Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
Read our review policy
Self catering farmstay in Tuscany, independent reviews
 Reviewed 15 Oct 2007 by Corinne Welch |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
A truffle hunting trip and long walks around the farm estate.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The olive oil, honey and fig jam made on the farm are delicious.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
You need a car to get around, due to the isolated location, but other than that the holiday felt very low impact. The accommodation had been very sympathetically renovated; you need to separate and manage your own rubbish (including feeding food scraps to their gorgeous pigs Miriam and Sylvio); and good recommendations were given for local restaurants and shops. If anything, they could make more of the environmental benefits of the accommodation, as it's worth shouting about.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Perfect - the best week's holiday we've ever had. The accommodation was very comfortable, the surroundings were idyllic, and the views breathtaking. Very peaceful and relaxing, with lovely outside eating areas, a hammock and a pool. Close proximity to local market towns, as well as Florence, Siena and Pisa (although it was so enjoyable spending time around the farm, we were reluctant to leave).
We'll definitely go back.
| Reviewed 20 Sep 2008 by Dominic Baker | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We loved every bit. Tuscany is stunning, and the farm is in a wonderful setting. The views are superb and there was almost no noise. Sitting in the hammock at night meant that badgers and other wildlife could come right up close. Gianluca was also really helpful and made some great recommendations for local shops and restaurants
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to drive for restaurants in the evening - our apartment was 5km off the road, which was then another few kms to the nearest place - not easy in the dark. However, for self catering, the local produce was great.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely. Gianluca made sure that we were aware of the local markets and restaurants. We didn't travel around too much as the setting was perfect.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
What a place - can't wait to go back.
| Reviewed 11 Sep 2008 by Ben Murphy | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The property itself and the views/walks etc. that it offered. It was like something out of a movie!!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take some good books to read and don't plan to do too many other activities/day trips as you will want to maximise your time on the property. Whilst you can self cater at the property I would strongly recommend sampling the local restaurants as the food is superb and great value.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
It was obvious that the farm operators were very environmentally conscious. Furthermore I am sure the locals benefitted by us visiting nearby restaurants in the villages.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Magnificent, can't speak highly enough of the experience. The property operators bent over backwards to make us feel welcome and helped with anything we needed. I would highly recommend this property.
| Reviewed 8 Nov 2007 by Gay Hornak | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The amazing cooking lesson with Claudio followed by an authentic Tuscan dinning experience. Good job Claudio!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go during truffle hunting season. Don't miss the mornings in the Tuscan hills.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes! We were able to purchase local freshly pressed olive oil, honey collected from the farm, and cheese. At reception they provide a list of local organic produce and where to buy it.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I want to return right now!!!
| Reviewed 16 Sep 2006 by John Paterson | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was memorable for the beauty of the countryside & the old towns in the area. It was also always interesting.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go for it if you are looking for good quiet accommodation away from the glitz & glamour of 5 star hotels.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, we dined in local restaurants & purchased provisions from local shops.
| Reviewed 14 Jun 2009 by Caroline Harris | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This is an extraordinary place - acres and acres of woodland, farmland, olive groves and glorious views. Just arriving by taxi (see below) was wonderful, particularly as we were so welcomed by Yasmina at reception. Memorable parts were: going out to the woods in the evening to watch for wildlife - we saw fireflies and deer, and listened to wild boar and owls; sleeping like babies; waking up to a view of trees, trees, and more trees, bliss.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you don't want a hire car, get a train to San Miniato and get a taxi - we went to the Restaurant Napoleon and they rang a local taxi firm (driver, Antonio) who took us all the way there, waited for us to register, and took us to the cottage - for 25 euros. if you do this, buy some fruit, veg and dairy products to take. The local shop is great, but doesn't stock many perishables.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, as we just stayed put for 3 days, didn't use a car and shopped at the farm shop.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was joyful.
| Reviewed 19 Oct 2008 by Tanja Wilmot | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Breakfast outside amongst the silvery olive branches and a friendly cat that came to greet us every day and accompanied us on gentle forest rambles. The lovely list of local restaurant recommendations, all of which were spot on. Joining 80 year old Imperio and guide Sabali on a truffle hunting walk in the poplar woods, and sampling a spread of organic produce from the farm and surrounding areas afterwards.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The farm is quite far off the main roads, which is excellent for taking a magnifying glass to the area and exploring it in depth. The tiny villages on meandering roads within 30 minutes drive of the farm were very rewarding. The location is also perfect for spending peaceful days walking on the farm and just generally slowing down to the pace of rural life. It’s convenient for day trips into Florence, Volterra and San Gimigniano, but it'd be helpful to consider that going further afield would involve a fair amount of driving along winding roads to get onto the highway. Also, try to arrive in the daytime, because although there are plenty of signposts, they seem to hide themselves at night and we took a while to find it.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
In that the farm was formerly abandoned, and a son of the family who have owned it for generations has come back to restore the farm and run it as an organic farm - partly subsidised by agritourism - we certainly felt it benefited the local people as well as the environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We have seldom stayed in a place that was so beautifully restored and fitted - every detail from the bed linen to the towel rails is a satisfying balance between tradition and clean, contemporary style. This was relaxing and inspiring in itself. The farm's special peace and tranquillity vied with the long lists of sightseeing that we had planned - I’ll be back to spend more time on a lounger by the pool, contemplating the Tuscan hills beyond and wondering what delights the next meal will bring.