We have 2-3 days that we could tour around just south of Florence. I'm looking for accommadtions in the country that don't require a week's stay, not in a walled city and where we can see the country. We want to see Assisi and maybe Siena. We'll be spending the next few nights in Florence and think we'd love to "wander". We will have a car that we will be dropping in Florence. Any Suggestions? Beauty and convenience most important to us.

Have you looked at the italyby.com site? Lots of very nice rural inns & b&b's in and around Florence. We stayed at the Fagliori a few years ago, and it was wonderful. It's out on a dirt road surrounded by vinyards, about 40 minutes to Florence.

Take a look at Villa Il Poggiale. It fills the bill for beauty and convenience. They also have a sister property in Florence - Antica Dimora that is wonderful. We thought the staff was amazingly helpful in Florence and the location perfect.

www.villailpoggiale.it/eng/main.htm

www.anticadimorafirenze.it/index_e.htm

I would highly recommend a place, Canonica de Cortine, in the Chianti region. You can see it at their website: http://www.chianticortine.it/
They are about 1/2 hour south of Florence. They have a B&B that they rent rooms by the day.

Are you looking for a B&B or a small hotel? And what is your budget? Thanks!

I am looking for a room in a place in the country that has land, maybe acrege is a better word. We want to experience the country landscape, architecture, in the same vein as a mas in Provence. Hope that helps. I've never been so I'm just guessing about what may be available. The pictures I've seen of the Tuscany landscape are driving the idea.

Here's a good site...

http://www.vacanzeverdi.com/regioni....TOKEN=83795966

TC. Thanks. I love the look of Villa Poggiale. That is just what I had in mind.
Thanks again!

I thought so. We didn't have a chance to stay at the villa, but we did stay several nights at their sister property in Florence. It was beautiful and delightfully run by a well trained and very personable staff. I can only imagine how wonderful the villa is. The food breakfasts in Florence were wonderful and there were always little treats in the afternoon and evenings. Do post your first hand experience if you decide to stay here.

Q -
Hotel Il Patriarca -- it may be too far south, but it meets all your other requirements. It was one of the more luxurious hotels we've stayed in, but if I remember correctly (2001 visit), wasn't that pricey.
http://www.tuscany.net/patriarca/

We also stayed at Villa Riggaci in Reggello that same trip -- nothing remarkable about it, but it is convenient to Florence, Siena, etc.
http://www.villarigacci.com/

Good luck!