We had such a fabulous vacation here at Villa Casa Rossa. The red house of Monti and it’s glorious views are spectacular! Our day trips included San Gimignano, Volterra, Colle Val D’Elsa, Monteriggioni, Siena and Lucca.
All of these villages were beautiful but our favorite was having dinner on the terrace and an evening swim.
Thank you so much to the whole Querci family for being such gracious hosts. We feel so lucky to have met you and to have stayed here in Toscana.
Ciao! Ciao!
Jo Anne, Jim & Ellen Mitchell, Carolyn & Ann Philippon, Charlie Byrne.
Vicky, Giovanni, Francesca and Lorenzo! Thank you for sharing your beautiful villa with us. What a lucky find for us- far better than any of us ever imagined. A little piece of heaven on earth!
Visiting the surrounding towns and seeing history come to life was great fun. The food, the people, the endless hills, magnificent views all contributed to a perfect week.
Thank you for your warmth and hospitality. We would love to come back.
Ciao and Grazie,
Jim, Maria, Eric, Jeff, Kayla. Connecticut, USA
What a wonderful week! A beautiful home with every comfort, & the views were always magnificent! Thank you Vicky & Giovanni for an excellent lunch & for sharing the history of the Villa. Things to do:
- Visit Ghizzano & Peccioli – every one was very nice. We enjoyed café at Via Carraia 1 in Peccioli and at Golart at Via Matteotti. We also had a wonderful light meal (Pizza, Pasta, various salami and cheese, foccacia & wine at Enoteca La Vecchia Carraia (1 Via Carraia…. same place we had café) Great sweets!
- Visit Florence – about 1 ¼ hour’s drive
- Visit local wineries
- Enjoy the pool, the countryside and the views
- Look at the stars at night
Darrel, Theresa, Ryan, Brendan Atwood, Connecticut USA
Thank you for a wonderful week!! Definitely “5 stars”!
TONYA, DN, Tatum and Madison.
What a wonderful week we had! We were able to get 9 of our family members here at one time and enjoy this beautiful area. The views are magnificent and it is such a peaceful and restful experience. We came from 4 different areas, Arizona, San Francisco, Penn Valley and London, England, where we all have hectic lives.
We enjoyed our day trips very much – Volterra, Lucca, Pisa and More. The men really enjoyed the wineries.
Now how do we get all that wine back to the States!?
Bob, Mark, Tom and Erin Spengler.
Villa Casa Rossa, very special moments in time. True kindness and unforgettable courtesy of our hosts Vicky, Giovanni and their family.
How lucky we were to have chosen your home for our brief stay in Wonderful Tuscany. Words cannot express the true Villa Monti experience.
We would hope to return in the future. Thank you for the memories!
Robert Carroll. Ireland
Thank you for the lovely welcome! Paula.
In this place,
We had a taste,
Of Tuscany at it’s best.
The sights, the sounds, The little towns, We found a treasure chest.
But our outstanding memory
Will always be
Vicky and Giovanni’s hospitality.
Patricia Caroll
Dear Vicky and Giovanni,
Our week in your lovely home surpassed our expectations. We will treasure the memory of our time in Tuscany – the beauty of the countryside, the charm of “our house”, and the warmth of you and your family. Thank you for the personal attention and help you provided. You handled our numerous questions and requests so graciously. Our time was well spent largely due to your efforts.
We particularly enjoyed the casual dinners prepared for us and served on the patio – so relaxing, so delicious.
Don and Julie Mabe, Laurs Mabe – Atlanta
Thank you for a fabulous week in the Tuscan hillside. The house was a perfect place for our families to vacation. Our children to play and for us to relax and enjoy all Tuscany has to offer. The house is beautiful and your hospitality is second to none! We couldn’t have asked for a better experience to end our summer vacations. We hope we can visit again soon.
Shirley, John, Caroline & Julia Flake,
Danny, Mike and Josie Hartig,
Evan, Kylie and Megan Patterson
Thank you Querci family for your warm hospitality! Our Tuscan vacation has been filled with a great many memories.
A special thanks to Vicky for her welcome. (you put my little Vancouver vegetable garden to shame…………….based on the bounty of the offerings!)
We hope to see you in Vancouver one day!
Donna, Hugh and Sydney Gangge
*our favorite visits: San Gimignano, Siena (Palio celebrations), Horseback riding in Mura, Sipping wine here by the pool!
We have had a lovely week here at Villa Casa Rossa – love casa rossa and the big old house, thank you so much for sharing it with us and your generous hospitality. It was lovely to meet your family, and your wonderful food, which must be good because even the children ate it!
I wish you good luck for the future
Peta, David, Jenny, Harriet and Jack.
