We're looking for a farm - b&b place to unwind for a few days after some time in Rome, preferably in Southern Tuscany or Umbria. Nothing stuffy, just something in a scenic area, run by real people, not a hotel. Horseback riding would be a plus.

for Doug.

Doug, Castello Vicchiomaggio, Greve and Cercignano Apartments are still working farms (vineyards) and come highly recommended. <BR>See: www.cittravel.com.au for details for these plus other villas etc. Not sure where you are in the world... you may need to contact them direct.<BR>Enjoy.

You're in luck! Go to www.malvarina.it and check it out. My husband and I stayed there in October and loved it. It's near Assisi and they do have horses for riding. Can't wait to go back.

Doug - We loved our stay at Madonna delle Grazie, a working farm near Citta della Pieve on the Umbria/Tuscany border. Seems to fit your description. Family run, Renato the papa takes guests on horseback rides on Sundays. Maria, the mama, cooks breakfast and dinners and you eat with the other guests. This is not self catering, though. Son Ernesto or daughter Aurelia serve the meals. Welcoming to children. Also have a pool. Only five rooms. Recommended by www.karenbrown.com and by www.ladolcevita.com. I think their website is www.madonnadellegrazie.it or you can link through karen brown's site.

Also wanted to mention a place called Villa Valerosa in the Sabine hills north of Rome. I haven't stayed there but many on the rick steves website raved about how welcoming and homey it was in a lovely setting.

Just a note on Madonna delle Grazie. We were slated to go to Italy last September, and cancelled out after 9/11. Every place refunded our money, except Madonna delle Grazie. Sounds like a wonderful place, but I'd prefer to go somewhere else.