“Heaven on earth!” This castle apartment, this town and this region of Tuscany were absolutely beautiful, exceeding our expectations! We were 2 couples celebrating our 25th anniversary,and stayed here following our 12 day Mediterranean cruise last October (2012). We had seen amazing countries and places on our cruise, however when we arrived here and climbed the stairs to the tower in the apartment, the view took our "breath away"! This was the highlight of our entire trip! This was the first time we had rented an apartment, and of course a little nervous about the process. Without meeting John and Wendy, they made us feel so comfortable and welcome. The "Welcome Package" that they provide gives you all the information that you need for your stay and any question you may have, you are sure to find the answer in their guide. Located in this amazing medieval town of Montefollonico, you are in the heart of the most beautiful area of Tuscany. John and Wendy include the sights to see and places to visit in their guide, which we followed and were so glad we did! The town provides everything you need, all within a short walking distance - groceries (including wine, spirits and beer) and local restaurants which were all very good. The apartment was perfect for 2 couples,we each had our own bedroom and own bathroom. The beds were very comfortable and all the linens and towels provided were of the highest standard. Just remember no elevators here, so when you first arrive, you must carry your bags up the stairs. John and Wendy let us know that the internet was a little unstable, which it was, but that was okay too. Every daylight moment we spent at the apartment were spent in the tower, enjoying our Tuscany wines, along with our sheep cheese( so good Wendy!) and never getting enough of the beautiful views, the peace all around us, and the sounds of the birds singing. Truly heaven on earth! Thank you John and Wendy for sharing your world with us!

“Views amazing, house beautiful and Village so friendly” We stayed for one week at La Ginestra and could have been there for so much longer. We loved it, the view across the valley is a wow and the house is so tastefully decorated and of high quality. The village is just two minutes walk away and has a fab pub and lovely restaurants. I am a Food Technologist so food is very important to me - the butchers in the old town was fab, sausages and ham just so delicious. We really did feel accepted everyone was just so friendly to us. We toured most days and saw some beautiful Tuscan towns. We loved everything about it. Bed so comfy and beautiful, bedding crisp and white.

“Paradise in Tuscany!” This lovely villa has it all and is the kind of place that makes you want to stay and 'while away' the afternoon among its many outdoor spaces: whether it's dining in the gazebo overlooking the vineyard, watching as the evening sun sets over the gently rolling hills, relaxing in a chaise by the glistening pool, enjoying a café crème or glass of wine on the patio surrounded by roses, lemon trees and pots of flowers, or gazing beyond at Cortona high on a hill or Trasimeno Lake in the valley below, you will come to know this is a very special place. La Valiana is centrally located for explorations to nearby villages and wineries, Cortona, lovely Pienza (a favorite), Montepulciano or easy day trips to Montalcino, Orvieto, Siena, Arezzo, Florence, Chianti and beyond. It is comfortable and beautifully decorated in classic, Tuscan style with fine architectural details such as wrought iron arched windows, doors and Travertine marble floors. You will be well taken care of and looked after by Cecelia and her Family who are the most gracious hosts - they are dedicated to making your stay a wonderful, memorable one, making themselves available should you need any assistance. Their warm hospitality and attention to detail will make you feel special and, at once, a part of the family. If you opt to have a meal prepared and waiting for your arrival after a long day of travel or touring, it will not disappoint and, quite possibly, could be one of the best meals in all of Tuscany, especially when enjoyed under the stars. You will want for nothing - except perhaps to extend your stay, or at the very least, come back again! You can be sure we will be back!!

“Podernuovo offers a unique opportunity to see the real Italy in” Service: Alvina and Umberto are the perfect hosts, friendly and helpful, well-informed as to what to do and what to see. The accommodation: The villas are superbly appointed with every modern appliance, yet from the exterior they retain their rustic charm. All the windows overlook the vineyard and olive groves and the spacious terraces are the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of Umberto's wine after a day of exploring. Location: Podernuovo is well situated to visit the many medieval villages Tuscany is known for. We have had 10 stays at Podernuovo and have enjoyed wonderful day trips to Collodi, the town of Pinocchio Pistoia, Sant'Antimo abbey, to listen to the monks Gregorian chant and Saturnina to luxuriate in the thermal baths. Alvina and Umberto's local knowledge also extends to the most novel and interesting restaurants in the region. The village of Castel del Piano is a 10 minute stroll up the hill and boasts excellent supermarkets, cafes and bars. What did we like best? My husband and I love everything about staying at Podernuovo as witnessed by 10 stays there! Perhaps however, the fact that it is truly unique Italian experience, 'off the beaten track' in a sense and in a place where tourists do not abound (and where villagers are friendly and welcoming), sets it apart from other villas we have stayed in. I simply can find nothing about Podernuovo that doesnt delight both of us. In fact, we are already planning our next visit for 2013.

“Fabulous Time” My husband and 23 year old son stayed in one of the upstairs apartments for about one week October 2012. Franco and Bozena were wonderful host and hostess. The farm and apartment are exactly as presented. Simple but clean, great views from each terrace, and kitchen well supplied. The pool was beautiful but a little too chilly to swim in October. Franco cooked a wonderful 'saffron' meal for us and a German couple who were also staying at the farm. Lots of wonderful day trips from the farm. We hope to return very soon!!

“Beyond adjectives” There is no way to describe our stay here! Pamela and Johnny were more than welcoming. We arrived with our 7 & 4 year olds in tow...and from The gate greeting, we felt as if we were at "memee's house". Each kid had a job...gate keeping and keeping track of the red fetch toy for Bella. We had an unwarranted snafu on credit card deposits in Rome the day before...but it was of no concern to these wonderful and true hosts... Each morning, The breakfast was true to Tuscany yet appealing to the kids... we were within an hours drive of each of our potential destinations...and each evening with a game of fetch watching Bella and the kids...the hosts helped us decide upon on the next days itinerary! We will be back with the whole family in July!

“Great stay- we hope to return!” We truly enjoyed our stay here. Matteo was a wonderful host and even met us outside of town to make sure that we did not get lost on the way to the agriturismo. The room was clean and very comfortable, especially important since we brought our 3 month old baby. The kitchenette was very useful and had everything we needed. This was a perfect place to stay while in town for Benvenuto Brunello because it allowed us a gorgeous drive and was away from crowds. We even enjoyed Quercecchio's wine, both Brunello and Rosso. Next time, we hope to visit around harvest time!

“Wonderful place with beautiful vistas of the hills and valley fr” We were able to stay 5 days and 4 nights in this lovely place. The property was as or better than described. Very comfortable and clean. Everything we needed for the time we stayed there. It was a very nice location to be able to take day trips to Siena, Pienza, Montepulciano, Montalcino and Orvieto on the way back to Rome. Such great views from apt #2. We even saw deer in the evening and morning running through the fields below. Montepulciano is very close and you can be there in a matter of a few minutes to shop at the Conard or enjoy shopping and meals. There are a lot of rules on lists provided to follow regarding trash, cleaning, linens, etc. We didn't see much of the caretakers as they had other jobs/work, a new baby, etc. But they were very pleasant and helpful if we needed anything. This is definitely a place we would go back to again.Once we found it. I am glad we got to the location during the day and not at night. You just really have to believe the directions and keep going. The signs are a bit small and I am glad everyone was looking for them. Please go eat at the 13 Gobbi in Montefollonico about 5-6 miles away on a hill top to the north. You will love it. And have their house wine, great. By the way, a bottle of wine and olive oil was provided upon our stay. Both were very good. Wish I could have bought more of it.

“Return visit” One again we enjoyed our visit to this well run set of apartments. They are ready on time, cleean and well equiped. A caretaker lives on site to provide backiup if needed. The gardena and pool are tell tended and maintained. Montipulciano is 10 mins away by car. Be aware that it is in the middle of the countryside with no shops or restaurants nearby.