We stayed at Sommavilla for a week in October 2022, accompanied by our two post-college age children and four of their friends. It was an absolutely magical experience. The location is unimaginably beautiful; as far as the eye can see, there is nothing but olive groves, vineyards and forested hills. The 16th century house is set in lushly landscaped grounds, with a beautiful pool, stone paths leading to smaller gardens, and intimate seating areas for coffee or a meal. The home also has two patios, so you can basically be outdoors all of the time.
Inside, the house is authentic to its period, with tiled stone floors, carved wood chests and other antique furniture, large fireplaces in most rooms (though decorative only, as municipals laws restrict use to wintertime), and a huge, fascinating display of Chianti wines. The kitchen is fully equipped, though the appliances are not modern. There are enough bedrooms for many guests, each with a different color and character. Everyone in our group loved their rooms. Sommavilla excels in authenticity and charm; conversely, travelers should not expect the modern furnishings or amenities of a luxury hotel.
The home’s location is a huge plus: it is just a couple of miles to the enchanting town of Castellina in Chianti, which has many excellent restaurants, bakeries, and a Coop grocery store. We regularly did early-morning cappuccino and pastry runs, and after long days of adventure, we lingered over sumptuous meals at the local restaurants. Sommavilla’s location provides an excellent base for exploring Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano and other adjacent areas in Tuscany. We also biked on 5 days through spectacular countryside and picture-perfect Tuscan towns, using local shops that provide e-bikes (it’s very hilly, so think twice before renting a regular bike!), fabulous downloadable routes and, if desired, guides. There is a reason this part of Tuscany is such a popular destination.
Stefano is a most warm and gracious host. We really enjoyed our conversations with him, he was always responsive to questions, and he gave great restaurant advice. Luckily he was available one night to join us for dinner in Castellina, as he is a most engaging dinner partner.
We would go back to stay at Sommavilla in a heartbeat for all the above reasons.