Foresteria Il Giardino di Fontarronco

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to Foresteria Il Giardino di Fontarronco – honestly, the name’s a bit of a mouthful and the address just says “Loc.Chiana 255” which sounds pretty remote. But once you wind through those narrow Tuscan roads past Alberoro (blink and you’ll miss the village), you’ll understand why this place has such a stellar reputation. The property sits tucked away in what feels like your own private corner of Chianti country, and I mean that literally – there’s this incredible garden that sprawls out behind the main building where you can actually hear the silence, if that makes sense. No traffic, no city hum, just birds and the occasional rustle of olive trees.

The whole place has this lived-in elegance that’s hard to fake. The rooms aren’t huge by American standards, but they’re thoughtfully designed with local materials – think exposed beams, terracotta floors that stay cool even in summer, and windows that frame the surrounding hills like paintings. What really got me was the attention to details that actually matter: proper reading lights (thank you!), bathrooms with decent water pressure, and – this is key for the area – excellent WiFi that doesn’t cut out when everyone’s trying to upload their sunset photos. The owners clearly know their stuff because they’ve managed to maintain that authentic Tuscan feel without making you sacrifice modern comforts. I stayed in late September when the weather was still warm but not brutal, and honestly, I spent most evenings on my little terrace watching the light change over the vineyards.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about staying here: it’s about a 15-minute drive to Montevarchi if you need actual shops or restaurants, though the on-site dining is surprisingly good – they source a lot locally and the wine selection obviously leans heavy on regional bottles. Parking is easy (rare for Italy!), and the staff genuinely seems to enjoy helping guests figure out the best back roads to avoid tourist crowds in places like Greve or Radda. The 9.4 rating isn’t just inflated review scores – this place earns it through consistency and that increasingly rare quality of feeling like you’re staying somewhere special rather than just convenient. Fair warning though: if you’re looking for nightlife or want to walk to dinner, this isn’t your spot. But if you want to wake up to mist rolling over vineyards and spend your days exploring hill towns without fighting for parking spots, well, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better base than this little sanctuary tucked away in the Tuscan countryside.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $125. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $125. Apartment – Ground Floor with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $153. Apartment with Garden View with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $153. Apartment – Ground Floor with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $166. Apartment – Split Level with 1 double bed, 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $166. Apartment – Split Level with 1 double bed, 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $207. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $210. Apartment – Ground Floor with 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $278. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 3 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 7

Reviews

• I will come back here soon! – Anna from Poland – 4 May 2024 (10/10)

  The property is so beautiful, it is from 17th century and has its unique style. Marian was very nice and helpful, recommended us the best oil factory. There is a baker coming every day with fresh corneetto. Probably it is the best hotel I’ve stayed in.

• Beautiful home base in Tuscany, I would absolutely come back and I definitely recommend it! – Blum from United States – 1 April 2024 (10/10)

  The property is gorgeous, there were plum trees with pink flowers during our stay in late March. We had dinner in the restaurant a few times after long days of driving around Tuscany and it was such a comfort. It was the perfect home base. Marian and Luca were incredible and always available!

• Great place and great staff, made for a great week. – Ronnie from France – 15 July 2023 (8/10)

  Very well kept, very functional and very accommodating/helpful staff. Good size of our accommodation, and well working kitchen. The pool was great.
  
  What could be improved: We had around 35 degrees all week and it was quite hot inside from time to time. No aircon, but fans were provided that helped. Eastern Tuscany is great but good to know that you are a bit further from some of the most known areas.

• We had a great time there. Big thanks to Gabrielle., the best host ever. he helped us with suggestions what to do, where – Nataša from Slovenia – 13 July 2023 (10/10)

  A beautiful old house. comfortably furnished. Large rooms, each with its own bathroom. more than enough space for 11 people. Kids also used the pool, although the weather was not really nice at the end of April.
  The estate is surrounded by orchards, not what you expect in Tuscany, but very beautiful. We received fresh food and homemade juice as a welcome.

• TOP place to stay. – Tomas from Czech Republic – 12 July 2023 (10/10)

  Absolutely TOP place! Beautifull location, great apartment, very nice pool for kids, very friendly and helpful staff (thanks Gabriele for everything). This place has everything.
  
  What could be improved: I could not think of anything. We were absolutely happy over there. Loved it.

• An amazing stay at Foresteria Il Giardino di Fontarocco! We will definitely be back. – Natasha from Australia – 6 July 2023 (10/10)

  Beautiful grounds, large and spacious apartment, amazing staff, delicious dinner.

• Exceptional – Jennifer from Sweden – 5 July 2023 (10/10)

  Loved everything! Wonderful environment, friendly staff and beautiful apartment.

• Exceptional – Tjerk from Netherlands – 2 July 2023 (10/10)

  The Foresteria is a beautiful, calm and quiet agriturismo where you will truly experience an environment to wind down. The apartment was comfortable, the pool and garden are beautiful and very well maintained, and the restaurant is very good. Gabriele, the host and man that wears a thousand hats around the Agriturismo, really makes your stay even better with his happiness, willingness to help and great tips for things to do. The Agriturismo is located perfectly, with a lot of sights around Tuscany within 45-60 minutes. We really enjoyed our stay!
  
  What could be improved: – The kitchen equipment is really really basic. There are two small electric burners, but all the pans are too large so you cannot really fit two pans simultaneously.
  – The apartment could be cleaned a bit better. It is not unhygienic, but it was not really clean on the ceilings and under the furniture

• Magical stay ✨ – Noah from Netherlands – 17 June 2023 (10/10)

  This place was absolutely magical. It was everything I expected to be and even better.
  
  Our Host Gabriel is an amazing, sweet, kind and passionate person. He made our stay 1000 times better. He could tell us everything about Tuscany, the food, the wine, the little cities. he has so much passion for everything and nothing is too much.
  
  Later on, I heard it wasn’t even his house but from friends. He just works there, if I was the owner, i would be so gratefull to have him.
  
  If we ever get married, we would definitely rent the whole place. Can’t wait to refer friends and come back next year.
  
  PS: The restaurant was amazing and cozy as well.
  
  Thank you so much for an unbelievable stay ❤️✨
  
  What could be improved: –

• Exceptional – Aleksandra from Poland – 9 May 2023 (10/10)

  Foresteria is magical. It is a very Tuscan house surrounded by beautiful areas. I would like to give special thanks to great staff on spot, in particular Gabriele who was great host and made us feel the Tuscan atmosphere. For sure we would love to come back and we will recommend this place to others!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities