Does anyone have any recent experience at either alla Madonna del Piatto (outside Assisi) or Castello di Ripa d'Orcia? I know the Ripa d'Orcia has had some very mixed views in the past.

Also, any other suggestions for a B&B/agritourismo/etc. in the countryside of Umbria or Tuscany that would be a good base for a 3-day tour of the area? We've already explored many of the larger/more touristed cities in these regions, so really just want a relaxing few days between Venice and Rome. Any place that serves dinner as well would be particularly appealing.

Thank you!

Are you ever in luck! Check out www.malvaria.it, one of my all-time favorites. Very quiet, relaxing, and dinner was outstanding. You can even take a one-day cooking class. The property is about a 15-minute drive from Assisi.

I agree, but I think it is spelled MALVARINA. I feel that Ripa d'Orcia is hard to access and somewhat isolated.

Thanks, Bob! I didn't catch the typo. Of course, it's Malvarina.

Malvarina is a great north Umbria base. Not quite as good for the southern area, but it still works. Make sure and eat dinner there at least once.
You might try Podere Torre http://www.greve-in-chianti.com/poderetorre.htm outside of Greve for a Chianti agriturismo. Still the best bargain we've come across.

3 MILES FROM PIENZA IS A VILLA CALLED LOLMO PHONE # IS 0578755133
I HAVE STAYED HERE TWICE IT IS AMAZING

And a friend and I really enjoyed La Costa (see http://www.lacosta.it/), a lovely property with gorgeous valley views in the small walled town of Montefollonico (a short driving distance from Montelpulciano). It has a good restaurant (we ate dinner twice there), a couple of other dining options in the small village, and a one-star restaurant in a more expensive property on the other side of town (can't remember the name).

We viewed that dining room, which is lovely, but I have to say we liked the outside of La Costa better. Never saw the interiors.

Cheers,
Linda

Heads up re the Lolmo post above. The poster has never posted prior to this one, and that's often a sign of an advertisement, which is prohibited on this board.

Thank you all for your replies - I've sent an email to Malvarina and am awaiting a reply.

While browsing through SlowTrav, I came across another place called Le Case Gialle (I know, I know, I originally stated I wanted a place w/ a restaurant, but this place sounds so pleasant) - any recent experiences?

Thanks again!