Casale Giuncheto

The farmhouse looks beautiful from outside, but the interior felt stale and cluttered with junk, doilies, and objects that added dust rather than warmth. The dining chair cushions seemed unhygienic, and the bedspreads and towels had stains. There were too many insects in the bedrooms, and the bathrooms were extremely uncomfortable, with the shower facing the toilet. We were 15 people at the farmhouse for New Year’s Eve, and checkout was set for 10 a.m. on January 1st. That deadline felt deeply inhospitable after the celebration. We were given half a roll of toilet paper for a room of four people staying two nights. In reality, the rooms are doubles, and two extra beds had been squeezed into unsuitable space.

We stayed over the May Day long weekend. The owners were friendly and helpful, and the place was gorgeous, quiet, clean, and close to nature. It’s halfway between Perugia and Assisi, a handy location for exploring. Highly recommended.

The hillside paths across the 50-hectare grounds were a real pleasure, and the pool was clean, cared for, open all the time, and had a lovely view. The pond is a nice option for fishing carp, without the mosquito trouble. Massimiliano was incredibly welcoming, and dogs are clearly at home here. Filippo, my dog, would happily have stayed forever. Our cottage was compact but comfortable, with a kitchen and fridge. The old-fashioned TV didn't matter in this peaceful, almost romantic setting. A little upkeep and a more comfortable bed would make this a five-star agriturismo. Spiders and similar country visitors are hard to avoid, though the cottage is sealed up and has mosquito nets and a swinging door. This is my best agritourism stay so far. Go visit.

I came all the way from Lecce and found it every bit as enchanting as I hoped. Green surroundings, quiet, and a real chance to relax and leave stress and worries behind. The negative reviews seem completely off to me.