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Customer Reviews
Overall:
It was an experience of a lifetime - just awesome!
Enjoyed Most:
Location, view and the layout of the villa, everything
Enjoyed Least:
Laundry (washing machine was out dated-but not a game changer)...
Surrounding Area:
Everything - location was ideal and view ....
Nearby Events or Locales:
San Barberino...yes, it was great walking into the small town with restaurants and small shops
Tips or Restaurants:
Not really - just bring a good map and GPS.
Directions:
Yes, we used WAZE and it was on the dot, spot on.
Check In Out:
Not really....Sonia was great and very accommodating
Carmita, June
Overall:
It was excellent. The pool was great, very clean and Sonia was very helpful when we arrived.
Enjoyed Most:
The pool and how close it was to town.
Enjoyed Least:
It was a bit noisy in the two rooms that are overlooking the road through town.
Surrounding Area:
Great town, excellent restaurants, close to other towns in the region.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Barberino
Tips or Restaurants:
Eat in town! We ate at all 3 restaurants twice. Bring a bathing suit for sure, pool was great.
Directions:
GPS works great.
Check In Out:
None. Sonia always made herself available.
David, August
Overall:
Fantastic! We absolutely loved the villa. The villa was spacious, it was spotless and the views were magnificent. The pool was glorious and we loved the proximity to Barberino Val d'Elsa. The town was charming, the restaurants were excellent and the grocery store was very convenient.
Enjoyed Most:
The short walk to town, the size, the cleanliness and the views.
Enjoyed Least:
On hot nights, with the windows open, the road noise was a little loud, but the rest of the villa more than compensated for that.
Surrounding Area:
We loved walking into town for dinner, the bar across the street was convenient for morning coffees or an afternoon cocktail. The location was also great for day trips - we easily visited Greve, Volterra, Lucca, Siena and Florence.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Barberino Val d'Elsa was a short walk into town.
Tips or Restaurants:
There are 3 restaurants in town and they were all excellent - would highly recmmmend!
Directions:
Directions were good. Yes, GPS was definitely helpful.
Check In Out:
Sonia was great and the check in/check out process was smooth and easy.
Wendy, August
Overall:
WONDERFUL! Sonia (manager) was very helpful and attentive. The property is beautiful, spacious and in a great location. We loved every minute and would like to have stayed longer.
Enjoyed Most:
The pool was magnificent. Also, easy walking distance to town, cafe, etc. An outdoor patio was perfect for having coffee or a meal.
Enjoyed Least:
Loud road traffic at night.
Surrounding Area:
We loved wine tasting at a local vineyard, walking in the historic village of Barberino Val D'Elsa, and easy access to highways, a COOP (grocery store) and Florence.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Barberino Val D'Elsa is literally 2 blocks away and has 2 terrific restaurants, a few shops, and beautiful old cobblestone streets.
Tips or Restaurants:
Both restaurants in Barberino Val D'Elsa are terrific. The villa does not have air conditioning but for us it was cool at night, so no problem.
Directions:
GPS helped us find the property, no problem.
Check In Out:
It all worked fine!
Carol, July
Overall:
We had a very pleasant week. The property was as described and everything worked well, location was perfect, the hosts were friendly and helpful as were the other guests in adjacent apartments. One of those places we'd happily return to.
Enjoyed Most:
Its proximity to the old town of Barberino and it's restaurants, with a small supermarket for other essentials a little further away but still within walking distance. The apartment itself had comfortable bedrooms, good bathrooms and kitchen - all we wanted.
Surrounding Area:
The surrounding area? Just quintessential Chianti - places like Greve, San Donato, San Gimignano etc. A car was very useful although, to avoid parking hassles, we caught the bus to Florence right out in front of the apartment - about and hour each way and 4 Euros - 3.5 if you pre-buy from the sports bar at the other end of town.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Barberino Val d'Elsa - the gates to the old town were perhaps 50 to 100 metres away, up a slight incline, restaurants, butchers shop and other stores another 50 metres and a small supermarket and pharmacy perhaps 250 metres away at most - yes, all within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
There are three restaurants (that we found!) within the old town - we enjoyed all - one either side of the church overlooking the valley to the West and another, more pizzeria style with a view over the valley to the East. There were a few basic supplies already in the apartment but everything else we needed was easily obtained from the little supermarket. (There was a bigger one in Tavarnelle about 5Km's up the road with a wider choice but we didn't really need it.
