Location: Montevarchi, Arezzo Province, Tuscany, Italy, Europe (30-45 min. Florence/Siena/Arezzo: 60-90 min. Airports) View Map
Accommodations: Cottage, 3 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 2 Baths (Sleeps 6-7)
Keywords: Tuscan Villa, Independent Cottage, Historical home, gardens and panoramic views, luxury appointments.
Il Poggiolo offers the FIENILE, an independent cottage on a private villa property with resident owners - for short or long term stays. There is also a second accommodation possibility on the property (sleeps 4+1), please see website. Current SPECIAL OFFER - reserve now for 2012 at 2011 prices (offer valid until 31 December 2011) .
The FIENILE is an traditional barn tastefully converted in 2006 into a two storey cottage. It sleeps 6(+1): upstairs there are two bedrooms (can add crib or cot for child) and one bathroom; downstairs there is a third bedroom/study and a second bathroom. Furnished with antiques, traditional ironwork beds and decorated withoriginal prints. The main floor also hosts a panoramic, enclosed veranda (a peaceful place to read, write, or eat), a sitting room with lots of books, and a fully equipped kitchen big enough to eat in (with granite counter tops and solid wood cabinets). There are all modern appliances (microwave, electric oven, 5-range gas burner stove, dishwasher and fridge/freezer), in-floor heating, washing machine (and clothes drying rack, iron & ironing board) as well as other amenities such as satellite TV & DVD & ADSL WI-FI internet access. Windows in all rooms have screens. All rooms have fans. The Fienile has two garden areas with chairs, tables, and benches to admire the breathtaking views. Parking area on the property.
Outside is an extended garden area with pots of flowers, a table and chairs for dining, and lounge chairs for reading, sunbathing, or just to relax and admire the view. In the second sitting area (an enclosed area off the veranda) you can watch the sunset - great for apéritif hour. From Il Poggiolo you can see the Valdarno valley, the Appennine mountains, the Sienese hills, and on a good day, all the way to Vallombrosa.
LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION: Guests appreciate the fact that Il Poggiolo is located equidistant from Florence, Siena, and Arezzo (30-45 minutes drive). While a car is necessary for your stay, Florence can be reached by train from Montevarchi in just 35 minutes. Nearby are historic sites, picturesque villages, national parks, thermal baths and, for a day trip, seaside beaches. Swimming nearby in local pools (10-15 minutes drive). Excellent wine and fine restaurants in the area, as well as informal village trattorie. Numerous designer outlets in the area for clothes, shoes, household items, etc. Perfect for day trips to all the historic attractions of Tuscany, for sports enthusiasts and gastronomic tourism, for family vacations, or just to get away from it all.
No pets or smoking (inside) please - allergy controlled environment.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : Clothes-washing machine in unit
- Linens Provided : Sheets, towels, kitchen towels, provided. Thermal spa/pool/beach towels provided on request.
- Off Street Parking : Private parking in Il Poggiolo parking area, near accomodations.
- Beds
- King Bed : Can be divided into two wide singles (please request min. 15 days before arrival)
- Twin/Single Bed (4) : Two single beds can be combined into a King bed upon request (please request min. 15 days before arrival)
- Child Bed
- Crib : Sturdy wooden crib available (please request min. 15 days prior to arrival)
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- Video Library : DVDs in multiple languages available for guests, please inquire. Guide books and information on local attractions also provided. Recreational reading library in various languages.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Fully equipped country kitchen with built-in chestnut cabinets and granite tops. View over sink frames the Chianti hills. Extendable table can seat up to 8 with room to spare.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : For tea drinkers, there is a kettle and teapot, for coffee fanatics, three types of espresso pots. Plan to bake a cake or a pie - you will find all you need.
- Refrigerator : Refridgerator is also equipped with freezer compartment.
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available : Local prize-winning "Gastronomia" in Montevarchi will provide four star meals - just drop in to pick up dinner, or order ahead from their extensive menu.
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio : Two sitting areas outside with chairs, tables, umbrellas and views of the Tuscany hills. One has morning sun, the other evening sun.
