La Capannina di Matteo

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about La Capannina di Matteo? It’s not actually in Tavarnelle proper – it’s tucked away on this quiet stretch of Strada della Pieve, which honestly made me wonder if my GPS was leading me astray. But that’s exactly what makes it special. The building has this weathered Tuscan charm that you can’t fake, and when Matteo (yes, the actual Matteo) greeted us at check-in, I immediately got why this place has a 9.6 rating. The man knows his stuff about the Chianti region, and within five minutes he’d sketched out a little map of his favorite vineyards that weren’t overrun with tour buses.

The rooms are what I’d call “thoughtfully rustic” – exposed beams that don’t feel like a theme park, thick stone walls that actually keep things cool during those brutal August afternoons, and beds that are seriously comfortable (I’m talking about the kind where you sleep through Italian church bells, which is saying something). What really got me was the attention to details that matter when you’re staying somewhere for more than just a night. The shower pressure is excellent, there’s actually enough outlets for your devices, and the little kitchenette area has proper coffee – not just those sad instant packets. The terrace off our room looked out over olive groves, and honestly, sitting there with morning coffee while the mist lifted off the hills… well, it’s the kind of moment that makes you understand why people fall in love with this part of Italy.

I mean, you’re perfectly positioned here for day trips – Florence is maybe 45 minutes if you avoid rush hour, and you can hit three different wine towns before lunch if that’s your thing. But here’s what the guidebooks won’t tell you: there’s this little family-run osteria about ten minutes walk down the hill that serves the best pici cacio e pepe I’ve had outside of Rome, and the morning farmer’s market in Tavarnelle (Saturdays only) is where locals actually shop, not just tourists buying overpriced truffle oil. Matteo pointed us toward both, along with a hiking trail that connects to the old pilgrimage route – it’s steep in parts but totally worth it for the views. The only minor thing I’d mention is that if you’re planning to explore on foot, bring decent walking shoes; those gravel paths can be tricky after rain, and the nearest proper town is definitely too far to walk to for dinner.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $152. Il Pollaio – One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $176. La Stalla – Two-Bedroom Apartment – Split Level with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $176. L’Aia – Two-Bedroom Apartment – Split Level with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $176. Il Cortile – Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $199. La Piccionaia – Three-Bedroom Apartment – Split Level with 1 large double bed and 2 × 2 single beds for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• A great little base to explore from. – Maggie from United Kingdom – 25 May 2025 (10/10)

  The facilities are in a great central location for touring many of Florence's beautiful towns and villages. It is very peaceful and within walking distance of a wonderful restaurant and lovely coffee & bakery shop. Information about the site itself and local amenities, along with great information about local places of interest, was readily available through Lisa, who met with us in person on arrival. Lisa followed up her warm welcome with WhatsApp messages containing links/GPS information. Check in/out was very relaxed and informal.
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing to dislike!

• Exceptional – Mihai from Romania – 29 March 2025 (10/10)

  The place is really nice. It has a very beautiful garden, a pool ( which was not used because of the period when we stayed ). The apartment that we booked was equipped with everything we needed. We really recommend this place and we personally think that we will come again.

• Countryside with coziness and confort. – Claudia from United States – 21 November 2024 (10/10)

  The property was very clean and cozy, it felt like being in a family place. Everyone is my group really enjoyed the property and it’s amenities, such as new appliances and potable water. The property manager, Lisa was amazing, very helpful and friendly. We appreciate the welcome goodies and safety. We loved our experience and definitely recommend this property!!! I would love to go back when I have the opportunity. Thank you for such loving place!
  
  What could be improved: We loved everything, it was perfect for my group.

• Perfect relaxing base to explore Tuscany – Scott from United Kingdom – 15 September 2024 (10/10)

  Peaceful, Friendly Helpful Staff, Welcome Supplies

• We will be back! – Jacob from Denmark – 7 August 2024 (10/10)

  Assigned sunbeds it just a great thing! Nice small own terrace with garden and own BBQ. Good kitchen, A/C was well working and silent! Water purifier to get clean water is a first, but really a nice thing. In 20 years of having vacation in Italy this one ends up on top 3! Close to city and restaurants in walking distance.
  
  What could be improved: Not much – really ticked all the boxes and then some!