Directions:
We had hired a car, and the street address was fine - we used a GPS set to the street address and that got us very close - from there it was commonsense.
Check In Out:
Check in and check out was totally relaxed and friendly.
Ian, June
Overall:
A beautiful location with great facilities. The pool and grounds were delightful and the sunshine helped!
Enjoyed Most:
We enjoyed the peace and tranquility and beauty.
Surrounding Area:
The beauty of the countryside.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Barberino Val d'Elsa. Within easy walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
Anti-mosquito devices for bedrooms; these plug-in contraptions can be found at any large grocer, like a Coop. All restaurants we tried (4) were very good and also good value for money.
Directions:
Did use a GPS and would recommend using as it made travelling to all the towns we visited within a 25 km radius very easy.
Check In Out:
All good.
Patricia, June
Overall:
Enjoyable, nice view from the back, nice patio.
Enjoyed Most:
Location and view.
Enjoyed Least:
Street noise.
Surrounding Area:
The wineries.
Tips or Restaurants:
Restaurant in front of church.
Lars, September
Overall:
Wonderful!
Enjoyed Most:
The town, view of vineyard and olive groves.
Enjoyed Least:
Traffic noise of street. Kids did not find the twin beds terribly comfortable.
Surrounding Area:
Loved the town. Also San Gimignano is nearby.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Could walk to Barberino Val d'Elsa.
Tips or Restaurants:
Pizza place in town was fabulous!
Directions:
Yes- directions were fine.
Debbi, May
Overall:
Very good.
Enjoyed Most:
Location.
Enjoyed Least:
Highway noise.
Surrounding Area:
Beauty of Tuscany and Chianti.
Nearby Events or Locales:
located in Barberino Val d'Elsa
Joe, February
Overall:
It was all that we had hoped for and more.
Enjoyed Most:
The view was awesome and the space provided for various activities was great.
Enjoyed Least:
The busy street at one end of the house.
Surrounding Area:
The people and opportunities for food and shopping.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Barberino val d'Elsa. Yes, it's within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
Household items (toilet paper, dish soap etc.) are not refurbished after the initial supply. All the restaurants available were great.
Directions:
The directions were fine. However, trying to get there without a car, on public transportation, was challenging. The bus schedule is not easily available (not on line) and it is not always dependable. Getting from the train station in Poggibonsi with luggage is difficult. We luckily found the one taxi available to transport us.
Check In Out:
The manager was very accommodating.
Chris, May
Overall:
Very good.
Enjoyed Most:
The view was outstanding. It was everything we were hoping it would be.
Also I liked that the church, restaurants, shops, and coffee shop were within walking distance. Very good.
Surrounding Area:
The closeness to everything. Also, how quaint the area is.
Directions:
It was a little hard to get a taxi from the train station in Poggibonsi; we did not have a car.
Theresa, May
Enjoyed Most:
Secure, beautiful setting. Kind owners. Very nice, clean apartment.
Enjoyed Least:
We did not like the road noise (property is right on the main road) and it was too hot upstairs. There was a heat wave in Italy during our stay and we did not have air conditioning. The bedrooms were upstairs and were very warm.
Surrounding Area:
Tuscany! Beautiful city just up the road if you don't want to drive.
Nearby Events or Locales:
San Barberino. Easy two minute walk.
Tips or Restaurants:
The two restaurants in town are good. There is a pizza restaurant with free WiFi. There is a local grocery in town also.
Directions:
We didn't use GPS. Directions were excellent.
Eric, July
Overall:
San Barberino 3 is centralized enough in Tuscany to afford day-trips throughout the area. We had a rental car which is a must if you plan to see other towns in Tuscany. San Barberino is a very small village with few attractions therefore if the traveler is seeking peace and quiet, this rental location is fine.
Enjoyed Most:
The views of the Tuscan countryside, the refreshing pool, and the gardens maintained on the property are all very attractive.
