Borgo Villa Certano – Case Vacanza in Toscana

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Borgo Villa Certano? The silence. I mean, you’re only about 15 minutes from Siena’s centro storico, but driving up that winding Strada Di Certano feels like you’re entering another century entirely. The property sits on this hillside where you can actually hear the wind through the olive trees – sounds cheesy, but it’s genuinely peaceful in a way that makes you realize how much city noise you’ve been carrying in your shoulders.

The whole setup is basically what every American dreams Tuscany should look like, except it’s real and lived-in rather than Instagram-perfect. These are actual converted farmhouses, not some developer’s idea of rustic charm. The stone walls have that weathered honey color that only comes from centuries of sun and rain, and honestly, the interiors manage to feel both authentically old and surprisingly comfortable. I stayed in one of the larger units during late September – perfect timing, actually, because the summer crowds had thinned out but the weather was still warm enough for morning coffee on the terrace. Speaking of which, each place has its own outdoor space, which matters more than you’d think when you’re planning those long Italian breakfasts.

What really sold me on this place was how the owner, this local guy who clearly knows every vintner and restaurant owner within a 20-kilometer radius, just casually mentioned the best times to visit the Saturday market in Siena (early, before 9 AM, and park near Porta Camollia). These are the kinds of details you’d never get from a big hotel chain. The kitchen setups are actually functional too – I made pasta twice and didn’t feel like I was cooking in a dollhouse. There’s something deeply satisfying about shopping at the little alimentari in nearby Sovicille (maybe 10 minutes down the hill) and then preparing dinner while looking out over those rolling hills that seem to go on forever. The Wi-Fi works fine, which I mention because rural Tuscany can be hit-or-miss on that front, and there’s decent parking – important if you’re planning to explore the region properly.

The rating makes sense when you consider what you’re getting: it’s not luxury in the marble-bathroom sense, but it’s the kind of place where you might find yourself extending your stay just to have one more evening watching the sunset paint those cypress-lined hilltops. During harvest season (late September into October), you’ll wake up to the sound of tractors in the distance and that slightly sweet smell of fermenting grapes that seems to hang in the air. Fair warning though – you’ll want a car here, because while the location is magical, it’s not exactly walkable to restaurants or shops.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $285. Apartment with Garden View with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $285. Penthouse Apartment with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• I’m very happy with our stay and our family also. I would love to return to this place again. – Karla from United States – 11 July 2025 (10/10)

  This was a beautiful destination in Siena a medieval town full of vibrant people and culture. The property was 15 minutes from the main center of town of Siena, easily reached by cab. The villa is a beautiful building built around 12th century. It is impeccable maintained, with today’s comforts, shower/hot water, kitchen, in a rustic environment. We loved the scenery looking out the windows and see in the Tuscan hillside. We were so lucky the caretaker Graciela set up our outdoor dining table with white table cloth and candles right in the Vineyard. We felt pretty special.
  
  What could be improved: We were surprised that there was no air conditioning but they provided fans in the villa. We were there during end of June and it was very hot. The beds would use an upgrade, they were not very comfortable, maybe adding new mattresses.

• Relaxing, tranquil stay in the gorgeous Tuscan countryside – Addison from United States – 27 March 2025 (10/10)

  The location was wonderful! If you don’t have a rental car, the villa and Siena are accessible by bus or taxi. The receptionist was lovely and super helpful! The wine was excellent, the room was clean, and all of the facilities worked well.
  
  We enjoyed spending our mornings drinking coffee in the garden, listening to the birds, and petting the two cats!

• It was the best and exceeded our expectations!!! – Jansen from United States – 29 October 2024 (10/10)

  We absolutely loved the property!! ♥️ Villa Certano was a perfect fit for us! The view, the accommodations, the quiet surroundings, the working winery and a thoughtful bottle of their Chianti wine did not disappoint! We enjoyed Graciela, her kindness was endearing and her tour of the property was the best!! The 2 cats were adorable and latched onto us pretty quickly and we loved that, too!!
  Would definitely recommend to others and if we make it back to Siena, we would happily return them for another stay…maybe even longer next time!!
  Thank you for sharing your sweet place with us!!
  The Jansen’s from the USA,♥️

• Will definitely be back and stay longer – Sharon from South Africa – 11 August 2024 (9/10)

  Most amazing place to stay outside of Siena
  Beautiful sunsets. Lots of heritage and so much to do.
  Lovely staff that makes you feel special and welcome♥️

• Superb – Anika from South Africa – 16 June 2024 (9/10)

  Loved this little cottage with the most beautiful view.
  We just wanted to stay here and drink wine in the garden all day long.

• The location and the views were stunning – Lauma from Latvia – 19 August 2023 (9/10)

  Location, views, wine
  
  What could be improved: Bed was not very comfortable

• Exceptional – Astibr from Lithuania – 10 June 2023 (10/10)

  Very nice and helpful lady at reception, beautiful views with morning coffee, birds songs. Amazing place to stay 🙂

• Gorgeous views, comfortable stay in an historic villa near Siena – Valerie from United States – 25 April 2023 (10/10)

  Gorgeous views, great location near Siena, truly wonderful place to relax.
  
  What could be improved: We loved it all!

• Exceptional – Zeev from Israel – 15 October 2022 (10/10)

  Basically everything

• True Tuscan villa experience. – Natalia from Poland – 22 October 2024 (10/10)

  The whole property exceeded our expectations. The pictures don’t give justice! If you are looking for a true Tuscan villa experience look no more. Very friendly staff, close to Siena (15mins drive), amazing, tranquil atmosphere. Would DEFINITELY go back.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing was bad really! Just few warnings – the rooms have a rustic feel so don’t expect modern luxury. We loved though. And don’t make the same mistake we did and come without the car. You can definitely go around the countryside with a taxi but the whole experience would be much better with a rental!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities