La Salamandra

The pool is the real highlight: it's beautiful, recently renovated, and set up thoughtfully, with a private umbrella and loungers for each apartment, plus plastic chairs. There's also a shower and a foot-rinsing spray before you get in. The staff were always kind, helpful, and ready to deal with questions or needs. The property sits among hills, woods, and greenery, with the scents of Tuscany all around and wild herbs and spices growing there. There are four welcoming apartments in different sizes, for two to six people. Each has a veranda with a table, chairs, and a clothesline with pegs. Barbecues are available, and you can conveniently gather firewood from the property's own woods. A great choice if you're after a restful break in a revitalizing natural setting. We'll be back.

The only real downside for me was a bad smell on a rainy day, possibly coming from the sewer system. Also, take a power strip because there aren't many outlets. My apartment had two bedrooms and two bathrooms, including an en-suite bathroom with no window, plus two verandas you could actually use. Otherwise, it's a comfortable, well-kept place with a well-equipped kitchen. It had an oven, microwave, kettle, basic utensils, and a good selection of glasses and cups. The apartments are maintained nicely, there's private parking on the property, and the welcome was extremely kind and helpful. There's a lovely garden and park, a children's playground, and a barbecue in the garden for guests to use. Privacy is excellent. It's a wonderful quiet base for nature lovers, hiking, and walks along the Via Francigena trails or stages. The grounds have every comfort, and the stay was relaxing. Don't miss the nearby Little Jerusalem of Tuscany. Highly recommended.