A perfect home base to explore Tuscany. The home was nice and quiet, with beautiful gardens, and central to so much, including the charming town of Marciano, a short walk away. David and Cesare were so helpful with tips and advice. Very highly recommended.

In a great location in a small town. The property itself is gated and cared for meticulously, with an olive grove behind. We could get to a lot of places in a short amount of time. The owner had put together in English a list of things to see, walks, and restaurants which was so helpful. The property was renovated with nice finishes and 2 main suites. Great for couples traveling together or in our case sleep issues. Everything you could need is there. Any issues are taken care of very quickly since the owner lives next door. He obviously cares very much about his property and his guests.

We really enjoyed our stay at this lovely and cosy accomodation. The owners made us feel at home and were always available in case we had any queries. Although we booked a lot of accomodations in the past 15+ years we visit Toscany this house is one of the best in terms of location and comfort and we definitely recommend it. Many thanks to Cesare and David and we hope to come back one time.

We really enjoyed our stay at this lovely and cosy accomodation. The owners made us feel at home and were always available in case we had any queries. Although we booked a lot of accomodations in the past 15+ years we visit Toscany this house is one of the best in terms of location and comfort and we definitely recommend it. Many thanks to Cesare and David and we hope to come back one time.

This little paradise has been a home to us as we explored this lovely area of Tuscany. Not only did we have a lovely home, but our hosts helped us daily with advice, friendship, and support. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, our impromptu visit to pick olives and the wonderful fireside wine conversations. The only advise would be to be aware there is no electric dryer so everything is on dry racks. We would return any time eagerly as even after 9 days, felt there was so much more to explore.

We have rented vacation homes for the past twenty years and this one is by far the most well-stocked, well-equipped and comfortable. Down to boxes of Kleenex, the attention to detail was a pleasant surprise. You will definitely need a car while you're here, but most of what you'd want to see in Tusdany is less than an hour's drive away.

Usually a place is never as nice as you are imagining.. but this place was more than I had hoped for. It simply felt like coming home to our little place in paradise after sighting amazing Tuscany!

Usually a place is never as nice as you are imagining.. but this place was more than I had hoped for. It simply felt like coming home to our little place in paradise after sighting amazing Tuscany!

Just as advertised and better. Everything you need to live the Tuscan lifestyle.

Just as advertised and better. Everything you need to live the Tuscan lifestyle.

We have just returned from a week staying in this lovely Tuscan villa. The property was immaculately presented, very comfortable and probably the best equipped place we have ever stayed in. It was really a home from home and the owners had thought of every little detail. It had everything we could possibly have needed to make our stay comfortable, and more. The owner, Cesare, lived in a house adjacent to the villa, and although was on hand if needed, was very unobtrusive. He responded promptly to any of our emails queries prior to arrival and sent some helpful information which he had complied about local walks, scenic drives and places to visit, which we took advantage of. The directions to the property were very clear and easy to follow and we were given a very warm welcome on arrival, including wine and fruit which we very much appreciated and enjoyed. The villa is situated in beautiful gardens including a small olive grove and we had free access to them. Although it was just my husband and I staying, the property would be ideally suited to two couple with 2 ensuite bedrooms - each of comparable size and comfort. There was a lot to do in the area - Lucignano, a beautiful and unusual hilltop village, was just a 10 minute drive away. A visit to Cortona is a must - set on a very steep hillside, the views from the Fort were breath-taking and well worth the very steep climb! However, we were delighted to find escalators which took you from the car park to the foot of the city walls - a very welcome surprise! We had no problem parking in any of the places we visited and mostly parking was free. Lake Trasimeno was about a 40 minute drive and a trip out by ferry to one of the islands is also another good day out. We found Castiglione del Lago on the shores of Lake Trasimeno a very pleasant town, and a visit to the Castle again provided the most stunning views. There are some very scenic drives through the countryside to towns such as Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano- just about an hour away. Sienna and Florence are also quite accessible. We also enjoyed the days though where we just stayed 'at home' enjoying the local surroundings, including the local village Festival with its music, dancing and fabulous firework display. We would very happily recommend the villa, owner and location. It was a lovely week. Thank you Cesare.

La Colonica is simply adorable! Please look up when you enter to see the gorgeous ceilings in every room.......including the bathrooms! My sister and I had the most wonderful time! May I say that Cesare is simply charming and there for you for anything you need as far as the house. Anna.....so sweet.....and cheerful to help with anything you may need. David was our concierge! Very accessible.....and directed us to some of our most exciting day trips.. Our house was nestled in a very conveniently located area to all of our adventures. Very peaceful and quite to just sit outside and enjoy the Italian mornings and evenings. Many nights we built a fire to sit and watch until we went to bed! We were welcomed with wine and surprised with a bouquet of flowers! Grazie Ceasare for your kind nature!

Great location and nice apartment for two and adequate, just, for four. Bathrooms are lovely especially when you consider the age of the building. Antonella could not have been more helpful. To have a typical ‘local’ cafe like la Saletta 20 feet from the front door was wonderful.

This has been such a delightful holiday from beginning to end. It started with the fantastic welcome and hospitality shown by our hosts. The villa was absolutely gorgeous, with spectacular views out into the beautiful garden. This truly is a little piece of heaven. The facilities were first class, everything you could possibly wish for provided. The attention to detail really astounded us given the price of the villa, which was so very reasonable. A car is essential to get around this amazing part of Tuscany and we found it really easy to explore the area when we were there. Google maps helped. We visited so many wonderful towns and cities, but to come to La Colonica was such a pleasure and retreat from the heat of the day. The air conditioning was amazing and I cannot day enough about our fabulous hosts. They were so accommodating and friendly. I can’t wait to return. Petra Brown Northumberland

We were 2 couples traveling together. The house is in a perfect location for touring Tuscany. The house is clean, well equipped, with a fantastic outdoor area.

Large grounds. Very well maintained Very clean highly recommended. Beautiful Vistas Very Private

Lovely villa with all the amenities, wonderful hosts who were extremely helpful with suggestions for meals, sites to see and a bakery close by with the most delicious croissants! Perfectly situated for day trips to numerous towns and villages of historical note. Enjoy!

We (2 couples) stayed at La Colonica from April 14 - 21. The owners were so helpful from the time of our reservation until we checked out. They answered questions abut train travel, car rental, restaurant selection, and suggested side trips. They responded quickly and pleasantly. The villa itself was exactly as described, very comfortable for the 4 of us. We were greeted with fresh flowers and 2 bottles of the local wine. They provided a cell phone and GPS for help navigating the small roads of Tuscany. We took home a container of olive oil made from the olives growing in the back yard. I will highly recommend this property.

Cesare Sesto's beautiful villa is the ideal place for two couples to stay while making day trips to Montepulciano, Montalcino, Siena, Pienza, Cortona, numerous hill towns, and the beautiful countryside of central Tuscany and western Umbria. La Colonica is a charming, well-equipped, single level villa with two bedroom suites and a central living room, dining area, and kitchen. It is located on a large gated property near Marciano della Chiana with a nice patio, large lawn, and extensive olive tree grove at the rear of the property. We were two couples traveling in separate cars, and the large and secure parking area next to the villa was a big plus. Cesare and his British friend, David, met us upon our arrival and provided an extensive orientation on the property, the surrounding area, recommendations for touring and dining, and much more. They made reservations for us the first evening at a superb restaurant in a nearby town and made sure we knew they would help with anything we needed during our stay. Communications with Cesare, beginning with our booking nearly a year in advance, were the most professional, complete, and helpful that we have experienced with any VRBO owner over years of traveling across the US and Europe. We have wonderful memories from our week at La Colonica and greatly appreciate the exceptional hospitality provided by Cesare and David.

This property is exactly as pictured in the photos. The lovely Anna does a wonderful job of keeping everything clean. She is a treasure. Cesare and David are consummate hosts. We got lots of information that helped us to decide on tours and restaurants. We cooked a lot of our dinners in the small but very well equipped kitchen and utilized the charcoal grill as well. The location is great! So many things to do, see and taste, within an hours drive. I highly recommend this lovely cottage. It was perfect for 2 couples. The setting with the olive trees and some lovely herbs that you can add to your cooking. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to spend our time in Tuscany!

From the moment we arrived till the moment we left, we were quite pleased with La Colonica. It has all the amenities, including very comfortable beds and air conditioning. The views from inside, looking over the olive grove and the mountains behind, were only surpassed by sitting outside and seeing even more of Tuscany. The location is perfect as it allows for day trips to innumerable hilltop towns and nearby Cortona, Siena and Florence. And to top it all off, Cesere is assisted by David, who is quite knowledgeable on where to eat and what to look for on your day trips. As we said, if this place is available, book it!! (No, we didn't get paid to say this!)

