Overview
A stone house in a delightful garden
This property impresses at first sight with its superb location and its wonderful garden. A small road which meanders its way up the hill leads to the house. Coming from San Gimigniano the last 800 m are on a dirt road. You will soon realise that you are in one of the lovelies parts of Tuscany - a seemingly paradise-like landscape formed over centuries by the patient efforts of the local farmers.
Podere al Prato is set on a hilltop between San Gimignano and Certaldo. From the garden you enjoy extensive views to fields bordered by cypresses, vineyards, olive groves and isolated farms, as far as the eye can see. You will see the beautiful Chianti hills in front of you, the hills of the Apennines further in the distance and on clear days, the view extends to the Apuanian Alps.
The ancient natural stone farmhouse is divided into five apartments. There are four guest flats for couples; the friendly owner of the house, Mario, lives on the ground floor with his family. Mario tends the extensive grounds, and the luxuriant garden thrives in his gifted hands. Mario and his wife Annalinda are firm believers in maintaining tradition and have used traditional Tuscan materials in the renovation of the farm building, retaining the thick stone walls which keep the interiors blissfully cool.
The four apartments are suitable for couples, therefore there are never more than a total of 8+3 people here at one time. The apartment on the ground floor (Sotto) is particularly comfortably laid out and has its own entrance and terrace. The three flats on the first floor (one of which with balcony) are smaller in size - a stone stairway leads to the upper floor.
Podere al Prato is located in a lovely garden. The approximately 6000 sqm garden is a green oasis and a real delight. Countless flowers, blooms and bushes adorn the sunlit lawns. There are various types of trees: stone oaks, olive trees, cypresses and walnut trees to name but a few, and around 20 different types of fruit - you are welcome to pick them. Many types of flowers ensure there are wonderful blooms from the start of spring until the autumn: iris, oleander, peony and above all a marvellous range of different rose varieties. This is very advantageous for beekeeping of course, and you will certainly be offered a taste of the homemade honey.
In several corners of the garden you can find tables and chairs under shady trees. Here you can retire to an idyllic niche and read, write, paint or chat over a glass of wine and enjoy your meals. Only birdsong and the chirping of crickets interrupt the silence.
A path with some steps lead down to the pool area. The pool with Roman steps is located on the most panoramic side of the garden. At the four corners of the pool there are sunshades and sunbeds available for the four apartments.
Guests Reviews
Our Guests Reviews
Cara Annalinda, caro Mario,
siamo a casa, ma pensiamo molto alle vacanze bellissime da voi. Grazie mille!
There are so many precious memories in our hearts now. Your warm welcome made us feel at home. Yes, it was not just a "holiday appartment", it was a real "holiday HOME". We have an idea how much hard work, how much time, how much money you invested to build these appartments. And not only that: We realised that you also invested "your heart". Precious old furniture from your own family, carefully selected decorative items, paintings by you, dear Annalinda: all that makes the living there so special.
With joy we are already looking forward to our next visit. Less than a year from now! ;-)
ND: As we shared already, if possible we would like to come back the year after (2023) for the third visit: in the "rose season". Perhaps you can reserve the "Sopra-Apartment" for three weeks for us in 2023? Yes, we speak of 2023 again, hoping to be sitting among the roses. :-)
We are looking forward to seeing you again. Till then ALL THE BEST WISHES for you and your dear ones!
Elvira and Detlef, September 2021
From the welcome to when we had to leave, the owner were fantastic - helpful and knowledgeable. The accommodation and the communal areas were well maintained and spotless. Having driven from the UK, we wanted quiet, rest and relaxation and got exactly what we wanted - a bit more sun would have helped but that was the only thing that could have been improved. Overall, would recommend to people wanting to have a base to visit Florence, Sienna, Greve as well as Pisa and Lucca - all were within easy driving distance and Florence was only a 50 min journey straight to the train station.
