Villa Toscana in Lafayette

Wonderful, Absolutely Wonderful Home

George T. (Japan)
Review submitted: March 11, 2013   Date of arrival: February 27, 2013

A repeat experience. The house seems large, but it is even bigger when one enters. The kitchen is quite functional, with a center counter to prepare vegetables and such. The living room also feels bigger than it is, nice and spacious, and opens out into a solarium which is also quite spacious and which is the gateway to the really nice pool and fantastic hot tub. The rooms are most quaint, with luxurious beds, and the extra-cushy towels made it a joy to come out of the showers.

Lafayette is a most charming town, well worth walking around in, and only a few minutes by car from the home. The Pizza Antica had the best pizza and calzone that I have had since the early years of Chez Panisse, and with Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Mt. Diablo Market, and Safeway all within a mile of each other downtown, shopping is a joy. On the back side, the college town of Moraga is about 3 minutes away, with the old theater and the incomparable pies at Nation's Hamburgers.

Less than 30 minutes away west is Oakland's Chinatown, not anywhere as touristy nor Americanized as the versions in the City. Oakland is also famous for the abundance of what is referred to as "Black BBQ", and standouts such as Phat Matt's and Everett & Jones among many are easy to get to. The Rockridge Market Hall is sort of a mini-Ferry Building, with gourmet items from all over the world.

Going east about 30 minutes away, the newly-opened Paragon Outlets of Livermore offers the only Prada outlet store in the USA and is probably the most exclusive outlet around. The nearby Ranch 99 Asian Market is a nice alternative.

Southwards about an hour away is the immense Great Mall of the Bay Area, and all the attractions of the South Bay and Silicon Valley. A little further is Santa Cruz and still further is Monterrey and Carmel.

The huge Vacaville Outlets are about 45 minutes northeast, Napa Valley is about the same due north, and the Sonoma coast and valley are northwest.

In short, this house is smack in the middle of anything that one can possibly want to do, and this centralized location along with the inherent charms will entice you to lengthen your stay, and come back again and again!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Luxurious and Comfortable

Julia V. (Oakland, California)
Review submitted: February 13, 2013   Date of arrival: October 3, 2012

My mom and some close family stayed in this gorgeous home during my wedding weekend in October 2012. The house was truly immaculate and spectacular. We were able to host a well-sized rehearsal dinner BBQ and were able to conduct the rehearsal on the beautiful grassy area above the backyard. Carole was extremely accommodating, helping us make sure we had all of the logistics and information we needed covered. We would definitely recommend this house to our friends and family.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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All I can say is FABULOUS!!!! *****

Review submitted: January 7, 2013   Date of arrival: December 10, 2012

After looking at several venues - restaurants, wineries, etc, this was our choice for the firm's holiday party and it was over the top great!! The parking situation was the biggest challenge, but one easily solved - thanks to Carole's connection with a shuttle service - no problem. Carole and Dan made us feel so welcome to transform the villa in any way to suit our needs and we did! We had approximately 65 people, a band, a photo booth, and amazing food stations throughout the villa. The best comment I heard during the party was someone asking "how can we top THIS next year?" Well, that will be difficult........
This is a gem of a place not to be overlooked!!!!

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