- View/Location
- Mountain View : Il Poggiolo is located on a hilltop with views onto the Valdarno and Appenine mountains to the North-East, and the Chianti hills to the South-West.
- Communications
- Cell Phone : Cellphone available for guests' use (fixed fee + set rate calls)
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Bring your computer already set up for WIFI, you will be furnished a password upon arrival. Guests are required to fill out a form for internet access (Italian anti-terrorism laws)
- Other Amenities
- Some toys and games for children.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly : Safety gate at the top of the stairs.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Swimming
- Mountain Biking
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Medieval/Renaissance towns throughout areas, from main sites (Florence, Siena, Arezzo) to picturesque Castles, Abbeys and Hamlets. Markets with local produce, fine wines. Privately managed pools in area. Thermal Spas 30-45 min. drive. Easy country walks at your doorstep, serious trekking trails in nearby hills. Many designer outlets in the area.
Rate Details (In Euro)
Min. stay 4 nights @ €250/night (up to 4 guests) or €300/night (up to 6 guests).
€1250/week up to 5 guests, €100/week for 6th guest (extra bed in 3rd bedroom)
10% DISCOUNT consecutive weeks. €50 crib/cot/childbed setup in double/twin bedroom
Price includes all taxes, utilities, linens, and weekly + final cleaning.
25% non-refundable deposit due at booking. Balance by Bank Transfer/Paypal
60 days prior to arrival OR in Euros at check-in.
Monthly rates also available.
Individual meter heating at cost (November 1 - April 15).
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Why the Owner Chose Montevarchi
Tuscany is not only a tourist mecca, but the climate is better than Paris and London (where we had been living before), and Florence is within an easy commute, so it is possible to live in the countryside and work in the city. The people in the area are wonderful. In fact, the Tuscans are the main reason why my husband and I opted to stay in Italy, to buy the family villa (divided into two large apartments) and make a life here. The 'Fienile' was originally one of the agricultural outbuildings (a barn) which we used to park the tractor and the car, store tools, and hang laundry. It has become a charming dwelling, where we plan to retire one day. In the meantime, we have had marvellous guests. We are grateful to VRBO for having been such a helpful intermediary.
Owner's Map of Montevarchi
In 1994 Allen and I bought the property we had been renting for over 10 years. The reasons why we ended up in Tuscany - on a hilltop in the Valdarno - are totally serendipitous, and entirely too long to go into here. But we did it, and lived in happy nonchalance, raising our daughter and commuting to work in Florence until the economic crunch began to make itself felt. In 2005 we had the belated realization that this property had better help maintain itself, otherwise we would find it very difficult to keep up the land and buildings after we retired. I keep buying lottery tickets with blind faith, but in the meantime we bit the bullet, hocked our souls to the Banca Toscana, and decided to carry out a dream: to restore and convert the villa’s barn into a rental cottage, and renovate the half of the villa once occupied by Allen's mother (who is now happily ensconced on the Italian Riviera). The idea was that holiday rentals would help with the mortgage, garden maintenance, and miscellaneous upkeep until – when we are well into our dotage – we downsize and move into the converted barn ourselves. Read the first installment of the saga about this renovation process on the 'Wandering Educators' site (under 'Barn conversion').
