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REVIEWS

The following are verified independent reviews posted directly by Villa Francesca clients on the leading holiday booking sites HomeAway, Vrbo and Airbnb and can also be viewed on those platforms.

August 2023

*****

The villa was clean, spacious, and very well equipped.

I stayed with friends at Villa Francesca for a week in August 2023. The villa was clean, spacious, and very well equipped. The views from the balcony were amazing, and the pool was well maintained. We loved the fact there were three different dinner tables to eat at, allowing us to rotate our meals between the pool area, the veranda with amazing views, or inside with the air conditioning. Maura was a fantastic host, providing clear check-in instructions and helping to arrange an in-house chef to cook a lovely meal for us one night. Maura was also very generous in allowing a late check-out to accommodate our late flight time. I would highly recommend staying at Villa Francesca!

July 2023

*****

We all had the most excellent time

Thank you so much for making our holiday so special last week. From the moment we arrived (well, in truth it was well before that) you made us feel so special and so welcome. The villla was immaculate. Your recommendations were spot on. We all had a most excellent time. The only thing is we arrived back in London to 17 degrees and horizontal rain - but we can’t hold you responsible for that.

September 2023

*****

Unparalleled  views

This is an outstanding villa, with unparalleled views. It is well stocked for onsite cooking and conveniently located closely to all highlights.

As a family of 6 adults and one baby (1 year old) we would highly recommend Villa Francesca and Maura the host was incredible to work/communicate with, she was always super professional and helpful.

June 2023

*****

Unexpected Italy

We loved our stay at Villa Francesca! Comfortable, a good size for two couples, even 3 three and it was great to come back each afternoon and sit by the pool. We loved the various spots to sit and really appreciated the welcome on arrival.

Maura was lovely and very helpful, even organising a hair and nail appointment for me. The location is pretty much 25 minutes from all the towns you want to hit but closer to Fasano.

We would definitely recommend  Villa Francesca.

June 2023

*****

Absolutely beautiful villa

This is such a lovely villa. The interior is beautiful and well appointed and the view is astonishing. Maura is an excellent host, very friendly and helpful. The villa is well located within an easy 30 minute drive of many of the key sights in Puglia and 1.5 miles from Matera.

The heated swimming pool was much loved by the kids (and us) and we loved to sit outside and enjoy the view (except when the final episode of Succession was broadcast and we were delighted to realise the villa has Sky TV so we didn't have to wait to watch it).

We like travelling to different places but this was such a stunning villa and a lovely area with so much to do we will definitely be back. Thanks Maura.

August 2022

*****

Beautiful villa with magnificent view

A lovely spacious home with very comfortable rooms. Very easy to contact and deal with the friendly host. Don’t worry to plan ahead, the best suggestions for trips and restaurants come from the visitors manual and from the host.

June 2022

*****

Beautiful villa

The villa is stunning! The views are to die for and the property is very well kept. Maura is extremely professional and attentive. Would highly recommend this property.

May 2022

*****

A dream come true

What an amazing villa, a dream come true. Maura is absolutely the best host and helped us with everything we asked for.

Everything was just spectacular. Maura hope to see you in September, thank you so much for everything.

October 2021

*****

Lovely Property

We were a group of 5 seniors who spent a week in Villa Francesca. The house is as described in the listing, as is the pool. The property manager was very responsive to any issues we encountered and also helpful in arranging to have a chef prepare some food to have on hand for our late arrival our first night. She also arranged for a meal to be cooked in the house on our last night, which was wonderful. The location is good with easy access to necessities and areas for exploration.

August 2021

*****

Beautiful resort, we had booked 8-nights in the villa

Beautiful resort, we had booked 8-nights in the villa. It was just insane. The manager Maura was incredibly nice and always available on her cell phone. Since you come from Great Britain, there were no communication problems. On our arrival we were surprised by her with a very large welcome basket. In addition, you came over on the second day of vacation and gave us some really great tips for the beach stay, delicious pizzerias and shopping.

Also ,her partner Giancarlo, who had looked after the pool from time to time regarding the chlorine levels, was very nice and funny. On the last evening we also had the special opportunity through Maura to welcome a private cook in our villa. She has conjured up an extremely delicious 4 course menu!

Outside Villa: The villa is located at the foot of a mountain / hill. From the terrace you have an incredible view of the towns of Fasano, Polignano al Mare etc. and the beautiful blue sea.

The pool was super warm, clean and extremely large with an area where you can jump in quite calmly. Further, there are enough sun loungers with pads around the pool, so there are no disputes =). The terrace was equipped with a large table and plenty of seating. Furthermore, we have also used the BBQ. For this it also had two different choices (a Weber grill and a stone grill). A clothesline to dry the swimwear there was also. In addition, there were also bath towels for the pool or the beach.

Inside, the villa has a very large dining and living area. The kitchen is well equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, oven, stovetops and other accessories (plates, cutlery, etc.) is all available. Further, the house had 3 bathrooms. One really very large bathroom and two smaller ones. These were all in very good condition and super clean. If necessary, you can also wash clothes and dry them in the dryer. Cleaning things are also available such as a vacuum cleaner or a broom.

The living room was furnished with a large TV and a very comfortable couch. The rooms were all well equipped with comfortable beds. There were plenty of closets where you could store everything. A big plus were also the mosquito nets that were installed on each window so you could sleep with fresh air at night. Finally, it must be mentioned that the entire villa is secured all around with an alarm system and also a security service monitors the premises. Overall, it was a very very nice vacation with a wonderful accommodation! Thanks again to Maura from the Boys.

Appréciations très favorables

June 2021

*****

Formidable accueil et maison très confortable et bien entretenue. Belles prestations.

August 2020

*****

Wonderful place for a family holiday.

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We stayed with our kids and a set of grandparents - everyone had a great time. The property is excellent for a family holiday, with plenty of space for relaxing or playing and a great location for exploring the local area. The pool is fantastic for all ages and much fun was had there.

Having so many areas to sit, relax and eat is brilliant; the views from everywhere really add to that experience too. Cooking facilities are excellent, including the BBQ area. We particularly appreciated the second fridge in the utility area, which was handy for wine and beer! Maura's help and advice really contributed to making our holiday so enjoyable.

Nothing was ever too much bother and and requests or queries were actioned very promptly (both before the holiday and during). She provides great advice on the local area, places to eat etc. One important thing to note is that there is a good supermarket a very short drive from the villa, which is extremely handy, plus the little shop at the bottom of the hill does wonderful bread.

Being up in the hills not only provides extraordinary views but means you often have a nice breeze to keep you cool. The air-conditioning is also great and we always felt very comfortable in the villa. The lane leading up to the villa is indeed quite bumpy and twisty but we managed it in a massive 9-seater vehicle, so don't let it put you off. We would also recommend the cook-in chef option, which we had one night and was a lovely experience. Overall, this is a fantastic place to stay for a family holiday and we would highly recommend it.

July 2020

*****

Beautiful villa.

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This is a beautiful villa in the hills above Fasano with stunning views to the sea which was a 15 minute drive away. It has a great living area inside and a beautiful verandah overlooking the valley to the sea where enjoyed many meals. It also has a lovely pool and pool deck . It was managed by the wonderful Maura who ensured the place was spotlessly clean and looked after us so well! She provided us with a great “welcome pack” of food and wine and she was always available to give advice on things to do and restaurants. She organised a terrific night at a nearby Masseria where we learned to make orricietti, visited the beautiful garden there, were wined and dined and then danced to gypsy music. She also arranged for a driver every time we needed one. It was the perfect stay!

July 2020

*****

This property has the most breathtaking view out to the Adriatic from the front terrace and the pool. It is spacious and beautifully decorated. Two of the double bedrooms are a good size and one is a little smaller and snugly fits two singles. Maura gave us excellent directions. She is a great communicator and gave us great local tips for dinner and must sees! She also treated us to a welcome hamper which we were grateful for as we got there late. It's a great location to access all that Puglia has to offer. We were sad to leave!

June 2020

*****

We have spent a wonderful week in Maura’s house. The location is literally exceptional: amazing view, perfectly located close to many Puglian wonders ! All the comfort needed in the house also and Maura very reactive for any question. Thanks for your welcome !

October 2019

*****

Absolutely Wonderful Villa and Host.

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We have recently returned from a week at Villa Francesca and we loved everything about the house, the location and the fantastic support we received from Maura. The villa is spacious, clean and beautiful. The views from the porch and the pool area are simply stunning. We spent time each morning and evening enjoying the outdoor spaces and the views. We also cooked each evening and the kitchen and outdoor grill area were both excellent. The beds were comfortable, the showers had plenty of pressure and hot water and the laundry area was a big help to us. We have nothing but praise for every aspect of our stay. And Maura is an amazing host. The information provided in the guest booklet is excellent, and she was so responsive to all of our additional requests for recommendations, etc. She arranged transportation for us on several occasions including from the airport and to the train station, as well as a couple of excursions when we preferred not to drive. Our driver, Giancarlo, was fabulous. The location of the villa is perfect for exploring Puglia. Ostuni, Altamura, Matera and Locorotondo are not to be missed, and we especially enjoyed our drive to some of the waterside towns and lunch at a seaside restaurant. If you are even considering choosing this villa, just do it. Your trip will be fantastic, as was ours. We were five women, all 60ish, and had the time of our lives. Thanks Maura!

October 2019

*****

Elegant Villa.

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The villa is elegant, well equipped, quiet and has splendid views. Our stay was made particularly easy by Maura. the very helpful and very efficient agent, probably the best we have encountered in some 40 years of renting Italian and French villas.

August - September 2019

*****

Perfectly Located With A Gorgeous View.

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Villa Francesca is ideally located between many beautiful hilltop towns and an easy drive to the sea. The view is breathtaking. Maura, who manages the property, went out of her way to make our stay enjoyable. She is a gem. Do take her up on her offer to have your first night's dinner catered. The cook is excellent and the food was delicious.

August 2019

*****

Great luxury vacations in the land of trulli.

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The villa is excellent, spacious, decorated with taste and has everything you’ll expect for a great vacation in Puglia. The view is amazing. The service and attention to details from Maura is really five star level, from the preparations, the organization of the staff to the advice and information for the visits (best so far in all places we have visited!) The location is excellent, some minutes from the beach and the best towns in Puglia. Trulli are beautiful to see and visit but not so comfortable for living, that is why we chose staying in this comfortable house. The villa has different well independent areas, the house, the pool-deck-barbecue, the upper deck and the terraced gardens, lots of space to spend days in if you want to rest between visits to towns. We had a great time and look forward to coming back soon.

July 2019

*****

Puglian perfection.

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This is a beautiful villa in the hills above Fasano with stunning views to the sea which was a 15 minute drive away. It has a great living area inside and a beautiful verandah overlooking the valley to the sea where enjoyed many meals. It also has a lovely pool and pool deck . It was managed by the wonderful Maura who ensured the place was spotlessly clean and looked after us so well! She provided us with a great “welcome pack” of food and wine and she was always available to give advice on things to do and restaurants. She organised a terrific night at a nearby Masseria where we learned to make orricietti, visited the beautiful garden there, were wined and dined and then danced to gypsy music. She also arranged for a driver every time we needed one. It was the perfect stay!

October 2018

*****

Enjoyable Autumn break with friends.

Been trying to visit these Villas for a few years and finally had the opportunity. We were certainly not disappointed. It is a very smart villa great accommodation with fantastic views. Our first visit to Puglia so the local advice from Maura was invaluable. A great meal at a local Masseria and the in villa catering and cooking lesson organised by Maura was fab. We will certainly try to return.

October 2018

*****

Villa francesca is a phenomenal property w/ amazing views and amenities.

