Excellent 5 ^/5

Villa Quality:

5 ^/5

Villa Cleanliness:

5 ^/5

Location Of Villa:

5 ^/5

Kitchen:

3 ^/5

Bedrooms:

5 ^/5

Bathrooms:

5 ^/5

Nearby Area:

5 ^/5

Owner:

5 ^/5

Castle Montegufoni was outstanding. Some of the pluses:
- beautiful property with stunning hill-top views of the Tuscan countryside, without having to drive treacherous switch-back roads to get there (such roads are a-plenty in Tuscany).
- nice pool and well-kept, lovely grounds
- great location: 30 minute drive to Florence; 45 minute drive to San Gimignano; 60 minute drive to Pisa
- spacious, comfortable, spotlessly clean villa
- friendly, accomodating staff (I was encouraged to use the castle's computer for as long as I needed to book a side-trip to Venice, and they bent over backwards to take care of me when I needed some very minor first aid.)
- access to a modern washing machine that works well
- excellent price for what you get

I suggest staying in one of the villas apart from the main castle, as we did (our villa was no. 32). These villas are probably quieter, and you can drive right up to them to unload your suitcases, thereby avoiding the steep walk up the gravel hill with luggage.

The only less-than stellar aspect was the meal at the Castle's restaurant. It was good value: 24 euro for five courses. And you can't beat the ambience or the pleasure of enjoying the fine castle wine knowing that it's just a few steps to your villa. But we had better food elsewhere. I still think it's worth eating there one evening for the experience. For better food, I recommend:
Il Virginio in Anselmo, about 4 km from the castle.
Another good restaurant is at the end of Baccaiano. It's on the left side, near a large parking lot that looks like a park and ride. There's also a hotel there. If you start up the hill to Montespertoli, you've gone too far.

Would you recommend this property to a friend?  Yes

Submitted: 17 Jun 2010

Rental Week: 29 May 2010