Agriturismo Poggio Etrusco is located in S. Albino, between Montepulciano and Chianciano Terme. It's about a 5-10 minute drive off of Route 146. The property is located off a small road where you are surrounded by olive trees and views that will make you weep with joy!

You would need a car for your stay here. It was about a 10 minute drive to the closest COOP, but only a five minute drive to the "main drag" where there were shops and a great restaurant, Tre Stelle. We took advantage of the delicious breakfast provided with our stay. We made coffee in our apartment and bought snacks for afternoons when we would relax after a day of sightseeing.

Our apartment, Gelsomino, was located up about eight stairs and seemed very quiet. (Pamela's husband Johnny brought up our luggage from our car). The villa is in beautiful condition, our apartment was well maintained and spotless! There are four apartments for rent.

Although a bit cold when we were there to sit outside, there were plenty of places to relax. A nice table directly outside our door to enjoy a cup of coffee and take in the spectacular view. There is a pool, although it was covered since we were there "off season" for pool use. The pool area looked fabulous!

The apartment was spotless. The bed I slept in was the most comfortable bed ever. My sister agreed that her bed, too, was heavenly. The armoires in each bedroom were gorgeous as were the "handsome" chest of drawers.

A comfy couch for relaxing and reading. Kitchen table with chairs, which were comfortable. Extra chairs also.

Bedrooms/Bathrooms

As mentioned before, the beds were out of this world comfortable. The linens and comforters were ideal as far I was concerned. I could have stayed in my bed for the entire time and not have been disappointed. The bathroom, spotless. Plenty of cotton towels. Beautiful tile work. There was the main bathroom and then a small sink area right outside the main bathroom door. Great for two ladies that love their "space". Hot water and great water pressure.

Plenty of extra blankets if needed.

Very usable kitchen. Nice refrigerator, stove and oven (although we did not use the oven). Well stocked with pots and pans, knives, etc. Every detail thought out with a cook in mind! Illy coffee waiting for us to enjoy! Dish soap and cleaning supplies provided. Also, because it was cold, we did use the heating system which worked very well. There was also a portable heater, which worked great, taking the chill off quickly.

We were so pleased with this property. We loved the cooking class that Pamela Sheldon Johns offers. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful apartment (Pamela graciously upgraded us to Gelsomino apartment, yeah Pamela)! Now THAT was a GREAT surprise :-)

Pamela Sheldon Johns and her husband Courtney (Johnny) are Americans and live on the property. I dealt directly with Pamela. She was prompt and courteous in her replies.

Since our accommodations were part of my 2006 SlowTrav Contest prize, we only had to pay half price. Nice, right?

I would definitely stay here again! I am already thinking about when I can return! And yes, of course I would HIGHLY recommend this property AND taking one of Pamela's cooking classes.

Things to do in this area:

A great location off of the ever popular Rte 146, close to Montepulciano, Monticchiello, Pienza, S. Quirico, the beautiful Sant' Antimo, and Montalcino. Chiusi is about 45 min. away, a great place to drop off your rental car.

Residenza Il Carmine is located in the Oltrarno, just across the Ponte alla Carraia. Only a 10-15 minute walk to Piazza Signoria/Uffizi. 2 bridges to the west of the Ponte Vecchio. Quiet street just off of Via Santa Monaca. A great location away from the touristy area, more of a neighborhood feel and experience.

You can walk to anything you need! Magi Market is a block away, great bakeries, bars for morning caffe and cornetto, internet points, great restaurants just minutes away. Did I mention it's a great location? :-)

The building has been around for hundreds of years. I think Filippo Lippi lived next door or one of the Lippi's. I would imagine Brunelleschi himself walked along this street at one time or another! All of their apartments are in excellent shape. I've also stayed in Mirra apartment.

I think there are 5 other apartments, maybe 6. When you walk into the building off of the street you enter a foyer which has a staircase for other tenants who live in the building, along with mailboxes. You enter another door which leads you to a long hallway and the Domus apartment door is on the left. Directly at the end of that hallway is a beautiful glass door which leads you into the garden and garden apartments.

The garden is filled with roses, lilacs, calla lilies, herbs; I don't know all the names, but it's lovely. This was the first time I was there during "primavera" and I was delighted with all of the foliage and blossoms. There are a few tables and chairs to sit outside for morning coffee or reading in the afternoon. Binoculars are good to have as there are a lot of birds who fly around the Basilica di Santa Maria del Carmine which you can see from the garden. Listening to the bells of the church ringing is music to my ears!!

The furniture is in great shape. Domus apartment has a gorgeous dining area with large table and 6 chairs. There is plenty of storage (with extra blankets and pillows) in the huge china cabinet/hutch. Living room has sofa bed, day bed, chairs, TV, gorgeous bookcase, a small room off to the side has a safe, iron and ironing board.

Comfy beds and day bed. I did not sleep on the sleeper sofa. The main bedroom has 2 twin beds which can be put together for a double/queen. Large armoire with plenty of storage and coat hangars, also a large bureau with 3 or 4 drawers. Large bathroom near the front entrance with shower stall, no bath tub. Small bathroom in the bedroom. Spotlessly clean and great water pressure. Daily towel change. The towels aren't terry cloth, more of a plain cotton feel to them. They are absorbent, but not the same as terry cloth. The bedroom has large windows which face the garden. There are lovely lace curtains which do offer privacy but if you want total darkness you can close the big shutters from the outside. (You may be able to shut these from the inside but I don't know for sure).

In the kitchen, there are plenty of dishes, pots and pans, french coffee press and moka Italian stovetop percolator. The apartment has a stove and small refrigerator, no oven. There is a microwave. I had everything I needed. The door off the kitchen leads you to the garden.

I love this place so much! The Li Pira family, including Maria, their affectionate English bulldog are the nicest people ever! Miriam, Emilio and Caterina are so helpful and kind. Their English is very good and they are a joy to deal with. They will help you in any way they can. This is the 4th time I've stayed here and I wouldn't stay anywhere else when visiting Florence. (I've also stayed in Mirra apartment, in 2004 and 2005 which I also enjoyed very much).