Podere di Valli

We wanted somewhere with an authentic feel, and this was just right for our group. The host was really friendly, too.

The children kept busy making little “occupied” signs for the bathroom doors, while we tried to enjoy our time together despite the problems with the house. We came with our best friends expecting a few days in a Tuscan farmhouse, and that part worked out. But the state of the place was a real disappointment, and the photos on the websites didn’t reflect what we found. We spent the first three hours cleaning the bathrooms and bedrooms and clearing cobwebs off the furniture. A farmhouse in the Tuscan hills may have spiders or other small creatures, but that doesn’t excuse poor hygiene. The kitchen upstairs looked new but wasn’t clean; downstairs it was old, worn out, and dirty. The old dishes were greasy and encrusted, only three of the four burners worked, and the barbecue looked like it could give you tetanus. Outside, the park area seemed abandoned, with piles of things left along the sides. There were safety and maintenance problems too. Sockets around the house had no covers, and some had exposed wires, which worried me with the children running around. The shutters were loose, bathroom pipes leaked, and the tubs and shower trays were in terrible shape. The old doors wouldn’t close properly, so we had to live with their constant background noise. The sofa was missing a leg and had been propped up on a step. The beds were described as “sound,” but had recycled mattresses. We raised these things with the owner. We weren’t looking for money back or compensation, just hoping he’d understand that the place needed proper cleaning, maybe by a cleaning company, and that hazards like the sockets and loose shutters should be fixed. He noted the bathroom leaks and a few other small issues, then made a Tuscan remark, “importa na sega,” which left me feeling there was no point in talking further. I hope the farmhouse gets a proper renovation. It’s a little gem, and it’s sad to see its manager let it fall into disrepair.

We spent New Year’s Eve here with friends, and I wouldn’t stay again. The place was filthy and in complete neglect. It isn’t a B&B, and there was stuff piled up in the garage and under the big terrace. The photos are misleading.

There’s room for big groups and families, and the garden is open for guests to use freely. The rooms are practical, and the old buildings have that typical Italian style alongside modern amenities. The owner is welcoming and puts a lot of work into maintaining and improving the place, always trying to meet guests’ wishes. After enjoying the region’s many attractions, the jacuzzi is a lovely way to unwind. We found it ideal for a relaxed short break.