The best features of this villa are its outside spaces and fantastic views. We had a great week with wonderful weather and really made the most of being in this stunning location. The villa is up a bumpy dusty track, but once you get used to that, it is quick and easy to get to Castellina in Chianti for provisions, and there is even a great winery and beautiful restaurant at the bottom of the track in Fonterutoli itself - a definite highlight for us.
However all was not perfect. Before we arrived we were asked to relocate from Stella, with lovely outside space looking straight over the Tuscan countryside, to Biaggio, an upstairs larger appartment with its outside space at the bottom of the stairs to the side of the house. We were happy to oblige, particularly as we thought we were getting an upgrade. When we first arrived we were slightly disappointed that you didn't have such a great view from the outside seating, but, as there were only two of us, we were able to move our chairs and tables to make the most of the view and actually it was all fine. We spent most of our time at the pool anyway, from where the views are second to none! The grounds are all beautifully kept and there is plenty of seating and shady areas for everyone at the pool.
From speaking to the occupants of Stella, I think ours was the more comfortable appartment inside, and it was certainly very spacious. But it was quite dark inside and the sofa bed in the lounge, the only seating apart from the chairs around the table, was very uncomfortable! The fan in our room was broken (something that could have easily been checked beforehand?) and so we had to swap it with the one from the other room.
Having read from previous reviews how friendly Frederico was, it was disappointing not to meet him until day 3 of our visit. His father, who was there to meet us, did his best to show us around, but he didn't have much English which made it hard to ask questions. When we did finally meet Frederico, he was indeed very friendly and helpful.
There were no provisions (barely any salt and pepper even) to start us off. Mostly when we have hired villas or cottages there is a bit of olive oil or coffee or something, which makes a nice little starter to a self catering week, especially when you have flown and not been able to bring anything with you.
Little touches like a nice welcome and starter kit make all the difference to your first impressions. Otherwise all was good!
