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News and Press

Welcome to our News section - providing the most recent exciting information regarding hotels, villas and much more.

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Newsletter May 2013

May news and special offers from Merrion and MoJo!

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The Weekend Australian, March 23-24, 2013

Travel & Indulgence

The Weekend Australian, March 23-24, 2013

VILLA consultant Merrion Charles is the go-to specialist for la dolce vita holidays; the British-born Italy expert handles a wide portfolio of charming accommodation, from Abruzzo and the Amalfi Coast to Sicily and Sardinia.

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Do you love Italy?

Do you love Italy?

Merrion Charles provides a personal, professional and highly tailored service for luxury, tailored holidays in Italy.

Voted by Harpers Bazaar in 2009 as the Number One Expert for Italy and by Conde Nast in their ‘black book’ of world experts due out next month, Merrion is available round the clock and nothing is too much trouble. Be it a family villa with pool in Tuscany or a grand palazzo for a large gathering of friends, Merrion can assist and provide all the tips and assistance required to ensure a successful holiday.

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Newsletter March 2013

March news and special offers from Merrion and MoJo!

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Private Escapes - The Experts!

When a client rang her on Sunday morning to ask for more parasols by the pool, they were put in place half an hour later.

Merrion is featured in Conde Nast's 'Experts Supplement'

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La dolce Villa!

A villa in Tuscany is still one of the world’s great travel fantasies. Margaret Barca delves into the best villas on offer, each one their own piece of paradise.

Archipettoli, Palazzolaccio, Tombolino and Villa Laura have been featured.

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Christmas Wishes 2012

Christmas wishes from Merrion and MoJo!

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Newsletter December 2012

October news and special offers from Merrion and MoJo!

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Newsletter October 2012

October news and special offers from Merrion and MoJo!

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new York Times

Viva La Villa
Great View, No Walls in Cotto

A series of happy accidents led me to Merrion Charles, a British expat who works as a luxury travel agent and has lived in Cotto for years. Merrion is charming, resourceful and knows the area inside out. And best of all, Merrion had a house to show me.

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Bandbridge leader

Tuscany is a classic

I’ve finally matured to the point where I know my own mind.

Admittedly some people are surprised it has taken so long especially as there wasn’t a lot for me to be acquainted with.

I want to go out for a meal in a nice restaurant rather than to a nightclub where I can’t hear myself think let alone hold a conversion with the person accompanying me . I am happy to spend more money on clothes which are stylish but well made as opposed to this week’s must have one-wash-wonder. I live in a house which I look forward to going back to each night, in a town where I am proud to be a part of the community. I drive a car which doesn’t compromise on style and performance and certainly doesn’t come with a bumper sticker.

Has all the joy gone out of my life? Have I become boring and middle-aged. No not a bit of it - I finally know my own mind. I know I enjoy stylish clothes, good entertainment with good friends. I know I enjoy living in a good-sized house with a garden and not a shoebox because it is convenient to the city and I know I enjoy travelling in comfort and style.

And so it is with the holidays I choose. Year on year I return to Tuscany as I never tire of its beauty, its charm and its ability to conjure up another reason to return. I have often been accused of showing a lack of imagination when choosing my holiday destinations. Tuscany, or Chiantishire as it is nicknamed, is the destination of choice for hundreds of thousands of British and Irish tourists each year.

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Newsletter September 2012

September news and special offers from Merrion and MoJo!

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Eso del MAr

Evening Standard - 24 JULY 2012

E is for Eco del Mare

When Italian Francesco Mozer sailed past a secluded cove in Lerici, on the Ligurian coast, he immediately knew this was a special spot. He bought the land and opened a friendly beach club, which ticked along happily for several decades. Realising the location had far greater potential, his daughter Francesca converted the club into an exclusive six-suite boutique lodging. Today, it remains a surprisingly undiscovered gem in this popular region of Italy.

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Departures magazine

Wonderful Tombolino featured in Departures magazine.

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Newsletter April 2012

April news and special offers from Merrion and MoJo!

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Newsletter March 2012

March news from Merrion and MoJo!

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SP Travel and Homes January 2012

SP Travel and Homes January 2012

A Taste of Tuscany by Katie Wood

A question I get asked at every party when meeting new people is, "So where is your favourite place in the world"? It's such a hard question to answer, as obviously that totally depends on what type of holiday you seek, who you're going with, time of year, etc. But when pushed to the limit, nine times out of 10 I come back to Tuscany...

