kwren

Just wondering if anyone has stayed at the Fattoria Fregoli outside of Pienza and if so, what can you tell me about your experience there? We're interested in the Capriota apartment - any info about that? How are the views, breakfast, etc.? There were only 2 reviews on Tripadvisor and one was in Italian. I'd love more info if anyone can help.

kybourbon

Do you have a link? Some places just outside of Pienza are in a somewhat industrial/ag area and not very attractive. They also don't have the views. Just depends which side of Pienza.

JenniFTF

Haven't stayed at this particular place, though we've stayed in two other agriturismos outside Pienza-- Agriturismo Terrapille (June 2007) & AGriturismo Cretaiole (Aug 2010). Both were wonderful.
As I drove around that area of Tuscany last month, I was surprised by the sheer number of Agriturismi available. The area is gorgeous and definitely the BEST part of Tuscany to stay in (IMHO). Good luck with your decision process!

kwren

Hi ky - Here's the link...it's north of Pienza...which side(s) are the industrial sides???

http://www.fattoriafregoli.com/

We definitely want the views!
I've checked our Cretaiole and they only accept guests for a week - unfortunately, we don't have that long.
Terrapille looks good too. Jenn - can you tell me more about it? It certainly is hard to choose, but since we don't have an entire week, it's a bit easier to weed some out (although they do seem to be my favorites!) We are considering paying for a week, but not staying the whole time, but one I wrote to only lets people arrive on a Monday and leave on Saturday for less than a week. That didn't work either.

Any other suggestions are welcome too! We're looking for around 180 - 200E/nt.

We've also looked at:

Il Tigliolo near Montalcino, http://www.intuscany.net/apartments/...conditions.htm

La Grancia in Montisi
http://www.lagrancia.net/code/intro.html

La Crociona near Montalcino
http://www.lacrociona.com/eng_dovesiamo.asp

I got a quote from Il Poggiolo but it's a bit higher than we wanted - at least I know they'll let us stay for 3 days.

zoecat

I have never stayed there but I have driven past. The location and views are terrific. I believe it is a newly remodeled farmhouse (probably why there are only 2 reviews), so the one thing that stands out to me is the lack of trees and shade. It is very exposed, which allows for nice views, but it could be very hot in the summer months.

I like an apartment that has a shaded patio and some shade throughout the property to keep the apartment and relaxing areas cool during the day.

I couldn't find prices on their website. What are they charging for the apartment you want? You should ask them about breakfast- it's not mentioned on the website so it may not be offered.

This is where I like to stay (5 times!). It is located near Fattoria Fregoli-

http://fontebertusi.com/eng/

Here is a list of some Val d'Orcia agriturismi-

http://tinyurl.com/22p27v9

And another site for searching-

http://www.cretedisiena.com/english/

kybourbon

I was down that road a week or so ago and it's not the part of Pienza I was referring to. Leaving Pienza on 146 heading toward Montepulciano is not very good the first couple of kilometers.

I stayed just past where you turn off to Fonte Bertusi and La Fonte, but we were winging it without reservations and most places were booked. Here's the link for La Fonte. They seem to have nightly rates.
http://www.lafonte.toscana.it/2006/ita/

We ended up at a budget place called Bonellino Vecchio. Not as nice as La Fonte or Fonte Bertusi, but did have a pool. We paid 65€ per night for a double room with breakfast (two nights only in high season). They have a few apartments also and surprisingly, the windows had screens.
http://www.agriturismobonellinovecch...farmhouse.html

I like Portale Pienza for searching places in and around Pienza. Click on farmhouse holidays.
http://www.portalepienza.it/

Another good website is:
http://en.agriturismo.it/pienza/index.jsp

kwren

Thanks for the info - I had never written to La Fonte because it says that from May to September you must stay a week, however, since you mentioned they book by the day, I'll write today and see what they say. Thanks for the other sites.

kwren

Hi zoe - thanks for writing too.

The price at Fattoria Fregoli is unbelievably low for what we would get - 160E per night, including breakfast (and pool towels LOL if you saw my question about that where I got blasted for asking ). that's for an apartment with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It's really tempting, especially since I know it's a good area with great views. I have to admit I was a bit worried about the lack of shade too so I'm glad you reminded me. I do feel better knowing why there are so few reviews though. The owner was so nice to write back quickly. Maybe the price is low so they can get started getting people in.

They apparently don't have a restaurant or "home cooked" meals on-site, but do own 2 restaurants in Pienza - Il Prato and La Pergola. Have you ever eaten in, or heard of, either?

I wrote to Fonte Bertusi a while ago - they only accept people for a week. Maybe we'll drive by while we're there to check it our for the next trip, which amazingly, we're already talking about!

I'll check out your other sites too, but I'm really tempted by the FFregoli! They have just about everything we want and the pool is awesome.

kybourbon

I'm not sure shade will be that much of a problem. Although the place I stayed had trees, they also had umbrellas for the tables and the pool lounges had little shades you could lift to cover your head area. There were little covered areas for relaxing and my patio was on the east side of the villa so was shaded in the afternoon by the villa.

See the little flip-up shade on the lounge chair in the upper left corner of this link. I think most pool chairs in this area are this type. You can also see the umbrella base next to the chair.
http://www.agriturismobonellinovecch...acilities.html

zoecat

<<They apparently don't have a restaurant or "home cooked" meals on-site, but do own 2 restaurants in Pienza - Il Prato and La Pergola. Have you ever eaten in, or heard of, either?>>

I have not eaten at either. They may be worth a try though. I looked on a map and see that they are both located just outside of the historic town center but within walking distance of the center. There are some good places to eat in Pienza and nearby San Quirico d'Orcia. Finding places to eat should not be a problem for you.

kwren

My problem is that there are already too many places I want to try!!!