• Fabulous – Shelley from New Zealand – 8 June 2024 (10/10)

  This is a fantastic property the people who run it really go out of their way for you.
  We had an outstanding stay and will be back 😍

• If I could move here, I would! – Mrs from Germany – 12 December 2023 (10/10)

  We had a wonderful week at La Capannina di Matteo, starting with excellent communication with Virginia in advance, and a very warm welcome from Isa on our arrival, plus an unexpected welcome basket of essentials: wine, water, tea, coffee, sugar, dishwasher tabs and detergents. This was very much appreciated as it meant not having to buy more than we were actually going to need. All the staff were polite, friendly and respectful. Virginia kept in touch via WhatsApp and was quick to organise a technician when we had a problem with the air-conditioning, and the delightful Isa always made time to stop for a chat when she did her morning rounds of the property, sharing useful tips, and recommending places to visit and to eat.
  
  Our apartment, L'Aia, had a nice seating area with barbecue by the front door, facing the garden and parking area concealed behind a hedge; the lounge area opened up onto a spacious side patio with huge citrus plants, overlooking the covered table-tennis area; one bedroom offered a view of the pool, large garden and olive grove at the back of the house; all lovingly maintained by a team of friendly gardeners. Whilst the two bedrooms upstairs, each with ensuite bathroom, were perfect for two couples, the lounge area downstairs had just one 2-seater couch. However, there was space to bring in two outdoor chairs to sit together comfortably on a cold evening, or to escape the mosquitos on a warm evening. Although 5 of the 6 apartments were occupied during our stay, we all seemed to enjoy the peace of the tranquil location, and plenty of privacy. In fact, we saw more of our neighbours at the local bar, where half the town pops in for breakfast, than we did at La Capannina!
  
  We loved the fact that recycling is encouraged here, with separate bins emptied regularly by the very diligent cleaning staff.
  
  What could be improved: (This is not meant as critique, I just ran out of space above!)
  
  Whilst Tavarnelle is not as picture-postcard pretty as most Tuscan towns, it is has everything you need in walking distance from La Capannina (bar/pasticceria, independent shops, restaurants, gelateria), and is ideally located for day-trips by bus or car.
  
  The only thing we missed in the otherwise very well equipped apartment was a chopping board/bread board, or perhaps a couple of extra plates for that purpose. The marble table under the stairs had to be used with caution by the taller members of the family, but when you've banged your head once, you remember to take extra care 😉
  
  All in all, we all loved our time at La Capannina and hope we can make it back there again very soon! Grazie a tutti!

• Exceptional – Nada from United States – 31 October 2023 (10/10)

  Excellent property with six apartments spread over two 2-story buildings. The apartment we stayed in, Aia, is a two story apartment with a living room and kitchen on the main level and 2 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms on 2nd level. The kitchen is well stocked, and the washing machine was great to have. The hot water is plentiful and super hot in the kitchen and showers. They provide lots of towels, and the beds and bedding are hotel quality in their comfort.
  
  There is lots of privacy in the outdoor seating area, and they have a nice system by the pool where each apartment has a small dedicated area with lounge chairs and a small table. We didn't bump into the folks staying here except by the pool.
  
  Very good support from the daytime on-site team. They were speedy to address my concern with wifi, which was fixed very fast. They have A/c and heat.
  
  Parking is easy and there is a bus station close by. It's a joy to walk to the really close local coffee place and then an easy walk into town to many shops, restaurants, vegetables, cheese and meat shops and the town piazza. The thursday market in town is a lot of fun to go to as well. Great location to explore tuscany and florence.
  
  What could be improved: Note they are close to the small town soccer stadium, which was a bit loud on Sunday. Weeknights kids practice on the fields but they aren't loud.

• Beautiful house with nice pool and on walking distance from restaurants – Simone from Netherlands – 2 August 2023 (10/10)

  We had a great time in La Capannina di Matteo! The apartment was spacious, clean, comfortable and had a nice terrace. Next to that the beds were comfortable and the pool was very clean and nice. Walking distance of good restaurants and a great bakery. We would definitely recommend to stay here. Employees Virginia and Isa were great, service was excellent, communication was very easy and really kind ladies.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Great base for vacation in beautiful Tuscany – Marcin from Poland – 28 May 2023 (10/10)

  Very kind hosts, making sure you are OK on whatsapp regularly, yet completely not intrusive
  Very comfortable, very well equipped and a big apartment arranged in a traditional Tuscan style
  Two levels with a living space downstairs and bedrooms on the floor, two bathrooms! (We stayed in a double bedroom part)
  Very clean
  Beautiful garden with a swimming pool and other attractions (playground for kids, table tennis)
  Car parking behind a closed gate with a remote control for opening the gate available with the keys
  Quiet and peaceful town, great base to visit Florence, Siena or San Gimignano (each 30-40 minutes by car)
  
  Even though the weather in the first day, when I took the photos was cloudy, the place was still beautiful, as it is for you to see. In the sunshine it looks even better.
  
  What could be improved: I can't really see anything

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities