La Capannina di Matteo
Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, ItalyYou 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 & Suites
Choose from 5 room types
| Room | Type | Beds | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Popular Il Pollaio - One-Bedroom Apartment | Max persons: 2 | 1 large double bed | From $152 /night |
| La Stalla - Two-Bedroom Apartment - Split Level | Max persons: 4 | 2 single beds, 1 large double bed | From $176 /night |
| L'Aia - Two-Bedroom Apartment - Split Level | Max persons: 4 | 2 single beds, 1 large double bed | From $176 /night |
| Il Cortile - Two-Bedroom Apartment | Max persons: 4 | 1 large double bed, 2 single beds | From $176 /night |
| La Piccionaia - Three-Bedroom Apartment - Split Level | Max persons: 6 | 1 large double bed, 2 x 2 single beds | From $199 /night |
Il Pollaio - One-Bedroom Apartment
Max persons: 2 1 large double bedLa Stalla - Two-Bedroom Apartment - Split Level
Max persons: 4 2 single beds, 1 large double bedL'Aia - Two-Bedroom Apartment - Split Level
Max persons: 4 2 single beds, 1 large double bedIl Cortile - Two-Bedroom Apartment
Max persons: 4 1 large double bed, 2 single bedsLa Piccionaia - Three-Bedroom Apartment - Split Level
Max persons: 6 1 large double bed, 2 x 2 single bedsHotel Amenities
Shops
Kitchen
Bathroom
Outdoors
Wellness
Transport
Activities
Living Area
Food & Drink
Miscellaneous
Outdoor & View
Room Amenities
Languages spoken
Cleaning services
Safety & security
Media & Technology
Reception services
Great for your stay
Building characteristics
Outdoor swimming pool Free!
Entertainment and family services
Other for your stay
Guest Reviews
What could be improved: There was nothing to dislike!
What could be improved: We loved everything, it was perfect for my group.
What could be improved: Not much - really ticked all the boxes and then some!
We had an outstanding stay and will be back 😍
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!
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.
What could be improved: Nothing
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
Location & Surroundings
What's Nearby
What's nearby:
- Campino18 km
- Poggione13 km
- Il Vallone13 km
- Rimembranza17 km
- Piazza Matteotti16 km
- Museo di Arte Sacra16 km
- Piazza della Repubblica12 km
- Chalet Parco di Canonica18 km
- Castello di Vicchiomaggio19 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant Borgo Antico100 m
- Restaurant La Vecchia Piazza550 m
- Cafe/bar Pasticceria Bagnoli Marco250 m
Public transport:
- Train Barberino Val d'Elsa13 km
- Train Poggibonsi - San Gimignano12 km
Closest airports:
- Florence Airport42 km
- Pisa International Airport86 km
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