Frequently Asked Questions
Booking
How do I book the Villa?
You can reserve your dates directly with us – this is always the cheapest way as you avoid all the service charges – just send us an email. Alternatively, you can find us on Airbnb or Homeaway/VRBO.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
We ask for a 30% deposit at the time of booking, with the remaining balance to be paid 8 weeks before yous stay.
How can I make the payment?
Sorry, we can only accept payments by bank transfer. If you wish to use a credit card, you can use a service such as TransferWise. Ask us if you would like more details.
What if I need to cancel?
Under the terms of our regualar cancellation policy (see COVID-19 Section for cancellations due to the virus), should you need to cancel your rental more than 8 weeks prior to your arrival, we will retain the initial deposit and refund any other monies you have paid. Should you cancel later than 8 weeks prior to your arrival we reserve the right to retain both the deposit and the balance of the rental fee. However, in both these circumstances, we will do our best to find another to guest to take on your rental dates, and if we are succesful we will refund you in full.
The Villa
How many people does the Villa sleep?
The Villa has 5 double bedrooms and sleeps 10 adults. We also have a couple of cribs for babies and a folding bed suitable for a child.
What is included?
The Villa is self catering, so we don’t provide any food or drink, or cleaning services during your stay. The villa will be fully-prepared for you when you arrive, with beds made and towels provided. There will also be a few essentials in the kitchen to get you started (such as salt, oil, a bit of coffee etc), but you will need to visit a supermarket if you plan to eat at the house. If you have any questions about what we do and don’t provide, please do ask.
Can I book just one room?
No, sorry, we only rent out the entire Villa… all 5 bedrooms, living room, kitchen, swimming pool etc. Of course, it is up to you how many people stay, up to a maximum of 12.
Is the Villa child friendly?
Yes. We welcome lots of families. We have three cots and two high chairs. There is also a selection of toys and games in the house, along with some children’s DVDs. We have a natural fence around the pool, but swimming pools obviously carry an inherent risk, so you will need to remain alert at all times with children in the house.
Are pets allowed?
Sorry, we don’t accept pets. If you want to bring your beloved pooch we know of a local dog-sitter, but unfortunately animals are not allowed in the house.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is from 4pm. Please let us know what time you will be arriving so that we can ensure we are at the Villa to meet you.
At the end of your stay, we ask that you vacate the Villa by 10.30am.
If these times do not fit with your travel plans please let us know and we will do our best to be flexible.
How is the Villa classified?
The property is rented as a ‘Locazione Turistica’ (Art. 4 – DL 50/2017 convertito con Legge n. 96/2017), which is effectively a private, short term rental for tourism purposes.
Under the terms of the law only private individuals are permitted to rent the property, and we are not able to provide you with any ‘extra services’, such as meals, cleaning during your stay, car rentals etc. Our C.I.R code is 00415200001
During Your Stay
Where is the nearest shop?
There is a very small shop in Vergne, about a 2 minute drive from the house, a slightly larger shop in Novello, and a small but very well-stocked supermarket in La Morra.
The closest large supermarket is in Gallo, about a 15 minute drive from the house.
You can find more details in the digital guidebook which we send to all guests.
Where is the nearest restaurant?
The nearest restaurant is Buon Padre, in Vergne, a 15 minute walk or 2 minute drive. There are a whole host of restaurants in Novello and La Morra (each about a 5 minute drive).
You can find more details in our digital guidebook, which we send to all guests.
Where is the nearest bar?
There is a small bar in Vergne, but otherwise head to the Plaza Cafe or Boero Tabaccheria, both in Novello.
For an aperitivo, try Nas-cetta Vineria in Novello (5 minutes drive or 35 minutes walk).
Do I need to book wine tastings?
Yes. If you have specific wineries in mind it is best to book them as far in advance as possible, particularly if they are well-known or if you are coming during harvest. Smaller wineries can usually be booked with just a day or two’s notice.
Am I right that you live next door?
Yes, that’s correct. We live in the other end of the same, long Cascina, though the two properties are completely separate and a large hedge divides them outside so you have complete privacy at all times. If we are not at home during your stay, our property managers will be reachable at all times should you need anything.
COVID-19
Are you COVID ready?
We have always cleaned very thoroughly, but we have now incorporated COVID-ready procedures too.
You will find a checklist in the property showing everything that has been cleaned before your arrival. We pay particular attention to anything you high touch areas, such as light switches, door handles, chairs etc; we wash all plates and cutlery etc before your arrival; linens and towels are professionally cleaned, cushions, bed covers etc are changed before your arrival and anything that can’t be changed is steam cleaned.
We have also developed a digital house manual/area guide which you can access once you book, so even check-in can be socially-distanced!
What if we can't travel beacause of COVID?
If you are unable to reach us due to closed borders or because travel is banned, we will issue you with a voucher for any monies paid, which can be used against a stay in the following 24 months. If you would prefer to claim on your travel insurance we will provide you with any documentation you may need.