We stayed in the Il Caminetto flat for 6 nights mid-July with our two boys ages 3 and 6. We specifically chose Podere Patrignone because we thought it would be very family friendly and we weren't disappointed! The facilities were exactly what we needed, plus more. Simone, Verity and Carla were always so helpful and friendly. If you have the opportunity to dine at Podere Patrignone, don't miss it! Verity will give you one of the best Tuscan-style feasts you will experience on your holiday. If you haven't sampled enough Chianti Classicos, Super Tuscans and Brunellos in your daily travels, not to worry, Simon has his own selections available to you for purchase (in addition to cold beer if that's what you fancy). The overally feel of the property was tranquil and relaxing...even with a 3 year old and 6 year old boy. There were loads of other people staying there, but it never felt like you were crowded. You'd pass by the odd guest and it was always lovely to meet them. In terms of location, we loved where PP was situated. We had our GPS loaded and ready to head out in a different direction each day for family adventures. If my 6-year old's tears are any testament to how incredible Podere Patrignone is, there were tears...lots of tears. If it was up to him, we'd be going back next week.

We adored our stay in Le Stalle, a two-bedroom apartment in the main building. We travelled with three boys (14, 12 and 6) and all of us loved every minute of our stay. Our hosts, Simon and Verity and their three sons, provided a warm, personal welcome. Nothing was too much trouble and we honestly felt like we were staying with family friends. The views are so exquisite, and the setting so authentically Tuscan, that it was hard to tear ourselves away to visit the surrounding countryside and villages. The accommodation, while not 5-star luxury, was comfortable, clean, pretty, and provided plenty of space for the five of us. It had a very well stocked kitchen/dining area and we appreciated the wine, bread, jam, cheese, etc., that greeted us on our arrival. A highlight of our stay was the special meal, served in the gorgeous, cool, old olive pressing room, in which approximately 20 (or more) guests shared Verity's wonderful home cooking and celebrated the birthdays of three guests, including our six-year old's! Such a treat. We will definitely return to Podere Patrignone when we next in Tuscany and can give a whole-heartedly positive recommendation,

If you are looking for a quiet and authentic place to stay in the Tuscan countryside, consider Podere Patrignone. Simon and Verity will welcome you with homemade bread, local meats and cheeses, fresh fruit, and olive oil made right there on the property. The rooms are decorated in lovely styles, the pool is private and overlooks vineyards and olive groves, and the roses, rosemary hedges and lavender fragrance the air. Enjoy a vacation that leaves you relaxed and renewed. And don't forget to ask your hosts for tips on what to see. They will give you a whole book with info and ideas.

Our stay at Villa Patrignone worked so well for us. We have two boys who were then 9 and 7 and we were slightly concerned they might get bored. However the family who own the farm also have two boys, who were delightful, and two wonderful dogs, who the family generously share with any visitors who are interested. The service was excellent from the owners, Simon and Verity. They were very accessible during our stay to give advice, feed us fantastic food, make us feel extremely welcome. But you could also have total privacy there if you prefer. There are several child friendly spots around the farm which are fun to explore, not to mention the pool itself. Equally the site is so large, those without children could easily keep away from other people's! It was a very practical place to stay with wireless access, a help yourself honesty bar, book swapping, a well-equipped villa and very child friendly grounds. Off site were of course walks / runs, wine tasting, fabulous restaurants, markets, close to Florence and Sienna, an hour from the beach and a good value water park. We were there for the last two weeks of August and the weather was perfectly warm. What I liked best is that somehow it was almost like visiting friends because Simon and Verity are so easy going, we immediately felt at home and relaxed there.

Il Caminetto was lovely, quite a small space but felt spacious due to the long corridor and large bedrooms.It also had a small balcony, which was lovely to sit out in the evenings, and a courtyard outside with a snug sofa which would often be visited by Miao the cat and the two dogs, Charlie and Lola. Il Caminetto was very very old and atmospheric with thick stone walls and wooden beams. Charming decor and helpful mosquito nets over the beds which added to the romantic atmosphere. The children adored their bedroom which was fresh and pretty and with plenty of room to play. Bathrooms were small and basic but had everything you needed and were spotlessly clean - as was the rest of the apartment. The apartment was also extremely well stocked with cooking utensils and crockery and felt very homely - books on the shelves and nice pictures on the walls, a lovely fireplace. It was not the ritz, but extremely well set up and comfortable for the relatively low price we paid for the apartment. We also were welcomed by a freshly baked loaf of bread, home made jam and fresh fruit and tomatoes from the garden - Heaven! The best thing is the farm itself - the views and walks around the grounds were absolutely stunning and we had the privilege of observing wild boar running around the bottom of the olive grows from our safe viewing spot in the covered barbecue area at the top of the hill (just outside our apartment). We were well looked after by the lovely dogs, Charlie and Lola, who made the holiday for our two children. The dogs are extremely well trained and friendly, without being 'jumpy' or too demanding! Verity and Simon, our very friendly hosts, could not have been nicer or more helpful. And their children were great. They made us feel part of the family very quickly and we could not have had a more enthusiastic welcome. We felt as if we had known them for ages after about five minutes. On our first night, we were invited by them to go for pizza at the local pizza place with some of the other guests and their children, which was a great start to the holiday and lots of fun. There were two or three families who came and stayed whilst we were there, which really added to the congenial atmosphere and certainly helped to keep our children occupied. If you were looking for a private retreat with no children, this would not be for you, but if you were looking for a sociable, family friendly environment then I could not recommend Podere Patrignone more. We had delicious food cooked for us one evening by Verity (worthy of a five star restaurant) and that wonderful evening enabled us to get to know the other guests. What's nice about Podere is there is enough space and little nooks and crannies so that you can be quite private, but there is always a chance to socialise with other people around the pool or having a drink on the terrace in the evening. There are not a huge number of rooms or apartments either so it is never crowded. We will definitely come back!

