We are planning a family trip to Italy in June. We wanted to spend part of the trip in Tuscany or Umbria. We found a farmhouse 7 miles south of Siena in Monteroni d'Arbia. I'd love to hear from someone familiar with Monteroni d'Arbia Is it charming or is it modern?

I'd also love feedback from anyone who has stayed at the agriturismo we're considering. It goes by two names: Agritrurismo San Fabiano and Casa dei venti.

(The other locations we're considering as alternatives for this part of the trip are Spello, Torgiano, and Lucca--very different, I know.)

I would like that location to explore south Tuscany. It is in the area known as Crete Sensei and is quite scenic. Have fun, and do not miss the Abbey at Oliveto Maggiore.

Charm can be in the eye of the beholder, but if you look at Monteroni d'Arbia in the streetview mode on maps.google.com, it's not very old. It looks like any number of small Italian towns that were established after WWII. It does have train service which might be convenient for going to Siena, and the location is great for lots of exploring in Tuscany.

Torgiano and Spello are great locations for exploring most of Umbria, and Spello is often called one of the most charming villages of Italy.

Many here love Lucca, but after two visits I'm still unmoved. It's location is only really good for NW Tuscany, but you might find its train service convenient for going to places like Florence, Pisa and perhaps the Cinque Terre.

Jean, Yes, I couldn't find charming pictures or descriptions of Monteroni d'Arbia and it made me worry that it might not be the dreamy spot I was envisioning.

The option in Torgiano we're thinking about doesn't have air conditioning. Any input on whether that's a problem or not? Thanks!

There are many beautiful agriturismi in lovely locations in southern Tuscany. Do you want to be within walking distance to a town? If so, you will limit your options. But, If you don't mind being a 5 minute drive or more from a town, you will have a wide range of choices.

Have a look at my favorite place to stay, Fonte Bertusi, located just 5 minutes outside of Pienza and very central for exploring the landscape and nearby villages and towns. I love the location, property and the hosts.

http://www.fontebertusi.it/eng/

In Umbria, this is my favorite place to stay-

http://www.lecasegialle.it/

AC is not needed in an agriturismo. The walls are usually so thick that the heat does not get in.

>>>Monteroni d'Arbia<<<

I wouldn't call it charming. If you are wanting a picturesque little town, that isn't it. Things are mostly newer and look like this hotel. The picture that shows an old town on this hotel's website is actually Siena, not Monteroni.

http://www.hotelmillemiglia.it/en/

This review from TA pretty much describes it.

We stayed here because it is convenient to my sisters' house in Monteroni D'Arbia. I wouldn't consider it convenient to Siena. It's located on a somewhat busy highway (at least by Italian standards) in an industrial-ish area.

A few more pics of the town.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationP....html#17655842

http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationP...cany.html#last

The place you chose might be out of town and have some views.

Like Jean, I don't get the praise for Lucca. It's still one of my least favorite cities in Italy. I took a group to Lucca and no one cared for it.

Have you considered the Pienza or Montepuliciano areas? From Montepulciano you could visit much of southern Tuscany (Montalcino, Pienza, Cortona, etc.) and some of Umbria (Orvieto or a longer day trip to the Perugia area).

It absolutely depends on the exact location of the property.

We rented just south of town on the ridge 3 miles towards Murlo. The view and the immediate area were stunningly Tuscan. However, as someone posted above the town itself is on the SR2, fairly busy and not how you would usually imagine a Tuscan town. It is generally modern and functional, I would think twice if the property is close to the centre of the town.

Buonconvento is further south and a better bet.

Keep all the wonderful feedback and ideas coming! This is so very helpful. Thank you

lewis5, my rule is that you either (1) pick the property that appeals to you and explore what's within a reasonable distance or (2) pick the places/things you want to see/do and identify a property that is geographically central to those places/things. So, what's your priority: the property or the sightseeing list? It might also be helpful to know how many people, how many bedrooms and how many euros.