socialworker

Yes, Rich, I believe that there were 2 couples who own the place together. The woman we spoke to *was* German, altho she said she had been living in Italy for several years--married to an Italian, I think. At that time (May, 2000) she told us they also own the Torre Guelfa (sp?) in Florence.

Dog_Mother

Wow, I've hit the motherload with this group!!!

Let me ask this: Has anyone stayed at Poderi Val Verde. It is within 20 minute walk of Castellina. I am very close to making a decision on it, and if it is no good, I sure would like to find out now.


http://www.chiantivilla.com/index.htm

Keep telling me names of those really tiny villages (you can decide individually what is a village and what is a town--I will accept any and all suggestions!!

Dog_Mother

siena_us

I live in Vagliagli and cannot say enough good things about it. There are a few very good wineries (Dievole, Aiola and Terra Bianca just to name three) a great restaurant (La Taverna di Vagliagli) a cafe, a small grocery, a post office and a pharmacy but it is MUCH smaller than Greve, Radda, Panzano (which has become a tourist trap IMO)etc.

If you want to see some of the places available check out Arte del Ben Vivere www.abvitalia.com which is a vacation rental place here in the town.

Cristina

bobthenavigator

As always, look at reviews in that area on slowtrav.com

Lisa1271

Just returned from Tuscany tour and would have to choose Radda. We were supposed to take a day trip into Siena and instead chose to spend the whole day exploring Radda. The town is lovely and all kinds of nooks and alleyways for exploring. And the lunhc sandwiches at Restaurante Dante were great.
Lisa S

johnthedorf

I've stayed in Valiagli and liked the views, places to eat, proximity to Etruscan sites as well as being close to Castellina-in-Chianti, Radda, Greve etc.
You would need a car to get around. While Pienza isn't in Chianti it is a nice drive to that area and the town is very nice with good shopping and access to other day trip towns. I too like the walk to town for Bread and Pastries, swiping Herbs from gardens along the way etc. so I can sympathize with you

Dayle

Hi Dog Mother,

OK, small charming off-the-beaten-path village - San Sano! It's so small, you will need a very detailed map to find it. We stayed there at the Residencia San Sano 4 years ago and loved it!

Just off the 222, about 20 minutes drive north of Siena (where we picked up our car). Residence San Sano only has about 12 rooms. They have a lovely pool and beautiful flower/herb garden where they serve breakfast (included) and dinner (optional, both excellent. It's in an ancient stone village building, original ceiling timbers and all.

The village is mostly residential, only 50 addresses. On a hill, of course, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Easy drive to Castellina, Greve, Gaiole, Radda. Very near Castello di Brolio. There is a very small, family run trattoria in the village and that's it. No other commercial establishments. Of our 3 week trip, we loved San Sano the most.

It might be a bit more than your budget, but check it out. www.chiantinet.it

Buon viaggio!

Marko

Tavernelle Val d'elsa, near Poggibonsi, a typical small italian village which has several farmhouses for rent, a few very good restaurants and very friendly people. I will check my files for the place we stayed at in 2000. It is half way between Florence and Siena.

Marilyn

Marko, do you mean Colle di Val d'Elsa? Is Tavernelle a different town?

Marko

Marilyn, I am suffering from early stage Old Timers disease, so on reflection it could have been Barberino Val d'elsa or Tavernelle Val di Pesa. Anyway, north of Poggibonsi and about 8 km off the main road from Florence to Siena.

Dog_Mother

I hope others will continue to post info on their favorite village(s) in Chianti! Oh heck....your favorite villages anywhere in Tuscany and Umbria will be greatly appreciated!!!

DM

Cinart

Last summer, we split a two week Italy trip with Tuscany & Umbria. We stayed in Southern Tuscany instead of Chianti (having previously done this area) in a little town called Castiglion Fiorentino. It's a great place with character and Estrucan influences -- in a central location near Cortona, Perugia and Arezzo. We stayed in a villa, that was ealking distance into town. Here is the town's web address:
http://www.tuscantreasures.net/casti...ino/index.html
I suggest if you choose the Chianti region, then stay close to Sienna. Good luck!!

seaside1

Marilyn and Marko
It is Colle di Val d' Else (probably not the exact spelling but close enough to find it on the map) and Tavernelle is a different town. Taking the A-1 north to Florence they are very close to each other (as far as exits go) but I can't remember which comes first.

Marilyn

We stayed twice very near to Colle and spent a fair amount of time there. I can't recall Tavernelle, so thanks for clarifying.

Traveler2

Another vote for Greve! I prefer shopping choices and restaurant choices and Greve had both. Also enjoyed 2 of the agriturismo in Greve area. We stayed in the other villages mentioned but preferred Greve.

Marko

We visited Colle when we stayed at ??Tavernelle/Barberino ??. From memory it was south of Poggibonsi, where we stayed was north of Poggibonsi, probably closer to Florence than Siena.
My kids still talk about chasing the fireflies thru the olive grove at the property, which was called "Genziana".
Apparently my memory works if I jab it with a sharp stick enough !

Dog_Mother

Thanks to all!

DM

bighil

Love all these suggestions. I've been looking for feedback on Radda! So far everything I've heard has been fabulous.

socialworker

Radda was a lovely little town where we spent a few hours and I would really like to go back and spend more time. So many of the little towns would make a great base to stay in while exploring the region. I liked Greve also but found it much more commercial than Panzano, Radda or Castellina. It felt much more like a tourist destination, as opposed to these others that felt more like you had wandered into regular Italian small town life.

Dog_Mother

ttt