Terms & Conditions

1. Scope and parties

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern all direct bookings of Villa La Selva (the “Property”) made with the owner/manager (collectively “we”, “us”).

The guest who makes the booking (“Lead Guest”) enters into the rental agreement on behalf of all persons in the travelling party and is responsible for ensuring that all guests have read and comply with these Terms.

2. Booking process

A booking is considered requested once you submit a reservation via our online booking system or by email. A booking is considered confirmed only when:

  1. We have sent a written booking confirmation (by email), and

  2. We have successfully received the required payment (deposit or full payment, depending on timing).

We reserve the right to refuse a booking at our discretion, for example in cases of suspected fraud, inappropriate use, or non-compliance with these Terms.

3. Rates, taxes and fees

All rates are quoted in Euro (EUR) per stay unless stated otherwise. Rates may vary by season, length of stay, number of guests and availability and may be adjusted at any time prior to booking confirmation. Unless explicitly specified, rates:

  • include utilities (water, electricity, gas) within normal usage,

  • include final cleaning and standard linen/towels,

  • do not include any local tourist taxes (“tassa di soggiorno”), which are payable on site in accordance with current municipal regulations.

We reserve the right to correct obvious errors in prices or descriptions before a booking is confirmed.

4. Payments and deposit

For direct bookings made via our booking system or by email, the following payment terms generally apply:

  • A non-refundable deposit of EUR 1,000 is due at the time of booking.

  • The remaining balance of the rental amount is due 60 days before arrival.

If the booking is made 60 days or less before arrival, the full rental amount is payable at the time of booking.

Payments are processed securely via Stripe. We accept major credit and debit cards (e.g. Visa, Mastercard, American Express). All payments are charged in EURO.

If a payment deadline is missed, we reserve the right to treat the booking as cancelled by the guest and to apply the cancellation policy set out in Section 5.

5. Cancellations, changes and no-show

All cancellations must be communicated in writing (by email).

Important:

The following conditions apply only to direct bookings made with us (via our booking system or by email). If you booked through a third-party platform (e.g. Airbnb, Booking.com, Oliver’s Travels, Vrbo/FeWo-direkt, Plum Guide etc.), the cancellation and payment conditions of that platform apply. In case of any differences, the platform’s conditions and processes always prevail and any changes or refunds must be handled via that platform.

Direct bookings – cancellations:

  • More than 60 days before arrival: The EUR 1,000 deposit is retained and non-refundable. Any additional payments already received will be refunded.

  • 60 days or less befo re arrival and in case of no-show: 100% of the rental amount is due and non-refundable.

Early departure or unused nights are not refundable.

Changes to dates / length of stay (for direct bookings) are subject to availability and our approval. In many cases, significant changes (for example moving the stay to a different season or shortening the stay) may be treated as a cancellation and new booking, with the above conditions applying.

We strongly recommend that all guests take out comprehensive travel insurance (including cancellation cover) at the time of booking.

6. Check-in, check-out and identification

  • Check-in: typically between 16:00 and 21:00

  • Check-out: by 10:30

Arrivals after 21:00 must be requested and confirmed in advance and are subject to a late check-in fee of EUR 90, payable on arrival.

All guests are required to present valid identity documents at check-in in accordance with Italian public security regulations. Failure to respect check-in/check-out times may result in additional charges and/or may not be possible if another arrival/departure is scheduled on the same day.

7. Number of guests and use of the property

The property may only be occupied by the number of guests stated in the booking confirmation, including children and infants, and in any case:

  • Standard occupancy: 6 guests

  • Maximum occupancy: 8 guests (additional guests only on request and subject to surcharge and our written approval)

Sub-letting, assignment of the booking to a third party, or use of the property for commercial events, parties, weddings, retreats, workshops, photo/video productions or any other non-residential purpose is not permitted without our prior written consent.

The Lead Guest must stay at the property for the duration of the booking and is responsible for the conduct of the entire party.

8. Children and safety

Villa La Selva is a hilltop property with an unfenced pool, sloping grounds, stone terraces and steps. For safety reasons:

  • The property is not suitable for small children; we generally recommend a minimum age of 10 years.

  • Children and teenagers remain under the full responsibility and supervision of their parents/guardians at all times, especially around the pool and in all outdoor areas.

We do not provide child-safety equipment such as stair gates, pool fences or socket covers.

9. Pets

One (1) well-behaved dog may be accepted on request and with our prior written approval. Additional conditions may apply, including but not limited to:

  • pets are not allowed on beds, sofas or other indoor furniture,

  • pets may not be left alone in the house or garden for extended periods,

  • it is the owner’s responsibility to keep the dog under control, respect wildlife, neighbouring properties and the estate, and clean up after the animal.

Any damage or extra cleaning caused by pets will be charged to the Lead Guest.

10. House rules

To preserve the quality of the property and respect the environment and neighbours, guests are required to observe the following house rules:

  • No parties or events and no loud music, especially outdoors and at night.

  • Non-smoking inside the house. Smoking is only allowed outdoors; cigarette stubs must be disposed of safely.

  • No re-arranging of large furniture without our consent.

  • No open fires, fireworks, paper lanterns or similar.

  • The wood-fired pizza oven may only be used as part of a private chef / pizza evening organised in advance and is not for free guest use.

Failure to comply with house rules may result in immediate termination of the stay without refund, and any related damage or costs may be charged to the Lead Guest.

11. Pool and outdoor areas

The pool is for the exclusive use of guests staying at Villa La Selva. For safety and maintenance reasons:

  • Use of the pool is at your own risk; there is no lifeguard on duty.

  • Glass is not permitted in or around the pool area; please use plastic or shatterproof cups.

  • Pool towels may be provided; indoor towels should not be used outdoors.

  • Guests are asked to close parasols and store outdoor cushions when wind or rain is expected.

The opening period of the pool may vary depending on weather and season. We will inform you of the usual opening times; however, we cannot guarantee specific water temperatures or weather conditions during your stay.

12. Cleaning, linen and additional services

The rental price generally includes:

  • final cleaning,

  • bed linen and towels (one standard set per person),

  • light housekeeping on most days (for example tidying up common areas and bathrooms, removing rubbish), as described in your booking information.

Any additional cleaning, linen changes or services such as private chef, pre-arrival grocery shopping or extra housekeeping can often be arranged on request and are charged separately according to our current rates.

Guests are asked to leave the property in a reasonable condition, with dishes washed or in the dishwasher and rubbish placed in the designated bins or collection point.

13. Damage, loss and security

Guests are expected to treat the property, furniture, equipment and outdoor areas with care.

Any damage, breakage or loss must be reported to us as soon as possible. We reserve the right to charge the Lead Guest for:

  • the cost of repair or replacement, and

  • any exceptional cleaning required (for example heavy soiling, damage from smoking or pets).

We cannot accept responsibility for loss, theft or damage to guests’ personal belongings, whether inside the villa, in the garden or in parked vehicles. Guests are advised not to leave valuables unattended and to lock doors and windows when leaving the property.

14. Force majeure and extraordinary circumstances

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations where such failure or delay results from events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to: natural disasters, extreme weather, fire, floods, epidemics or pandemics, government restrictions, strikes, utility outages, or acts of war or terrorism.

In such cases we will do our best to offer alternative dates or reasonable solutions, but no automatic right to refund arises beyond what is required by applicable law. Again, guests are strongly advised to have suitable travel insurance covering such events.

15. Privacy and personal data

We collect and process personal data of guests in accordance with applicable data protection laws and our Privacy Policy.

This includes data required for:

  • processing bookings and payments,

  • fulfilling legal obligations (e.g. guest registration with local authorities),

  • communicating with you before, during and after your stay,

  • and, where permitted, informing you about news and offers relating to Villa La Selva and the Vico House Estate.

By making a booking you consent to such use of your personal data as described in our Privacy Policy.

16. Governing law and jurisdiction

These Terms and any dispute arising from or in connection with them are governed by Italian law.

For consumers domiciled in the EU, statutory rules on jurisdiction and consumer protection apply. In all other cases, the competent courts of Pistoia shall have exclusive jurisdiction, without prejudice to any mandatory protective provisions for consumers.

17. Final provisions

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not be deemed a waiver of such right or provision.