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Review submitted by Theresa from Liskeard, cornwall (Submitted: 8 Sep 2012)
We have just come back from Villa Isabella, we stayed for 5 days in August and it was fantastic. We stayed here last August and loved it so much we had to come back again this year. Pete and Sylvia met us at the villa which was extremely clean. The best asset to the villa has got to be the pool. Our children are aged 12 and 10 and they couldnt get enough of the pool. The pretty outside lighting makes it great for a swim late evening. The air conditioning was a must and very well maintained as temperatures were an average of 33 degrees every day. The town of Puente Genil is pretty in the day and very social in the evening, we wish we had taken advantage of the evenings in town a bit more.
We will definately be returning again next year, you feel very spoilt after staying here and we cannot think of anywhere else we rather go on holiday - many thanks to Pete and Sylvia - see you both next year.
Review submitted by Theresa from Liskeard, Cornwall (Submitted: 8 Sep 2012)
My family and I stayed at Villa Isabella for the last 5 days in August. We had a fantastic time, we stayed here last August and loved it so much we had to return again this year. The villa is as beautiful as we remember and we all had a great time. The weather was perfect with an average of 33 degrees every day. Pete and Sylvia were very welcoming and the villa was extremely clean when we arrived. The pool area has to be the best part of our holiday, our children are 12 and 10 and loved the freedom of the pool with pretty outside lighting for a late swim.
We will definately be returning again next year in the summer, you feel very spoilt after staying here and we cant think of anywhere else we would rather go on holiday. The town is lovely during the day and very social in the evening. We didnt take full advantage of Puente Genil in the evening but will do next year. Pete and Sylvia do a great job of maintaining the villa and we look forward to seeing them again next year.
Review submitted by Rui from Sintra, Portugal (Submitted: 28 Aug 2012)
We had a wonderful time at Villa Isabella. The property is described and pictured just like it is, there are no artistic photos at the website, what you see is indeed what you get. The house is perfect mainly the courtyard and the poll area. The weather was perfect sunny and hot. We picked Puente Genil in order to be close to Cordoba and Granada, so a car is required if you stay here. Pete and Sylvia were great, i recommend this to everyone and for sure i will be coming back. Thanks
Review submitted by Jo from Ely (Submitted: 25 Aug 2012)
We had a wonderful 2 weeks in the villa and it was extremely good value for money. Peter and Sylvia, who manage the villa, are very welcoming, friendly and helpful. They were more than happy to help us out and offer advice when we needed to take our son to the hospital. The villa itself was clean, well kept and well furnished. The kitchen is very small - tricky even to fit 2 people in at a time, but it didnt detract from our experience there, as it was too hot to cook very much and we made excellent use of the BBQ on the patio! The air conditioning in 2 of the bedrooms was efficient, although the unit in the living room did not seem particularly effective. What really makes the villa is the beautiful pool. It is a good size, very private and goes down to a depth of over 2 metres - it really made our stay there. Be sure to pop into the Tourist Information in Puente Genil - Sandra speaks English and was very helpful in recommending places of interest. A visit to Fuente Alamo - the 2000 year old remains of a Roman Villa - is a must. Sandra gave us a guided tour in English. Other highlights include Lobo Wolf Park and the rock formations up in the stunning hills of El Torcal. Further afield, The Alhambra, in Granada is breathtaking. We would strongly recommend Villa Isabella as a place to stay - a lovely villa, a beautiful pool and a super location.
Review submitted by Linda from EASTBOURNE (Submitted: 7 Aug 2012)
We have just returned from a very relaxing stay and would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to get away from it all. Villa is well equipped and swimming pool and outside area is great.
Peter and Sylvie keep everything spotless and are available if you need anything. Hope to return again.
Review submitted by Ian from Dumfries (Submitted: 31 Jul 2012)
This villa has to be the best value for money in Spain!
The pool area is fantastic, safe and private. My only criticism is that the kitchen is on the small side however that has to be tempered with the overall cost and number of times it is used in anger.
Puente Genil is a rural area but it is an ideal base for touring Cordoba, Seville, Antequera and the real rural Spain.
The description provided is representative of the villa and surrounding area and it is an experience to eat out locally. A smattering of Spanish or a phrase book is a must - but adds to the experience of real Spain.
I would certainly recomend this villa to anyone looking for either a relaxing time or a base for exploration further afield.
The villa was claen and Peter and Sylvia who met us made us very welcome and could advise where to go and what to see.
Review submitted by david from bristol (Submitted: 21 Jun 2012)
Sylvia and Peter Fry were very welcoming and went that extra mile, villa adequate for a relaxing holiday, car is a must, perfect for a get away.
