Why Should I Rent from Lunigiana Rentals?

European Vacation rental properties are becoming quite popular. Renters are faced with a wide variety of property types, opinions, and prices. Things can get confusing, especially for first-time renters. We're here to make your vacation rental less confusing, and to ensure you choose the property that's right for your needs.

Lunigiana Rentals doesn't rent houses directly. We work with owners and arencies to put people in vacation homes that suit them, at no cost to you. We are based in the U.S. and we're here to help English speakers deal with the renting of just the right vacation property and making sure their entire vacation experience in the Lunigiana is a good one.

We own a vacation home in the Lunigiana ourselves. We have viewed and photographed all of the properties you see on this site. We know them well and can answer most of your questions about them.

If you're looking to buy property in the Lunigiana, see the Home Finder - Italy.

So how are your properties different?

We've rented properties ourselves all over Europe. While we've always had a good time, we found some things which made our vacations a bit difficult. For example, a property you see on the Internet may seem cheap, but maybe it's inexpensive because the owner is going it alone and doesn't speak English. If you aren't fluent in the local language, how do you explain that you don't know how to use a European washing machine? Or, when the owner demands you wire a deposit, you find out your bank charges you $40 to send the required sum of $125! That property could be quite a bargain, and then again maybe that property isn't as cheap as you think.

All of our properties include an English speaking contact who will be available to answer your questions about the property. If something doesn't work, or you can't figure out how it works, you'll be able to communicate with someone who will take immediate action.

Each house we rent comes with a three ring binder that explains in English not only how things in the house work, but tells you where things are in the villages around you. Need to know the nearest market? It's in there. Need a pharmacy? Addresses and telephone numbers are at your fingertips.

Our vacation rentals are owned by people who care about preserving the Tuscan character of their properties. While we offer many services in English, each home is independent--you won't be in a village consisting entirely of vacationers. You'll be able to experience the undiscovered Tuscany on your terms.

FAQ - What you need to know about renting one of our Properties.

Do you have a deposit requirement?

Yes, deposits range from 250 to 500 Euros. Deposits are kept until an inventory can be done on the property. Why? Our properties include many of the owner's possessions, which may include artwork, antique furniture and the like. A deposit means that you get a house fully outfitted, and the owner rests easy that his possessions are safe.

How do I contact you?

We're available to answer any questions you may have about our vacation rentals, house purchases in the Lunigiana, or general questions about the area through our form.

Do you have any printed literature?

No, we don't have printed literature to send out.

I'm really into cooking. Are all your kitchens set up for gourmet explorations of the Lunigiana's finest offerings?

Outfitting of kitchens depend on each owner's desires. Some units have kitchens that would be a pleasure to work in day in and day out--others are more suitable for the occasional, simple meal. Vacationers who rent for just a week or two aren't usually heavy users of a kitchen, so a small, serviceable kitchen doesn't bother most folks. We try to give some indication of the type of kitchen a property offers in our description, but you can contact us if you have specific requirements.

That said, you shouldn't expect the finest chef's knives in the kitchen's knife racks. People tend to cut on marble surfaces and ceramic plates--the maintenance of these would just be way too involved for a rental.

Will I need a car?

Most properties are accessible only by car and have parking close by. However, if you're a stout walker and can carry your stuff more than 2km, some properties may be accessible by foot from a train station.

If you're looking for a rental car and are staying three weeks or more, consider a buy-back or lease plan from our partners at AutoEurope. What happens is that you get a brand-new car, the European buyer of that car gets a huge break on taxes by buying a slightly used car, and you pay a bit less than you would for a rental car. Everyone wins. Can't beat that. Go to Auto Europe and click the Car Rentals tab at the top.

Are telephones available?

Many houses rent without telephone service. Telephone calls, even local calls, are very expensive in Italy, and many owners don't wish to create ill will by presenting a big bill for telephone use to their renters. One answer is to rent or purchase one through our partners at Telestial. Buying a phone with an Italian SIM card can provide you with communication access throughout Europe. See our article: What you Need to Know about Buying a GSM phone for Italy.