I cannot say enough about our 4 nights at Casa Ventura and Karin! We were a group of 6 on a trip I planned with my husband, two adult sons and their girlfriends to celebrate my 70th birthday. Karin was available from the moment we reserved the villa until the day we left to answer questions, make suggestions of where and how to travel and recommend both restaurants and small places to get food for our stay (our group was really into late night cheese, meat and olive platters!). Karin met us at the door as we drove up and spent a good amount of time walking us around and showing us all the details and amenities. The villa itself is beyond words -- from the elevator (which was wonderful for me after a full day walking the streets of Florence) to the heated wood floors (we were there in March so a bit cool), to the immaculate and well-stocked bathrooms for each couple (with an extra room and bathroom in the basement near the washer and dryer). Our family spent as much time as possible on the patio which has a comfortable seating area and large table (which we also used for playing Bannanagrams well into the early morning under the Tuscan stars!). The villa is a wonderful combination of elegance and yet comfort; the beds are so comfortable and Karin even had cozy robes there for our use. The views are breathtaking -- even from the shower and bathrooms and it is an easy walk across the bridge to the Duomo and downtown. Being so close to the Piazzalle Michelangelo was amazing. One word regarding the location; my walking stick saved me as the walk down the hill is steep and while the younger ones in our group didn't think twice about it, I was fine as long as I took it slow and easy! Getting a taxi also takes under 5 minutes so that is another option! Should we ever have the good fortune to return as a group, I would not hesitate to stay at Casa Ventura! (The history of the area and house is documented in a beautiful book that Karin wrote and makes the house even more exciting!) Grazie Mille!