Review submitted by Theresa from Liskeard, Cornwall (Submitted: 6 Sep 2011)
The villa is very well laid out in a rural part of Spain.The surroundings are very quiet and peaceful with town only a few minutes drive which include local supermarkets with lots of choice.
The pool is fantastic (the best assest to the villa) our two children (aged 11 and 9) thoroughly enjoyed swimming from early in the morning until late in the evening. The outside lighting is convenient for a late swim and a barbacue!!
The villa is very spacious with good sized bedrooms and comfy beds.The kitchen area is well equipped with everything you need.
Pete and Sylvia are amazing people and were extremely helpful.They do a great job and we cannot thank them enough-we are very grateful to them.
I would definately recommend this villa to families, couples or friends.We all had a great time and will definately return in the near future.
Review submitted by karen from Dorset (Submitted: 11 Jul 2011)
We had an excellent holiday at villa Isabella and will definitely be going back.
The Villa and Pool area were fantastic, equipped with everything you could possibly need. The Villa managers Pete and Sylvia were very helpful. The supermarkets and town are just a 5 min drive away and the locals are very friendly. A perfect holiday getaway to experience the real Spain. Thank you very much and look forward to visiting again soon
Review submitted by robert from harlow (Submitted: 21 Jun 2011)
The villa is clean and comfortable, well furnished inside, air-con works well, once you get the knack of the control The bedrooms are fine and beds comfortable. The kitchen is adequate galley style , clean and well equipped. we spent most of the time using the outside BBQ. The pool (great size ) and outside areas are the main attractions of the property - very large and very clean. In fact we spent most of our time there and if you wanted shade it was always available from the palms or the trees .
We chose the villa as it was central for Seville , Granada and Cordoba and the recent refurbishment of the road system made it so easy to visit each of these as well as the other small towns within the area ( a sat nav makes it so easy and enjoyable).
Pete and Sylvia were very welcoming and informative and when we had a problem with the water heater they advised us over the phone how to resolve it.( a simple process which could have been included in the house information folder).
In all i would highly recommend for those looking for a quiet , relaxing location with opportunity to explore Adalucia at your own pace.
Review submitted by Sue from Chesterfield (Submitted: 6 Sep 2010)
We had a fantastic holiday at this lovely villa. Its location away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist traps yet within easy distance of shops and supermarkets was perfect and the villa was very clean and nicely furnished. We cant wait to return...I think that says it all!
Review submitted by julie from Wolverhampton (Submitted: 31 Jul 2010)
We had some concerns prior to our holiday due to the very poor review posted by the occupants just prior to our visit (subsequently removed). Having contacted the villa owner however we were reassured and in fact our fears proved unfounded.
The villa is clean and comfortable, very well furnished inside, air-con works well - just as well as temperatures exceeded 40 degrees during our stay! The living/dining area has recently been refurbished and the leather sofas, pale wood furniture and a wooden floor is very attractive. The bedrooms are fine and beds comfortable. A couple of minor niggles with the bathrooms - the shower in the main bathroom needs attention, just a simple descaling of the shower head, and some shelving/storage would be welcome - we finished up with bottles of sun tan lotion on the floor and our sponge bags in the bath! The shower in the en-suite room is small and does not have a shower caddy or anywhere to put shower gel etc, which means you finish up putting it on the floor of the shower cubicle, even though it is almost impossible then to bend over and reach it without bumping into the walls - and we are not big people! As stated, these are very minor niggles, but they can be annoying during a 2 week stay.
The kitchen is smaller than it looks on the photos, but was clean and well equipped.
The pool is lovely - very large and very clean.
The outside area around it whilst clean and adequate could be made so much nicer with the addition of some greenery to take away the stark effect of whitewashed walls in blazing sunshine, although we understand that the gardens were damaged during severe winter storms so this may be something to be addressed. The sun loungers etc were functional, but clean and in good repair. There is a rather ugly concrete bar with a redundant sink which does nothing to enhance the pool area.
Being at the villa in July we spent the vast majority of our time outside and are therefore perhaps hypercritical of the outside.
There is very little shade around the pool during the afternoons, but having said that, the verandah at the front of the property is shady and pleasant in the afternoon and shielded from the road by bushes etc.
The villa is only a few minutes from the small town of Punte Genil where there are excellent supermarkets and a very informative tourist information centre.
The villa is well situated for a visit to Cordoba and Seville - we made easy and enjoyable trips to both, and there are many other interesting small towns in the surrounding area, which is mostly attractive farmland - look out for the eagles and other birds including wild flamingos at a local reserve.
Pete and Sylvia were very welcoming, friendly and informative without being at all intrusive.
Overall I would rate the villa as good value for money and confirm that we did enjoy our stay.
Review submitted by Tanya, Dean, Karen And Malcolm from Portsmouth (Submitted: 2 Sep 2009)
WOW! The villa was wonderful, everything you needed was supplied, Air conditioning was a god send as it was very warm!! Bedrooms comfortable. The pool and pool area were FANTASTIC, we had to make ourselves get out of the pool as it was so relaxing. A big thank you to Peter and Sylvia as they made us feel very welcome and were very helpful with advice. We would definitely choose to return to this villa, and hope to do so next year.
Review submitted by Kim and Brian from Stanwell (Submitted: 24 Aug 2009)
Just got back from an excellent holiday at Villa Isabella. Two weeks of complete relaxation!!
Everything was fab - beautiful villa everything catered for complete home from home. Pool was glorious stayed in it from 8am till 8pm was fab. Very peaceful location proper spanish experience. Love to Sylvie and Pete, very sad to be home : ( xxx
Review submitted by Helen from WAKEFIELD (Submitted: 12 Aug 2009)
As we walked from the front of the property to the back, all we could say was wow!
Fantastic property, Sylvia and Peter who met us were lovely and they had made sure the villa was sparkling.
The pool is to die for, huge and totally private. We loved the area because it is Spanish. We only saw one other English family in 2 weeks, and we had to use our bit of spanish, it was a good laugh because the locals are so friendly.
Will be booking again definitely.
Owner reply:
Thank you for your time in leaving a review it is much appreciated. We are very happy you had a good holiday and look forward to you booking again.
Review submitted by Marina from Honefoss (Submitted: 19 Oct 2008)
Thank you so much for a great vacation. the property is beautiful and very very secluded. Perfect for a romantic getaway! We had a fantastic time and will definetely be back!
Review submitted by joan from birkenhead (Submitted: 2 Oct 2008)
We loved our holiday at this villa,everything
was beautiful,especially the pool, sylvia @ peter are really freindly and obliging. the only criticism i would make we were not impressed with the amount of cats which were a bit of a nuisance,
as if you sat round the pool you had to constantly keep everywhere closed.
regards joan weston
Review submitted by Andy from Rochford (Submitted: 26 Aug 2008)
Overall an excellent holiday! The weather (August) was very hot, so the pool and air-con were needed.
For us the pool was the selling point, the pool area is spacious and secluded. All the necesseties were there.
You need to be relatively self contained, while there is a bar/restaurant very close by, there was not many options. An attempt to speak the language also helps. Peter and Silvia were very helpful, helping us to find our way around quickly.
A very pleasant, quiet and hot breeak.
Review submitted by Brian and Jayne from Nuneaton (Submitted: 4 Aug 2008)
We had a fantastic time at Villa Isabella, it was just what we expected, very well equiped, quiet, private and very relaxing. The pool and terrace area are superb and the BBQ is fantastic. We are hoping to return next year for another relaxing holiday.
A massive thank you to Peter and Sylvia for all your help, we look foreward to meeting you again soon.
Review submitted by stephen from comber, n.ireland (Submitted: 14 Nov 2007)
Best holiday we have ever had. Villa was immaculate and had absolutely everything we needed. The pool was fantastic, my daughter loved it. Admittedly it was freezing in the pool but thats what you get for booking in November! It didn't keep me out of it. I would thoroughly recommend this villa to anyone and am already hoping to book for next year.
Review submitted by Steve & Denise from Washington (Submitted: 24 Oct 2007)
We arrived at the villa to be welcomed by a lovely couple Peter & Sylvia who were very helpful regarding the villa and surrounding areas. The villa is home from home and more, with the excellent pool/patio/barbaque area. Would definatley go back to Villa Isabella.
The town of Puenta Genil has quite a few bars and restuarants including a chinese also a bowling alley and cinima.
"Casa el pedro" is a must (take a phase book)
If you want a real taste of spain Vill Isabella is a must.
Review submitted by Jim and Lyn from Hemel Hempstead (Submitted: 18 Sep 2007)
Met on arrival by the friendly Peter and Sylvia who gave us all the information we needed.
house, pool, gardens and equipment. were excellent.
Local people were very friendly and helpful. Easy shopping and eating. Rancho Chico, just over the road, was a good basic place to eat, with service by a friendly family.(Diego, Marie-Carmen and Zac).
All in all a great place to stay and relax within easy access to Cordoba and other great places of interest.
Thoroughly recommended.
Review submitted by Chris & Sharon from WORCESTER (Submitted: 3 Sep 2007)
Our time at Villa Isabella was excellent and more than exceeded our expectations. The villa is a good size, is tastefully decorated and has a superb pool. It's not overlooked at all and is therefore very private. It's also in an ideal location with the local supermarket just down the road. Sylvia and Peter who manage the property were very warm and welcoming and had some excellent suggestions for the occasional day out. Overall it was a very relaxed time away and we returned home totally refreshed. We highly recommend this villa and will definitely be returning!
Review submitted by Alison from Potters Bar (Submitted: 19 Aug 2007)
Directions to the villa were clear and we found it without a hitch. The villa itself was as described, very well equipped and spotless. The pool was one of the best we have ever had and the pool side area was great - plenty of shady spots and comfortable loungers. Great barbeque. Wonderful to have air conditioning. Only possible improvement would have been a dishwasher, though the absence did not really detract from the overall experience. There were lots of books left from previous ocupants which was useful to supplement our own supply. Good neighbourhood restaurant just over the road - plain spanish cooking and warm welcome. Just one word of caution is that where you have to turn left into the urbinacion where the villa is situated, is also the point where people take the opportunity to overtake - which gave us a near miss and a nasty shock more than once. Exercise extreme caution!! Otherwise a brilliant holiday in a very Spanish nice area and Peter and Sylvia were extremely helpful and welcoming.
Review submitted by n from Gibraltar (Submitted: 16 May 2007)
Fantastic villa. Only 40 mins from Cordoba and Lobo Wolf Park in Antequerra. El Rancho Chico good for a drink and La Limon restaurant Brilliant. Good amenities in the villa and beautiful decor. A home from home!
Review submitted by Howard from US (Submitted: 16 Apr 2007)
The description of the property is a bit over-the-top with several details misleading and some just not so, like wide double doors into the lounge and dining area off the kitchen (the dining area is in the lounge, which is down the hall from the kitchen). There was no welcome basket. And so on. Having said this and having stayed in many sight-unseen holiday rentals, we would rate this one on the plus side, largely because of the excellent swimming pool, the terrace around it, and the lounge chairs---in warm weather this will be very nice. The Puente Genil area is off the beaten track and rather remote, a lot of driving is necessary to take advantage of the sights in Cordoba, Granada, Priego de Cordoba, and other towns, all of which are well-worth seeing. But for those who like day trips this will not be a major inconvenience. The place is child-friendly and will be great for families.
Owner reply:
Dear Howard
Thank you for submitting a review. I am very pleased that you enjoyed the pool area. But am a little confused by your first comments about the inside of the villa. We do not have double doors in the villa and therefore they would not be in our description of the villa. Also we do not mention a welcome basket as we do not offer that service.
Are you sure that you haven't mixed up our description with another during your research for your holiday. I am sure that villa renters will verfy that the description has not been changed by me recently.
I would be grateful if you could check this as obviously it will not be good for my business if people think that I am misleading them.
Kind regards
Jackie Greene
Review submitted by melanie from Cornwall,England (Submitted: 12 Apr 2007)
We had a wonderfull holiday at the villa. There were 5 in our group. 3 adults and 2 children. The accomadation provided plenty of space and was well maintained and presented.Our stay was from the end of February to end of March so the price was very good. Weather was exellant too.
The local facilities were good with plenty of choice for shopping and other nessecities. It does help if you speak a little Spanish as very few in this area speak English but you can always get by with a warm smile. The nieghbours are English and also friendly and helpfull.You can make this holiday as busy or as relaxed as you like. Happy Holidays !!!!!!!
Many thanks also to Pete and Slyvia who look after the place. They really are stars!
Review submitted by Gary from Whitley Bay (Submitted: 17 Nov 2006)
We were hoping for a peaceful and relaxing holiday and we weren't dissapointed. The villa was spotless and very well appointed with a lovely private pool area including a lime tree (which made the G & T's even better). There's a large Carrefours only 5 minutes away on the outskirts of Puente Genil so no problems keeping stocked up. Spanish recommended if you're around the town. Peter and Sylvia very helpful and friendly.
Review submitted by Stephen from Puente Genil (Submitted: 5 Sep 2006)
Very well equipped villa with a high level of furnishings. Positives include the pool, air conditioning in most of the rooms and the general high standard of the furnishings in the lounge, bathrooms and kitchen. Negatives would be the one small bedroom without air conditioning and the lack of a view for when sitting out in the evening. Peter and Silvia who manage the property were exceptionally helpful and accomadating and are a great bonus with the property.
Overall the whole booking process, payment, travel directions and access to contact details were excellent and all contributed to a lovely relaxing week.
Review submitted by corona from bedford (Submitted: 11 Aug 2006)
Arrived at this location to a warm and friendly welcome by silvia and peter. They showed us around the villa and had also purchased a few food neccesities for us with was a lovely gesture. The villa is located on a small housing complex off a country road so a vehicle is essential. The villa itself is tastefully decorated and very comfortable and clean with plenty of towels to use. The pool which is located at the rear of the property is to die for! Secluded and private and perfect for skinny dipping! Plenty of loungers and umbrellas to use for shade. A very peaceful and relaxing holiday was had. Would recommend this property to friends.