OVERVIEW \ BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED FARMHOUSE WITH ROOMS STARTING AT $220
The lovingly preserved, 200 year old farmhouse, is ideally nestled in rural Tuscany overlooking sloping vineyards just a few kms from the village of Montefollonico and the better-known hilltop village of Montepulciano. Surrounded by cypresses, sheep pastures, and olive groves, the once forgotten farmhouse has been beautifully restored by owners Fabio and Suzanne, offering an authentic and relaxed Tuscan experience. The country house has six beautiful suites, re-finished and furnished with unique pieces that reflect the local history and environment. Follonico offers a subdued, pastoral alternative to the vineyard boutiques and touristy guesthouses that dot the region and is the perfect place to slow down, breathe and enjoy the natural rhythms that surround you.
ROOMS
The six spacious rooms are individually styled and combine traditional Tuscan decor and eccentric furnishings including antique doors, vintage toys and ancient typewriters. Modern conveniences include free WiFi, iPod docking stations, large rainfall showers and Italian Biofficina Toscana Toiletries.
HIGHLIGHTs
There’s no restaurant, but cooking classes can be arranged for a minimum of two people and cold meals of meat, cheese and garden-grown veg are available between April and October.
Breakfast is pretty special though; all the treats – cheese, meat, yoghurt, jam, fruit, and so on – are sourced within 15km of Follonico, with a daily ourdough bread, pastry and cakes baked in-house.
ESSENTIALS
Wifi, AC, fireplace, pool, garden, BBQ area,
LOCATION
Località Casale 2, 53049, Montefollonico.
Perugia is the closest airport, a 65-minute drive from the hotel.
Torrita di Siena is 10 minutes away by car, connecting to Siena and Chiusa.
RATES
For low/high season, rooms are $220/$280USD and suites are $260/$420USD
NEED TO KNOW
Pets allowed upon request.
Closed December 1 - February 28.
No restaurant, but there's an honesty bar and light dinners are available on request
WORTH CHECKING OUT
Close to Montefollonico – a tiny village that’s sleepy but charming – and a 20-minute drive from Southern Tuscan gems like the Unesco Pienza, Montepulciano and the hot natural springs of Bagno Vignoni, this location feels off the map while actually quite close to the major networks that cris-cross the region. The road that leads to the property is lovely, but winding and isolated, so drivers who are wary of driving in remote conditions might choose another location.
Suzanne and Fabio are more than happy to help arrange an impromptu picnic in the grounds, and will provide cutlery and crockery. The Val D’Orcia region contains the hill town of Montalcino (renowned for its Brunello wine) and Pienza, a World Heritage Cultural Landscape and impressively preserved Renaissance town. Montepulciano has won global acclaim for its wonderful red wines; Montefollonico is worth exploring for its mediaeval architecture. Siena is only 30–45 minutes away, and is famous for its art galleries, museums, restaurants, historic architecture, and palio (horse race) held on 2 July and 16 August.
CONTACT \ BOOKING
*photos by Justine Milton