Podere Il Belvedere su Cortona

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – I stumbled across Podere Il Belvedere almost by accident while driving through the Tuscan countryside, and it’s one of those happy mistakes that makes you believe in travel serendipity. The name literally means “beautiful view,” and once you wind up the gravel road to this converted farmhouse in Località Brolio, you’ll understand why someone bothered to call it that. From the terrace, you’re looking out over rolling hills that seem to stretch forever, with Cortona perched on its hilltop in the distance like something out of a Renaissance painting. The location is actually perfect if you want to explore this part of Tuscany – you’re technically in Castiglion Fiorentino, which most tourists skip entirely (their loss), but you’re close enough to hit all the main spots without dealing with the crowds.

What really got me was how genuine everything feels here. The owners clearly put thought into converting this old farmhouse without losing its character – thick stone walls, terra cotta floors that stay cool even in summer, and these beautiful wooden beams that creak just enough to remind you you’re in a centuries-old building. The rooms are spacious in that old Italian way, with high ceilings and windows that actually open (you know what I mean if you’ve stayed in too many modern hotels). I particularly loved the attention to details… hand-painted ceramics in the bathrooms, local artwork on the walls, and honestly some of the most comfortable beds I’ve encountered in Italy. The pool area is where you’ll probably spend your afternoons – it’s positioned to catch the best light, surrounded by olive trees and lavender that fills the air with this incredible scent, especially in the evenings.

Here’s the thing about staying here though – you really need a car. The nearest village is about a 10-minute drive, and while that isolation is part of the charm, it means you’ll be planning your restaurant trips and grocery runs. But that’s also what makes it special, you know? You’re actually staying in the Tuscan countryside, not just visiting it during day trips. The breakfast alone is worth the stay – fresh pastries, local cheeses, and coffee that’s strong enough to wake the dead, all served on that terrace with the view. I mean, there’s something magical about starting your day looking out over vineyards and cypress-lined roads while planning which hill town to explore next. The staff genuinely cares about your experience too, which isn’t always a given at smaller places – they’ll recommend restaurants locals actually go to, not just the touristy spots, and they somehow remember exactly how you like your morning cappuccino by day two. If you’re looking for that authentic Tuscan experience without the crowds of Siena or Florence, this is exactly the kind of place you book for three nights and end up wishing you’d stayed a week.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $109. Standard Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $109. Apartment with Garden View with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $123. Maisonette with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $123. Apartment with Pool View with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $136. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $136. Penthouse Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $164. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Great Views, Great Hosts, Great Stay! – Robert from Germany – 17 June 2025 (10/10)

  The house is up on a hill with amazing views all around. It has a big garden and a huge pool with plenty of sunbeds — perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring little Italian towns and vineyards.
  It’s great for families with kids because there’s so much space to run around. We traveled as a couple, but even with kids around, it felt spacious and peaceful — we rarely felt disturbed.
  The apartments are really big, nicely furnished, super clean, and have everything you need.
  Best of all, the hosts — Max and his wife — are just lovely people. Super friendly and always happy to help, whether it’s parking in Florence or finding a quick espresso nearby.
  Breakfast was amazing — fresh cakes, fruit, and everything you could want to start the day.
  
  We’ll definitely be back!

• Fabulous property, hosts and location. – Peter from United Kingdom – 6 June 2025 (10/10)

  We had a fabulous ten night stay in a two bedroom ground floor apartment overlooking the garden.
  The owners and hosts, Max and Pamela, ensured we had the most wonderful stay and were available for anything we needed. They are lovely people and we thoroughly enjoyed their company.
  The apartment was even bigger than it appears in the pictures, spotlessly clean, very comfortable beds and amazing countryside views all around. The large pool was perfect for swimming or just relaxing and soaking up the spectacular scenery.
  The location is perfect; very central for exploring central and southern Tuscany.
  The optional breakfast was superb. There was a selection of juices, coffee, cold meats and cheeses and pastries. Pamela's scrambled eggs are the best and her home made cakes and pastries were equally delicious.
  We were sad to leave and highly recommend staying here.
  
  What could be improved: N/A.

• Go there, you won't regret it! – I from Slovenia – 2 June 2025 (10/10)

  The setup, the host, the location. Excellent strategic position to see a lot of historic and art places nearby. Everything was working and Max is one of the best hosts I stayed with! Thank you for being there and for very nice chats we had,

• Exceptional – Tomasz from Poland – 31 May 2025 (10/10)

  We had a wonderful stay in a fantastic place. The property and house are very well maintained—cozy and spotless. The view from the garden is beautiful. Breakfasts and coffee were absolutely delicious. The hosts were incredibly kind, and Max became our daughter’s favorite 🙂 Thank you for an amazing holiday. We highly recommend this place! Special greetings from Iza 😉
  
  What could be improved: Everything was perfect 🙂

• Exceptional – Janneke from Netherlands – 18 September 2024 (10/10)

  Massimiliano and Pamela are lovely people and make you feel at home right away. The garden with the pool is amazing and you have great views! The breakfast is very good!
  
  What could be improved: –

• Beautiful house with great views and lovely garden. Great hosts. – Alena from United Kingdom – 25 July 2024 (10/10)

  Everything was wonderful. Beautiful Clean swimming pool.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great

• The host made our stay so special and comfortable. The breakfast here is the most amazing thing! We recommend to everyon – Radoslav from Serbia – 3 July 2024 (10/10)

  The property is whole made in a beautiful Tuscany style. It made us feel like we’re in a fairytale. The location is amazing, with nice view and even more beautiful sunsets. It was really easy to access all the cities around and visit everything we wanted. The pool was clean and nice for swimming. And the breakfast was super delicious!
  
  What could be improved: We liked absolutely everything!

• Exceptional – Alexandru from Romania – 1 July 2024 (10/10)

  One of the best stays we had, wonderful experience and our hosts were the greatest. Magnificent views, lovely property, the pool, the apartment, the facilities, all were top.
  Thank you Max for making us feel like home ! For sure we will return !

• Superb – David from United Kingdom – 29 May 2024 (9/10)

  Mas very accommodating and friendly
  Very peaceful. , lovey area
  Great swimming g pool
  Very central to visit local city sites
  Very kind to our dog Barney
  
  What could be improved: Hard to find on Initial book In
  Italian drivers up your back side
  Not very tollerant

• I strongly recommend this place if someone is looking for genuine Toscane atmosphere. Also the host is very friendly and – Wojciech from Poland – 5 May 2024 (10/10)

  Genuine Toscane atmosphere
  
  What could be improved: I liked everything

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities