What’s the discount? I like the villa, but how much will you give me off? Somebody else is offering me a 30% discount and you’re not offering me anything.
Most of the time we don’t do discounts: the price we advertise is carefully worked out so that it is competitive (OK usually not cheap, but they are very nice villas!). It takes supply and demand into account and lands always in the customer’s favour so that the price advertised gives you great value for money. If the prices we advertise are not competitive then customers just go to another website: that’s what the internet is for! So if someone is offering a villa for £6000 with a £1000 reduction and we are offering you a villa for £5000 with a 0% reduction then just be aware that the £6000 villa is really a £5000 villa that started out too expensive. Compare what you are offered not the discount: the discount is not the holiday, the villa is the holiday. And ours will be nicer.
Umbria in many ways the most rural of Italy’s regions. It may be less visited and less-touristed than some other parts of Italy (such as Tuscany) but there is no shortage of excitement with year-round festivals and special events. Food really matters in Umbria and festivals are held all year round celebrating the unique tastes and delights of Umbrian produce and cuisine.
A food festival is known as Sagra (plural Sagre) and the best ones are small and celebrating a single dish. You will often see brightly coloured posters advertising them by the roadside.
Here we offer a roundup of just some of the region’s year-round festivals devoted to food and wine.
Continue reading Festivals and fairs for foodies in Umbria
Umbria is the Italy’s most central region, the only one that does not have an international border or a coast. Within easy striking distance of all the cultural sites of Umbria and surrounded by panoramic views that must be among the finest in Europe are Le Camelie, a beautiful pair of farmhouses recently restored to the highest standard. It is ideal for large family groups , sleeping up to 14 (although there are sofabeds for a couple more). The housekeeper will cook and restaurants are everywhere around. More about villas in Umbria.
Villa Cidalia is one of the better holiday villas in the exclusive area of Quinta do Lago (72 holes of championship golf, beautiful tranquil setting in the Ria Formosa National Park, some of the best rental houses in Europe). Continue reading Villa Cidalia, Quinta do Lago
New for 2008 is Vignasses, a charming modern luxury villa on the hilltop Continue reading New villa in Biot France
When they were started, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo were just the two beaches of the town of Almancil. 40 years and many millions later, they have grown to become very wellknown residential and holiday developments for holidaymakers and golfers. Continue reading Villas in Quinta do Lago: introduction
September prices are typically about 60% of the August peak. Continue reading September is good value for villa holidays
The following villas in France are still available for two weeks in the 2007 UK summer school holidays.
Availability is of course at the time of post:
Villa Camino, Vence: walking distance to restaurants, recently refurbished with good home entertainment equipment. Available all dates after 21 July.
Villa Clarté, Vallauris: stunning sea views and accommodation in two separate houses. Available until 21 July and after 11 August.
Les Oliviers, near Speracedes: a nice stone house with garden in dramatic hilly countryside near Grasse,
available 16-30 August.
Le Chateau, near St Paul: a real 16th Century village Chateau. You can hear the church bell of St Paul.
Chene Vert, near Cabris: recently restored stone Mas in superb location with stunning views. Available 22 July to 4 August.
When planning your next vacation, consider a trip to the French
Riviera. Although it’s famous for being a playground for the jet set,
its miles of white sandy beaches, and gourmet food that is as much of a
treat for the eyes as it is for the palette, the French Riviera has
much more to offer. Continue reading St Tropez
Some useful advice for villa owners: we agree with most points. An owner having a good manager to look after pool, garden etc when they aren’t there is absolutely crucial in the holiday villa letting market.