11 independent reviews for Tuscany organic farmstay near Florence, Italy
Reviews for Tuscany organic farmstay near Florence, Italy
Martyn Wilks review 26 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
A quiet and peaceful location with the most hospitable hosts you could possibly hope for.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think it was nice to be away from the usual tourist traps. We shopped, ate and went to local bars and enjoyed interactions with local people. Plus using the fruit and veg from the farm was a lovely added extra.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Certainly the best vacation my wife and I have had together. We shared it with friends which made it even more special.Janine Lindgren review 20 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We have many memorable parts to comment on. First the farm itself is in the beautiful Tuscan hills, olive groves, chickens, vegetables on the farm. The house was historic and well preserved and renovated, (we loved the jacuzzi tub and marble kitchen sink). There were great things to see nearby, such as the Masaccio museum and Vallambrosia Park. The host and her daughter were very friendly, and we met some nice guests from around the world.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be extremely cautious if you decide to rent a car, the roads up to the farm are very narrow with sharp switch backs, you have to honk to warn on coming cars, then carefully negotiate passing. Pick vegetables from the garden to eat, best kale I ever tasted! Go for a walk down the road and head into the wood trail by the school bus stop. Read Francesca's book of suggested nearby itineraries and towns to visit. We decided to stay more local, rather than driving all the way to (for example) Volterra, because we wanted to return before dark, so we could still see on the mountain road. We visited the lovely town of Castle Franco, the Masaccio museum in Cascia, and the nature park of Vallambrosia, with the monastery, lovely woods, church, museum, and store with herbal medicine made by monks. One thing we did not realize was that extra things were available for a charge, which was misleading on the website, such as hot tub, breakfast, and even the olive oil. We were led to believe these things were included in our stay.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
By staying at the farm, we helped support local organic agriculture on this small farm. We were able to use products produced on the farm; vegetables and olive oil. We also visited local museums and sites which helped support them.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We were there in the beautiful October season, and it was wonderful.Julia Key review 4 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I think it has to be the remote and beautiful location of Poderaccio - the countryside around the farm is absolutely stunning, and it's perfect for a chilled- out, wind-down kind of vacation where you can simply relax and soak up the landscapes around you: vineyards, olive groves, and forest-clad mountains. We also have fond memories of the pizza night Francesca held with all the guests, where we were able to have a lesson in how to prepare our pizza base, then top it with the ingredients of our choice and bake it in the wood-fired oven. We enjoyed it all together (along with copious glasses of wine) on the terrace overlooking the valley - a great experience!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You definitely need to either take or hire a car, in order to benefit fully from all the wonderful places there are to see around the farm. It's located on some quite hairy rural roads, but once you reach the main road network (which you do very quickly), everything is within easy reach, especially Florence (half an hour max by car). You should also take precautions against mosquitoes - we were there in late September and absolutely plagued by them. Always light the candles provided when dining outside at night (which in our enthusiasm we failed to do on the first night - with disastrous results!).3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, definitely. Francesca and Francesco are really serious about sustainability and committed to doing everything they can to reduce their environmental impact - from the to letries provided in the house to the local and organic food we were able to buy from them, to the vegetables freely available for us to pick from the kitchen garden. All the apartments are built using sustainable building materials and operate in the most energy-efficient way possible. We really appreciated the folder of information left by Francesca giving hints and tips about using local shops and services. The family themselves are pretty much self-sufficient, and a real inspiration in this regard.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a wonderful, relaxed time (our honeymoon) in a beautiful part of Italy, and were able to visit plenty of nearby cities and picturesque hilltop villages when we wanted more action. Francesca and her family are super friendly and welcoming, always on hand to help and advise. The apartment has been sympathetically restored, is well equipped with everything you need, and has stunning views over the valley from the dining terrace.Janet Richards review 4 Aug 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Lovely relaxing singing bowl sound bath2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I would not hesitate to recommend this vacation3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely wonderful, peace, quiet, sun, organic food and beautiful surroundings, with excellent hosts. I would love to return here one day.Louise Pannell review 20 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Learning how to make pasta from scratch2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't plan too many activities, it's a nice place to rather relax and sleep in3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I was more inclined to support local businesses and reminded of the importance of recycling and the quality of foods we eat.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