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Our family spent 2 weeks at villa francesca; the picture of the panoramic view doesn't do the real view justice; simply amazing! the villa is 30 or so minutes from many of the places to see in puglia; from Bari to lecce and all places in between. spend the day in monopoli, matera, locorotondo, castalana, lecce and brindisi and be back at the villa for dinner. maura can arrange for a chef to prepare amazing italian meals or arrange a visit to a local winery for a tour and another amazing dinner. several local ristorantes are nearby for pizza or dinner. villa is spacious and plenty of room with patios, pool and did i mention the view is breath taking. although there are neighbors you wouldn't know it. feels secluded and private. the beach is only 15-20 minutes away to enjoy the waters of the adriatic. locorotondo is famous for it's white wine but the red is also terrific. the best part of the experience is the value; 3 bedroom, 3 bath villa with pool and spacious rooms for the price of a hotel room in rome. our only regret is that we spent too much time exploring the villages around puglia and weren't able to spend more time at the villa; but there's always next year.

August 2018

*****

Beautiful Villa!!

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We had an amazing stay at Villa Francesca. The location was perfect, we were very close to beautiful beaches and amazing towns. There was a grocery store only a few minutes down the road which was very convenient. The pool was absolutely gorgeous. Maura was a wonderful host and was available to answer any questions we had. We also treated ourselves to a in home chef meal 2 of the nights. Lucrezia was an amazing cook and we would highly recommend her. Cannot wait to go back!!!

May - June 2018

*****

Stunning Location

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We had a fabulous 9 days in Villa Francesca and wanted to stay for another 9! The house is lovely, very well equipped and comfortable, but it is the amazing location that makes it perfect. The views from the multiple terraces really are as good as shown in the photos and it is wonderful to eat outside with such an amazing backdrop. Maura was extremely helpful and also provided a huge welcome basket which was very gratefully received after a long journey. This was our fourth time in Puglia and we love being in this area as there are so many places to explore right on your doorstep and the people are so friendly.

May 2018

*****

Trulli trulli scrumptious!

 

Villa Francesca is perfection. We loved the huge jacuzzi bath, exquisite pool, far reaching views, eating on the terrace(s), massive range of lighting options, mammoth clean windows, effective shutters, thoughtful range of novels, DVDs & games, the Lonely Planet guidebook, the Smeg fridge & cooker, the quality towels & loungers, the variety of seating indoor & out, the well-maintained driveway, the secure electronic gates. Cinzia, the warm, charming & talented private chef, cooked for us on the first & last nights - what a terrific treat & experience, we can’t recommend her enough. We loved the surrounding, idyllic neighbourhood and seeing how authentic Puglians live. There is life everywhere - olive trees, fruit groves, wildflowers, lizards, scenic trulli, winding roads, young and old Italians. We did day trips to: Locorotondo (beautiful. And great drinks, fresh doughnuts and friendly service at the Pasticceria) Alberobello (very picturesque, a high concentration of trulli) Monte San Angelo (stunning drive up the mountain, important Catholic pilgrimage site, a church in a cave, great café near the Sanctuary) Matera (JAW DROPPING!!!!! And drive across to Belverdere - instructions in the Lonely Planet - for even more awe-inspiring views. Really, these are ‘pinch me’ scenes. And hike down the gorge too, we loved it, we followed an apparent dead-end dirt track from just in front of the monastery, bordered on the right by olive trees - find the rough details in the Lonely Planet) Pogliano A Mare (friendly, close, pretty town; even better from the water) Pompeii (3.5hrs drive one-way, but the ancient site is very beautiful, and very atmospheric) Back to Villa Francesca - When you arrive it is as if you are the very first people to ever have been there. Maura provides a great welcome pack (butter, tea, coffee, bread, washing up liquid etc) & useful arrival instructions. Her information on Sights & Sites is something to print & keep in your car. There is *nothing* to complain about. The road is bumpy, but we managed it daily in a big 9-seater van; if you want to stay in ancient Puglia scattered with trulli, then of course the roads won’t be major. If you’re a v sensitive sleeper bring mask/plugs. The water pressure is very good, the bathrooms lovely, the storage plentiful, the chill out spots numerous. The whole place is an experience, so charming, vivacious & characterful. If you don’t like this Villa, maybe you don’t like Italy...or life.

