Villa holidays in France and Italy

Escape the chills!

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:32:00 +0000

If you are currently turning up the central heating as autumn cold sets in, you may like to consider that just a short flight away, Morocco is still an accessible and warm destination.

We have pricing and availability now for 2010, however in order to celebrate the new season of 'winter' rentals with our clients, we would like to propose Villa Amanjena, a luxury villa just 25 minutes outside Marrakech with spectacular scenery all round.

Included in the rates are maid service 6 days a week and a housekeeper who will prepare breakfast and either lunch or dinner for you. Click here to see our villa in Morocco

Currently available:
3 Nov-19 Dec 09 at £4450 per week
19 Dec-2 Jan 10 at £5900 per week
Price for the complete property, all utilities, sleeping 8 + 2 children.

If you have not received your 2010 brochure of French and Italian villas, please call us on 01442 870055 or click to visit our Italian properties to rent online or our French villas .

Puglia - southern Italy as our new venture

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:47:00 +0000

This week marked our first venture into Southern Italy with a staff visit to Puglia. This up and coming region is in the heel of Italys 'boot' and is famous for its Trulli houses (with conical roof) and white stone. Served by both Ryanair and British Airways, entry airports are Brindisi and Bari. It is also possible to make the journey from Naples.

We have selected a number of high grade properties that will be appearing on our website very soon, click here for our Italian villas . If you would like to discuss booking a villa in Puglia with one of us who knows the region, or Italy in general, we would of course be delighted to hear from you.

New pricing, new brochure and more...

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:53:00 +0000

Inching ever closer, after what feels like months of hard endeavour, is the Quality Villas brochure and pricelist for 2010!

Our usual clients will of course receive a copy automatically, however if you have not previously dealt with us and might be interested in a brochure, please click for a french brochure (a request form will open).

The other slight snag is the forthcoming postal strikes that seem about to be forced upon us. Given that all of the brochured properties are also featured online (click here for villa France or here for a villa in Italy ) we would naturally invite anyone thinking of a villa holiday for next year that wants to find a way to beat Royal Mail to contact us online, or to call us at 01442 870055.

We look forward to hearing from you whichever way you decide!

Italian preview

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:08:00 +0000

With the new brochure due out any day now, 80 pages of luxurious properties will shortly be in print. The website however contains a wealth of information and many more villas.

Castagnaccio is one such villa that is featured on the website only. Sleeping 9, this attractive propery is located in the Garfagnana area of Italy (bluntly speaking to the north of Lucca/Pisa). Located on a 25 acre estate, this is a very homely Italian property, ideal for families (large flat lawns...) and stunning views. An additional annex has just been created, meaning in high season the property sleeps 9, but can accept rentals for 7 at other times of year.

The rental rate per week is from £2100-£3280 (based on 9 persons) but in low season is from £1560 per week for parties of 7.

Please click to view this Italian holiday villa online.

Or click for our French villa range.

Booking ahead and looking ahead

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:46:00 +0000

Although the UK is enjoying some glorious September sun (as I write anyway), thoughts will inevitably start to turn towards annual festivities as Halloween, Bonfire Night and of course Christmas!

This year, many of our regular clients decided to book late, in light of the unexpected economic issues. Regretfully, many villas were booked up by other nationalities who were less hesitant, meaning regulars returning to us later in the year were often unable to secure their first choice properties.

Contracting is almost finished here at Quality Villas, meaning we have full pricing available in most cases as well as fairly open availability schedules in our villa programme.

If you would like to reserve your villa early for 2010, placing a deposit (thus enabling you to sit back, knowing your summer holiday is already nicely arranged ahead of time) we would of course we very happy to discuss any options with you.

We look forward to hearing from you.
Tel 01442 870055 or info@qualityvillas.com

Click for French villas or Italian villas

Keeping warm this winter with Quality Villas!

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:54:00 +0000

There has been an obvious transition from summer to autumn in the past few weeks...whilst the trees still have their leaves, the presence of scarves and pullovers is an indication that sun bathing opportunities in the UK at least will be limited for this year anyway!

Fortunately, Quality Villas now has a rather special winter programme in place, offering villas in Morocco and Mauritius. For either of these sites, we recommend visiting us online : Morocco villas here and Mauritius villas here.