Enjoyed Least:
The property management provides only one set of towels for each traveler and two dish towels; extras will cost more money. Also, we had to pay for our propane gas use. The washing machine was ancient, but somewhat adequate.
Surrounding Area:
The natural beauty of Tuscany, and the ability to reach other towns such as San Gimignano, Lucca, Siena, Florence, and others by car or train, as well as bus service, was a plus for the rental property.
Nearby Events or Locales:
San Barberino is just a short walk (5 minutes) up the hill from this rental.
Tips or Restaurants:
Osteria L'Antica Quercia, Sant' Appiano 33, Barberino Val d'Elsa is a wonderful choice for dining. Ask for the owner, Robert Calonaci and the waitress, Natalia. You will LOVE the experience and the food. Be sure to bring a GPS with you as it is invaluable for preventing you from getting lost in Tuscany.
Directions:
A GPS is a MUST for driving in Tuscany. Also, we had difficulty in learning the bus schedule because we do not speak the language.
Check In Out:
The property manager was very skilled and helpful in giving us directions, meeting us, and getting us settled in the rental.
Raymond , June
Overall:
Great experience and great property. Vastly exceeded our expectations.
Enjoyed Most:
It was clean, spacious, secure, with easy parking.
Surrounding Area:
Great views from the property and easy access to Siena and Florence as well as other smaller villages.
Nearby Events or Locales:
San Barberino was right there, a short but hardy walk up the hill.
Tips or Restaurants:
The restaurant in San Barberino at the top of the hill has both great food and a great view.
Directions:
I did have a GPS but it had the property's address at a different place in town. It was the fault of the GPS.
Check In Out:
Our hostess, Cecilia, was terrific, very helpful and available.
John, June
Overall:
Fantastic holiday in Tuscany.
Enjoyed Most:
The views from our terrace and bedroom!
Enjoyed Least:
The expensive heating! No English TV except news channel!
Surrounding Area:
Walking distance to restaurants, and mini supermarket. Surrounded by beautiful countryside. Large supermarket 5-minute drive away. In between Siena and Florence, with San Gimignano, Certaldo, Volterra, and Greve (to name but a few) all within a 20-minute drive.
Nearby Events or Locales:
In the nearest small town.
Tips or Restaurants:
There is an excellent restaurant in San Barberino--it's a 5-minute walk. If going in colder months, bring warm clothes and umbrella!
Directions:
GPS would be helpful but we managed with a map. Get a small car as roads are narrow and windy!
Check In Out:
Cecile was very helpful with excellent English.
Amanda, April
Overall:
Wonderful. You are always a bit intrepid about renting a property, unseen, in an unfamiliar part of the world and do rely on others inputs/reviews and in this case they were spot on. San Barberino is a lovely spot to rest your bones and use as a central location for daily adventures to the many Tuscan Cities and attractions. San Barbarenio was comfortable, clean, and had all the needed features you would expect.
Enjoyed Most:
Size,amenities, proximity to the town and of course the pool. While we were there the temps got into the low 100's so after a long day of trecking around towns the pool was a welcomed sight. The outdoor patio was also great for late evening chatter and games as well as several dinners.
Enjoyed Least:
If there was one issue it was the noise on the backside of the villa due to street noise. This was made worse by the fact that they moved a stop sign right below the window. However, only being there to sleep, and with the use of a fan, the noise was minimal.
Surrounding Area:
Views, numerous places to eat, and of course the historical towns.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Barberino was right there with stores and restaurants right there.
Tips or Restaurants:
If you are going in the summer and can pull it off go for two weeks. There is so much to see and do that one week is not enough and you tend to really push to get alot seen and done. In hot weather it can take a toll. Stock up on water. Try all the wines and cheeses, enjoy the tomatoes. The pizza place up the hill is great, but drive around and check out the many retaurants in the area. The property manager will also have some recomendations.
Directions:
Rent a Garmen, well worth it and make sure you listen to it. Also use Google maps as a back up.
Richard, July
Overall:
The small town of San Barberino is charming but small. Location is central for visiting the highlights of the area, Florence, Siena, San Barberino, San Gimignano, etc. The estate had beautiful views out over the valley.