We actually stayed in another of their three 2-bedroom apartments, La Terrazza which was recommended to us by friends in the United States. This lovely flat was an amazing space for our family of 5. All of our needs were met! It was extremely clean, quiet within the house (but you could find activity outside if you wanted to), very comfortable with enough space for our kids (ages 12, 15 & 18), with an appropriate sized kitchen and sitting area. On top of that, when the temperature outside reached the 90’s, it was extremely comfortable in our apartment as the stone building was naturally self-cooling. What a delight on a warm day! In addition to this fabulous, terraced -apartment, Verity and Simon, the proprietors, were very friendly and helpful. All of this AND beautiful outdoor surroundings! The grounds were a gardener’s dream. The view of the Tuscany hills extraordinary and the clean pool was a lot of fun. When it was time to leave, we couldn’t think of one suggestion to make our stay better. It was heavenly and we would go back again and again.

If you are looking for a quiet, authentic, rustic Tuscany getaway with great views and gracious hosts, Podere Patrignone will not disappoint you at all. We had never travelled to Tuscany before and were looking for a quaint villa centrally located that we could use as a base to travel to many of the hill towns. We travelled with our friends who were also celebrating their 30th and the four of us shared a two bedroom two bath "apartment" with its own private entry. Simon and Verity, the proprietors, were there when we needed advice and directions, but also respected our privacy. Their dogs, Lola and Charlie, would be waiting to greet us upon our return from day and evening trips. It was like concerned parents waiting for their kids to return. They were special hosts in their own way. We were there for 6 days and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Watching the sunsets poolside with a good bottle of Chianti from the honor bar and enjoying the home cooked authentic Italian dinner that Verity prepared are two of the great memories we came home with. Simon and Verity, thank you. You made our 30th anniversary very special and one we will remember forever.

Podere Patrignone is a beautifully rustic, rambling farmhouse, secluded in its own woods. There are a number of properties for rent within the complex, from compact and bijou, to spacious and open, all with their own particular charm. It makes a wonderful base for touring, being within easy reach of Florence, many Tuscan hilltowns and villages, and stunning Sienna. Simon and Verity are charming, helpful and very friendly hosts, as are their family, and of course, their dogs!! The weekly "home cooked" meal is a great opportunity to sample Verity`s cooking, and meet your fellow guests. The position of the complex within the landscape, is superb, and there are wonderful views from the terrace and pool area, over surrounding olive groves and vineyards. There are a number of excellent restaurants within very easy reach, where local food and wine can be enjoyed. I would also suggest visiting local wine producers, of which there are many. My wife and I have stayed at Patrignone for two weeks, in both 2011 and 2012, and we would not hesitate to recommend this lovely destination. Do not be expecting a five star hotel, that is not what Patrignone is about!! It is, as Simon says, a work in progress. However, I fail to see how a stay here, could ever disappoint. Truly Tuscan in every sense.

We spent five glorious days at Patrignone. We loved the location, perfect for visiting many of the small towns, and also Florence and Siena. Our 2 bedroom villa was beautiful, and everything we could have wanted. We especially enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of Simon and Verity, and their three sons. It made the holiday extra special. We will definitely be back.

We went with friends who had been here many years ago and they had told us how wonderful it was. We were not disappointed. What a marvellous place. We were welcomed by our hosts and very friendly dogs. Unpacked we went down to the pool to cool off, and saw the amazing views. The rooms are a generous size, all ensuite. The kitchen had everything we needed including bread, meat, coffee, estate olive oil and a bottle of wine which we could refill at the honesty bar. This proved very useful! An evening meal for everyone during the week proved great for everyone, no driving and ample wine. Local restaurants with great food are not far away. Good location for sightseeing, being near Florence, Sienna and local villages with interesting markets. Take a walk early in the morning before it gets too hot, you won't get lost as the dogs will show you the way. Our hosts were very discreet, but always there when needed and very helpful. Hope to return again.