2011:
We enjoyed the villa. We thought it was very comfortable, with great views. The pool was great, because we enjoyed hot weather. Two out of the four of us had visited Umbria previously - I think we will all visit again - the local towns of Todi, Monte Falco and Bevagna were very pleasant, and Perugia was an easy trip.
The freezer did not seem to be working (and the door was missing from the freezer compartment in the stand-alone fridge) but that was not a problem for us. There is no sign calling the house Casale Cipresso - instead it shows the owners name on the letter box - but the trees in the driveway give it away.
Liked it - might try it again.
John
Dear Willemijn and Saskia,
What a magnificent house with fantastic views. We also very much enjoyed the serre around the house where we have been able to sit in the evenings with view on the lights far away. There is enough cutlery and plates, that is very nice.
The only drawbacks we can think of are the rather bumpy road once one gets off the tar road, up to the house and the shower head that did not stick to the wall and hang down. However, if that is all! We really had a lovely time despite the first few days of not so good weather.
Best wishes, Karin and Quirijn
2010:
Ciao Saskia and Willemijn,
You will recall that we rented Casale Cipresso. Everything was wonderful. We also enjoyed the tour of Montelabate, and our dinner that night at Il Puntauro near Gubbio. Thanks for the recommendation. We also went back to the Goretti Vineyard (thanks for the directions) which we had visited with you two years ago. The wines are excellent, but the real treasure is the balsamic vinegar. I had a case shipped to me in the US. The shipping costs double the price, but a bottle makes a wonderful gift for any occasion.
John
Hi Saskia and Willemijn,
We had a great time at Casale Cipresso. The location is ideal with a tremendous view.
The house has every thing you need even a high chair and a camping bed.
Only downside is that number of deckchairs (4) for 6 adults so you don't have an individual chair for all.
We stayed there in a very warm period and didn't see any umbrella. A bit of shade would be welcome.
Apart from that no complaints and we recommend it to anyone.
Regards, M. D.
Comment owner: we doubled the size of the pergola such that there is / will be more shaded area for the guests.
Hello Saskia and Willemijn,
Yes unfortunately it is the end of our holidays. Honestly I can't say anything else than that we really liked it! The house Casale Cipresso on a superb location and really beautiful. Lounging on the very comfortable deckchairs (with cushions, something you don't see all day) by the pool side was fantastic. Also loved to hang around in the conservatory enjoying the views.
Only downside for me personally were the beds which I thought a bit hard. Already saw on your website a reaction about the bedroom downstairs where it is not possible to open a window. We opened the dividing door to the bathroom where we had opened the window but it was a bit muggy now and then. Of course there are another two bedrooms upstairs so if you are in 4 there is no problem. The house leaves nothing to wish for it has it all.
All was very well organised. I asked lots of questions before booking and always got a quick answer.
The excursion to the abbey comes highly recommended, really very interesting!
All in all a wonderful holiday very well organised by you.
One small point, the road to the house is quite hard to find. Not sure what can be done about that, maybe a sign at the beginning of the road?
Maybe till next time. I'll make sure to recommend you organisation to everyone planning to visit Umbria!
Kind regards, L.K.
From 2009:
Dear,
we had a wonderful holiday in Collazone. The houese is ideally located and well equipped.
The only comments would be that it may be practical to create more shade around the pool area. IT was extremely hot when we were there.
We would have loved booking again for 2010, but unfortunately saw the house has already been booked in te period we would like to rent!
Kind regards, Barbara and Thomas
Hi Willemijn and Saskia,
We had a wonderful time in casale Cipresso where we stayed for two weeks. We did have some hick ups, though:
-Upon arrival we sent a message to Lucia who was surprised by that. According to her we should have send a message two hours before arrival.
-The fridge and freezer had to be switched on.
-We missed a few light bulbs.
-Two of the remote controls didn't have batteries.
-The third remote control for the DVD simply did not work.
-The umbrella's near the pool we did not see at all.
-The children's cot to be fixed to the table was just fine, it is only that the table isnìt stable enough to support such a chair!
-ON Sunday the elctricity went out. We informed Lucia who suggested we were using to many electrical appliances: these were only the fridge and the freezer!
-At 15.30 Marcello the caretaker passed by and switched of the pump of the pool: everything worked again.
-A bit later somebody came by to fix the pump of the pool. He left. Leaving us without electricity and telling us to call Lucia.
-Lucia came at 20.00 and contacted the owner who suggested we would stay at a nearby hotel. He would pay for it. We did not want to move. Marcello came by with two spare lights and suggested us not to use too much electricity until the Tuesday.
-At 22:30 everybody left.