J. Berson, April 2018
“A marvellous place in Tuscany”
Reviewed July 3, 2015
We spent a week of our Italian odyssey at Mario and Annalinda's earthly paradise, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, perfectly located between Siena and Florence (or more closely, between Certaldo and San Gimignano). While much of our time was spent touring, we set aside the better part of two days to just relax by the beautiful swimming pool and in our extremely spacious and perfectly furnished apartment on the first (Canadian second) floor of this lovingly converted farmhouse. Our hosts were hospitable, warm and friendly, and even prepared a scrumptious dinner for their guests one evening. It was what we had expected, and much, much more.
Guten Tag Frau Röhrig,
letzte Woche sind wir wohlbehalten aus Italien zurückgekehrt. Deshalb an dieser Stelle eine kurze Rückmeldung, die für sie sicher von Interesse ist: Das Anwesen von Mario war wunderschön, das Haus, Garten und Lage haben uns ausserordentlich gut gefallen. Mario selbst war stets ansprechbar wenn nötig und hat auch montags eine nette Dinnerrunde mit allen Gästen organisiert. Die Einrichtung war völlig ok, und jeden Abend haben wir in der gemütlichen Küche umfangreich gekocht und geplaudert. Alles in allem sehr gepflegt mit Liebe zum Detail. Da kommen wir sicher gerne wieder.
Mit freundlichem Gruss und Dank für die exzellente Auswahl,
T. Reuper, Oktober 2009
I would like to provide some feedback about the property in Tuscany. We found the accommodation absolutely wonderful, and the owners Mario and Annalinda were lovely and charming, making us feel very welcome. The owners were very proud of their rose gardens and they had every right to be, the grounds were immaculate. I just wanted to express our pleasure at the property, and very much hope the owners are in still in contact with you for future bookings.
Best regards,
J. Pichler, July 2007
Amenities
Touring ideas
S. Gimignano 6 km
Certaldo 6 km
Colle Val d'Elsa 20 km
Florence 45 km
Siena 45 km
Pisa 80 km
Livorno (coast) 85 km
Bologna 150 km
HOLIDAY HOME AMENITIES
- Pool: 6 x 12m / shared pool
- Air conditioning in all apartments
- Internet WIFI connection
- Satellite TV
- Fridge with freezer
- 4 ring gas hob
- Oven or microwave
- Dishwasher
- Electric kettle
- Electric filter coffee machine
- Toaster
- Fan in all bedrooms
- Hair dryer
For communal use:
- Laundry with washing machine, iron and ironing board
- Pizza oven and barbecue area
- Several outdoor areas in the garden
- Toys for children in the garden
- Parking inside the property
Photos
Activities
The next restaurant and a bar is approx. 1 km away - you could walk there. Here in the country there are numerous excellent trattorias. In this region you can try out a different speciality restaurant every evening.
The helpful owners of the house speak English and French and will provide you with good tips. They can book for you the main art galleries (Uffizi, Accademia, Pitti, etc.). Furthermore they have a special agreement with a nearby (4 km) wellness centre for a 20% discount on the daily entry and on all the beauty treatments.
The medieval towers of San Gimignano are only 6 km away. Just as close is the less well-known, small walled town of Certaldo. A cable car goes up to the romantic ancient quarter on the hilltop. In Certaldo you will find a large supermarket, all necessary shops and several restaurants.
The property's location only 6 km from the railway station of Certaldo is a good base to visit Florence and Siena even without a car: You can park your car in Certaldo (parking next to the railway station) and take the train in both directions. During the week, trains to Florence/Siena and back go regularly (approx. every 1.5 or 2 hours). The train ride takes less than an hour. In Florence the train will take you to the main train station which is right in the centre of Florence - it is just a short walk from the station "Santa Maria Novella" to the Cathedral or the Uffizi. In Siena the railway station is located approx. 3 km from centre, and you have to take a bus to reach the old town on top of the hill.
Sports: wellness centre with sauna 4 km, tennis court 6 km, riding stable 10 km, golf course Castelfalfi 25 km, golf course Ugolino 40 km. In the surrounding woods there are marked trekking paths. One hour of driving takes you to the sea.