Property Photos
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- Il Poggiolo Tuscany - the Fienile and one of the garden areas - Montevarchi, Tuscany Villa Cottage Rental
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- Bright and charming second bedroom with two single beds (can be combined) - Montevarchi, Tuscany Villa Cottage Rental
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- Master Bedroom, with nido d'ape brickword visible through the windows - Montevarchi, Tuscany Villa Cottage Rental
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- Il Fienile - daybed in sitting room with stairway leading to top floor
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- Fienile Kitchen: granite counters, chestnut cabinets and an expanding table
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- Il Fienile - Veranda with panoramic view of Siena hills and Valdambra
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- Fienile Veranda in afternoon light, with enclosed sitting area to watch sunset
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- Il Poggiolo seen from the South - Appennine mountains in the distance
Traveler Reviews (14)
Il Poggiolo/Fienile
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/08/11
Review Submitted: 01/09/12
We stayed at Il Poggiolo, renting Finiele for two weeks, one of which we shared with our daughter, her husband and three children, ages nine, seven and one. This was in mid October. In the beginning of our stay, the days were soft and warm and the evenings refreshingly cool. By the time we left, the weather had turned brisk to cold, with frost greeting us in the early mornings. Finiele was more than adequate for our brood. The kitchen is spacious and well appointed, and the pantry is stocked with some of the necessaries. We cooked many wonderful meals at the gas stove. The views are stunning for 360 degrees, vineyards, nearby hills complete with towers and farmsteads, and farther off mountains, but we most enjoyed the sunrise outside the entrance and the stunning sunsets from the small patio just off the sunroom. This bright airy space, including the patio, immediately became my “office.” The beds in the three sizable bedrooms are more than comfortable, and the bathrooms and showers spacious. Allen and Sara are wonderful hosts, attentive to every need and even anticipating several for the youngest of our travelers. An added bonus for those of you who are scholars of Renaissance topics, they are as well. The COOP in Levane became our go to source for foodstuffs, and there is a market in the parking lot on Tuesdays. Every site in Tuscany is accessible by auto or, many by our favorite, the train. We have been renting houses all over Europe for more than fifteen years, and this was our most pleasurable experience.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Il Poggiolo/Fienile
Guest: Wordsmith
(Cortlandt Manor, NY, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/08/11
Review Submitted: 01/09/12
We stayed at Il Poggiolo, renting Finiele for two weeks, one of which we shared with our daughter, her husband and three children, ages nine, seven and one. This was in mid October. In the beginning of our stay, the days were soft and warm and the evenings refreshingly cool. By the time we left, the weather had turned brisk to cold, with frost greeting us in the early mornings. Finiele was more than adequate for our brood. The kitchen is spacious and well appointed, and the pantry is stocked with some of the necessaries. We cooked many wonderful meals at the gas stove. The views are stunning for 360 degrees, vineyards, nearby hills complete with towers and farmsteads, and farther off mountains, but we most enjoyed the sunrise outside the entrance and the stunning sunsets from the small patio just off the sunroom. This bright airy space, including the patio, immediately became my “office.” The beds in the three sizable bedrooms are more than comfortable, and the bathrooms and showers spacious. Allen and Sara are wonderful hosts, attentive to every need and even anticipating several for the youngest of our travelers. An added bonus for those of you who are scholars of Renaissance topics, they are as well. The COOP in Levane became our go to source for foodstuffs, and there is a market in the parking lot on Tuesdays. Every site in Tuscany is accessible by auto or, many by our favorite, the train. We have been renting houses all over Europe for more than fifteen years, and this was our most pleasurable experience.
Owner response:Thank you for the kind words! We loved having you next door, and you certainly managed to live on this hilltop in all the different ways that Allen and I hope to experience when (someday?) we become grandparents. A bit of family chaos, trips to the ice-cream store, exploring historic hamlets, and when they are all gone, a peaceful glass of wine, watching the sunset behind the Galatrona tower. Your were a joy to have as next-door neighbours, may your lives always be as full and happy as were your days in Tuscany.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
September Gold
Guest: Yukahey
(Boston )
Date of Stay: 09/17/11
Review Submitted: 10/05/11
What a wonderful experience! Stayed in the Fienile for a week which Sara informed used to be a barn. Really! So we gorged and drank like the pigs that used to be housed there - Tuscan cheeses, meats, breads, olives and delicious wine, yet lost weight! Il Poggiolo is surrounded by vineyards in the hills, olive groves, chestnuts and wonderful people. Sara and Allen renovated the Fienile into a beautiful suite with all the modern conveniences. The finest 5 star barn I’ve slept in. The Tuscany region has much to offer especially the food and drink. Firenze (Florence) to the north, Montepulciano is 40 minutes south, Siena to the southwest. We took daytrips and many times headed into the hills just to get lost and find vineyards. You won’t find much on the Autostrata. Bring wine and cheese for a picnic on a hill overlooking the beauty. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a wild boar. Wonderful. Thanks again Sara and Allen. We’ll be back!
Owner response:You are right about the Autostrada, nice views, but that is about it. To really see Tuscany, the secondary roads are best, winding through the Valdarno and the Senese, up to hilltowns and restaurants that only seat 20 people and serve food that deserves 5 stars in the Michelin rating! Glad you even got to see a wild boar.... Sara
Recommended for:Sightseeing, age 55+, tourists without a car.
Absolutely Delightful Country Farmhouse!
Guest: Jay
(Denver)
Date of Stay: 09/03/11
Review Submitted: 09/29/11
The Il Poggiolo farmhouse was absolutely delightful. It was clean, comfortable and a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Sara’s guidance was spot-on and her recommendation for a cooking class was one of the highlights of our trip. I would truly go back and highly recommend Il Poggiolo as a delightful place to stay while visiting Tuscany.
Owner response:The success of Tuscan cooking lies, to my mind, in quality ingredients and very simple steps...with an amazing result! I am pleased you took time to enjoy Il Poggiolo and the countryside, in addition to your whirlwind schedule. You really covered all of the bases during your stay. Best, Sara
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Fabulous Villa with Majestic views and the Perfect location
Guest: Lillian
(Rockport, Texas, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/16/10
Review Submitted: 10/28/10
We are two couples who recently stayed at this Villa. It exceeded my expectations as it was extremely spacious and comfortable. A very beautiful and clean villa complete with a kitchen with every convenience at your fingertips. We slept so soundly as the countryside was so quiet and peaceful. The beds so comfortable that we slept late every morning! The two baths were clean, modern and roomy. The location was perfect for us, the super market with any and everything you could ask for was only 3 kilometers away. It was absolutely the best choice for day trips to nearby towns such as Arezzo, Cortona, Sienna, etc. When we traveled to Florence we decided to travel by train which was so convenient. We simply took the train from the station in Montevarchi and parked across the street from the station. The best way to go to Florence from the Villa. We were in the heart of the Wine Country and visited some fantastic wineries just a short distance from the Villa.The owners of the Villa gave us great suggestions for restaurants as well as marvelous cooking classes. This was one of the hi-lites of our trip and I would highly recommend participating in a cooking class while you are in this region. The chef was amazing and these are memories we will always cherish. I cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience from the spectacular views of this lovely villa to the immaculate and beautiful interiors to the most hospitable, helpful and knowledgeable owners. I know the weather is unpredictable but we certainly lucked out. Our stay was in mid October and it only rained one day which was a Sunday. That was fine with us as we had shopped on Saturday so we enjoyed a very relaxing day at the Villa. The remainder of our days at the Villa were sunny, crisp and cool. I hope to return one day as this is what Italy is truly about.
Owner response:It is always gratifying to have such praise from experienced travelers as you have grounds for comparison and notice the 'extras' that Il Poggiolo offers. I am so glad you enjoyed your cooking classes, and the wine tasting nearby. You did luck out with the October weather, which certainly is unpredictable, though never bad for very long. Wonderful that you had a relaxing day as well, it is good for the soul. Sara
Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+.
Il Poggiolo
Guest: seattle travellers
(United States)
Date of Stay: 08/15/10
Review Submitted: 09/05/10
We had a lovely stay at the Il Poggiolo villa cottage. Our host Sara was very warm and hospitable. She recommended a fantastic cooking class in the area (with Chef Claudio), and a fun pool for our children to visit. The location is beautiful - very serene and picturesque. We had very memorable runs through the vineyards each morning while our children were still sleeping. We stayed for one week at Il Poggiolo, and would have liked to stay longer. We would highly recommend this villa to our friends and relatives. Be sure to visit the restaurant in nearby Bucine - one of our favorite meals of the trip!
Owner response:I am so glad you enjoyed your holiday in Tuscany and that the Crocodile pool and cooking lessons (from garden to table) were a hit. Those dirt roads for runs do have stunning views, don't they? The Paguro Trattoria in Bucine has a view of the parking lot, but the food certainly compensates for any visual shortcomings. All best to the family for the Fall !! Sara
Recommended for:Sightseeing, families with young children, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Home away from home....
Guest: diane and joel and the kids
(delray beach, florida)
Date of Stay: 06/10/10
Review Submitted: 07/05/10
This wonderful hilltop villa has breathtaking views, gracious and knowledgeable hosts and is completely stocked and organized for you to move in and enjoy! Sara was extremely helpful and a wonderful resource for all of our day trips to Florence, Siena, Assisi....all easy drives from the villa. She was able to give us great tips where to park, suggestions for restaurant reservations, and routes and times to travel to our destinations. The accommodations are very spacious, fully equipped and all the appliances are new and modern. The family room is filled with books, DVD's, and games. We will always remember fondly our Tuscan home and we would like to thank Sara and Allen again for sharing their villa with us!
Owner response:You were great neighbors to have next door, and I am so glad you felt that you had a home away from home. I think this little hilltop hamlet has something special to give everyone. The Feng Shui of rural Tuscany ??? (Maybe this is why we have never really contemplated living closer to Florence). Thanks for your kind words! Sara
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, families with teenagers.
Il Poggiolo
Guest: Jim and Emily
(Boston)
Date of Stay: 03/20/10
Review Submitted: 04/08/10
We had an absolutely wonderful time at Il Poggiolo. The accommodations were clean, spacious, and comfortable, and there was more than enough room for the four of us. The location was absolutely beautiful, and we had a gorgeous view of the Tuscan countryside from every window. We cooked in most nights, which was possible because the kitchen was incredibly well stocked and user-friendly. However, the most impressive part of Il Poggiolo were the hosts. Sara went out of her way to make us feel comfortable and offered wonderful suggestions about places to eat and things to see. She was always there when we needed her, yet she gave us the perfect amount of space to make us feel at ease in the beautiful countryside. This is a gem of a place, and we would very highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing Tuscan vacation.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway.
Guest: Allan and Sharon Kelly
(Sherwood Park Alberta)
Date of Stay: 10/20/09
Review Submitted: 10/20/09
Il Poggiolo was everything you think Tuscany to be. From the views, informative hostess and wonderful accomodations made the holiday unforgetable. We stayed for a week at the clean and well equipped villa. We did day trips by car and train. Everything was convienent and accessesible. Sara was very informative and gave us alot of information of the area. We would recommend this accomadation for a Tuscany experience. Thanks Sara and family.
Owner response:You certainly managed to "do" Tuscany when you were here, and you lucked out in terms of weather, so your travel stars must have been right!
Recommended for:
Guest: Julia and Henry
(New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 09/28/09
Review Submitted: 09/28/09
Absolutely beautiful, a magical place, a rare experience. It is very quiet and romantic. We traveled with three kids- ages fourteen, nine, and five- and everyone was very happy and ready to go back to Il Poggiolo any time. Sara’s house is beautiful, charming and very cozy. It is like a scene from a movie “Under the Tuscan Sun’. Our children loved the house and surroundings. For our little girl it was a perfect place for imaginary play, for the older one a peaceful and serene environment for reading and relaxing, and for our son-the nature and animal lover- it was a perfect place to explore. The house is located within a decent distance to Siena, Pisa and Florence. It is about an hour and a half from one of the beaches we visited. Our kids didn’t want to eat out they begged us to cook and eat dinner in the house (not typical for them, they always love to go out to eat when we home in NJ). Sara is very helpful, attentive, a very nice woman. She greeted us with a welcome basket and a smile. She made sure we had everything we needed during our stay. She had books for kids and adults, maps of Italy and attractions, dictionaries, toys, board games, and a fully equipped kitchen. Our stay was pleasurable, educational and relaxing. Thank you, Sara!
Owner response:You were wonderful guests, and the children a delight. I am so glad the little lizards let themselves be caught, and the hibiscus flowers were out in full bloom for your stay. Now we just have to figure out how to transport the Montevarchi gelateria to New Jersey...
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #157259
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