Agriturismo Cavallin del Bufalo

A really disappointing stay. The property was poorly cared for, the pool was dirty and neglected, and there were cobwebs all over the porches. The owner was rude, vulgar, and arrogant. He even claimed we should pay extra because we’d eaten too much at breakfast. He didn’t end up charging us, but the request was absurd. The online photos gave a misleading impression of what it was actually like. There were bowls for dogs and cats by the entrance, along with a flea-ridden dog at the door. During breakfast, cats climbed right onto the tables to eat the cakes. I wouldn’t recommend staying here.

We booked a week, August 12th to 19th, and stated on Booking.com that we planned to arrive around 1 PM. When I called to check we were on the right road, since there were no signs, the owner sounded annoyed and said we couldn’t even stop until 3:30 PM. He said he was eating and couldn’t let us in, and the cleaner had arrived very late. We waited, as there didn’t seem to be much else to do. At check-in, we found a very neglected place that looked nothing like the photos. The check-in spot was just a table outside, with pet food scattered all over the floor, a smell of animal urine, and bags piled beside it. We hoped the room would be better, but we’d been given a quadruple room after requesting a double. The bathroom was spacious but smelled bad. There was air conditioning, which we were grateful for in the heat, but the spring mattress was awful and dug into our backs. Wi-Fi didn’t reach the room despite being listed as guaranteed, and there was no normal phone signal either. The pool looked big and inviting in the photos, but was small and poorly maintained. We tried to make it work, but on the evening of the 12th we told the owner we wanted to leave. At first he seemed annoyed and said it sounded like a joke. When we explained the problems, he asked whether we could sleep separately in the other two beds or if he had to buy a new mattress the next day. About the Wi-Fi, he said they knew those rooms had no signal and that we could come to reception, then asked how people managed without bedside tables before Wi-Fi was invented. He also said nobody had ever complained. We stuck with our decision, and he said he wouldn’t charge us for that night or the early cancellation fee because we had caused the inconvenience. That would have been fine, except on August 15, 2024, exactly two days after those kind words, one night’s stay was charged to my account. We felt completely misled by the description on booking.com and the website. Absolutely not recommended.

The father and son who run this place are WONDERFUL ❤️. They really go out of their way for guests, and we had such a lovely time. I came away still thinking about their amazing breakfast, especially the homemade plum jam and delicious ricotta. We spent time by the pool with cicadas and birds all around in the Maremma greenery. I needed a quiet weekend away from work, and that’s exactly what I found here. Thank you. If you’re looking for peace and don’t expect anything fancy, I highly recommend it. Best wishes, Nadia

A few things could be improved, especially the exterior, which could use work to make the property more presentable. The bathroom had a faulty flush and a door that wouldn’t close properly. Our quadruple room was assigned even though we’d asked for a triple at the same price, but the extra bed turned out to be very welcome. It was functional, with a mini-fridge, kettle, air conditioning, and TV. Breakfast was simple and good, though more choices, including savory food, would be nice. The pool is definitely a highlight, and the location is well placed for nearby villages like Saturnia and Pitigliano. Adriano, the owner’s son, was kind and ready to help with requests. It’s a peaceful countryside spot, ideal if you love the quiet and don’t mind animals or insects. If those aren’t your thing or you don’t like adapting, you may not feel at home. I’d give it a satisfactory rating.