Enjoyed Most:
Good kitchen equipment and we prepared many great meals in it as it was very large. The views from the pool area were just gorgeous. The reception office was open in case we needed anything during the day. Nice little laundry room with washing machine, ironing board and iron. Easy walk into town although a bit uphill at the beginning.
Enjoyed Least:
Sometimes street noise of traffic but it didn't bother us...we had earplugs with us but didn't use them...just closed the windows.
Surrounding Area:
Location was great and easy trips to see the local towns.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Just a short distance away was the supermarket in Tavernelle where you can easily buy all your groceries.
Tips or Restaurants:
Great restaurant in San Barberino called the Il Campanellino right near the church. Excellent food and a magnificent view from the outdoor dining area. The bus service was infrequent so adviseable to have a rental car.
Directions:
We had a GPS but didn't use it for this property on arrival. The directions were just fine. For visiting the surrounding towns we did use our GPS and it made traveling a lot easier.
Check In Out:
Cecile, who was at the property as well as Simona, were both very helpful in checking us in and answering our initial questions. During the week Cecile was there to help with anything we needed. Thay have great olive oil and wine that you can buy on the property.
Barbara, May
Overall:
It was terrific! Beautiful surroundings, great accommodations, and wonderful people.
Enjoyed Most:
The beauty of the surroundings and the cleanliness of the property.
Enjoyed Least:
Nothing!
Surrounding Area:
The area was simply beautiful and inspiring.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The nearest small town was Barberino and it was within walking distance but it was all uphill.
Tips or Restaurants:
Go in early May when the tourist crush doesn't exist. We loved the small restaurants in Barberino and also in the small towns nearby.
Directions:
We found the property right away. We tried a GPS, but it was useless.
Check In Out:
Check in and check out were seamless. The care and presence of Cecile was marvelous. She is a gem. Thank you so much!
Yvonne , May
Overall:
We absolutely had a fabulous time in Tuscany and with our stay at San Barberino 3 in Barberino Val d'Elsa.
Enjoyed Most:
The apartment villa was very clean and had everything that we needed. I especially enjoyed the kitchen. The view from the back of the apartment and from the pool was fabulous.
Enjoyed Least:
The apartment sits directly close to the busy highway that runs through San Barberino. It is quite noisy with traffic, continually.
Surrounding Area:
The scenery is breathtaking. The location is a good proximity for enjoying day trips to other hill towns.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The apartment is located in the town - on the main thoroughfare.
Tips or Restaurants:
We had dinner at a small ristorante by the Church. I cannot recall the name but the cuisine, was excellent. Seemed to be family run and the atmosphere and food were both excellent.
Directions:
We had a GPS that was an absolutely lifesaver.
Sue, October
Overall:
Great location to visit nearby towns.
Enjoyed Most:
The location to Florence, Chianti, Pisa, Siena, Etc.
Enjoyed Least:
The main road.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The town of Barberino Val d'Elsa was wonderful. The church square with the two restaurants and the local alimentari were fantastic. A 2-minute walk up the hill.
Tips or Restaurants:
The two restaurants up the hill on the church square.
Volpaia, a small town in the Chianti, was wonderful and non-touristy.
Belinda, September
Overall:
We had an absolutely amazing stay in Tuscany at this Villa. The view from the Villa and pool is like a painting. Even at the end of the week, we still were stunned by the beauty of the location. The small town was interesting. A nice pizza-pasta restaurant, grocery and post office were within an easy walk though it was a bit hilly. The pool was great. The Villa was fantastic -- very comfortable, great views.
Enjoyed Most:
We enjoyed the views, the pool and the proximity to other towns in Tuscany. It was an easy 30 minute drive to Florence, 30 minutes to Siena and only 20 minutes to San Gimignano -- an amazing walled city with a great market on Thursdays.
Enjoyed Least:
It would be great if there were screens in the windows on the lower floor. We had screens in the bedrooms and could open those windows all day and at night, but it would have been nice to open the windows in the living room and kitchen where it could get rather hot while cooking without immediately being swarmed by mosquitoes, bees and flies. I would strongly consider bringing mosquito netting and duct tape. During our week the temperatures were unseasonably cool for August, but it would still get stuffy on the lower floor.
Surrounding Area:
The Villa provided walking access to a small town and very easy driving access to many great Tuscany cities-towns, such as Florence, Siena, Volterra, and San Gimignano.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Barberino Val d'Elsa is great with a very nice pizzeria-spaghetteria. We ate there a few times and enjoyed the food very much. The restaurant in the town has a good reputation but they seem to require a reservation whether or not busy. Although the restaurant was completely empty when we stopped by and still only half full two hours later when we left the pizzeria, they would not accept any more seatings. The COOP in town had everything we needed but closes in the early afternoon. Tavernelle has a larger COOP with later hours that is just a five minute drive.
Tips or Restaurants:
If screens are not installed in the lower floor windows, I highly recommend bringing mosquito netting for the living room window and at least one kitchen window. If you are very sensitive to sound, then you may need ear plugs if sleeping in the back bedrooms as there is consistent traffic early in the morning and in the evening. We were fine with it and willing to have some car traffic noise in exchange for the walking distance proximity to the small town.
Check In Out:
The property manager is wonderful and was very helpful with providing information about the Villa, property and surrounding towns.
Theresa, August
Overall:
Very peaceful, beautiful place to spend a week close to many other towns in Tuscany. Very helpful property manager.
Enjoyed Most:
The location of the property, which had three bedrooms and two baths, and the nearby outdoor pool, as well as the proximity to restaurants and cafes.
Enjoyed Least:
The road noise was a factor, but we knew that going in.
Surrounding Area:
The local restaurants were great. Easy to find your way.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We were located in Barberino Val D'Elsa, so it was within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
Just ask the property manager, she steered us to the local places.
Directions:
I used a Garmin GPS and it came close to the property, but not quite. Called the property manager to go the last 100 yards.
Teresa , June
Overall:
Excellent... we feel as though we had a real Tuscan experience.
Enjoyed Most:
Spacious, comfortable.
Enjoyed Least:
A microwave in the kitchen would have been handy and a clothes dryer in the laundry.
Surrounding Area:
Lovely, green rolling hills. The close proximity of so many tourist hot spots.
Tips or Restaurants:
If you are there after mid-October, bring sweaters. The nights are quite cool then.
Great little restaurants within walking distance.
Directions:
Our GPS was a hug help throughout our trip.
Check In Out:
Friendly, efficient.
Dianne, October
Overall:
More than I could have dreamed.
Enjoyed Most:
The view, the manager who was wonderful and as cute as a button! Loved the pool, the kitchen, the large rooms, the patio the peace and quiet of the area after visiting Rome and Florence. The town and the restaurants were a plus- especially the first one on the wall of the town and the small shops in the town - all within a short walk from the villa. The restaurant we liked was is family owned and real Tuscan homemade food. Yum! The wine was excellent too - especially the owner's Chianti Classico. Thank you for the welcome bottle - best we had while we were there and we tried a few! Am looking for someone who will bring it in to Ontario.
Enjoyed Least:
The only thing for me personally that I would have liked is a softer bed - pillow top perhaps or a removable padded cover for those like me who have "older bones" that may hurt. The option would have been nice. I did double up a comforter from another bedroom and put it under my sheets, which made it very comfortable. Noise from the road wasn't an issue as I used ear plugs. The front bedroom was fine.
Surrounding Area:
The proximity to the village was great. We walked almost everyday into the walled town just up the hill. Barberino Val D'Elsa is a charming village that captured for me what I thought Tuscany would be like. Close to Siena and Florence and smack in the middle of the most visually beautiful Tuscan countryside.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Barberino Val D'Elsa. Actually the property is in the town but immediately outside the walled old town. A 3 or 4 minute walk up the hill gets you into the walled village. Small butcher shop and grocery store with little trattoria, craft shop, wine store, and bar. Two restaurants with a view to die for and the breeze on the hills is constant and cooling. No need for air in September, yet it was definitely pool weather. A cool relief from the humidity of Rome and Florence, not to mention the appeal of the slow Tuscan lifestyle.
Tips or Restaurants:
In Campagnello is the name of the restaurant we liked in Barberino Val D'Elsa. The spelling might be off but it is the first one you will come to when you walk into the walled town along the outer wall. Beautiful view and great food. Can't think of anything you need to bring except maybe a CD player or ipod with speakers if you want some music in and around the condo. There is only one TV - all Italian channels though. Didn't miss the TV! Make sure you rent a car to discover other areas in Tuscany. Go to Siena! Park in the Campo Parking garage and take the escalators up to the town. Amazing place and good shopping on the side streets.
Check In Out:
The manager was wonderful - very helpful and always smiling.
Glenys, September
Overall:
Lovely.
Enjoyed Most:
The property is in a great location. Close to Florence but still in the countryside. It is beautifully decorated, was spotless when we arrived. Has everything you need. The pool is lovely. Loved the view!
Enjoyed Least:
Its on a main road which is pretty noisy. Opening the windows on that side of the house is not an option. Also would've appreciated mosquito nets on the lounge windows.
Surrounding Area:
Absolutely stunning views everywhere. Great supermarket a few minutes away - very convenient. Take a trip to San Gimignano - awesome place 20 minutes away.
Nearby Events or Locales:
San Barberino is within walking distance - which is picturesque and very small.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring pool towels.
Directions:
Used GPS
Check In Out:
Check in was rushed because other families were arriving at the same time. Check out was great.
Farran, September
Overall:
We just enjoyed our stay.
Enjoyed Most:
The scenery, location, people and the town of Barberino.
Enjoyed Least:
Bedroom facing the road was very noisy.
Surrounding Area:
We enjoyed the cappuccino at the local Cafe, people were very helpful and friendly. We enjoyed the three local restaurants; the food was excellent.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We were in the town.
Tips or Restaurants:
The information provided accommodated all needs.
James, September
Enjoyed Most:
We were pleasantly surprised by how simply wonderful the property was. I had read many of the previous renters' positive comments but the place still exceeded all of our expectations for clean, spacious, close to stores and resturants and local Info Office...and of course, the view. There is an excellent secure parking lot, group laundry room and the pool was very nice to have on our rest days. Property manager, Cecile, was extremely customer service oriented, very good with English and French...and cute.
Enjoyed Least:
As mentioned in other renter write-ups, the property is situated on the main road that leads to town so there was some road noise but not significant. Being a short walk to grocery store, restaurants, and morning espresso at the cafe bar more than outweigh the road noise.
Surrounding Area:
The property is centrally located between Siena, Florence and San Gimignano which we visited, plus a few other hill towns. We also did a day trip to Cinque Terre and Pisa.
Nearby Events or Locales:
San Barberino...The Cafe bar less than 100 meters away also had the benefit of being located next to the town playground which would be perfect for kids to run off any left over energy. We also used the town's bus stop to take us into Florence.
Tips or Restaurants:
Wake up early and have your coffee on the back patio if you want to see the hot air balloons float across the valley.
Directions:
There is the FI-SI "Raccordo" which is basically a limited access freeway which provides speedy access through the area and runs between Florence and Sienna. Learn early how to get on and off at the limited access points best for the property and you will be able to avoid the surface roads that slowly make their way through each small town.
Check In Out:
Multiple units have the same check-in-out windows but process handled very smoothly with no waiting in lines. We got to know the other vacation renters and would run into them at restaurants, etc.
Rocco, July
Overall:
We would love to go back. The town of San Barberino is for people who like peace, quiet and beauty, not for party folks. There is a major road that runs right alongside the house, just one side, of course, which does create noise in the kitchen and the upstairs bedrooms. We noted that in many cases, the roads were built right up next to the houses in Tuscany. It is just the amount of traffic on the roads in this day and age that create the noise. If people want more quiet, they need to stay elsewhere. If they can ignore the traffic and just enjoy being able to get up in the morning and walk to the market and wake up and see the most fantastic view, sometimes with hot air balloons floating by, then this is the place for them.
Enjoyed Most:
The house was large and comfortable and we had a wonderful view. We were centrally located to all of the towns we wanted to visit. The property manager was extremely nice and helpful. The little town is quite charming, and we really enjoyed the people and the sense of community.
Enjoyed Least:
The dryer was out of commission, and we had counted on doing laundry in the middle of our two week trip. Of course, this has probably been fixed, so therefore, nothing!
Surrounding Area:
The countryside there was absolutely beautiful - very lush, green and hilly. We were on a very convenient road and were able to get to all of the little towns easily and quickly, and the drives were beautiful.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We were in a little town, San Barberino, which has a couple of little grocery stores, a couple of pizza parlors, a couple of little shops, and a couple of gas stations with a mechanic.
Tips or Restaurants:
We did not eat in any of the restaurants by choice. We cooked each dinner using food we bought from the shops in town, or the markets, along with the local wines, and it was just Divine. The vegetables, fruits and meats were wonderful. In town, there are two pizza parlors, one of which is really hopping late at night, but this town is really small, and one shouldn't expect to walk to any fancy restaurants.
Directions:
Yes. Pay attention, because there are many little roads, towns, place names and round-abouts, and it can be complicated. Each round about has a sign pointing in many directions and a town may be listed on one sign and then you won't see that town's name for the next three or more round-abouts. They also do not use the same numbers as you may see on the maps. It takes some careful watching and directional sense. We always got where we were going but not without some concern. Driving is tricky.
Check In Out:
The property manager was just wonderful.
Jeannie , June
Enjoyed Most:
The view was spectacular, every morning there would be hot air balloons flying by the country side, the town of Barberino was delightful, the management was very helpful, enjoyable and charming
Enjoyed Least:
I liked everything
Surrounding Area:
Getting lost was always a pleasant surprise, whether it was finding a new vineyard or just a medieval town...
Nearby Events or Locales:
We were right at the entrance of Barberino Val Elsa, they have everything you need by walking distance
Tips or Restaurants:
My favorite restaurant was Il Campanellino, at the top of the town about 200yds from the property. The owner Cesare was very delightful, so was his wife and the chef. Make sure you have reservations; it's a small place dining al fresco with a wonderful view
Check In Out:
Everything went smoothly
Yenisse, July
Enjoyed Most:
Just about everything! The location was just what we wanted with its easy walk to the supermarket, restaurants and the bus to Florence stopping almost opposite the property. The view was spectacular, the pool and surroundings were excellent and Cecile, the property manager, was wonderfully friendly and helpful in every way.
Enjoyed Least:
As they mention in the description, two of the bedrooms have windows onto the road. The road is busy enough that those windows need to be shut for sleeping. However there are fans provided, which meant this was not a problem for us.
Surrounding Area:
The property is in a good location for visiting Florence, San Gimignano and other lovely small towns. The property manager, Cecile, had good recommendations for local places to visit.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The property is in the village of Barberino Val d'Elsa which is very pleasant. It has a few nice restaurants, a pretty old church and beautiful views wherever you look. There is a supermarket, an ATM and a newspaper shop carrying international papers. The village playground is next to a bar almost opposite the property. All of these were between 2 and 10 minutes walk away from the property.
Tips or Restaurants:
The supermarket in Barberino Val d'Elsa, and the COOP market in both Tavernelle and Poggibonsi would only take cash. There is an ATM in Barberino Val d'Elsa, on the way to the supermarket. Check the local supermarket hours with Cecile.
Saffron, July
Enjoyed Most:
The location - just on the edge of a small hill town, with amazing views.
Cecile, the local property manager was excellent - very helpful and obliging
Enjoyed Least:
There was nothing not to like.
Surrounding Area:
The amazing landscape.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Barberino - 30 seconds walk from the villa.
Tips or Restaurants:
There is an excellent pizza restaurant in Barberino, on a beautiful stone terrace with amazing views, and great pizza for 4-6 euro for a large pizza.
The Coop supermarket in Tavernelle is easier to get to than the one in Poggibonsi.
The small church in Barberino is definitely worth a visit.
The bus from Barberino goes directly into Florence and takes less than an hour. Our neighbours in the villa took this and said it was much easier than trying to drive.
Check In Out:
Cecile was an excellent person to deal with, and she had lots of useful suggestions about where to visit, etc.
Suresh, June
Enjoyed Most:
The location to the town, the town itself, the location to the surrounding area great for visiting other towns in Tuscany the combination of feeling like you were staying in an old Tuscan building with surprisingly modern amenities in the kitchen and baths. Screens on the upstairs windows! It was all wonderful.
Enjoyed Least:
The pool is surrounded by a beautiful garden but it attracts bees, so you must be very careful.
Surrounding Area:
It's in a great location to drive to places like Siena and San Gimignano. We even drove to Cinque Terre from here or to took the train to Florence from Poggibonsi - also drivable but not recommended. Be warned, the train from Poggibonsi to Florence is the milk run and takes over an hour, but it's still more relaxing then driving into the city.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The villa is one end of town, just as you enter the old area and can easily walk to the two restaurants, church and little stores. Poggibonsi is within a 10 or 15 minute drive and provides lots of grocery shopping - and the train.
Tips or Restaurants:
Try the salami pizza near the Duomo in Florence! Il Campanillo in Barberino Val d'Elsa was excellent. It is in front of the church with amazing views of the valley. Reservations are a must in busy months.
Check In Out:
Cecile is very helpful.
Patti, July
Overall:
From the moment we pulled in the driveway to walking in the door of the villa, every turn provided pure delight. It is really very nice.The villa was exceptionally clean, very well-appointed with everything we needed, and comfortable. The owner was very friendly. This was a really great experience.
Enjoyed Most:
The views and the town of Barberino Val d'Elsa.
Surrounding Area:
The Chianti region is beautiful.There are vineyards to tour, wine to taste and plenty of small interesting towns to explore.
Tips or Restaurants:
La Fornace in Tavernelle has very good food at a very low cost.
October
Overall:
When we arrived at San Bartolo the entryway was beautiful as well as the grounds! We entered through a large gate to get to the property. Once inside we found the property manager who took us to our villa. I held my breath as she opened the door - it was amazing! We entered into the living room and the colors were wonderful. As Cecil toured us thru the villa, we all just kept smiling. The villa was very nicely remodeled and very comfortable. The colors were so pleasing and the kitchen was amazing to cook in. We only had four people in our party and the villa easily accomodated us all. The grounds of the property were wonderfully landscaped! The entire package was so pleasant and we would all go back to this villa in a heartbeat!
Enjoyed Most:
The location was perfect. It was so easy to visit the large towns (Siena & Florence) as well as find the small walled cities. Taking a train to the major cities (Florence & Siena) from Poggibonsi is highly recommended. Driving can be a bit intense in the big cities!
Enjoyed Least:
The walls were a bit thin and we could hear our neighbors' every move when we were going to sleep. (Of course our neighbors seemed to be noisy people!) The laundry facilities were not very good. There was a combo washer/dryer, but it never really seemed to dry a load of clothes. We ended up going to the laundry mat in Poggibonsi so we could have clean clothes. If it had been warmer, we could have washed at the villa and then hung the clothes to dry.
Surrounding Area:
The town of Barberino Val d'Elsa was so charming. It was quite small, but had a lot of character. The heart of the town was just steps away from the villa entrance. We really enjoyed walking thru the "residential" area.
Tips or Restaurants:
We went to two fabulous restaurants in Barberino - Sosta de la Papa and the restaurant at Hotel Primavera (both toward Poggibonsi). Everyone should do their grocery shopping in Poggibonsi at The Coop. It is a zoo there on Saturdays and bring a dictionary! It's a great experience and the prices are amazingly inexpensive!
Debbie, October
Overall:
The gates, the villa, the town, the view from the villa were all overwhelming. We loved the location and Cecelia the caretaker was adorable and very kind.
Enjoyed Most:
Great accessability to all of Tuscany. The furnishings were more than acceptable and we all loved the kitchen.
Enjoyed Least:
Little things, like no full length mirrors. The street noise was very obvious. In the daytime we didn't mind it at all, but when it was bedtime, it was a bit noisy. By the end of the week, however we just sort of forgot about it!
Surrounding Area:
The supermarket in Poggibonsi, the location of the A1 to Barberino were all very convienient. And the closeness to San Gimignano was a real plus - our favorite town.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The local market; the people in town were very helpful and kind. The local restaurants were also very good and the staff were great.
Tips or Restaurants:
If I could remember their name I would recommend a restaurant we had dinner in San Gimignano, but can't seem to remember the name! We really didn't have a bad meal though all week. We loved it all, especially the local fare, such as wild boar, rabbit and lamb. Delicious!
Donna, September