Tuscany Villa Testimonials

"Anyone interested in exploring Tuscany will definitely want to check out the gem of a town, Cortona, made famous by Frances Mayes bestseller, "Under the Tuscan Sun." In fact, Cortona is a perfectly situated town from which to explore much of Northern Italy, Tuscany, and Umbria. And for the perfect place to stay while in Cortona, the villa "Le Dodici Querce" (Twelve Oaks) is ideal. Situated only 3 kilometers outside of Cortona on a mountainside with a view of Lake Trasimeno and the valley below, this villa is a real find. Mauro, the owner, keeps it pristine and beautiful.

I have stayed there twice now, once for two weeks in July, and another week during the month of February. The villa is awash with beautiful flowers, lavender, roses, rosemary, bay trees, and other flora during the summer, making it an enchanting place to stay. Winter offers up no beautiful flowers, but the crowds have gone home and Cortona becomes a much more intimate and friendly place where only the locals are to be found on the streets and attending the local markets.

The villa has three bedrooms, two baths, a kitchen with eat-in table, and a combination dining/living room. All have high ceilings, Tuscan tiled floors, and exposed wood beams, all of which contribute to the magical quality the villa offers. The kitchen is not large, but has all the accoutrements one needs to prepare meals there, including a microwave, stove with oven, fridge, dishwasher, dishes, pans, and flatware.

The most inviting part of the villa is the large arched veranda where you can sit and enjoy the beautiful views of the valley below while sipping an espresso or nibbling on local olives and cheeses. The villa also has a dreamy backyard with Tuscan barbecue, flagstone patio, and a lovely little chapel where you can go to meditate or pray.

The villa is near to many of the important Tuscan wine towns, including Montalcino and Montepulciano. A bit farther a field, Siena and Florence are about an hour's drive away. Rome is just about two hours drive and Pisa is also about two hours away. In nearby Umbria, you can visit Assisi or if you'd like to spend an entire day driving through the Appenine Mountains, you can easily make a day trip to San Marino on the Adriatic.

The best part of staying at Le Dodici Querce is the warm, friendly owner, Mauro. He makes you feel like a friend staying in his lovely home perched on the mountain above Cortona. While he always respects your privacy, he is also available to assist you with any needs you may have while staying there, to include suggestions about local markets in Arrezo, Camucia, and Cortona, local festivals, and the best places to shop in the area. We are looking forward to our next stay in Cortona because staying in Mauro's beautiful villa always makes us feel like we're coming home for the day. The cozy stone villa with traditional Tuscan architecture is enchanting and inviting. It affords maximum privacy while still remaining close to town, restaurants, shops, and local wineries. And just a few kilometers down the road towards town is one of the best local restaurants around -- Cory's. A four-star inn with a superb kitchen provides excellent Tuscan dishes served in an elegant atmosphere indoors, or in a more relaxed setting outdoors on the terrace surrounded by lavender and views of the valley below. Staying at Le Dodici Querce and dining at Cory's -- now that's a perfect combination while visiting in Tuscany -- one not to be missed."
_____ Marvin -- Bloomfield NJ

“My trip to Italy would not have been the perfect pleasure that it was without the peaceful ambiance of Le Dodici Querce. After a day spent browsing the shops, taking espresso or dining in one of many fine restaurants, it was always a joy to rest in the welcoming arms of such a fabulous villa. One is immediately struck by the beautiful stonework of the house and surrounding walls. The windows of the rooms open to a lush and vibrant landscape. Dozens of potted flowers waft happily in the gentle air of the Tuscan hills. A quaint wishing well on the manicured grounds speaks of endless possibilities while a freestanding, private chapel offers its solemn blessing. Inside, furnishings are tasteful and classic with many beautiful, well-chosen objects. The kitchen and family rooms are cozily inviting. The entire villa is steeped in an almost unimaginable serenity. Upon waking to its soft, early sunlight, I would ponder, "Where have you been all my life?" Le Dodici Querce would answer quietly and simply, "I have been here in Cortona, waiting patiently to make your dreams of Italy come true."
_____ Vicki--Stockton, California

“I will always remember my first visit to “Le Dodici Querce” in July of 2001. My first recollection was the vastness and privacy of the property. My second was the friendliness of the owner, Mauro. My third was the Italian tiled terrace with the view of the valley below. Next, there were the pastel hydrangeas, the fragrances, the cypress and oak trees, and the butterflies. As I entered the villa, the beautiful antiques that filled the spacious rooms struck me. My sunlit bedroom had a window opening to the gardens. From this window, I could view the flowers, the butterflies, and dream that the house was mine and that I would never have to leave. It was a magic time that summer as I felt like Cinderella transformed into a princess by her fairy godmother. I vowed to return as I threw coins in the Trevi Fountain. I have returned to this lovely house 3-4 times per year and my feelings are unchanging. I continue to feel the excitement as my car speeds down the winding roads and I catch my first breathtaking glimpse of Cortona perched proudly upon the mountain. I pass Cortona, then Cory’s, my heart skips a beat as I climb the private drive and wind the bend. Then I drive through the large iron gates and catch a glimpse of the house that will be mine again. I am home at last.”
_____ Sue--Memphis TN

