Vacation Rentals by Owner

Rustic & Picturesque

Guest: Carla (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 06/18/11 Review Submitted: 07/14/11

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 too 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. 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. 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. Enjoy your time and be sure to give Ulrike and Fabian our best! Hope to see them one day again!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, sightseeing.

Perfect Location...CHARMING TOWN!!

Guest: Kristine (Brandon, Florida)
Date of Stay: 05/22/11 Review Submitted: 06/11/11

A group of my family and friends (14 in total) spent a week at this lovely property. We rented the villa and the cottage. The location was perfect!! Central to many charming small towns and vineyards but close enough to the larger Siena and Florence destinations (30-45 min at most). The main town right there in Castillini was one of my favorites of the trip. The villa had tons of room and was very clean. The owners were very welcoming and anxious to help with advice on things to do and local events. The experience at the Villa itself was worth the trip. Would have never thought that I would get to hold a 1 day old baby sheep or see a real porcupine shot with a bow and arrow by Urlike's son Fabion! The property was gorgeous!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What an outstanding week we had here!!!!

Guest: Fran and Larkin (Oregon)
Date of Stay: 09/04/10 Review Submitted: 10/08/10

Our week at the farmhouse was amazing! Not only is the courtyside breathtaking and the location of the farmhouse perfect, but the experience at the farmhouse itself was incredible! Our apartment was spacious and enviting, a great place to return to after a day of exploring neighboring cities and areas. The welcome dinner the night we arrived was not only a fantastic Italian meal, but a wonderful opportunity to meet and enjoy the other guests. The cooking class was fun and informative not to mention delicious! We had breakfast every morning and the owner was a wealth of information to us for our days activities. This is a working farmhouse and along with that comes crowing roosters, sheep with bells, and associated insects. We truly appreciated all of this along with the dogs and cats and the fresh herbs and beautiful flowers.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

For the Best Vacation, Visit Poderi Val Verde!

Guest: Mary (Sauquoit, New York, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/03/10 Review Submitted: 07/29/10

This was one of the best places for our family of 12 to celebrate a very special event. The Villa was exactly what we had hoped for - very clean and comfortable rooms, plenty of relaxing space, many amenities, a very refreshing pool, friendly pets, peaceful countryside and the most gracious hosts. From the Villa, places like Siena, Florence, Lucca and San Gimignano make for good day trips. Ulrike, our hostess, was there 24/7 for us. She provided guidance and directions to towns, events and cities to visit and great places to eat (especially gelato (ice cream) shops). Ulrike and her son, Fabian, treated us like family, sharing meals, good conversation, and lots of laughs. She is a fantastic cook- we dined on delicious wild boar, fresh salads, pastas, and plenty of wine (and Fabian's homemade tiramisu for dessert)! One week was not nearly enough time to spend there. We felt so comfortable at Ulrike's that we all hope to come back soon! This is a vacation spot you will not regret!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Dick from Chicago (Chicago, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/28/08 Review Submitted: 05/28/08

I have stayed in several of the apartments over the last few years and have been delighted with them all. The location is, of course, the beautiful Chianti hills--nothing better. I have traveled and lived all over Italy and find nowhere more lovely. The grounds are well kept, the apartments furnished with everything you could possibly need. Ulrike is a gracious hostess. She will assist you in making touring and/or transportation arrangements; she is a terrific cook, and I recommend that you participate in her Saturday night dinners served family style around a huge table indoors or outdoors depending on the weather (it is a wonderful chance to meet other travelers from all over the world and there are always others at the table who speak your language); or she will leave you completely to yourself if you do not wish the company of others. I highly recommend a stay here, because even with the dollar so low I still find it a very good value for the price.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/26/08 Review Submitted: 05/26/08

In April five of us stayed at this property for 6 days of a 19 day trip to Italy. You need to see the property to believe it. We stayed in the Il Giardino apartment and loved the old world ambience (hand hewned beams, stone, etc) that has been preserved. It was as relaxing and quiet a place one could imagine in Chianti. The location is perfect for making day trips in Tuscany (Volterra, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Sienna, Florence, Lucca, Pisa, all of Chianti, etc). Ulrike and her staff let you relax all you want but are there if you need help or advice about anything. Don't miss the welcoming dinner. Ulrike prepares you a wonderful meal with most ingredients from her farm. She was a fantastic hostess who made everyone feel right at home. We hope to return someday.

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 07/25/06 Review Submitted: 07/24/06

For more references from allover the world pls get in touch with us - due to privacy reason we prefer not to edit private email addresses

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Guest: The Cameron Family
Date of Stay: 03/06/06 Review Submitted: 03/05/06

..it has been a wonderful stay for David, Cameron and I. I simply can't imagine how it could have been better in terms of location, apartment and people. You all are such special people...since arriving we have also enjoyed the many wild boars, dear, humming birds and countless other smaller, wild creatures along with your wonderfulò crew of animals. thanks a million for all you did for us. I really hope to see you in the future.

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Guest: Armorgie Family
Date of Stay: 03/06/06 Review Submitted: 03/05/06

...we have had a wonderful time, great weather, fantastic apartment wondefful food ...

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Guest: The Carter Family
Date of Stay: 03/06/06 Review Submitted: 03/05/06

..you know how sometimes you go somewhere and it fells like you've come home? It smells familiar and looks right and tastes so wondeful. It feels right in your heard and soul. thats how our visit to Poderi Val verde has been. We will be back .... (they already returned twice)

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Guest: The Fry Kids
Date of Stay: 03/06/06 Review Submitted: 03/05/06

..thank you for letting us have a good time. we enjoyed everything like swimming, the weather, the soccer - all of the company - also the animals and wild boars - we also enjoyed the food and farming - we will miss you and hopoe to coma back soon (why not just stay) .. (they already booked their third time here)

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Guest: The Marsden Family
Date of Stay: 03/06/06 Review Submitted: 03/05/06

we are back again ... many many thanks for again creating such a wonderful atmosphere for us ... we've had the pleasure of great food, great wine and very good company with our fellow guests at your excellent dinner parties ..

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Guest: The Jesaitis Family
Date of Stay: 03/06/06 Review Submitted: 03/05/06

......we all enjoyed your wonderful welcome dinner and cooking classes. delicious food and wonderful company. we loved our accommodation. we hope to be back soon to experience Tuscany at Poderi Val Verde. In the meantime I will direct anyone who is planning a Tuscany vacation in your direction ...

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