Self catering accommodation in Tuscany, Italy

Self catering accommodation in Tuscany, Italy

How this holiday makes a difference

At our self catering accommodation in Tuscany we are committed to being a good steward of the land and the surrounding community. By farming organically, recycling, using renewable resources for utility needs when possible, and encouraging our guests to be conscious of their resource usage, we protect our land from non-sustainable use.

By supporting local artisanal producers, providing a supportive workplace for our employees, and encouraging our guests to be sensitive to local culture, and opening our property for public use on hiking trails, we benefit the local community in many ways that traditional hotels are not able to.

We aspire to be a vacation destination that provides an opportunity for guests to be engaged, to participate in our community, to learn about sustainability, and take that knowledge home and apply it to their own community.

Guests staying in these four-person self catering farmhouses will appreciate the simple feel provided by our efforts at authentic restoration of original Tuscan farmstead homes. Using traditional masonry techniques and recycled materials and wood harvested sustainably from the property, we have updated each house with its own character and ambience. Because the peaceful tranquility of the countryside is one of Tuscany’s most valuable resources, you will not find unnecessary appliances, or entertainment technology – guests save energy and restore their senses by spending time watching the sunset on the terrace, reading under an oak tree, or talking with friends and family members.

Each house also has a small traditional organic herb garden, full of lavender, rosemary, sage, basil, and other culinary accoutrements. All our houses provide idyllic self catering accommodation in Tuscany. A quick trip to the store will bring olive oil, pasta, and garlic – a recipe for a perfect Tuscan pasta – that’s all organic!

Self catering accommodation in Tuscany, Italy

Reviewed 07 Jun 2008 by Nicky Parker

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Sitting outside our farmhouse surrounded by birdsong and a wonderful smell of herbs, with an amazing view across vineyards and down the valley. Great peace and quiet. Also, the proximity to Siena and its history, art and atmosphere. Our children would say the swimming pool - also with great views and the added attraction of the accommodation's own cinta senese pigs wandering nearby!

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Definitely do the historical tour that the accommodation offers for free - it's a really interesting introduction to the history of the place and how the current owners try to farm sustainably and according to traditional practices. You should be aware that the farm's owners have strong links with the US and there are many US visitors, mostly working as interns or on educational visits. If you can, go to Volterra, an ancient Etruscan town high in the hills, but modern, vibrant, friendly and well worth a visit.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes, in that many of the traditional farm estates have been sold off and lost or turned into holiday resorts. The accommodation farms organically and sustainably and provides a good educational resource. Local people work there - many of them being from families who have worked on the farm for generations.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Wonderful - beautiful location and close to many historic and vibrant towns, art and architecture, not to forget the beautiful Tuscan hills.

Reviewed 11 Aug 2007 by Neil Smith

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Arriving at this accommodation and finding out it was a beautiful location and the farmhouse accommodation, Casa del Fantino was perfect. Our children loved the pool and the farm's pets.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Spend some time at this accommodation - go on the walks round the estate, the historical tour of the villa, and go for a meal at the villa. Visit Sienna. The beaches further south, outside Grossetto are good.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

We bought produce from the farm and we were encouraged to recycle.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Accommodation and the location were excellent, simple but really comfortable. Everyone is really friendly and helpful. We're looking forward to going back.

Reviewed 04 Sep 2007 by Clara Marullo

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

This accommodation is the most wonderful, well-run and beautiful organic farm/estate set in protected woodland some half and hour from Siena. We absolutely loved our time there - especially the incredible dinners and the intelligent, well-travelled company. Our house had everything necessary, and was simple, comfortable and traditional.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Have dinner in the castello every night!

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

This is a well-established organic farm, with a commitment to sustainable land use, the breeding and reintroduction of tradition farm animals, and education. Both the American internship program and the workshops and courses for local schoolchildren ensure that the work at this accommodation reaches a wide audience. Local people are employed on the farm and in the agrotourism business.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Superb.