In the meanwhile, as a thought provoking suggestion, we would like to mention villa Dar L'Oussia. This is a lovely property right next to the beach, south of Agadir, with a charming private pool, sleeping 8. At £2340 per week and with Easyjet flights starting this autumn from Gatwick (4 November onwards on Wednesdays and Saturdays), this villa offers an ideal chance for winter warmth. Morocco is of course just a short flight from the UK.

If this villa or one of our other 'winter' destinations has appeal, please do call us 0044 (0) 1442 870055 or email at info@qualityvillas.com

Almost ready...

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:45:00 +0000

For anyone currently looking ahead to booking their villa for 2010, naturally we are able to take forward bookings at any time.

Furthermore, our new look brochure should become available in mid October - if you have previously booked with us, you will receive a copy automatically, however if you would like to add your name to our mailing list in order to ensure you receive a copy as soon as they are 'off the press', please email your address and details to : info@qualityvillas.com or call us on 0044 1442 870055.

Our website is of course year round! Please click if you wish to visit our selection of French villas or Italian villas.

A good time to enjoy Provence

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:12:00 +0000

Autumn is of course a break from the main holiday period of the summer, also known as a shoulder season or mid period. Aside from the technicalities of how to describe it(!) this means effectively prices are significantly reduced compared to the main July-August time but one can still enjoy the same villa and the same surrounding towns and villages, but less crowded!
The weather is still generally very good - often the season for enjoying the great outdoors and the pool can run into early October, so in many ways a September stay is a great way to holiday.
A suggestion from us is the villa 'Les Fontaines' sleeping 8, near Carpentras in Provence. This delightful house is located near the village of Pernes-les-Fontaines with shops, bars and restaurants in proximity.
The villa is currently offered for £3215 per week (was £3530) in September.
If this villa is of interest to you, or you would like to speak to one of our friendly sales team to discuss holiday options, we invite you to call us on 0044 (0) 1442 870055 or email on info@qualityvillas.com - we look forward to being of service to you. http://www.qualityvillas.com

France in September

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:09:00 +0000

September has long been one of my favourite months so it is no surprise that I think it is one of the very best times to visit France. Not only will you get to enjoy plenty of sunshine and warm weather, but the tourist season is beginning to wind down which means cheaper travel, fewer crowds and villas offering great value for money.

September marks the beginning of grape harvest season in France and in the medieval and picturesque town of Saint Emilion the wines of Saint-Emilion have been well recognized and respected for centuries. A celebration honouring the harvest of these very special grapes takes place in the middle of the month with open air festivities.

This month is a great time to check out the many vineyards around the country and go wine tasting or join in the local Vendange. The Vendange is great fun even though a bit strenuous the superb open air lunch and lively chatter dispels all that plus its fascinating to see how the grapes get to your bottle of wine.

We still have some availability at our villas in the wine regions of France. Why not call us now to discuss your French villa holiday in September. If you would like to speak to a specialist regarding our villas or where best to visit, do visit us online to view our French villas with pools.

Gill Woolsgrove, Area Manager South West France

A last gasp to Umbria?

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:24:00 +0000

Amongst one of several late availability/special priced villas in our programme for 2009, is Villa La Colomba, a luxury villa in Umbria.

Sleeping 12 persons, located just outside Todi with stunning views across beautiful Umbrian countryside this villa is ideally poised for the latest of late getaways. Available from 8-15 August at £3000 for the week (was £5600). The property is a restored cottage, divided between a main villa and an additional small cottage in the grounds. There is a grocers, bakery and bar within a mile, whilst Todi and Orvieto as well as a host of magical Umbrian towns are within easy day trip range.

Our staff are ready to book you into this villa if you want to make that late escape!
The forecast in Umbria for next Saturday is 32 degrees, warm sunshine!
Tel 0044 (0) 1442 870055 or email at info@qualityvillas.com

The rain returns...

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:16:00 +0000

As I post the latest missive to the blog, the rain continues to come down and flashbacks to the last two wash out summers are a sobering reflection of bbqs that remain in the shed, unused garden furniture and bored children!

Fortunately Quality Villas still have a number of unsold villa weeks, not many however, but we are still placing clients at this moment, including some very short notice departures. France and Italy naturally benefit from better weather here than in the UK, Tuscany for example at the time of writing (23 July at 2.30 pm) was bathing in 34 degree heat, the south of France at 32 degrees! The outlook for the following 7 days are also similar...