Map
Please note: the Google Maps are only approximative, the exact address will be given after finalized booking.
Choose your holiday home
SOTTO
- Sleeps 2+2 Guests
- Floor area sq m 80 m2 m2
- WiFi
- Terrace
- 1 living-dining room with kitchen (4-ring gas hob, oven, fridge, freezer, dishwasher)
- 1 living room with sofa bed for 2 people
- 1 double bedroom
- 1 bathroom (with shower and bathtub)
Sotto is a ground floor apartment with seperate entrance and terrasse in front of the apartment. The kitchen and the living room have an exit to the terrace each.
07 Sep 2025 - 31 Dec 2025
990 EUR €
1090 EUR €
SOPRA
- Sleeps 3 Guests
- Floor area sq m 52 m2 m2
- WiFi
- Air con
- Terrace
- 1 open plan living-dining room with kitchenette (4-ring gas hob, fridge with built-in freezer, microwave, dishwasher)
- 1 double bedroom with access to a panoramic balcony
- 1 single bedroom (available at extra charge)
- 1 bathroom (with shower)
Sopra is located on the first floor. The panoramic balcony measures approx. 6 sqm, has a beautiful country view and is equipped with table and chairs for al fresco dining. If the apartment is rented at the price for 2 people, the single bedroom will be closed.
07 Sep 2025 - 31 Dec 2025
910 EUR €
980 EUR €
TRE
- Sleeps 2+1 Guests
- Floor area sq m 51 m2 m2
- WiFi
- Air con
- 1 open plan living-dining room with kitchenette (4-ring gas hob, fridge with built-in freezer, microwave)
- 1 double bedroom (a single bed can be added on request)
- 1 bathroom (with shower)
Tre is located on the first floor. The apartment has a beautiful country view.
07 Sep 2025 - 31 Dec 2025
820 EUR €
850 EUR €
QUATTRO
- Sleeps 2 Guests
- Floor area sq m 45 m2 m2
- WiFi
- Air con
- 1 open plan living-dining room with kitchenette (4-ring gas hob, fridge with built-in freezer, microwave)
- 1 double bedroom
- 1 bathroom (with shower)
Quattro is located on the first floor. The apartment has a beautiful country view.
07 Sep 2025 - 31 Dec 2025
820 EUR €
850 EUR €
Weekly rates in €
| Podere al Prato | 01. Jan 2025 - 01 Jun 2025 07 Sep 2025 - 31 Dec 2025 |
01 Jun 2025 - 07 Sep 2025 |
Availability | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SOTTO
2+2
PAX 2
|
990 EUR € | 1090 EUR € | Calendar | Request BookingSOTTO | ||
|
SOPRA
3
PAX 2
|
910 EUR € | 980 EUR € | Calendar | Request BookingSOPRA | ||
|
TRE
2+1
PAX 2
|
820 EUR € | 850 EUR € | Calendar | Request BookingTRE | ||
|
QUATTRO
2
PAX 2
|
820 EUR € | 850 EUR € | Calendar | Request BookingQUATTRO |
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RENT INCLUDES
- Bed, bath and kitchen linens
- Pool towels
- Electricity
- Air conditioning
- Heating (with responsible use)
- Internet WIFI connection
- Baby bed on request when booking
- Pool cleaning
EXTRAS
- Shared washing machine: please check price on the premises.
- Additional bed in Sotto (no matter if used by one or two people): EUR 100 per week
- Additional bed in Tre: EUR 100 per week
- Single bedroom in Sopra: EUR 100 per week
- Final cleaning: EUR 30 per apartment
SECURITY DEPOSIT
EUR 150 per apartment cash deposit are due on arrival.
NOTES
- Reservations from Saturday to Saturday are prefered.
- Flexible travel dates are considered: price on request.
- During the cold winter months the Sotto apartment is not available.
- Pool opening dates: May 1st - September 30th