JOIVY Presents Badia Ardenga

The breakfast was fantastic, fresh from the garden and delicious, and the service throughout our few days was thoughtful and caring. We stayed in a roomy, comfortable upstairs apartment beside the main house, with good armchairs, a kitchen, a nice bathroom, plenty of closet space, and a comfortable bed. The wood-burning stove was both useful and beautifully placed. It's a dreamlike setting surrounded by nature and open fields. The house is an old 11th-century monastery, with parts still impeccably preserved and open to visitors. Jack and Daniela have done a colossal job turning some areas into charming, tasteful, comfortable rooms that are genuinely livable. One of the best places we've stayed in Italy, even though this review is a bit old. Jack must have done many wonderful things between 2019 and now (2026). We had an unforgettable few days and will be back. Thank you so much, Jack & Daniela!!!

Founded in the 11th century by the Counts of Ardenga, this Vallombrosan monastery was suppressed by Pope Pius II in 1462. The church has Romanesque architecture with Lombard and French artistic influences, though the building now appears to have been extensively remodeled. It once had three naves and an apse, but today there is a single nave and the apse is missing. A loggia and portico look onto the inner courtyard, and the bell gable with its three-light windows on columns and capitals is notable. Under the presbytery is a 12th-century crypt, reached to the right of the high altar. It originally had seven small naves. The vaults retain traces of old floral painted decoration, perhaps the only such examples in the Siena area. Even older are the corbels with animal heads around the travertine entrance portal, along with those supporting the coat of arms on the church façade.

A beautiful place, though it's been left to fall into disrepair.

For the long weekend of April 25th, our group of friends came with the kids and Jack welcomed us with remarkable kindness and hospitality. It was one of the best holidays of our lives, with a magical feel in the heart of postcard-perfect Tuscany and nature all around us. We loved being near Ramirez the horse, the geese, Dafne the dog, and her puppies. We left a piece of our hearts there and hope to return soon.