Vicki, Giovanni, Francesca, Lorenzo and Niccolo,for two weeks we have been wrapped in a Tuscan Dream – a golden, hazy dream wafting over hill tops and cypress trees, sunshine and breezes warming and whispering an Italian love song or Italy. Si, e’ contenti in Italia.
Your warm hospitality made this all possible. Ci ricorderemo di voi sempre.
Grazie Mille,
Barbara and Patrick Garrett.
Vicki, Giovanni, Francesca, Niccolo and Lorenzo, It was very special to have spent our Luna di Miele at Villa Montini. It is a piece of heavan. Thank you for our beautiful wedding cake. We will always remember you on our anniversaries. The moment at the church with you and our dear friends was very special to us. We feel very blessed to have met you and your lovely family. We look forward to the Querci Family visiting California some day. “Mi casa e’ su casa”
God bless all of you, Lucy and Ray Cole.
In life there are those special times that change us. After so many years, we are experiencing such a time. We can’t think of a better place to start on renewing our relationship than your beautiful Tuscan villa. And most important, the graciousness of your family. These two weeks will always be a special part of our life together.
Carlos and Lisa.
Luglio 2005
Where do begin describing this wonderful experience? The Grands and the Finkelstein have been planning and preparing for a special 2 weeks vacation in Tuscany with our families to celebrate the 60th birthdays of the 2 dads. Our dream has come true!! To live the “villa life” here on this magnificent hilltop with its spectacular views- what more could we have asked for?
We never could have anticipated the special attention given to us by our “ new Tuscan Family” – The Querci’s!!! Vicky thank you for always being available to us and treating us like your very 1st guests!!!
You welcomed us into your family on our first night and again for the olive oil tasting and another delicious Tuscan meal.
We will never forget our dinners on the terrace with its “ Leonardo da Vinci” views, relaxing at the pool, and many busy days traveling around Tuscany.
What a perfect blend for an incredible vacation!!!
Grazie mille!!
Beene and Roy Finkelstei, Joyce and Martin Grand
Agosto 2005
To all the future guests:
Beware you will be a guest in a very special place, breath the air, appreciate the surroundings, Vicky and Giovanni are a couple of matches above.
Barbara and Charles Clement
A wonderful time of relaxation, spent with family amidst fantastic rolling countryside. We loved our daytrips to Lucca, San Gimignano, Florence, Volterra and various stops along the way. We can only hope we may one day return…
The Looks- S. Francisco
September 2005
Suzy and I first came to Tuscany 40 Years ago…. We have stayed in many places all over Itay since then. We have never stayed anywhere that is as gracious, beautiful and memorable as Villa Monti.
Much has changed in Italy in 4 decades, but this place seems timeless and your hospitality is the very essence of what makes your country so wonderful. On behalf of our entire family, thank you so much for everything
Charlie Kendrick – Boston - Massachusetts
Our family enjoyed so much your beautiful villa, Bill and I love Italy and have visited since 1991, but nothing has been as memorable as this beautiful, peaceful place. Our whole family, included the babies, have loved the wonderful house, grounds, and pool, but the view has been the best. You, Vicky and your family have been so welcoming, you should be in Italy diplomatic corps!!! Arrivederci!!!
Bill and Gretchen Condon.
October 2005
Thank you so much for making this a memorable holiday…. Living here in Paradise with its beautiful views has given us a real taste of Tuscany. We really appreciated your wonderful hospitality, excellent dinners and all of the help you have given us along the way…. Do all roads really lead to Peccioli?!!!! Grazie
Chickie and Pat o’Malley Ontario-Canada
May 2006
Sometimes, it is amazing how fast time flies… it seems like only a few weeks ago when my wife and I, along with few very special friends, decided to take a vacation “ under the Tuscan sun”. It was actually close to 8 months ago, when we had made a “blind reservation” for a villa on the Internet enter 6 American travelers, without any knowledge of Tuscan customs, or even a basic fundamental grasp of the Italian language.
Upon landing in Roma, we knew that we were in trouble, or at least filled with apprehension, how would we manage with the difficulties, cope with our anxiety?? We had no info other then our voucher and a telephone number…Getting lost, late at night, on our way to Villa Casa Rossa is nothing to be ashamed about…Getting as far as Peccioli we needed help: Our call to Vicky was the beginning, and our means to the end…. we were welcomed, and she even drove out late at night to lead us back to the villa. She was so helpful, gave us the insight we needed to absorb, to make this vacation a gift and much better maps to guide us along the way. Vicky and Giovanni were eager to share their home with us. This has been a dream, turned into reality.
God willing, we’ll return
Bob and Margie Hammelman
When we first arrived and sat out back on the terrace I said” I feel like I’m in heaven”, but that was first the beginning…. From the first night with all of you at dinner, the shooting practice, (I will get better) wine and cheese at the villa it has been the best vacation we have had so far!!! Thank you for coming to retrieve us that first night and the many nights to follow….