Katie stayed at Zingoni and Villa Tombolino

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Country Life

Country Life December 2011

The eternal magic of Tuscany

Mark Hedges

The northern Tuscan hills and the glories of Florence have been drawing visitors for centuries, and their allure is as strong as ever, finds Mark Hedges and his family.

Mark stayed at Villa Sant Andrea del Carpine

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Newsletter December 2011

December news from Merrion and MoJo!

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Merrion and Mojo at the Fairs

Merrion & MoJo enjoyed meeting visitors at the Daylesford Charity Christmas Fair in the Cotswolds and in London at the Conde Nast Luxury Travel Fair last week. Thank you to all of you who took the opportunity to come and have a chat with us about future holiday plans to Italy and further afield. It was a real pleasure to see you and we look forward to hearing from you be it regarding a luxury villa rental, a long weekend to a boutique hotel, skiing in the Dolomites or perhaps a fun cookery course! Our portfolio continues to improve and expand so please do contact us – nothing is too much trouble.

Merrion Charles Merrion Charles Merrion Charles Merrion Charles Merrion Charles Merrion Charles
Merrion Charles
Merrion and Mojo at the Fairs
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Newsletter October 2011

October news from Merrion and MoJo!

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Newsletter August 2011

August news from Merrion and MoJo!

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Country Life

The Globe and Mail

How to rent a villa that’s just right for you

Linda Intaschi

A rental has the potential to be a perfect home base for exploring a new part of the world, so when it comes to deciding where to stay, I'm an obsessive researcher.

We've rented from owners – if you haven't been referred by someone reliable, ask to speak to others who have rented the property.

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Country Life

National Geographic Traveller

Provincial Villas

Tuscany Quintessential villa territory, Tuscany has an age-old appeal that isn’t likely to change any time soon. With Florence as its capital, a strong claim to be the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and vine- and olive-covered hillsides to amble through, few other regions can match its all-round appeal. Yet while this also has its downsides, not least the struggle to find a spot of solitude in the busy summer months, there are some benefits to the region’s popularity. Faced with increasing competition, many villa owners have upped the stakes in recent years. If style is as important to you as the setting, Tuscany is a safe bet. WE RECOMMEND: CASA GLYN

That this is one of the more humble properties on specialist operator Merrion Charles’ books says a lot about the high standards of villas in Tuscany. Sleeping five and packed with character (and subtle references to the owner’s interest in North and East African design), the comfort factor here is extremely high.

What sets this villa apart, though, is its location. Set in relatively unspoilt northern Tuscany with striking views of the Apuan Alps and the Carrara hills, although it makes a good base for exploring more obvious sights such as Florence and Siena. It’s also within easy meandering distance of the Cinque Terre and its great seafood restaurants, walks in the Appenine hills and the cultural — and foodie — attractions of Lucca, Parma and Modena. The villa ticks all the right boxes for those who want to just stay put and unwind, with a pizza oven, elegant swimming pool, lovely gardens and a sun-soaked, south-facing terrace. Ask beforehand to arrange to play the owner’s piano.

From €1,600 (£1,356) a week. Casa Glyn, Cotto, Lunigiana, Tuscany. T: 020 3326 1213. www.merrioncharles.com

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Newsletter July 2011

July news from Merrion and MoJo!

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Country Life

The Times

House party in Tuscany

Yes, €6,250 (£5,550) is hardly small change but it sounds a lot better when you divide it by 14 (£396pp), the number that Casa dei Pipistrelli in Tuscany sleeps. That's for the week starting August 20, otherwise it's €9,750

Download a PDF of Casa dei Pipistrelli here >>

 

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Newsletter June 2011

June news from Merrion and MoJo!

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Newsletter May 2011

May news from Merrion and MoJo!

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Newsletter March 2011

Summertime news from Merrion and MoJo!

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Country Life

Country Life

"A luxurious and elegant home on an estate in the heart of Chianti, Villa Rignana is definitely one of my top choices, with so much on offer. There's an array of animals - including ponies, dogs and ducks - a trampoline and a tennis court, as well as a sauna and croquet for the more sedate. It's the perfect place in which to enjoy a luxury holiday with a large gathering of friends and family, and, of course, there's lots of delicious local wine to try.'

Merrion Charles, founder of Merrion Charles Travel Each of the villas in the Merrion Charles Travel portfolio is a home with its own particular style and charm (020-3326 1213; www.merrioncharles.com)

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Newsletter December 2010

Christmas wishes from Merrion and MoJo!

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The Lady

The Lady

Venice but not as you know it...

"Think Venice is sinking under the tourist hordes? Think again, says Ivo Dawnay. Just give the crowds the slip, and take the canal less travelled."

