minute drive of Church of Santo Stefano. The villa includes a private pool, a kitchen, and a fireplace.

What's nearby

  • Bagnone Castle - 17 min drive - 6.4 miles
  • Pontremoli Bell Tower - 21 min drive - 9.4 miles
  • La Spezia Cruise Terminal - 37 min drive - 25.5 miles
  • Lagastrello Pass - 37 min drive - 18.0 miles
  • Ferry Terminal - 37 min drive - 25.7 miles

Getting around

  • Villafranca-Bagnone Station - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Biffi Bar - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Antica Pieve - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Pizzeria Tipico - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Convivium venti venti - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Bar Titanium - ‬13 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Villa, Heated Pool, Spa, Firepit, Outdoor Kitchen, BBQ's, Pizza Oven,

Detached villa, light and airy, elegantly furnished, stylish, spacious in private enclosed gardens, parking within the grounds for several cars—smart TV's, Wifi 50mbps.
Complimentary wine and Prosecco on arrival. Hampers on request.
The modern kitchen on the ground floor is equipped with everything you would require to make a fabulous Italian feast. Off the kitchen through the patio doors, dine on the shaded terrace with a sizeable black granite table overlooking the garden.
The heated pool, 9.5 x 4 x 1.5m, is paved with travertine and decking, and the new hot tub with 76 jets has seating for five and includes two chaise Longue. The outdoor kitchen comprises gas and wood-fired BBQs (wood provided), a smoker, a pizza oven, a fridge, a sink and workstation, and a bar with stools, making the friendly side of pizza-making enjoyable. The loggia also offers shaded dining in the garden. The fire pit has comfortable seating to enjoy cosy evenings watching the stars and wildlife that roam the forest. Beautiful lawns surround all this, and beyond are olive terraces and forest.
Inside the villa are three bedrooms, each with a balcony, lovely views, very comfortable beds, memory foam cool mattresses, beautiful white linen, and tasteful furniture that was carefully chosen to give each room individuality and space. White Christy's bath towels and spa bath robes are provided, and four bathrooms 2 are en-suite, all with quality fittings, Carrara marble tiles and heated towel rails. The sitting room is comfortably furnished with a huge log fire and glass door (logs provided). There is a sofa bed in the sitting room and a shower room next door. 50-inch Smart TV, Wifi in all rooms garden and pool area.
The villa is ideally situated on the edge of a medieval village at the foothills of the Apennines, an unspoiled part of Italy, Pisa, Lucca, Florence, and beaches such as Lerici and the Cinque Terre with the five famous fishing villages, all within easy driving distance. You can catch the boat from Lerici or La Spezia to the Cinque Terre; boat hopping is a popular way to see the Cinque Terre. If you prefer to take the train, you can reach all these places from Villafranca, 4km from the property.
The area is a paradise for country lovers; at dawn and dusk, it is possible to see the occasional deer and even wild boar. Watch the eagles and other rare birds as they soar above the hills and down the valleys. There is plenty of walking immediately on the doorstep, and mountaintop meadows are abundant with flowers heavy with perfume. The region is scattered with castles steeped in history; you will enjoy the best of Tuscany, the beautiful landscapes, many local restaurants, good food and a warm Italian welcome.
Chef available for Classic Tuscan dishes or BBQ, Pizza your choice. Food and wine hampers on request.
The villa is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 4 bathrooms, and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a Smart TV with a DVD player. The bathroom offers hair dryers and bathrobes. Other standard amenities include a private pool, a washing machine, and a fireplace.

Property manager

Lynn and Bill Taylor

Languages

English, Italian

Similar properties

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Close to skiing

Pool/Spa

  • Heated pool
  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the villa: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 4 bathrooms
  • Bathrobes
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video games
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping mall

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Boat
  • Golf
  • Gym
  • Heated pool
  • Kayak
  • Snow sports gear
  • Table tennis
  • Water park
  • Water sports equipment
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 3,014 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 50
Note from host: If event includes non staying guests contact owner
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 50.
  • Note from host: If event includes non staying guests contact owner
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Upon check-in, all guests, including children, must be present to show their passport or government-issued photo ID.
  • Due to national regulations, cash transactions can't exceed EUR 5000 at this property. For additional details, contact the property using the contact information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Hot Tub garden Out Door Kitchen Pizza Oven Fast Wifi air Con

Frequently asked questions

What can I see near this villa?

This villa is located in Villafranca in Lunigiana, close to Bagnone Castle, Castello di Piagnaro, and Il Giardino della Luna Restaurant. Church of Santo Stefano is also within a driving distance of 4.7 mi.

Is parking available on site at this villa?

No, this villa doesn't offer parking.

Is this villa associated with a casino?

No, this villa is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this villa?

No, this villa doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are an outdoor pool and a hot tub.

Is Villa, Heated Pool, Spa, Firepit, Outdoor Kitchen, BBQ's, Pizza Oven, a good place to stay for couples?

This historic villa offers many amenities for couples such as a private pool, a fireplace, and access to a chef.

Does Villa, Heated Pool, Spa, Firepit, Outdoor Kitchen, BBQ's, Pizza Oven, have a hot tub?

Yes, guests can enjoy a spa tub at this villa.

Does this villa provide breakfast?

No, this villa doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this villa allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at this villa.

Are there connecting rooms at this villa?

No, there aren't connecting rooms at this villa.

Are there rooms with balconies at Villa, Heated Pool, Spa, Firepit, Outdoor Kitchen, BBQ's, Pizza Oven,?

Yes, every villa at Villa, Heated Pool, Spa, Firepit, Outdoor Kitchen, BBQ's, Pizza Oven, comes with a balcony with some featuring mountain views.

Villa, Heated Pool, Spa, Firepit, Outdoor Kitchen, BBQ's, Pizza Oven, Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 52 out of 58 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 58 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 58 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Anderson R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect getaway

From the moment we arrived, everything exceeded our expectations. The location and accommodation were outstanding – peaceful, convenient, and beautifully maintained. The villa was fully equipped with everything we needed, making our stay incredibly comfortable and stress-free.The hosts Lynn and Bill, were exceptional, going above and beyond to ensure we had the perfect experience. Their hospitality truly made a difference.The rooms were spacious, spotless, and thoughtfully decorated, offering plenty of space to relax. We especially loved the outdoor kitchen – it was not only well-equipped but also easy to use, making cooking a real pleasure.The pool area was a highlight – clean, inviting, and perfect for both relaxation and fun.We wouldn’t hesitate to come back and highly recommend this property to anyone looking for a memorable and relaxing getaway!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

andy p.

Liked: Cleanliness

Excellent

We had the pleasure of staying at this fantastic villa a few years ago, and I mustadmit that we were a bit worried it wouldn’t live up to our cherished memories.However, I’m thrilled to say that we were not disappointed at all!The villa was spotless and beautifully presented, just as we remembered. Everydetail was thoughtfully curated, making it feel both luxurious and welcoming.One of our favourite features was the outdoor kitchen—it was such a joy to cookand dine al fresco while soaking in the stunning surroundings.And let me tell you about the bird song! We’ve never experienced anything likeit. Bill, explained that it’s the symphony of song performed by birds looking forlove, and it’s the same every spring. For us city dwellers, it was simplyunbelievable. It added a magical touch to our stay, making our mornings evenmore special.Overall, Villa Ariola exceeded our expectations and rekindled our love for theplace. We can’t wait to return and create more beautiful memories! Highlyrecommend
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy H., Brighton, UK