"Recently I made my first visit to Cortona. I was surprised in that it turned out to be just as lovely as everything I had heard and read. This was just as true of Le Dodici Querce. The peace and setting of this villa are simply wonderful, matched only by the hospitality of the people who welcome you there."
_____ Sheila -- Memphis, TN

"We wanted to let you know that we did have a wonderful vacation at 12 Querce in May 2002. The house is beautiful and very comfortable for 2 couples. We spent many hours on the front porch enjoying the views and walking in the spacious garden. We would recommend 12 Querce highly. Mauro (the house owner) is a charming man and very helpful. Although he does not speak English, we were able to communicate well with our limited Italian. He took us on a garden tour and also showed us the inside of the tiny but exquisite chapel. The location is perfect. We enjoyed driving only 1 Km. to the old Cortona gate and getting fresh bread, fruit, prosciutto and cheese for breakfast every morning. From 12 Querce, we took day trips to Orvieto, Assisi, San Gimignano, and some of the small villages nearby. We enjoyed coming back to our comfortable house. May is a perfect month for beauty in Tuscany. Flowers and green valleys and everything fresh and new. We have visited Italy 6 times and we are never disappointed. The water heater and the showers are a little quirky, but we adapted quickly. We would recommend at least a little ability to speak Italian with Mauro, but it isn't totally necessary. Thanks for making our vacation a memorable one."
_____ Jeff and Betty -- Merced, California

"It was more than perfect. Mauro the owner is a very good person. We spent a wonderful week in this dream villa. It was funny to wake up with birds songs, sunrise over the mountain. Cortona is a lovely city, nice food, nice vino, nice people,... We were in Europe for 23 days and that week was the best one. It was also possible to relax with the kids and my lovely wife."
______Sylvain-- Montreal , Canada

"Thoroughly enjoyed our experience.... This villa is outstanding, with the highest build-quality we've seen, a view that is spectacular and a very friendly owner. The property has been in the family for generations and is maintained more like a personal residence than a rental. Extensive grounds, gated, high quality furnishings, etc." _____Emmet