We hope you do come to the USA and visit us. We’ll take you out for an Italian meal South Jersey style!
Joe and Carol Veldon New Jersey
Like all your guests we were overwhelmed with your warmth and hospitality. Word cannot adequately convey the feelings we have about you, your home and your country. The six of us have been friends for over 38 years and in all our travels together nothing compares to our time at villa Monti. Each time we meet and share our memories, you and this place will be part of our lives forever.
With great love and appreciation
Paul, Lynda, George, Janice, Steve and Susan
June 2006
Thank you for our wonderful holiday…Pleasing 3 generations was easy here at your wonderful villa. The cooking was fantastic and the view spectacular…
The Kitchen –UK and the Wanked OHIO-USA
Dear Vicky and family,
Thank you for helping to make our first visit to Tuscany a memorable experience. Villa Casa Rossa will always be in our hearts as we treasure our wonderful time here.
Your hospitality and warmth is unforgettable…..the lovely villa, the views, superior olive oil, home made tomato sauce, tomatoes, espresso, wine, cheese, artwork, history of the villa di Monti , great conversation….
Simply your thoughtfulness and graciousness will always be remembered.
Judy and Joe Samudowsky Chicago Illinois
What I expressed in Gaelic on the previous page is really a summery of all the sentiments expressed so far in the book… Our holiday was perfection! Thank you so much
Anna Caroll, Dublin, Ireland.
Vicky and family thank you for a paradise holiday here at Villa Monti We celebrated Jussy’s 40th birthday.
Grazie mille, see you next year!
Leena, Teya, Inga Otto Jussy - Finland
July 2006
From the evening we followed your excellent directions to la fattoria di Monti until our final morning here we all were so well cared for. You embraced us with your smiles and open arms and shared your home, recipes and family table with us. We will particularly remember watching the World Final Cup with your exuberance as Italian know.
After several visits to Italy we can truly say this stay was stellar. You have spoilt us so we must return. Your gentle ways, good humor and sensational home have restored our -spirits.
Please remind Gina we thought she was “ Beautiful”. We wish Francesca and Lorenzo success with their studies, Romina good luck and much joy raising Tommaso, and Vicky and Giovanni many more years of happiness together at Monti and Casa Rossa.
Marianna Sophia Schiller, Elena Suzanne Seidman, Lorenzo Seidman, Michael Schiller. Sarah Siedman, Joshua Seidman, Julia Leonard, Eillen Morrison
It is sad to leave Casa Rossa. As all other guests before us we have had a wonderful time. The boys got to see bats, bulls and caws and feed the horses peanuts….
They learnt to swim as well in the black pool. We enjoyed life “piano”. No big Tuscany expeditions: Florence, Pisa, Siena will have to wait till cooler days.
So we will be back to explore a bit more. If you travel to Scandinavia please come and see us in Oslo.
Many thanks for your hospitality.
Sondre and Hellen Tveitan, Sverre and Bon (5and6 years), Arne and Ellen Tveitan
To Vicky Giovanni and staff. Thank you so much for a fabulous week here in the Red house. We really enjoyed the excellent food in the inn, the spectacular views and the invitation to join you in the yearly celebration of the little church. It was made extra special when Barry proposed to Catherine. Thanks Francesca for the directions to the local winery where we enjoyed some lovely wine. The clay-pigeon shooting was great!!!
The Dempsey clan- Ireland-
August 2006
Vicky,
They say you should never “go back”, well we took the risk and did. Two years later we came back and it’s been just as fantastic as it was in August 2004.
The restaurant “La Greppia” in Peccioli was lovely, food good (bit pricey for lunch but the kids menu was great) and the atmosphere and the surroundings special. The restaurant in Castelfalfi was OK by me but everyone else enjoyed it more. The waiter can get confused!!!!
We have tried going to San Gimignano early and late… parking is dreadful as have ever and if you go to Lucca make sure you have a map and be prepared to take a bike ride.
Once again, Vicky, thank you for letting us live in your beautiful Redhouse. We will get in touch by e-mail- good luck to all your family.
Peta, David, Jenny , Harriet and Jack Forsight
Vicky,
Just want to say what a lovely stay we have had. Beautiful surroundings, beautiful home x made to feel really really welcome.
Thank you very much form the Coombers!
September 2006
To Vicky, Giovanni and staff:
What a glorious 2 weeks . You arranged perfect weather for relaxing and “pooling”. And a day of rain so that we could know we did not carry our raincoats in vain.
Our welcoming dinner was exquisite- all the more for the patio setting.
Thank you for your always patient and humorous answers to our questions and your helpful directions and hints.
We loved the wine tour you arranged and the birthday dinner you made for us was so special and sumptuous food.
Many thanks Vicky for your assistance in getting Wes’ family documents and instructions on how to get further information from Bagno. We’ve so enjoyed our time at Casa Rossa- what a fabulous choice it was!!!