FantasticLynn Cragg review 6 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Eating a warm tomato just picked from the vegetable garden, absolutely delicious.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Its a rustic rural retreat you will benefit from having a car to explore the surrounding area.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we used local produce and purchased from local shops.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An excellent location to relax and re charge your batteries set in a very rural location.Linda Grilley review 8 Nov 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Beautiful location, wonderful accommodations, fun hiking, welcoming owner. Great break from the urban setting. Easy to get to from Siena and Florence area. Do need a car.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Enjoy the beauty of a rural stay. Plan to make a meal in the nicely set up kitchen using some of the locally grown vegetables.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Hope our stay was helpful to their organic farm's over all business. We did take advantage of using their vegetables and eggs for dinner and breakfast. Bought some extras to bring along too. Local sourcing and use of organic is plus for environment and conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
WonderfulEmma Williams review 12 Jul 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our cooking class with Francesca at the farm. She invited us into her home and taught us how to make fresh pasta and bread. We then had a lovely lunch with her overlooking the Tuscan countryside.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We found it useful to rent a car so that we could drive around Tuscany. I would also recommend doing a wine tour in the area and a day trip to Florence which is approximately 45 minutes by car from the farm.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. Francesca sources her vegetables and olive oil from her own farm, and a number of other produce such as sheeps cheese and honey from neighbouring farms, thereby supporting hte local community. Environmental impact is considered in every corner of the farm, with responsible waste management practices and eco-friendly products used throughout the farm.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A true highlight of our Italian adventure. Relaxing, rejuvenating, peaceful, charming and delicious!Gail and Pete Overholt review 5 Jan 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Being invited to join our hosts for Christmas Eve celebrations and for a working dinner (helping Francesca and Francesco cook a Tuscan Ribotta) the day after Christmas. I also really enjoyed the invitation to tour the garden and harvest for our own meals. Our room was beautiful, spacious and our hosts were very attentive to our needs. The fresh air and surrounding beauty was a much needed get away!Francesca also was very helpful with recommendations for regional tours, travel tips, and local happenings and events.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I think it best to have a car available if possible because touring the area was another wonderful part of our trip.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All of the above. Supporting this accommodation helps support organic farming in the area, thereby reducing environmental impacts of traditional farming practices not seen with organic farming.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was by far the most memorable part of our two week trip to France, Italy and Switzerland. I cannot say enough about the accommodation and our hosts! You will fall in love with Tuscany!Kathlyn Botell review 3 Apr 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everything. Francesca is wonderful. She met me and my boyfriend at the train station, brought us to our lovely room, in a restored barn, and we had fresh baked bread and home made olive oil awaiting our arrival. The stores were closed (it was a sunday) so Francesca gave us some pasta, home made sauce, chickpeas and fruit as well as fresh cheese from a neighbour - so we had food. The next day she took us to the store, gave us more fresh baked bread, showed us the area, recommended hikes, and took time to explain her farm and what she produces and grows. A truly wonderful lady, she took so much time to make sure we were comfortable. It was a shame we arrived just after she sowed the garden it would have been lovely to be there when the veggie garden is in full swing.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
This is by far my favorite location and place to stay I have been to while traveling and I have been traveling for 3 years.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
This is a great eco vacation!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Such an amazing farm, on magical land, in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. The family is lovely, and went out of their way to be incredibly accommodating. Highly recommended and hope to return soon!Smita Shah review 9 Sep 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Unbelievably, spending the evening at the edge of the farm watching a race car rally. I have to admit it doesn't appeal when you first think about it, but Francesca is a consummate hostess, she set up benches at the edge of her property by the public road where the race took place, provided food and drink and a little group of us guests at the farm spent a fun evening watching race cars zip over a precarious bend and zoom off. It helped that the other guests were lovely too but Francesca really created a warm and inclusive environment which made it easy for all of us to get to know each other.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You won't need a car. Francesca collected me from the local train station at Incisa which is 40 minutes by local train from Florence and took me into town for food run as I had a self catering apartment. She also grows her own veg and provided me with a basket of delicious organic fresh produce, olive oil and if you ask, freshly baked bread. I stayed in the Farnia Apartment which has a private decking at back, is quiet and overlooks the 22 acres of land which make up the farm so I simply sat there and relaxed. If you want more freedom to travel, then do get a car but be aware places like Siena, San Gimignano and Florence are a challenge to find parking and may have restrictions for cars.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - the farm is organic with its own vegetable garden, freely wondering chickens for eggs, bee hives for honey, fig trees and olive trees. Francesca is generous with her produce. She is happy to show guests how rain water is collected and solar power is utilised, the ethos is to live in harmony with nature. Guests are provided with separate bins in order to separate waste and recycle.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was simply wonderful. Francesca was welcoming and made me feel right at home, even before I left for my vacation. Her email replies were prompt and helpful. She was enthusiastic and friendly. The farm is set in beautiful countryside with hills in the distant and the Arno river valley. You can roam freely, relax or go for longer walks as Francesca will point out trails and don't forget to ask about the teepee.Accommodation Reviews
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