Authentic Farmhouse on Chianti Eco Farm Between Florence & Siena

• great location

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  great location

  • Guest scoutaby
  • Date of stay 06/12/11
  • Review Submitted 01/13/13
  “Great location!” Reviewed June 12, 2011 2 people found this review helpful A large group of family and friends rented the main villa and cottage for a week. The owners Urlike and her gorgeous son Fabion were the perfect hosts! They were very anxious to offer advice on daily trips and local events. The rooms were clean and the villa was spacious, had all the amenaties and perfect to be with with family and friends. (I highly recommend if you rent the villa and want to be away from the group to get the downstairs room, your own terrace, side living area with kitchen, very cute). The property was adorable, centered in it's own valley, surrounded by flowers, farm and wildlife(although I could have done without the rooster). One of my highlights was being able to hold a one day old sheep and seeing a porcupine that Fabion killed with his bow and arrow (with assistance from Todo one of the family dogs...it might be road kill to some, but an adventure for a Florida girl). I could not have imagined a better location!! You must check out the small towns and vineyards nearby, they were by far my favorite, above the touristy areas like Florence and Siena (which were only 30-45 minutes away). Rada, San Gimingano, Castel Brolio and their own town of Castellini are MUSTS! (For the ladies out there, do not pass up the leather purses in San Gimigano for hopes of better prices in a large city, it will not happen and I regret waiting!). I was staying on the property at the same time as the previous reviewers(they would not talk to any of the guests)...please do not let their view taint you . I will only agree that the beds were not the best regarding comfort, a little lumpy, but after day 2 we were so tired from all of our adventures that you were out as soon as your head hit the pillow. Yes it is not a frilly or fancy it is like a home. For me, you make romance anywhere you are and I would much rather enjoy experiencing the locals, they way they live and the area, than be secluded, isn't that what traveling is all about? One other piece of advice for those that do not like to follow the tourist buses and mobs. On the drive up from Rome go up the coast to the villa and stop by the island of Monte Argentario, then when you go back to Rome you have to stop by Oriveto! Stayed May 2011, traveled with family

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• everything is what they say it is

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  everything is what they say it is

  • Guest michael
  • Date of stay 07/15/11
  • Review Submitted 01/13/13
  “Everything is what they say it is” Reviewed July 15, 2011 1 person found this review helpful To anyone who wrote a bad review of this place, go stay at a boring all inclusive resort! My favorite complaint is the one where the guy was upset by being 3.5 km from town. Where did you think you were going, to a city? Ulrike was an amazing host! She has a lot of energy and opinions that she will share. She is also a FABULOUS cook and we thoroughly enjoyed the meals we had with her and the places she recommended. If she talks you into going on a hike from one of her favorite restaurants back to the house, be ready to climb! the final hill through the valley getting back up to the house is steep! If you enjoy nature and beautiful views this is a great place to go. I also have to comment on the negative review that stated they didn't like looking at power lines. WHat the hell kind of complaint is that? I'd like to know how you think electricity gets to remote locations such as this? That one also really cracked me up! Anyway Ulrike I really want to come back with my wife and son! J. Michael Stayed June 2011, tr

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• most wonderful ....

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  most wonderful ....

  • Guest murray
  • Date of stay 07/05/12
  • Review Submitted 01/13/13
  "Most wonderful, enchanted place to be in Italy!" We actually stayed in the 4 bedroom villa with our family which was amazing. Very charming with full amenities. Waking up to beautiful, Italian countryside with the sounds of nature was surreal. The landscaping was quite beautiful with a lovely pool and activities for the kids. Ulrike cooked a welcoming dinner for our family and other guests the following night which was absolutely delightful. She's an incredible cook! We had gorgeous, early morning nature walks which, if you want, could lead you to the small town of Castellini for coffee, groceries or just to admire the buildings and scenery. We would have loved to stay much longer as we had also enjoyed the company of other guests from around the world. Our 10 year son and his little cousin found the grounds to be an exciting, adventurous place with lots to do. The swimming pool was their most favorite. We also found Ulrike to be quite accommodating and wonderful to speak to. By far, this place was my favorite in all of Italy and we would definitely return if given the opportunity.

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• home away from home

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  home away from home

  • Guest vincelli
  • Date of stay 03/14/11
  • Review Submitted 01/13/13
  "Home away from Home" We thoroughly enjoyed our time with friends staying here while in Tuscany (20 of us in total--but 8 of us stayed in Casa Pineta--we took over the whole property). It felt like home. It felt like our Nonna's home. We wanted a true Italian experience and you couldn't find it better anywhere than here. The extraordinary views, the living space, the look and feel of a authenic farmhouse...in a word, spectacular!

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• heaven in chianti

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  heaven in chianti

  • Guest amy
  • Date of stay 03/17/11
  • Review Submitted 01/13/13
  ""Heaven in Chianti" Poderi Val Verde was the setting for a fabulous vaction with extended family (12), including teenagers. The location was great as we could take a number of day trips to explore Tuscany, from Florence to Siena and small, quaint town throughout the Chianti area. At the end of our long days, we returned to share our stories and much laughter with Ulrike and Fabian, her son. As the weather was unusually hot, it was wonderful to jump in the pool to cool off and relax. The grounds of Poderi Val Verde were terrific. We hiked on the trails, fed the goats, played ping pong, wandered through fragrant gardens and many hours on the patios, playing cards and making great memories. Each morning Ulrike had a terrific breakfast lined up for us. Fresh eggs from her chickens, homemade jams, a variety of cheeses, yogurts and other goodies. The dinners Ulrike prepared were out of this world-- wild boar, venison, pastas and one night an amazing variety of cheeses. Ulrike and Fabian were terrific hosts, helping us learn about the culture and the region. Ulrike's expertise was instrumental in guiding us so well with our planning. Our teenagers and young adults were never bored and so enjoyed the company of Fabian and Ulrike. Of course, nearby Castellina in Chianti with amazing gelato was the hit on most nights! We had so much to do and a week wasn't enough to take it all in. We dream of returning in future years. If you go, and you really should, stay two weeks and have the time of your life!

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• great chianti getaway

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  great chianti getaway

  • Guest eric
  • Date of stay 08/24/12
  • Review Submitted 01/13/13
  "Great Chianti getaway" Poderi Val Verde is a well-managed vacation rental 5 minutes drive from Castellina in Chianti. The location is good, giving access to Chianti area, San Gimignano, Florence and Siena (and the rest of Tuscany). Poderi Val Verde has several houses in a peaceful valley up on the hills. Our choice was Casa Pineta with 4 bedrooms (2750€/week), comfortably large enough for 4 adults and 5 kids. During our stay, from the very beginning we felt welcome. The first evening we gathered together with the residents of all houses to a truly memorable welcome dinner hosted by Ulrike, our landlady. She introduced us to Tuscan cooking and during our stay helped us by giving recommendations about which places to visit, where to go shopping, what to do in Siena etc. Casa Pineta is beautifully decorated, all bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, and the kitchen is really well equipped. Wifi connection is available which is useful as the valley has no mobile phone service. The lack of air-conditioning could be a minus for travelers not accustomed to a bit higher night temperatures. Outside, nights were below 20 C, but inside well above it. We were provided with fans that made this easier for us. Kids loved the place, particularly the pool! Pool area was nice and clean, water refreshing after daily excursions. There were also other possibilities for outdoor activities. On the grounds, children made friends with Ulrikes cats, dogs and goats, and from a distance we saw deer in their natural environment! Occassionally, the dogs barking or sound of the rooster disturbed us in the night. All-in-all we had a memorable holiday. Beyond Castellina there are many places to explore, beautiful landscapes to see and the road network is in good condition. The check-out time is 9 am, check-in 4 pm, a schedule we considered as a small minus. Still, you can always go an ask Ulrike if something is troubling you. She keeps Poderi Val Verde is well organized (she's German...) but still authentically Italian!

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• authentic tuscanny vacation

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  authentic tuscanny vacation

  • Guest baroncelli
  • Date of stay 08/07/12
  • Review Submitted 01/13/13
  "Authentic Tuscanny Vacation" My family of 11 stayed at Casa Pineta for 1 week this July. It was truly a wonderful experience. The villa was very roomy, clean and an authentic Tuscan Home. The grounds are beautiful with blooming flowers and breathtaking views. The pool was spotless and we usually had it to ourselves. We used this as our home base and drove to nearby towns very easily. The location is perfect, being about 30 minutes away from several great towns that we visited. Castellina, the town the villa is in, is very quaint & beautiful also. I would definately recommend this to friends & I hope to return one day. The owner Ulrike is very friendly & helpful. When our rented car broke down on our way to the villa the first day, Ulrike came & got us & brought us & our luggage back to the house. She is also a great cook. We had the welcome dinner the first night. It was absolutely delicious and varied for all tastes.

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• what a great time

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  what a great time

  • Guest bea
  • Date of stay 08/16/12
  • Review Submitted 01/13/13
  "What a great time!!" Poderi Val Verde was the perfect place to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. There was 3 couples sharing the Casa Pineta Villa which provided us with plenty of space. The villa was well equipped, very clean - we were pleasantly surprised that it did not have a musty smell being such an old villa and the property was beautiful. Poderi Val Verde is located central to most attractions -Florence, Sienna, Cortona - (1.5 hours travel time)- we would leave in the morning for a day trip and then returned to the villa to enjoy the well kept property - the pool was the perfect spot for gathering to chat about our adventures and enjoy a refreshing swim before dinner. Casa Pineta allows for entertaining both inside and outside the villa. The kitchen had all the essentails for us to prepare our meals that we enjoyed overlooking the grounds and the beautiful view of the mountains. From the villa, you can also hike into the village of Castellina. Castellina has shopping, grocery stores and great gelato. Ulrike offers a welcome dinner which was delicous. She prepares a homemade feast of Italian cuisine including appetizers, pasta, wild bore,dessert and her own wine. It was the perfect way to unwind after a long day of travel. Thank you for such a wonderful time and we hope to visit again!!!

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• rustic elegance

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  rustic elegance

  • Guest cm
  • Date of stay 08/04/11
  • Review Submitted 01/13/13
  “Rustic Elegance” Reviewed August 4, 2011 1 person found this review helpful When I chose Poderi Val Verde, I had something different in mind. I thought it would be a bit more luxurious. However, I was NOT disappointed. The grounds are gorgeous and the views are stunning. Could the linens be upgraded - sure. Could the beds be a bit more comfortable - sure. But keep in mind, the feel of warmth and peace is overwhelming. The accommodations are basic and clean. Urlike is a character and has great knowledge. She is helpful and will give you so much advice! That is a compliment, I assure you. We encountered a bit of a buggy time but we managed. Fans throughout the house would be a welcome addition for the evenings (just ask Urlike for one or two). The consensus from the group was that breakfast was a bit pricey but in all the meals were delicious. We had a wonderful time. Castellina as a town is small and warm. Be sure to take the time and explore San Gimignano. All the locations Urlike mentions are extremely accessible. It's nice to come "home" to Val Verde after touring all day and have a swim or simply relax with wine on the loggia. We rented the large apartment for 2 weeks. It was a wonderful experience. Enjoy your time and be sure to give Ulrike and Fabian our best! Hope to see them one day again! Stayed June 2011, traveled with family

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• such a beautiful place

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  such a beautiful place

  • Guest francesca
  • Date of stay 11/18/12
  • Review Submitted 01/13/13
  “Such a beautiful place!! Will be back again!” Reviewed November 25, 2012 This is not the first time ive stayed here with my family, i started coming as a child. We are actually on the website from the first time we stayed here, the little chefs. It is still as beautiful as it was so many years ago. It is a beautiful atmosphere and the owner Ulrike and her son Fabian are so welcoming and the nicest people you will ever meet. I find it funny that people are complaining that it is "too rustic" you're renting a farm house... not staying at the Hilton. On our stay here we went olive picking with Ulrike it was SO FUN! If you come in November its a must do! The bedding is fabulous! We are stayed in November so it was cold and the comforters keep you so warm! The animals add an extra special touch to it. They are all so sweet and friendly! I HIGHLY recommend staying here. The food is fabulous, the owners, the animals, the atmosphere and the location. If you base your decision on the rude reviews from the other people on here, you are missing out on what could be the best vacation of your life. -Francesca Stayed November 2012, traveled with family

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Apr,Oct €1850/wk, May-June,Sept €2450/wk,July/Aug €2750/wk, nov/march €1500/wk
rates for standard occupation of 10 Pers., sofa-bed surcharge €50/week
*incl.: stand. utilities (except heating), insurance, sat-tv, bed+table/bath linen
pool towels, bathrobes, room fans, final cleaning, firewood, starters of spices, 
coffee, tea, toilet paper, soap and detergent
extra: visitor's tax, wifi, heating, baby bed+chair, pets, welcome dinner, 
breakfast service, cookery courses, guided hiking
earlybird 10%,last minute 15%, 2nd week 10% (except earlybird,  sat - sat bookings

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.