On Monday Marcello passed by to check upon us and brought fresh egges and marmelade.
Tuesday: the electricity problems seems to be resolved.
Wednesday: also the pump of the pool was fixed.
Monday the week after: the boiler stopped working. Lucia responded by coming by the next day with a technician. Boiler fixed, pump of the pool breaks down again!
All in all, we had a good time at the Casale Cipresso but had a bit too much hassle with all the reparations during our stay and as a result, lacked some of our privacy. We would like to compliment Lucia and Marcello, though, for all their assistance.
We do realise our e-mail is not particularly positive, but hope you can make use of our comments.
With kind regards, Connie
Reaction owner: he is very sorry that in two weeks time evrything seem to break down at the same time. He has never experienced anything like it. He will commit himself to check more thoroughly all appliances before the first arrivals.
Hi Saskia and Willemijn,
Here some feedback about Casale Cipresso: The house is just perfect! Most of the time we stayed around the pool (it was very hot when we were there). The pool is very clean and from here the views around are fantastic.
The veranda that can be closed is a wonderful place to laze around, dine etc. With bad weather we closed the glass doors and enjoyed the thunderstorm!
The bedrooms, each with bathroom, are just fine. The downstairs bedroom is best used by people who are used to sleep with doors open and who do not mind the noises of the surrounding nature during the night.
The kitchen is well equipped if you like home cooking, but restaurants in the area are perfect!
It would be ridiculous to mention negative comments about this house. The weather can be a negative aspect, but even then, the area has so many beautiful sights to visit that it'll be hard to be annoyed!
The directions are perfect, but maybe it would be handy to also supply the GPS co-ordinates, since nowadays most people enjoy fllowong "the voice from the box"!
And for people who come by motorbike: the last kilometre to the house is best done with a endurobike, especially after some heavy rainfall!
It was just lovely and we hope to be able to come back. Thank you for the good preparation and your services.
Kind regards, Marc
Dear Saskia and Willemijn,
Thank you for your invitation to provide feedback on our stay.
Our family had a very enjoyable stay and you can quote us (anonymously) as saying that 'Casale Cipresso is a well-appointed, well-maintained and delightfully situated Umbrian retreat, perfect for a large family (or two small ones)'.
Our experience was very positive on the whole.
As I think we have already communicated, the stay could have been improved if:
The pool people knew what they were doing (the heating wasn't operating the first week, and when they engaged it they broke it and it had to be repaired)
The gardeners hadn't used all the water refilling the pool, with the result that we were virtually without water for 24 hours.
The house is very comfortable and the sun-room very special.
If we were to suggest two structural improvements to the obviously fastidious (and lucky!) owners it would be to:
Build a vine covered pergola off the drive way near the house (i.e. shade for car)
Create more bench space in the kitchen. For a home this size, the available bench space (especially for Italian cooking!) struck us as too limited.
I hope these comments are useful. We would certainly consider returning.
Best, Paul
From before 2009:
Dear Willemijn,
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Casale Cipresso and haven't got any negative comments regarding this house. Furthermore we liked the way your organisation dealt with our booking. We especially liked the communication via email regarding all kinds of practical things about the house. Your website will certainly be at the top when booking a new holiday in Umbria!
Kind regards, Maaike en Andries
Dear Willemijn and Saskia,
A short while after our holiday we received a questionnaire from the (American/Belgian?) owner of Casale Cipresso. We reacted in a very positive way: that one short week in their house in Umbria left us and our 4 children with a big impression. Frankly put it was marvellous: beautiful and overwhelming house/surroundings, well equipped and very friendly reception.
Moreover we were coincidentally really lucky with the weather that week, so....... a very prosperous undertaking. We always say we will never go to the same place twice but this experience makes us doubt such a remark. Who knows we might try to return in all. Anyhow we have plans -this time without kids- to visit Umbria or Rome on a long weekend trip.
Thank you so much for everything; we will promote www.villainumbria.com among our friends and acquaintances.
Kind regards, Christianne en Jan
Dear Willemijn,
We spent a wonderfull holiday in the house near Gaglietole.
We liked the house very much. Great location, splendid views, nice swimming pool, enough space to accomodate 6 people and equipped with all desired luxury as dishwasher, washing machine, tv, DVD player.
We are considering to make reservations for this house for next years summerholidays. Do you have any information regarding occupancy and prices for next year?
Kind regards, Ruud
The private accommodation, accessed through a long cypress-lined driveway, is framed on two sides by a very spacious veranda. Downstairs is a large living / dining room, a well-equipped kitchen with dishwasher, and a bedroom with en-suite bathroom. With another two ample bedrooms upstairs, each with an en-suite modern bathroom, the property comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests.
