Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom

Tim and Ruth Wade

We are a family that has enjoyed travelling all over the world. Originally from Australia, but based just outside London these past 12 years, Ruth and I have experienced many adventures with our four children, Georgia, Thomas, Harriet and Prudence. To the beach, the snow, the countryside, the fjords, the major metropolises, the charming towns…by ship, by air, by river boat, by bicycle, car and train. In particular, we have routinely taken villas in the Summer all over Europe. Many of these experiences were brilliant, some good, and others, well, questionable. One thing we agree on however is the enduring appeal of all things Italian. We have spent many memorable holidays in the land of the risorgimento. Principally in Tuscany, in Umbria, in the Cinque Terre, Sicily, Sardinia, and finally in the magical Lakes district (Como, Garda and Maggiore).After all this restiveness, the prospect of adopting a settled and known base in Tuscany, in a beautifully restored medieval hamlet, with helpful and welcoming staff was in truth not an especially difficult sale. We nevertheless made Lee work hard, simply because we had not encountered the fractional formula before. Turns out it really is simple, sensible, and uniquely convenient. After our initial inspection visit in November 2010, we signed soon after, and have been back another five times already. Door to door (via Stansted, to the rather rustic Perugia airport) can be as quick as five hours for us. It sounds bizarre, I’m sure, but we almost feel fondly about Ryanair.The immediate attractions of Vagli are readily discernible, and its charms have been well documented by earlier accounts, and in the stunning new video. But here is what we especially like – there is something for everyone.Ruth and I visit just to do nothing. We eat, walk (try the walk to Scoiattolo – views of Trasimeno and Cortona to die for), play golf, read, visit another hilltop town which has been impossibly well preserved (say, Castel Rigone, or Gubbio, or Orvieto), catch the train to Florence (recently, for a Medici exhibition), make a pilgrimage to a favourite vineyard (Antinori or Avignonesi), and sleep. And eat. Especially eat. Mostly at i’cche c’e c’e.Our children all visited with us in the Summer, and we enjoyed a marvellously close ten day holiday in their company. Restful days around the pool under clear blue skies, interspersed with long, leisurely meals. With an age range of 18-23, the absence of bars, night clubs and other typically youthful distractions might have been problematic. Not a bit of it. They have talked enthusiastically about returning with their own friends at some point in the future. And, happily, with us too.On another occasion I brought two golfing friends for a four day break which included two rounds at the nearby Antognolla Golf Club. This is as near to golfing paradise as I can imagine. A wonderful layout (Robert Trent Jones design) set in a lush valley, with water, pine trees, pristine fairways – and every hole under the brooding presence of the 13th century Antognolla castle. The brilliantly changing colours of the trees in late October provided a special treat. Lee has also proved to be a highly competitive and gracious golf partner.We are extremely happy to have found Vagli. Thanks to Fulvio (larger than life), to Lee (and Cecilia), to Steffi (a complete darling), to Bianca, and of course to Dina, Roberta and Tizziana, who have made us feel so very welcome. We’ll see you again soon.

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