Podere Casanuova

For our two-week stay, the apartments had everything we needed: a kitchen, lounge, bedrooms, bathroom and private outdoor space, along with access to the gardens and pool. There were plenty of towels and bedsheets, and the kitchen was equipped well enough for us to cook full meals. A few evenings we ate on our terrace with wine, watching San Gimignano lit up beneath an incredible night sky. It felt magical. The setting is wonderfully calm, among vineyards, olive groves and wildlife, but San Gimignano is only a couple of minutes away by car. We could relax at Podere Casanuova between outings, and there was plenty to do in town. We caught a free jazz evening and a free arts festival, and there were probably other events we never even heard about. The town has historic sights, artisanal shops, cultural events, Michelin restaurants, street food and a well-stocked modern supermarket. Siena and other larger towns are 15-45 minutes away by car, while Florence and Pisa, including their international airports, are about an hour away. The owners were friendly, welcoming and fluent in many languages. They shared helpful suggestions for places to see, do and eat beyond the usual tourist paths, and knew a lot about local food and wine. Their tucked-away bakery recommendation led us to the best pastries I’ve ever eaten. The property itself is astonishing, with local character and a touch of classic Italian luxury. Everything was clean and comfortable. The new owners have clearly put a lot of care into breathing new life into the characterful building and its extensive grounds. The big pool was clean and cleaned daily, sometimes twice when it was windy. The gardens were colourful and well kept. The rooms felt authentically Tuscan, cozy and clean, and stayed cool in summer thanks to the rustic stone building. We left feeling well-fed, rested and fully recharged. This hidden gem was an outstanding experience, and we’ll be coming back for years.

We really enjoyed our seven days here, with the great Tuscan food and wine and our (e)bike rides through the countryside. Our apartment, Ruber, was spacious, clean and rustic, and the terrace had a stunning view of the San Gimignano towers. There are plenty of nearby vineyards to visit and taste excellent Tuscany wines. Podere Casanuova was exactly what we wanted: a charming, peaceful place on a Tuscan hillside among forests and olive trees, with a lovely swimming pool and everything well looked after. Thank you, Lucia, for such a wonderful stay! B&R

The staff were very friendly, and the pool was clean and big enough. Parking is free, but there’s no breakfast. The price and value are okay. The apartments urgently need refurbishing, and the beds are horrible. WLAN only works outside at reception. With a few small changes, this place could be great.

A really good Agriturismo, very close to San Gimignano!