The location and setting is ideal, the service is impeccable, and every detail has been thoughtfully considered. The hosts David and Cesare were incredibly helpful. They deserve each and all the rave comments. We were home in the middle of Italy. The view from the terrace with the 40-year-old olive trees (some planted about 7 years ago) the garden and flowers just as spring arrived did not disappoint. If you are looking for out of this world personalized service, it does not get better than this and we will go back, the best property I ever rented.

If you are looking to spend a wonderful vacation in a perfect place to tour Tuscany, then LaColonica in Marciana Della Chiana is where you want to be. From the moment we booked our stay to the day we departed, we couldn't have had a better experience. Cesare and David are the most incredible hosts and, indeed, the most incredible people. They go out of their way to be helpful and to provide every comfort and convenience one might need, and they do it with such good nature, kindness and generosity of spirit. Speaking of generosity, how nice it was to find two bottles of local wine and fresh flowers on the dining table when we arrived. The property, itself, is a bucolic delight -- a restored farmhouse where the owner lives and a lovely cottage for guests on beautifully maintained grounds with olive groves, flowers, fruit trees . . . We were two couples staying there -- my husband and me and my brother and sister-in-law -- and the cottage is laid out perfectly for each couple's privacy. The common living area in the center is flanked on each side by a very nicely-sized bedroom with ensuite. The kitchen is small, but fully equipped; and the dining room overlooks the olive groves. The covered back patio is a wonderful place to have breakfast; and anyplace on the property is perfect for an afternoon glass of wine. Anna, the housekeeper, keeps the cottage impeccably neat and clean and readily supplied with linens, and she is always anxious to be of help. I could go on and on; but you should just stay there and happily find out for yourself how perfect it is.

My husband and I are finishing up our 2 week stay at La Colonica and could not be more pleased! You can walk into the small village of Marciana Della Chiana to eat, but the setting behind a gate feels as if it is in the middle of the country. There are many places to sit and relax outside and it is beautiful with the olive grove and hills in the distance. The house is well furnished, clean and comfortable; we had another couple stay with us and you each have your own bedroom and bath. When we arrived there were fresh cut flowers and a bottle of red wine and one of white wine left for us. David acquainted us with the house and gave us notes for many different trips, walks and restaurants in the area. The location was great to visit Tuscany and Umbria. All in all, this has been a wonderful vacation and we will hope to return to La Colonica!

The cottage is lovely and very comfortable with two large bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. It has a beautiful front and backyard. It even has a washing machine. The kitchen was well stocked with utensils, dishes and glasses. My favorite room was the dining room that looks out over the backyard. The owner was extremely helpful in suggesting restaurants and making reservations for us since no one spoke Italian. The recommendations were fantastic; great food, excellent wine at a very reasonable price, and interesting villages. He also recommended several cooking schools and the one we chose was fantastic. We recommend this, giving it a 10 out of 10!

We loved staying at La Colonica. The peaceful setting is beautiful, with comfortable outdoor seating overlooking olive trees and manicured yard. The cottage is incredibly well-equipped and tastefully decorated. Excellent recommendations for restaurants, tours, and things to do were provided by Cesare and staff. This is a perfect home-base for Tuscan day trips. We would definitely stay here on our next trip. It has our highest recommendation.

Our expectations were exceeded at La Colonica. The property, the villa, our hosts, and the scenery were beyond what was advertised. What a beautiful place! Exceptional value combined with the perfect setting for a Tuscan vacation. We spent four weeks there while touring Tuscany and felt like we were in the very best place to be. Cesare and David were the most gracious, friendly, helpful and wonderful hosts. They provided us with in depth information on the best restaurants, things to see and do, and suggested the best ways to travel to each destination. We believe La Colonica is the perfect setting. Include exceptional hosts and it is the very best place to stay while in Italy. As a matter of fact, we would enjoy living there. That said, we cant wait to return for another visit.

My husband and I stayed at La Colonica for 2 weeks, starting in late September 2014. We have traveled in Italy often since 2000, and would put this beautiful cottage home/gardens at the top of our list. Cesare and David are the perfect hosts...easy to work with, extremely helpful in every way, and have a very high standard of excellence in the properties they rent. The home itself truly feels like a home away from home. It has been restored in the true Tuscan style, with terra cotta floors and beamed ceilings. The gardens are magnificent, and very relaxing, and the kitchen has everything you need, should you choose to cook meals there. It is perfect for a family of 4 or 2 couples traveling together, as there is a split bedroom floor plan with bathrooms in suite. Marciano della Chiana is a charming little village. We enjoyed gelato and cappacinos at Vivian Bar, pizza at Angelita's and Barbara's place, and a wonderful, fun dinner with Massimo at Vecchia Rota. Marciano is the perfect home base for exploring all that Tuscany has to offer. Thank you to Cesare and David for providing a truly beautiful stay in magical Italia!!