If you are still interested in a late escape to the sun, our staff are on hand to discuss with you any requirements you may have.
We have a wide range of family friendly villas across both programmes and in many cases reduced rates. We look forward to hearing from you!
Tel 01442 870055 or email on info@qualityvillas.com

Our latest special offer...

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:21:00 +0000

Luxury in Italy...

Tenuta D'Oro, a magnificent property sitting midway between Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio hosts 10 persons on a large private wine estate. The owners have just revealed a very special offer for the remaining unsold weeks of 2009.

The usual rental for the villa during July and August would be £13,660 with daily breakfast included.
However from 18 July - 29 September 2009, the house is offered for £11,900 per week with chef services included for lunch and dinner also.
Grocery items to be prepared and cooked for lunch and dinner are at additional cost, the chef services however are included.

The house itself is set against a verdant green background of olive groves and vines, near Orvieto in Umbria. For more details on this luxury Italian villa , please click here.

Changes in your meal bill!

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:03:00 +0000

As of 1 July 2009, VAT on all restaurants and cafes will be cut from 19.6% to 5.5%, in real terms this means a saving of about 10% on an average meal price.

The French government introduced the measure to encourage consumer spending during the summer, something which comes as welcome news and helps further, given the recovering Sterling against the Euro of recent weeks.

Quality Villas continues to offer luxury villas in France and luxury villas in Italy - including late availability and special offers.
Please call to speak to one of our staff or visit us online and browse our portfolio.

Latest addition to our Italian programme...

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:24:00 +0000

Our Italy villa portfolio has just increased its number by 1, with the addition of 'Il Gallinaio' near Viareggio on the Tuscany coast!

Sporting an indoor pool, enclosed grounds and palatial accommodation, this is a luxurious retreat on the doorstep of the Tuscan beaches, with Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio close by.
The rest of Tuscany, Carrara and the Cinque Terre are also close. Florence in one hours drive.

The property benefits also from a billiard room and sauna.

Good availability for the remainder of 2009, please visit our Tuscan villa near beach for more information.

If you are looking for a late escape for 2009, we still have availability and good offers to suggest.
Please visit us online : France villas or Italian villas or call us on 01442 870055.

Are you getting yours?

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:41:00 +0000

Every few weeks, we release a newsletter to our clients and other 'passers by' who have spoken to us in the past and given permission for us to contact them... our newsletter is a run down on any changes in the villa market from us, plus any special offers we may have. We also add in occasional details from partners of ours, for example France magazine, GoLearnTo.com or Travel Time World (an Advantage travel agency). Of course this blog, our website or just calling us are also great ways to stay in touch!

If you would like to hear more about us and haven't added your email address yet to our database, please do so, we would be delighted to keep you informed about our news! Click here

If on the other hand, additional emails in your in-box are not to your liking, we fully understand! There is an unsubscribe button at the bottom of every email we send, so if you decide you prefer not to get such mailings, it is easily fixed.

If you are yet to book your summer holiday to France or choose a villa to Italy , please do call us or visit us online, we would be very happy to assist you.

Learn and enjoy on your holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:55:00 +0000

Fancy learning to cook in Tuscany, surf the big ones in Biarritz, play the Flamenco guitar or learn to salsa dance in Spain? How about organic perfume making courses in France?

www.GoLearnTo.com are learning holiday specialists with over 1000 inspirational holiday courses in 30 countries worldwide to suit all timescale and budgets.
Your holiday is the perfect time to indulge in a new interest or hobby so give yourself a holiday to remember and treat yourself to a holiday course in an activity you’ve always aspired to do.

Holiday courses are ideal for singles holidays or travelling with friends and our exhilarating learning holidays are a little bit different from the rest.

If you are looking to get more from your holiday and are in need of some inspiration, then take a look at this excellent website and you could be taking home a new skill that will stay with you long after the holiday is over.

Be inspired – see what you can learn on your next holiday....

Recently in Italy...