		Here are a few comments from our visitors to share with you:
		"Anyone interested in exploring Tuscany will definitely want to check out the gem of a town, Cortona, made famous by Frances Mayes bestseller, "Under the Tuscan Sun." In fact, Cortona is a perfectly situated town from which to explore much of Northern Italy, Tuscany, and Umbria. And for the perfect place to stay while in Cortona, the villa "Le Dodici Querce" (Twelve Oaks) is ideal. Situated only 3 kilometers outside of Cortona on a mountainside with a view of Lake Trasimeno and the valley below, this villa is a real find. Mauro, the owner, keeps it pristine and beautiful. I have stayed there twice now, once for two weeks in July, and another week during the month of February. The villa is awash with beautiful flowers, lavender, roses, rosemary, bay trees, and other flora during the summer, making it an enchanting place to stay. Winter offers up no beautiful flowers, but the crowds have gone home and Cortona becomes a much more intimate and friendly place where only the locals are to be found on the streets and attending the local markets. The villa has three bedrooms, two baths, a kitchen with eat-in table, and a combination dining/living room. All have high ceilings, Tuscan tiled floors, and exposed wood beams, all of which contribute to the magical quality the villa offers. The kitchen is not large, but has all the accoutrements one needs to prepare meals there, including a microwave, stove with oven, fridge, dishwasher, dishes, pans, and flatware. The most inviting part of the villa is the large arched veranda where you can sit and enjoy the beautiful views of the valley below while sipping an espresso or nibbling on local olives and cheeses. The villa also has a dreamy backyard with Tuscan barbecue, flagstone patio, and a lovely little chapel where you can go to meditate or pray. The villa is near to many of the important Tuscan wine towns, including Montalcino and Montepulciano. A bit farther a field, Siena and Florence are about an hour's drive away. Rome is just about two hours drive and Pisa is also about two hours away. In nearby Umbria, you can visit Assisi or if you'd like to spend an entire day driving through the Appenine Mountains, you can easily make a day trip to San Marino on the Adriatic. The best part of staying at Le Dodici Querce is the warm, friendly owner, Mauro. He makes you feel like a friend staying in his lovely home perched on the mountain above Cortona. While he always respects your privacy, he is also available to assist you with any needs you may have while staying there, to include suggestions about local markets in Arrezo, Camucia, and Cortona, local festivals, and the best places to shop in the area. We are looking forward to our next stay in Cortona because staying in Mauro's beautiful villa always makes us feel like we're coming home for the day. The cozy stone villa with traditional Tuscan architecture is enchanting and inviting. It affords maximum privacy while still remaining close to town, restaurants, shops, and local wineries. And just a few kilometers down the road towards town is one of the best local restaurants around -- Cory's. A four-star inn with a superb kitchen provides excellent Tuscan dishes served in an elegant atmosphere indoors, or in a more relaxed setting outdoors on the terrace surrounded by lavender and views of the valley below. Staying at Le Dodici Querce and dining at Cory's -- now that's a perfect combination while visiting in Tuscany -- one not to be missed." _____ Marvin -- Bloomfield NJ “My trip to Italy would not have been the perfect pleasure that it was without the peaceful ambiance of Le Dodici Querce. After a day spent browsing the shops, taking espresso or dining in one of many fine restaurants, it was always a joy to rest in the welcoming arms of such a fabulous villa. One is immediately struck by the beautiful stonework of the house and surrounding walls. The windows of the rooms open to a lush and vibrant landscape. Dozens of potted flowers waft happily in the gentle air of the Tuscan hills. A quaint wishing well on the manicured grounds speaks of endless possibilities while a freestanding, private chapel offers its solemn blessing. Inside, furnishings are tasteful and classic with many beautiful, well-chosen objects. The kitchen and family rooms are cozily inviting. The entire villa is steeped in an almost unimaginable serenity. Upon waking to its soft, early sunlight, I would ponder, "Where have you been all my life?" Le Dodici Querce would answer quietly and simply, "I have been here in Cortona, waiting patiently to make your dreams of Italy come true." _____ Vicki--Stockton, California “I will always remember my first visit to “Le Dodici Querce” in July of 2001. My first recollection was the vastness and privacy of the property. My second was the friendliness of the owner, Mauro. My third was the Italian tiled terrace with the view of the valley below. Next, there were the pastel hydrangeas, the fragrances, the cypress and oak trees, and the butterflies. As I entered the villa, the beautiful antiques that filled the spacious rooms struck me. My sunlit bedroom had a window opening to the gardens. From this window, I could view the flowers, the butterflies, and dream that the house was mine and that I would never have to leave. It was a magic time that summer as I felt like Cinderella transformed into a princess by her fairy godmother. I vowed to return as I threw coins in the Trevi Fountain. I have returned to this lovely house 3-4 times per year and my feelings are unchanging. I continue to feel the excitement as my car speeds down the winding roads and I catch my first breathtaking glimpse of Cortona perched proudly upon the mountain. I pass Cortona, then Cory’s, my heart skips a beat as I climb the private drive and wind the bend. Then I drive through the large iron gates and catch a glimpse of the house that will be mine again. I am home at last.” _____ Sue--Memphis TN "Recently I made my first visit to Cortona. I was surprised in that it turned out to be just as lovely as everything I had heard and read. This was just as true of Le Dodici Querce. The peace and setting of this villa are simply wonderful, matched only by the hospitality of the people who welcome you there." _____ Sheila -- Memphis, TN "We wanted to let you know that we did have a wonderful vacation at 12 Querce in May 2002. The house is beautiful and very comfortable for 2 couples. We spent many hours on the front porch enjoying the views and walking in the spacious garden. We would recommend 12 Querce highly. Mauro (the house owner) is a charming man and very helpful. Although he does not speak English, we were able to communicate well with our limited Italian. He took us on a garden tour and also showed us the inside of the tiny but exquisite chapel. The location is perfect. We enjoyed driving only 1 Km. to the old Cortona gate and getting fresh bread, fruit, prosciutto and cheese for breakfast every morning. From 12 Querce, we took day trips to Orvieto, Assisi, San Gimignano, and some of the small villages nearby. We enjoyed coming back to our comfortable house. May is a perfect month for beauty in Tuscany. Flowers and green valleys and everything fresh and new. We have visited Italy 6 times and we are never disappointed. The water heater and the showers are a little quirky, but we adapted quickly. We would recommend at least a little ability to speak Italian with Mauro, but it isn't totally necessary. Thanks for making our vacation a memorable one." _____ Jeff and Betty -- Merced, California "It was more than perfect. Mauro the owner is a very good person. We spent a wonderful week in this dream villa. It was funny to wake up with birds songs, sunrise over the mountain. Cortona is a lovely city, nice food, nice vino, nice people,... We were in Europe for 23 days and that week was the best one. It was also possible to relax with the kids and my lovely wife." ______Sylvain-- Montreal , Canada "Thoroughly enjoyed our experience.... This villa is outstanding, with the highest build-quality we've seen, a view that is spectacular and a very friendly owner. The property has been in the family for generations and is maintained more like a personal residence than a rental. Extensive grounds, gated, high quality furnishings, etc." _____Emmet