Antica Porta di Sovana 2.0

Some wonderful old things along the way, and a beautiful walk through the Tuscan woods.

It's a little removed from the center, though parking is nearby down a side street. The place can sleep five if you're travelling with three children. Just know the spiral staircase is quite narrow.

The good parts were the host, who was very kind and friendly even though we only used self check-in, and the charming, quiet village. We could hear birds and crickets in the daytime, and the views surrounded by nature were lovely. Breakfast at the bar was a nice offer, though very basic. For one night it wasn't bad, perhaps some issues were due to our late check-in, but I didn't sleep well. That may depend on how adaptable you are. There are some things worth knowing first. Getting from the parking area means climbing a fairly steep ramp, and the narrow spiral stairs down to the bedroom take some effort. It's awkward with luggage and not suitable for older people or anyone with limited mobility. You need to know how to operate, light, clean, and refill the pellet stove, especially for a stay longer than a day. No refill pellets were provided, and we were cold, especially on the sofa bed. The shower had no soap and the place was humid. The light can't be dimmed, which was a problem for me because I need a dark room to sleep. We stayed just one night in early May. The apartment looks nice but is very basic, a bit like grandma's country cottage. The village was almost empty when we arrived on a Sunday evening, and the route climbs through the woods, so arriving at night may feel unsettling, particularly if you're travelling alone. This wasn't a five-star stay for me.

The house is right at the entrance to Pitigliano's pedestrian area, with parking very close, so it's a convenient choice if you're arriving by car. It's a well-kept, characterful place, and the host was helpful. Good value too. In the cooler months, though, nights can get chilly if the pellet heating is switched off as the house rules require.