My wife and I had been through Castellina in Chianti in 2002, and promised ourselves if we returned to Italy, we would make this beautiful town the home base for our vacation. All the reviews looked good for Godenano Di Mezzo, and our stay there far exceeded any expectations we may have had.
We stayed in the Lavenda Suite, and it was absolute perfection. All the upgrades done by the Gelli family were done with care and patience, and you can tell they love this place as much as you will love staying here. All the rooms were immaculate, the beds was perfect and even the mattress in the pull-out sofa was extraordinary (as our 10-year-old son will attest). All the amenities you want are top notch, from linens to pillows to water pressure. It's perfectly private and quiet, and you genuinely feel like could just stay here all day to enjoy the views and surroundings.
We were also very easily able to make easy day-trips to Sienna, San Gimignano, Florence, Monteroggini and even to Pisa, only to return home tired, but easily relaxed in our surroundings.
Linda was wonderful, helping us find our way, recommending restaurants, bringing us fresh vegetables from her garden, and even getting our son to join her feeding her dog Otto or tending to her garden. And of course her cat Leone would sit outside our villa to greet us each day.
She has other villas of larger size, and we simply cannot urge you enough to ensure this is where you stay when you come to Italy. You will have access to all the beauty that Italy provides, with all the nesting warmth you want in your very own home.
We will be back, Linda. Sooner than perhaps we all thought.