Please convey our warmest “thank you” to the town folks who welcomed us and helped us.
Due and Wes Sweeney
Centennial-CO -USA
Just as all other have indicated before us in this book, our stay at villa Casa Rossa only deserves superlatives. Long after the details of what we did during our 2 weeks sojourn fades from memory we will always recall the warmth, charm and generous spirit of the people of Ghizzano and Villa Monti. Vicky you are a phenomenal Tuscan “ambassador”. Your passion and zest for the Tuscan way of life and all your blessing in this historically glorious region makes it come alive…I’ll always remember the wonderful birthday dinner that you and my husband conspired on. It was exquisite
Patrice Chevalier- Centennial- CO- USA
To all
Thank you for having into your home. It is beautiful. A wonderful time at villa Monti. You are gracious guests and fabulous chefs. I hate to leave the place, will cherish the memory and hopefully be back soon.
Jal Bachmayer WA- USA
Under the Tuscan sun we surely had our fan!!!!
We have fallen in love with Italy ( especially the Tuscany region) its people and the countryside.
Each day brought a new adventure as we traveled the narrow, windy and hilly roads. Some days we had a destination in mind , only to “somehow” take a wrong turn and arrive at a new quaint and picturesque village.-i.e Sughera (pizzeria and the red haired lady) where we met a German couple and ended sharing a free bottle of champagne with the compliments of our red head owner.
Setting off for Volterra we were directed away as we neared Peccioli. This was due to the Peccioli Bike Race. A delightful lunch was had in La Rosa as we watched the bikers fly by.
Another adventure was had as we set on for the Chianti vineyards. We never did get to visit a winery in the region but ended up driving to Sambuca; a hair raising drive but absolutely breath taking. Montaione with its panorama view and “lady in the window” was awesome . Our waiter-waitress who had to cross the busy street to serve us – most unusual for us.
All in our explorations were funny, scary and sometimes longer than anticipated. Many more roads to travel- we will be back.
To Vicky and her family our stay in your wonderful villa was more then we dreamed it would be. I thank you so very much! We feel like family!
Nothing could be improved upon!!
Best wishes for your continued success.
Rand and Bev Chessman- Ontario-Canada.
Under the Tuscan sun and in your beautiful Casa Rossa. Thanks for the greatest holiday.
Vicky you and your family made it all so special!!
Dave Stanley-Ontario-Canada
Vicky and Giovanni,
it is hard to believe we are leaving the beautiful and historic Villa Monti after 2 weeks as a group of Canadian friends on an odyssey in Tuscany….
From our first day you made us feel as a part of your “extended family” in the Casa Rossa.
Aside from our out-trips to S.Gimignano, Siena, Lucca, Florence, we enjoyed getting lost in the back roads of Peccioli, Montaione, La Rosa, etc… our attempts at communicating with local Italians was always humorous; we’re not sure who was laughing more!!!
Vicky, we particularly enjoyed your periodic visits, during your busy days, to share your knowledge and to enlighten us on the history of Villa Monti (Medici, Bardi etc) as well as your respective families and the connection to the region. Surely, among all our highlights was the brunch at the hunting lodge where we got the chance, not only to enjoy Gina’s unequalled Tuscan culinary excellence but meet Vicky’s mom and dad and to get to know you better. We may not all have had the same expectation for uor “first” visit a villa in Tuscany but to a person we feel the experience at Villa Monti surpassed all our dreams. It is difficult to find all the superlative to thank you for what this meant to us, suffice to say we leave Villa Monti one very happy (and fatter) group of Canadian from Ottawa.
We hope that you will accept our invitation to visit us in Canada( perhaps not during winter (November to April).
Vicky best of success with your olive oil business. Please extend our thanks to Francesca, Lorenzo, Niccolò Gina and Romina and Alarico ( the friendly pool man) and all the staff at Villa Monti.
Grazie e arrivederci
Jim and Bonnie Kerr.
OCTOBER 2006
Surely the Tuscan moon and stars must have aligned to produce the elements of a magical holiday: glorious weather, the company of good friends, the warmth of gracious hosts and the splendor of a beautiful locate.
Villa Casa Rossa and its inhabitants shall always be remembered fondly in our hearts.
Grazie mille
Gary and Anne Patterson
Dear Vicky and Giovanni,
How does one go about describing perfection?
… which is how we found our stay here at villa Monti. The accommodations and beautiful scenery of casa Rossa awaiting us after our many Tuscan adventures were so welcoming. Your kindness, hospitality and local knowledge added the finishing touches. We will always remember coffee, hunting lodge lunch and all of the Tuscan landscape- because of uor stay at Monti.
Please know that, when you visit the U.S you will always have a place to stay in Philadelphia…
Mitchell and Allison Bormarck
Phil and Jennifer Flynn