europhile

My family is planning to spend a couple of weeks in tuscany next July. My idea is to split the time between north (visiting florence, pisa, lucca and CT from there), and south. In the north, there are several agriturismo which appeal to us in style and setting. Just to give you an idea of the type of places we're drawn to, we like poggio al casone and poggio san filippo. Any thoughts on one of these versus the other?? Or is there something comparable that I should consider as well? The common thread is a setting with beautiful grounds, upscale type apartments, and a pool with a view.

I'm looking for something of a similar style and standard in southern tuscany, but I'm having trouble! So far I like the looks of agriturismo la foce (beautiful apartments and onsite dining available), but I'm not certain of the location for touring and the pool seems closed off from the view. Can anyone suggest something in southern tuscany which would be good for the kids (green space and pool) and for us (upscale, view from the pool and possible dining available)? I'd also like to be in close driving distance to the towns we'd visit, and ideally close enough to have some meals in a nearby town. It's a tall order, I know! Thanks for any info you can provide.

bobthenavigator

Location is everything in Tuscany.

I am not sure I have your choices in NW Tuscany located yet, but if they are located where I think they are I would not suggest either. Give us a landmark town.

As for south Tuscany, here are several I can recommend.


BOB’S FAVORITE DIGS IN TUSCANY
A. RURAL LOCATIONS: All have parking and good food options nearby

1. SANT’ ANTONIO APTS. http://www.santantonio.it/ Lovely apartments
in a rural setting near Montepulciano—very helpful owner

2. Cretaiole Agriturismo http://www.cretaiole.it/ Good value for families
Isabella also has 2 apts. in Castelmuzio for rent—wonderful—see her site.

3. Terre di Nano www.terredinano.com 100 to 155
Both rooms and apartments at rural Agriturismo near Monticchiello

4. Casanova di Pescille http://www.casanovadipescille.com/ 100E
Rural B&B 3 KM from famed San Gimignano—we loved the views of San Gim.

5. Fattoria Tregole www.fattoria-tregole.com 110E to 180E
Has both B&B and apartment accommodations. Near Castellina in Chianti

6. Fonte Bertusi www.fontebertusi.it Lovely rural B&B near Pienza with apartments and pool. Wonderful décor by artistic family—fair prices.

7. New historic B&B north of Pienza. http://www.camprena.it/index.htm
Site of filming for THE ENGLISH PATIENT About 90E for double

8. http://www.borgoargenina.it/index.html A special rural B&B in Chianti.
The lovely owner, Elena, will make you feel like family. 170E for double.

europhile

Thanks Bob! Do you have a list for Northern Tuscany as well? Here are links to the two northern places (I can't decipher the italian addresses!). I was looking for something with easy access to the coast (since we've decided to forego staying in the CT area but still want to visit) and to Florence. But I defer to you experts on whether these fit the bill or not! Of these two I prefer the looks of Poggio al Casone, but not if you don't recommend the location!

http://www.poggioalcasone.com/en/resort
http://www.poderesanfilippo.com/en

ElendilPickle

I'm no expert, but we really enjoyed our stay at Fattoria Poggio Alloro, and wished we could have stayed longer.
http://fattoriapoggioalloro.com/?lang=en

Lee Ann

bobthenavigator

Both places look nice, but I would not like the first location south of Pisa. The other place is in Chianti and would make a good dual location along with a south Tuscany place. IMHO, it is not easy to access the CT from Chianti.

The suggestion above from Lee Ann is also a good location for that part of Tuscany.

europhile

Thanks for the info! What about someplace around Lucca for access to Florence and the CT? I hadn't considered that before, but on the map it seems to make sense.

rncheryl

Bookmarking, wonderful ideas