May 2017

*****

A beautiful villa in the hills of Puglia, overlooking the beautiful Adriatic coast.!

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If you want the luxury of feeling like a princess, or prince, that is an easy drive to anywhere in the area, this is the place. Very private, luxurious, and well appointed, sitting above Fasano. The caretaker, Maura, is a phone call away for any questions or recommendations, and is ray of sunshine. The welcome provisions were a wonderful addition to this lovely villa, and if you need more space for larger families, a sister villa below, and very private itself, can accommodate. Walking gardens, a beautiful pool, well-appointed home with large showers and ample towels (yay!), several terraces, all with a spectacular view, along with the most charming people you'll meet in the area, are all you need right here. Thank you Maura, (and your very charming GianCarlo) for your help, information and mostly, what we hope will be a long and lovely friendship . We WILL be back!

July 2017

*****

Excellent week in a beautiful part of Italy

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One of the busiest week's holidays we've had in a long time - there's so much to do in this area. And when you need a bit of relaxation, this villa is a great place to enjoy it! Very well specified, quiet patios and pool area, and fantastic views. Many thanks to Maura too, who ensured everything was perfect.

June 2017

*****

Beautiful villa, well equipped with high quality furnishings with a breathtaking view.

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Beautiful well kept rooms and bathrooms. Very helpful, thoughtful guest manual with books and dvds. Host was amazing at responding and meeting all our needs. Swimming pool is perfect and amazing outside areas to lounge around on.

April 2017

*****

A beautiful view of Puglia

We three couples arriving from different countries, very much enjoyed being together in this beautiful home, the perfect vantage point not only for fabulous views, but also for exploring the best of Puglia. The property manager, Maura, was very thorough and had us completely organized for our stay. The house is just as gorgeous in reality as in the photos. With the beaches only 15 minutes or so from the house, this is a perfect location!

October 2016

*****

A marvelous view and a good starting point for car trips in Puglia.

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We were a family group of six adult persons who visited Villa Francesca in the beginning of October 2016. The house was perfect for us, with spacious inside areas, especially at this time of the year when the outside temperature not always is like “pool-weather”. The kitchen was well equipped with for example a Lavazza coffee machine, a big refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, gas cooker and oven. There are three nice bedrooms with according bathrooms (one of the bathroom you have to pass the kitchen area to reach). The view from the terrace facing east is fantastic. The Villa is situated high up on the hillside and you see the Adriatic See several miles away with lots of Olive trees in between – very nice for a breakfast view. Later on during the day you have a sunny place on the backside, just near the Barbecue area. The pool was very nice but a bit chilly at this time of the year. It is of course possible to heat it up, but that is to an extra payment. So, on the whole the house is very suitable for a small group of peoples and concerning the lower part of the house, the Villa Carlotta, that part is totally separated and was of no inconvenience for us. The house is a perfect starting point for fairly close car trips to a lot of “must to be seen attractions” in Puglia. There is also a “bar” quite close, just about 10 minutes of walking down the narrow entrance road. It consists of a very small grocery shop in combination with a bar. Their bread and “cornettos” were lovely – for morning tea or coffee. We were happy about arriving to the villa during daytime because of the narrow, winding and rather steep uphill entrance way. In the darkness you could probably get a feeling – “is this really the right way?” In a few trips you get used of it and you would not think about it, unless you are meeting a car – there are however several places were you could pass each other. Happily, it was not a problem for us, though having two cars, one small and one bigger. Staying at the Villa Francesca, you have a big advantage in the manager Mrs Maura Watson, who, with a happy face, energy and persistence, will solve all upcoming problems during your stay. She met us during the first day and gave us lots of information about the house and also about the surroundings. We had a lot of help from her – thank you Maura!

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