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:56:00 +0000

In the last few weeks, our Managing Director John Gerry and his family enjoyed a holiday in Italy at two of our flagship Tuscan villas.
In the first week, John stayed at Il Pescatore, a large villa near Siena, which in Johns words, is 'ideal for a family re-union'. During his stay, John had some chefs come to the property who cooked for his party (and showed him how to cook and prepare Italian food during the time) as well as a pizza evening, making use of the built in pizza oven.
On the second week, with many of his family and friends having headed in different directions after an enjoyable time together at Pescatore, Johns holiday continued at La Riserva. This charming restored farmhouse near Greve, just south of Florence ensured another pleasurable week. Wine tastings, meals out in nearby Greve and a chance encounter with one of the estates resident roedeer completed a fine stay!
Our villas in Tuscany are currently all visible online, whilst many owners have been reducing their rates as the season encroaches, there are several good deals to be had. If you would like to find out more about either Il Pescatore or La Riserva, please follow the links or call us to speak to one of us who has seen the villas, or John himself if you prefer!
Click for:
Italian villas or for French villas

Outstanding special offers for Italy

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:54:00 +0000

Villa Domus Romana
With the season marching on, we have been receiving some exceptionally good deals here at Quality Villas via our forward thinking owners.

The green heart of Italy, Umbria, is an area of outstanding beauty, tradition and culture. Wonderful towns and cities like Assisi, Perugia, Todi and Orvieto await whilst Tuscany is just a hop, skip and a jump across the border.

We have two special offers, one at the Domus Romana, sleeping 12, with large infinity pool, panoramic views and all mod-cons including Wi-Fi, the other is Villa la Colomba, also sleeping 12, similarly well appointed.

Domus Romana was £5665 in the summer, La Colomba £5600...however both villas are now on offer for any remaining weeks at just £3000 per week. A saving of £2665 and £2600 respectively.
Both are luxurious properties of the highest standards.

If you might be interested in renting either of these villas, please do email us (info@qualityvillas.com) or call on 0044 (0) 1442 870055 and speak to one of our staff who has seen the properties and can answer any questions you may have.

Villa La Colomba

The Loire valley and its elegant chateaux

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:49:00 +0000

Think of the Loire Valley and one conjures up images of breathtaking chateaux – there are more than three hundred in fact in this famous region! Built around the 17th – 18th century in the heyday of French royalty most of these chateaux have magnificent ornamental gardens which can be as interesting as the chateaux themselves.

Chateau des Perdrix, one of the featured Loire chateau in our programme, sits within a 240 hectare estate and dates back to the 15th century with lovely original features. This superb property has traditional furnishings, tapestries, original fireplaces and wonderful beamed ceilings.

Another in our portfolio is Manoir du Lac. This impressive property sits on the banks of its own private lake surrounded by well tended gardens and mature trees. This house oozes charm with original tiled and wooden floors, panelled walls and ceilings, and marble fireplaces.

Coupled with superb scenery and great wines such as Anjou and Saumur the Loire is a breathtaking region to visit. Our full selection of rental accommodation in the Loire is visible on our website, by following the highlighted link, or please call on 01442 870055 for details.

Quality Villas adds a little Polish...

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Thu, 28 May 2009 11:25:00 +0000

Technically speaking, the title in fact means we have expanded our distribution slightly and now also have a small selection of our villas appearing on a new Polish website!

Quality Villas has a network of travel agents around the world: it means owners of villas in our programme could receive clients from the USA, New Zealand, South Africa, Malta, pretty much anywhere, in addition to clients from the UK! With our new Polish connection, we hope to welcome new clients from this country also.

Normandy and Brittany

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:01:00 +0000

Normandy is of course famed for its sights of historical interest such as the D-Day landing beaches and the Bayeaux Tapestry. However, holiday makers also come for the great mix of lush countryside and miles of unspoilt coastline. In addition, the region offers fantastic local produce including Calvados and of course great cheeses. Day excursions range from Mont St Michel, the Normandy D day landing beaches, to Honfleur with its picturesque port and long history. To the west, Trouville and Deauville with their renowned sandy beaches, casinos, luxury shops and delightful local markets await, whilst if golf is your thing then there are many good courses around the area to try.

Think of Brittany and one imagines rugged beaches, rocky bays and sandy coves. Quaint fishing villages and sea side ports groaning with the days catch also beckon. Brittany’s south coast, the Gulf of Morbihan is a popular choice. This area groans with things to do and see from Carnac, Quimper, Pont-Aven and Concraneau. Seafood is in abundance along this coastline as well as the famous crepes which are delicious!
Quality villas have holiday villas in Brittany and villas in Normandy. Please follow the links for details or call on 01442 870055 and speak to one of our friendly staff.

A very special offer...

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Tue, 19 May 2009 09:16:00 +0000

One of our most popular properties, the 'Ferme de Campagne' located in the Loire, has unexpectedly not been booked anything like as heavily in previous seasons. Musing over the availability of today, in July and August, there is only one week rented! In previous years the property was nearly completely booked by this time of the season, so what changed?

Well of course the global economical situation is a concern, but at the prices being asked for this property, it actually looks to be excellent value: sleeping 8 and July prices from £1570 per week (meaning effectively £196 per person, per week). There are spacious grounds and a private swimming pool, whilst the location (driveable from the UK incidentally) is in the Brenne regional park, an area abaundant in wildlife and nature. There have been many happy clients from previous years that have enjoyed the house, we only hope that 2009 can offer the same happy memories to some more! The owner has offered 20% discounts off the second week of two week bookings, an added incentive to make your summer holiday complete...
Please click to view this Loire farmhouse .

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Mon, 11 May 2009 13:58:00 +0000

Long sandy beaches and warm Mediterranean waters: the fabulous Languedoc region.

Think of the Languedoc and one imagines the medieval city of Carcassonne with jousting and troubadours; the fabulous Corbiere Valley with endless vineyards; the Ariege with its breathtaking backdrop of the Pyrenees to the pretty coastal towns of Port Vendres and Collieure famed for their fabulous seafood. For the wine buffs there are no less than 4 main domains in the area offering heady reds to sample and to buy! The beaches are long and sandy and perfect for children to play and/or for Mum & Dad to sunbathe on. Water sports are also an option should you feel energetic!

All along this region we have family villas to rent still with availability. Why not book a luxury family villa near Carcassonne in the Languedoc region. Prieure de Lagrasse was originally a 12th century priory to the Abbey of Lagrasse and converted into a vineyard domain in the early 18th century. This imposing property is now an elegant family home and perfect for family gatherings. Large rooms elegantly furnished and a garden filled with flowering shrubs, lavender, mature trees and a swimming pool with a magnificent pergola to enjoy your poolside lunches or night time barbecue. Our portfolio of French villas continues to grow by the day, whilst special offers are also being added - visit us online for more.

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Fri, 08 May 2009 09:13:00 +0000

Fireworks and fun for “le quatorze juilliet”

Bastille Day will be here before you know it and “le quatorze juillet” is a great day of national celebrations throughout France. It is a national holiday where joyous cries of “Viva la France” can be heard at the fabulous firework displays littered right across the country with some even singing the national anthem “La Marseillaise”.
Gill Woolsgrove our Area Manager for South West France says: "What an excuse to break out the champagne and enjoy an evening picnic which is what I have been doing for the past 15 years! Every year a large group of friends take tables and chairs, delicious food, champagne and disembark at Castelsarrasin in the South West France. We have our meal by the river where the fireworks are lit and then have a birds eye view. Each year the fireworks have got bigger and better and last year they were lit to music which was fantastic. Hundreds of people bring their chairs or rugs to sit on the grass and everyone has a great time. Castelsarrasin is a market town near Moissac and we still have availability with some of our family villas near Moissac."
Why not book one of our French villas and go to Castelsarrasin for the fireworks and celebrations. I might even see you there……

Muscles, Lycra and madness

noreply@blogger.com (www.qualityvillas.com) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:47:00 +0000

They say there is a fine line between sanity and madness and the Tour de France is no exception and literally the biggest bike race in the world.

Traditionally, the race starts in the North, whereby this year it will start in the south from the principality of Monaco. Starting on Saturday July 4th to Sunday July 26th 2009, the 96th Tour de France will be made up of 21 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,500 kilometres.

Many of the families who book a Quality Villas holiday ask about hiring bikes with some even bring their own either to amble along country lanes or to tackle steep hills and mountainous terrain. All of them may want to be a “Bernard Hinault” who has won most of the races and nicknamed the 'Badger' but what better than to enjoy this sport decked out in bright lycra to match the army of cyclists that are encountered each week in France. Cycling is particularly big in the south west due to the terrain and open countryside. During the summer there are many cycling events that lead up to the grand race itself.

The route this year will take us past two of the villas in our programme – one on the coast near Sete and the other near St Gaudens south of the Pyrenees. Both properties have availability during the Tour de France so why not book them now for a ringside seat! If you prefer a villa near the sea in France then Villa Mont St Clair is ideal. Situated a short stroll from the pretty resort of Sete, this villa is just a couple of minutes from the sea. For those who prefer the rugged countryside of the Haute Garonne then Le Vieux Grenier is for you, another charming French villa . This converted granary nestles in the small village alongside the river Louge yet only one hour from Toulouse and easy reach to the Pyrenees.