An elegant alternative, Il Castagno an agriturismo

Entry by guest blogger: Lee Robinson

Charming Il Castagno is located just north of Siena in the southern part of Chianti, and is accessible directly from the SS #222 making it very convenient and a tranquil retreat after a long day of Tuscan exploration.    

This quite new agriturismo is beautifully sited on small headland overlooking a broad valley.  The layout of this country inn is a cluster of four stone buildings reminiscent of a tiny hill town.  A wide walkway from the parking area past the cantina and its terrace runs between the buildings which house the accommodations, and ends in an overlook.   A stunning pool terrace is just below, but the star is a breathtaking panoramic view of farms and wineries.

Rooms here are unusually large and quite elegantly decorated for an agriturismo.  And the luxurious tile bathrooms are also very spacious and even have heated floors.  Two suites on a lower level each have a separate green space artfully separated from by hedges and wisteria.

Ginevra and Paolo are gracious and accommodating hosts.  Paulo makes a delicious continental breakfast each morning, and fusses over his gorgeous roses which are prolific and in continuous bloom.  Ginevra ensures their guests are well cared for; and she even went the proverbial extra mile assisting us in getting Allegra an ambulance to Siena University Ospaedale, and later helped to decipher the doctor’s orders and prescriptions for us and the pharmacist.  We can’t thank her enough for the efficient and gentle care she gave us during a rather terrifying few hours