Agriturismo Podere Casetta

We chose this villa partly because it was advertised with a pizza oven. With an aspiring chef in our group, that mattered to us. A couple of weeks before we arrived, we were offered a catered pizza evening for nearly 400 euros, which we declined. We assumed we could use the oven ourselves since the listing didn’t say otherwise. Once there, we were told casually that only the owners could use it, for 150 euros per evening. When I questioned that, Lisbeth was rude and suggested people who could afford the villa wouldn’t usually challenge the fee. We found that really offensive and went to an authentic pizzeria instead. She said previous guests had abused the oven, so she wouldn’t budge, though the terms had changed after we booked. That stubbornness spoiled what could have been a lovely stay. Would I come back? No. Are there better places in Tuscany? Yes. We were three families from the Netherlands, UK, and USA, and getting together is a once-in-a-decade thing for us. On paper, the villa seemed ideal, with three separate apartments and a shared area, plus a pool and oven for the children and our chef. The pool was private, warm, and saline, and a couple of apartments had AC. The place is rustic and charming, in the heart of Tuscany, with separate spaces for families. The owners had said we could try local wine and olive oil, but those were for sale at 23-50 euros and 18 euros for the oil. After a long drive, we were disappointed there was nothing complimentary, not even basics like milk, bread, jam, or a bottle of wine, as we’d had at other villas in Italy and France. It’s isolated, with facilities miles away. The kitchen wasn’t well equipped for an aspiring chef: no pan lids, poor temperature control on the gas hob, and an impractical sink near shoulder height in one kitchen. We spotted a cockroach. There’s limited AC, lots of steps and loose paving, and the fencing around the pool and pond didn’t seem adequate for children. The ponies roam freely and aren’t safe around children. One kicked our toddler by the pool. Within 24 hours, there was a horrible smell. Lisbeth thought it came from garlic left by earlier guests. Her partner came the next day and found the fridge drainage had gone bad, then fixed it. Overall, it’s a nice enough place in an isolated spot, but the owners felt dubious and money-focused to us.

The hosts were so kind and helpful, and the clean apartments and good facilities made for an easy, relaxing stay. The shared terrace has a stunning view, and the swimming pool has everything you need for a few days of rest. Podere Casetta feels like a little paradise in the beautiful hills of Maremma Toscana, away from the city. Strongly recommended.

The cats around here are so affectionate and friendly, they really made the holiday special. I also loved the sunsets, the Biancane, where geothermal energy is produced, and the kilometres of unspoiled nature with its original houses. The pool was wonderful, with water that was always clear and clean. I came home a week ago and already miss this little corner of the world. I found the peace, simplicity, courtesy, love, nature, and beauty I was looking for. The place is charming and simple, with care in every detail and a setting that feels in harmony with nature. My apartment was welcoming, clean, tastefully and warmly furnished, and had everything needed for a comfortable stay. What made it unforgettable was how Raffaella and Graziano welcomed us and how helpful they were. They’re wonderful, approachable people, simple, courteous, and hospitable. From the first day I felt at home. I highly recommend visiting this place at least once in your life. ❤️

Raffaella and Graziano were a huge part of what made our two weeks so special. The husband and wife were extraordinarily kind, generous, and helpful. They welcomed us like family, shared their warmth and simplicity, and we had some really interesting conversations. We also loved the delightful kittens that were always ready for a cuddle. Five stars don’t feel like enough. The pool is a real highlight in summer. The water stayed incredibly clean, without a leaf or insect, even though the pool is surrounded by greenery. The agriturismo itself is an enchanting old farmhouse, renovated to keep its original character and furnished with taste and attention to detail. Inside, it has a lovely old-world feel. The apartments are rustic, comfortable, clean, and equipped with what you need. There’s plenty of woodland for walks, and you might spot foxes, hares, and other small animals. You can also see the steam vents and geothermal systems that keep much of the area green. Monterotondo Marittimo is about a ten-minute drive away, or reachable on foot, and there you can take a free tour of the Biancane, a place where nature’s beauty and power are on full display. The Mubia museum explains the history of the geothermal system in the area. The sea is about 30 minutes away by car, without traffic, with beautiful natural beaches including Baratti, San Vincenzo, Torre Mozza, Cala Violina, and Follonica. It’s a wonderful place to lose track of time in nature and quiet. (September 2023)