My husband and I stayed at La Colonica for 2 weeks, starting in late September 2014. We have traveled in Italy often since 2000, and would put this beautiful cottage home/gardens at the top of our list. Cesare and David are the perfect hosts...easy to work with, extremely helpful in every way, and have a very high standard of excellence in the properties they rent. The home itself truly feels like a home away from home. It has been restored in the true Tuscan style, with terra cotta floors and beamed ceilings. The gardens are magnificent, and very relaxing, and the kitchen has everything you need, should you choose to cook meals there. It is perfect for a family of 4 or 2 couples traveling together, as there is a split bedroom floor plan with bathrooms in suite.Marciano della Chiana is a charming little village. We enjoyed gelato and cappacinos at Vivian Bar, pizza at Angelitas and Barbaras place, and a wonderful, fun dinner with Massimo at Vecchia Rota. Marciano is the perfect home base for exploring all that Tuscany has to offer.Thank you to Cesare and David for providing a truly beautiful stay in magical Italia!!

Four adults stayed at this wonderful Cottage! Very secure, clean, spacious and nicely decorated Cottage with a beautiful view of the Tuscan Hills. The Hosts were amazing - extremely helpful and caring and provided us with everything you could possibly need. Leading up to our visit, the Hosts were so helpful via email and answered any questions we had about our upcoming visit and sightseeing possibilities. During our stay, the Hosts were available if you wanted to ask questions but never intrusive! There was a good selection of novels available and maps of local villages and cities. They even had Italian dictionaries so there was no need for me to bring my many books along! The Hosts also provided numerous itineraries of interesting day tours to take around the area and excellent suggestions on where to eat. WIFI was always working and even worked on the patio outside! We would highly recommend this Cottage to anyone wishing to visit the Tuscany area. We hope to return one day to enjoy this amazing property and the wonderful Hosts! Cheryl, Steve, Barb and Don

We enjoyed our stay at La Colonica very much. We arrived in the middle of a hot August afternoon and the minute the big gates to the property were opened we knew we had made the right choice. The villa is surrounded by gardens and shade trees. Inside it was cool and welcoming. There were flowers on tables, a bottle of local white wine chilling in the fridge, and La Colonica's own olive oil as part of the staples provided. The villa was immaculately clean and amazingly comfortable. The kitchen is stocked with everything you could possibly want including a blender, food processor, dishwasher, microwave and hob and oven. All the rooms are very well furnished and have outdoor shutters and mosquito screens as well as air-conditioning. We stocked up at the very good supermarket. Herbs grow beside the dining patio. We used the barbecue a lot and just relaxed. There were some English language TV channels, DVDs and a good selection of books available but bring your own films, music and books. We did not do much sightseeing as we had just come from Rome and Florence but we particularly enjoyed a day out which included a boat trip to the island in Lake Trasimeno where we had a very good meal. It was a very relaxing time and we were happy to just enjoy the sunshine and gardens at the villa. Strangely enough our travels invariably involved a trip to the fantastic local pastry shop! The owners are delightful and never intrusive. We hope to return in 2016.

We stayed at La Colonica from 8/30-9/6, which was WAY too short!! The cottage was absolutely magnificent! It was decorated beautifully, had plenty of space and we loved the yard! Cesare, Anna, David and Rocco were welcoming and couldn't do enough for us! Cesare made any restaurant reservations that we needed, David loaned us a GPS and an Italian cell phone. They gave us directions and recommendations to anywhere we wanted to go. We had access to fresh herbs in the garden, fresh figs and they left us Olive oil pressed from the olives grown on the property, our only regret is we forgot to purchase a tin before we left. Anna kept the place immaculate and since we were only there one week, brought a change of towels for us every 3 days (cleaning is after one week). The town of Marciano Della Chiana was so cute, you can walk to the coffee bar, get coffee pastries or gelato. There is a very good restaurant in town with the friendliest owner, last night there we spent 3 hours! There is also a pizzeria and small market. This cottage is close to Arezzo, Siena and Cortona among others. I could go on and on... If you have the opportunity PLEASE stay here, you won't regret it. I'm just worried if we want to go back it will be booked!