Liked: Cleanliness

Home from home in the beautiful Italian countryside

We had the most wonderful stay at Bill at Lynn’s beautiful home. We were made to feel incredibly welcome, like we were part of the family, from the first communication to the moment we left. They couldn’t have been more helpful or accommodating if they tried - from finding vegan cake shops in Italy (no easy feat) to making dinner reservations - nothing was ever too much trouble. The house and garden are pristine. The kitchen and outdoor kitchen fully stocked and the bed linen was beautifully soft and smelt incredible. We loved the pool, making outdoor pizzas and dinners on the terrace. We couldn’t recommend this enough and we would love to visit again.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marisa R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Luxurious bolthole in Tuscany

This house has everything you need. The heated pool, high tech hot tub, fire pit seating area, the out door kitchen, air con…. We use the outdoor pizza oven lots! On my request Lynn and Bill made sure we had pizza dough in the fridge when we arrived and we used it all week - we really got the nack and the pizzas were lovely and crisp! Nothing is in walking distance so you have to drive but that’s okay - we organised day trips to Lucca (Marikas horse and cart ride is great), Pisa (we literally stopped for 40 mins on our way back from Lucca to see the leaning tower), cinque terre - we took the ferry which was fine but if we were to do it again I would splash out on a private boat tour (the ferry gets crowded) We also did a local bike tour (electric bikes! - you need them on those Tuscan hills) we thoroughly enjoyed this I must make a special mention for the hosts, they were there to greet us on arrival with plenty friendly advise and instructions on how to use everything to get the most out of our stay. We have stayed in a few private holiday homes and I have never contacted the host but Lynne was so friendly and wanted to help - they organised somewhere for us to watch the Euro final, they recommended and reserved restaurants and even sent info on things they thought we might like in the area Thanks Lynne and Bill! PS the wine at the villa is delicious!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anjanette B., Manchester

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect location for a retreat

The villa was a beautiful retreat in a hamlet at the top of a hill surrounded by forest. The villa was well looked after and very clean attention to detail on amenities was very good everything was provided a welcome basket to tide you over for a couple of days till you went shopping. The owners Lynn and Bill were very helpful and informative nothing was too much trouble for them, if you needed help with places to visit or restaurants they could help and book them for you. The local village had all the amenities you needed. Any problems Bill and Lynn would be there to sort for you. If the day was a bit cool you could always use the hot tub instead of the pool. Amazing villa. Thank you Lynn and Bill for making our holiday perfect and being so friendly best villa we have stayed in and Alec is even considering looking into booking for next year, Now that's a first
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Max P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family Holiday in Tuscany

The villa was even better than expected. The owners Lynn and Bill were fantastics, always ready to help just few mins aways if require. Overall a great stay with the family and ideal spot to relax and as a base to day trips in various locations in Tuscany and Liguria. Five stars plus!
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ayelet G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic experience!

Lynn and Bill, our hosts, exceeded all our expectations. They were proactive, helpful, and extremely tuned to our needs. They make us feel at home. The house is beautiful. It’s secluded and peaceful, which is not trivial. Because it’s about 500 meters above see level, the temperature there is much nicer than most of Italy during the summer months. The house is well-equipped and can easily accommodate large groups. The area is beautiful, with many small villages to explore. Highly recommended!
Stayed 16 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Farida K., Boston , MA

Liked: Cleanliness

Villa Ariola

We had a fabulous time with our family at the villa . Bill and Lynn were incredible hosts and went above and beyond to help us and make our stay comfortable and fun . They helped us plan our activities which included hiking and biking . Their restaurant recommendations were fabulous and the villa has everything you need . It is like home away from home .They were there to help us every step of the way . We loved the pool , the hot tub and the fire pit . The area is so beautiful surrounded by small villages and incredible scenery . Thank - you Bill and Lynn for making it a memorable vacation for our family .
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wallace S., Glasgow

Liked: Cleanliness

5 star Villa Ariola

We have just returned from a fabulous family holiday in Villa Ariola. The villa is set in an extremely tranquil location and is an ideal spot to unwind and relax. It is an upgraded traditional rustic style Villa with all mod cons. It is very well appointed with everything a family would need. The beautiful outdoor space has something for everyone and is the ideal spot to either chill by the pool through the day, take advantage of the fabulous bbq area, Pizza oven and bar or chill with a drink in the evening watching the stunning night sky that is visible in this hilltop location with minimal light pollution. The Villa is perfectly located to enable exploring Tuscany's many attractions. We were able to visit Florence, Pisa, La Spezia, Sarzana, the Cinque Terre and the stunning local villages of Bagnone and Malgrate. Lynn and Bill are fabulous hosts, nothing was too much trouble and they genuinely go the extra mile to ensure the perfect holiday. We dined in several of the restaurants they had recommended, and kindly booked for us, in the beautiful coastal locations of Porto Venere, Lerici and inland in Filetto and Bagnone. They were all excellent suggestions and the food was fabulous in all of the restaurants. In addition to the excellent restaurant food we were able to enjoy produce from Bill and Lynn's vegetable garden not to mention Bill's delicious home made jam. They also provided an excellent food hamper upon our arrival with everything we needed to get settled in including some excellent wine! In conclusion, a delightful Villa for those wishing to completely relax and get away from it all but still be in a location that enables exploring all Tuscany's numerous attractions.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amie M., Bristol

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic holiday

My husband and I stayed at the property with our two children and my parents in July. Bill and Lynn were wonderful hosts, and the house was perfect for us with lovely rooms, cool living room, large kitchen and fabulous outdoor space. Inside it has absolutely everything you could need and more. We had planned some day trips and meals out, but apart from a few mornings to local villages we didn't really leave! It was so quiet and peaceful and we even managed to see the wild boar. Thank you Bill and Lynn, you were so accommodating and we hope to visit again in the future.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lisa K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic Tuscan Family Holiday

We spent 2 weeks at Villa Ariola, and had such a great time. The villa was lovely and clean - with Bill and Lynn going to extra mile to ensure that it was COVID-19 safe. The kitchen had everything you could need and the outdoor kitchen was so useful for the kids to get drinks without having to go into the Villa. The pizza oven and BBQ were great to use and was making pizza from scratch an enjoyable activity for all the family. The whole villa is spacious, the addition of having a washing machine came in really handy with a messy 4 yr old too. The pool was in use from morning till night, and the hot tub a great place to relax at night. We chose Villa Ariola so that we could get away during the pandemic and feel safe and we certainly got that. Villafranca was close by for shopping and it was easy to get to Lucca and the Cinque Terre to explore a little more of Italy. Bill and Lynn were really helpful hosts, suggesting and booking us our restaurants which both were fantastic.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Susan W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fabulous week at Villa Ariola

We can't praise Villa Ariola highly enough - we spent a fantastic week relaxing up in the mountains of Tuscany. The villa is really a home from home, as soon as we arrived we felt welcome and relaxed. The village is very peaceful, we spent long days lazing in and by the pool, with only the sounds of the local wildlife to be heard. Lynn was wonderful to deal with, communication was open and frequent right from when we made our booking and nothing was too much trouble. It was lovely to meet her at the property on our arrival. The villa is well equipped and was spotlessly clean. The welcome pack of food is very generous and provides most of the things you'll need for the first couple of days of your stay. The bathrobes were a welcome addition for using the hot tub (another great feature of the villa!) as later in the season it can be a little chilly in the evening (relatively speaking , 30+ degrees in the daytime and probably 20 in the evenings!) We loved our time at Villa Ariola, it was a real opportunity for total relaxation and we didn't want to leave, either during or at the end of our stay! We will certainly be back. Thank you so much Lynn and Bill for sharing your lovely house!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kevin M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Excellent Stay

Fantastic property and location. The stay was made very relaxing by the depth of information provided from the excellent owners.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Caroline R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful villa

We had a great stay at Lynn and Bill’s villa. They are great hosts and made us feel very welcome, answered all queries and kept us informed of local events. Also, their wine is delicious! Very spacious and clean property. Great outdoor area with a luxurious feel and many different seating areas and shade. Large kitchen with everything you need.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Tiina O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful villa in Tuscany

Villa Ariola was absolutely amazing. We stayed for 4 nights and really enjoyed our stay. Everything was perfect. Owners Lynn and Bill were very friendly and helpful and they really made us feel welcome. Thank you Lynn and Bill! We couldn't be more satisfied with this wonderful villa and hopefully we have a change to come back again someday. Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jaki M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fabulous week at Villa Ariola

A wonderful week at Villa Ariola! We were well looked after by Lynn and Bill who were on hand for great tips of where to go, where to shop and appeared in an instant for minor house issues, they were lovely and made our stay very personal. The villa itself is wonderful especially the outdoor kitchen area and pool. The wood fired pizza oven was everything we hoped for and had some great meals roasting everything in the oven. The house is lovely, great air con in the bedrooms and kitchen well equipped. It was so hot the week we visited that we didn’t venture far but found the location more remote than other Tuscan areas we have visited in the past but given the heat it didn’t matter, we just maxed out on the villa facilities. We will most definitely consider coming back again in the future and highly recommend.

10/10 Excellent

Helen B.

Liked: Cleanliness

The perfect Tuscan hideaway

We had the most wonderful stay at Villa Ariola. It was truly the most beautiful place we’ve ever stayed. All of the facilities are spotless, well-looked after and comfortable. The location is stunning, a perfect “Tuscan hideaway”! The village of Irola Di Sopra is beautifully quaint whilst the surrounding mountain forests provide a beautiful backdrop to the garden. We were lucky to see wild boar and deer at dusk, and the night time display of fireflies was mesmerising. Even before we arrived, property owners Lynn and Bill could have not been more helpful and friendly. The instructions to the property are perfectly clear and it’s an easy drive from Pisa airport. The villa is immaculate and has everything you could ever need during the stay; all manner of cooking utensils and crockery, games, DVDs etc. The instructions to work/operate the kitchen and amazing outdoor facilities are very clear and the detailed guest book provides all the useful information you could need about the local area. We could barely tear ourselves away from the poolside, but when we did we found plenty of things to do and places to see, all within an hours drive of the villa. We can’t recommend Villa Ariola enough. Thank you Lynn and Bill for a perfect stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan Griffin G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Bella Villa Ariola

The pictures don't lie, this is a beautifully presented Villa which has been finished to a high standard. We enjoyed our stay and using this as our base were able to explore as far as Florence & Pisa quite easily. Lucca was also well worth a visit if you want to get away from the crowds. Returning to the comforts of Villa Ariola in the evening never disappointed.

8/10 Good

Catharina T.

Incredible garden!

We had a lovely time here and really enjoyed our stay. The house is beautiful and very well equipped, but it is surpassed by the garden! Because the pool is heated (cool but not cold) our children were in the pool for hours at en end. The wild boar as neighbours are cool to look out for.

8/10 Good

David F.

Lovely villa with a fantastic outside area!

We had a very relaxing stay in Villa Ariola. We made full use of the pool, hot tub and outside kitchen. The pizza oven was amazing! Once we got used to the very steep and windy road up to the property, we were fine. Lynn and Bill were very helpful - the bike hire they arranged for me was brilliant. Parma, Pisa, La Spezia and the shopping outlet at Brugnato are all worth a visit. Thanks!
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jon H.

Superb in every way!

So while I am a little ashamed to admit that this is my first ever review, despite the fact that I use reviews a lot to help me decide on my trips I am delighted that my first one is so positive. Everything about our experience from the moment of hitting the book button was first class. Lynn was fantastic to deal with and answered every query we had and could not of been more helpful. The images you see match exactly what you will find when you arrive. In fact there are so many more facilities which are not even described. Every drawer is full of useful items weather its binoculars to watch wild life to books, guides, movies and the most equipment kitchen you are ever likely to find. It has everything. The pool is always warm and our kids loved it. we were a little nervous that our kids (Ages 13,11,7,7) would get a little bored as we are used to camping holidays of late but they couldn't of been happier and enjoyed the freedom. There is also a great electrically retractable pool cover which makes it very safe if travelling with small kids. The two villages are tiny and very old worldly and full of charm. The old church bell tower is right beside you and the villa has complete privacy from all angles so its very peaceful. I especially enjoyed sitting out by the fire pit every night, its a great centrepiece. You will definitely need a car as there are no shops or restaurants you can walk to but there are plenty of good restaurants in the area. We found that not many restaurants spoke english which was a little challenge for us but we got used to this quite quickly and wasn't a problem, we also cooked at the villa a lot. There is lots to do in the area and can recommend H2O rafting if up for some adventure. We visited the CInque Terre also one day but found this completely overrun by tourists and we preferred portovenere far more by comparison. There are no real water parks within 1.5 hrs away in case your kids want to visit one as ours did but we all quickly forgot about this. Overall I could not recommend this place enough, I am struggling to find fault with anything its a much loved home thats been left for others to share.
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

John F.

Lovely villa, fabulous position and views

The villa has everything you need. Plenty of cutlery, crockery and pots and pans. Bedrooms are good sized with comfy beds. The showers are roomy and hot water is powerful and plentiful. The outside barbecue and pizza oven are great and the pool and hot tub are lovely. The road to the villa is steep and very windy - not for the faint hearted. My only small disappointment was that the heated pool is solar powered so not as warm as all that. However a great place

10/10 Excellent

Jackie B.

Villa Ariola Exceeded Our Expectations!

As you drive up the mountain (following the excellent driving directions), you may wonder what is waiting for you at the top. Keep going—there is a great reward at the end of the narrow and winding road! In a medieval village, next to a charming old church is the Villa Ariola. It is rightly advertised as a luxury villa. I think the price is quite reasonable considering the size of the home, the beauty of the property, and all the amenities. The rooms are large and comfortable. The kitchen is wonderful and is fully outfitted for any type of meal you want to prepare. The backyard is a haven with a heated pool, whirlpool, large grill and oven, gas fire pit and lots of cozy seating. The area in the back is wooded and we enjoyed the birds and wild boars. We stayed at the villa between stops in Florence and Venice. It was the perfect place to recharge! The owners provide a list of easy and interesting day trips in the area, though we had no need to leave the property. It was so pleasant and relaxing. I cannot think of enough positive things to say about the villa and the owners Lynn and Bill! Their attention to detail is admirable. Their photos are accurate, but still do not do justice to their lovely home. The villa is incredibly clean and well maintained. Bedding, towels, and spa robes are of high quality. The guide for guests contains everything you need to know. Lynn is excellent with communication. You receive a lot of information before your trip and she was available by phone while we were there. We had a minor issue with the WiFi, which was fixed immediately. We elected to order a hamper of food and some bottles of wine. Lynn makes the wine herself and it is delicious! We also requested a local chef to cook our dinner. Lynn did some research and found us a wonderful chef. She spent a lot of time making sure that this was a good experience for us—and it was! Our stay at the Villa Ariola was one of the highest points of our trip to Italy. I would recommend it to anyone and would not hesitate to return. My only regret is that we could not stay longer! Thank you so much Lynn and Bill for sharing your beautiful home!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Diane G.

A beautiful villa in a fantastic location, great outdoor area and everything you need is here.

We have just had two fantastic weeks here, its great to be able to visit some amazing places easily, such as Pisa, Parma and the coast, as well as all the interesting hill top towns, where you can sit and people watch over a coffee, but its even better getting back to the house to make use of the excellent outdoor space, a cooling swim in the pool followed by home made pizza made in the outdoor pizza oven, to then sit by the fire and watch for the wild boar, Lynn was so helpful before and during our stay, making us feel right at home. Thank you for a great holiday and if we ever come back to this area of Italy we will certainly be in touch.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Amazing holiday home

We had a lovely stay in this quiet and well equipped villa.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017