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Newsletter November 2010

MoJo & Merrion recently enjoyed some extensive travels to the South of Italy including Naples, Amalfi, Tropea and an extensive tour of Sicily!

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Take a Break Travel

Through sips of Chianti, Richard Jones reveals how he found holiday bliss at a renovated farmhouse in Cotto, Tuscany

"Fireflies darted around the olive trees above the vegetable gardens at Casa Glyn, and as I sipped from a glass of local Chianti, it hit me just how special this place was and how we’d been lucky to find it.:

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Country Homes & interiors

Italian Villa.

"Breathtaking views and classic Mediterranean styling transform a former farm workers cottage."

Recently Merrion's property Casa Glyn was featured in Country Homes & Interiors. Read the article here.

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Newsletter May 2010

MoJo, well travelled connoisseur of Italy and all things Italian, highly recommends the dolce vita of Italia!

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Country Life

How to create your ultimate holiday, your way.

Whether cruising around the Mediterranean or finding the perfect hotel or villa, the personal touch can make all the difference to your holiday experience.

Recently Merrion and Mojo were featured in Country Life. Read the article here.

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Newsletter October 2009

Winter Sun and Exotic luxury!

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Concierge Services on Paradizo.com

Paradizo

Merrion Charles has been selected by Paradizo.com! A new online resource dedicated to luxury travel and the high life whose main objective is to provide discerning travelers the information and tools needed to inspire memorable and personalized luxury vacation experiences.

Featured Concierge Services on Paradizo.com

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Newsletter July 2009

It was sunshine, laughs and pasta all the way!
June Cookery Course at Castello dell'Aquila!

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25 Beautiful Homes

Homes & Antiques

On top of the world!!
Paradise on earth is how Giorgio and Ilaria Miani describe their restored farmhouse high in the Tuscan hills!
Words: Maggie Colvin, Photography: Spike Powell

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25 Beautiful Homes

25 Beautiful Homes

La Vita Bella!
In their idyllic Tuscan farmhouse, Barbara Nepi and Giovanni Puliese certainly enjoy the good life!
Words: Maggie Colvin, Photography: Spike Powell

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Newsletter February 2009

A late Autmn trip to Puglia produced two new exciting properties to add to Merrion’s portfolio: Trullo Cacatosto and Torre Maizza Masseria!

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Case & Country

Detailed feature with photos by Simon Upton on Villa Casellaccia in the Val d’Orcia, Tuscany. Talented interior designer Ilaria Miani has restored another crumbling farmhouse into a magnificent, elegant & stylish home…

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Newsletter December 2008

In the late Autumn when there was still plenty of warm sunshine Merrion and MoJo travelled to Southern Tuscany, Rome and Chianti. Their first port of call was the mesmerising Hotel Il Pellicano near Porto Ercole on the Argentario Peninsula and they were delighted to discover that it was still as special and unique as ever. A morning dip in the late October sea was glorious and MoJo was most impressed by the excellent and friendly service shown by all the staff. 

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Harpers Bazaar Travel Guide

Merrion is featured in the January issue of Harpers Bazaar (out now) as the expert for Italy!!!

In its round up of travel experts throughout the world, Harpers has selected the very best specialists in its latest Travel Supplement with Merrion as the person to use in Italy …

Click here to download and read the article!

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Newsletter November 2008

As Summer came to an end, Merrion took advantage of the glorious September sunshine and ventured to Southern Tuscany for a few days investigative work. Meanwhile, MoJo held the fort and responded to enquiries for 2009 and even gave a pasta lesson to clients at Casa Glyn!

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Newsletter September 2008
Since our last newsletter Merrion and MoJo have been enjoying the hot and sunny Italian summer and have been thrilled by all the positive feedback from clients who have travelled through Merrion's Private Travel Consultancy!

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Mas St Joseph

St Remy en Provence, Luberon, Provence, France
A stunning 18th century Provencal property, Mas St Joseph has been lovingly renovated by an international interior design team and is now available to a lucky few to savour this most beautiful corner of France.

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Newsletter May 2008
During their most recent travels and explorations MoJo and Merrion have discovered yet more delightful people and places in Italy. The diversity of this incredible country is endless and there is always a genuine and enthusiastic welcome. Indeed, Italy is the perfect country for those of you wishing to travel with dogs - the Italians love them the way they love children!! Find out more >>

Nothing is too much trouble.

For more information please contact Merrion on:
Italy: +39 0585 92098, on her mobile +39 392 155 1464
or via email: info@merrioncharles.com

Via Ariosto 32, Cotto, Fivizzano 54013, MS, Italy

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