Podere l’Ulivo

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Podere l’Ulivo? The name actually means “olive grove estate,” and honestly, that tells you everything you need to know about this place. It’s tucked away on Via delle Casine – one of those winding Tuscan roads where you’ll probably miss the turn the first time because you’re too busy gawking at the countryside. I mean, San Miniato isn’t exactly a household name like Florence or Siena, but that’s sort of the point. This is where you go when you want authentic Tuscany without fighting crowds for the perfect Instagram shot.

The property itself feels like someone’s elegant country home that they decided to share with the world. The rooms have that lived-in sophistication – you know, antique furniture that’s actually comfortable, not just pretty to look at. I stayed there during truffle season (San Miniato is famous for white truffles, by the way), and the whole area just buzzes with this quiet excitement. The staff actually knows the local truffle hunters, which gives you some serious insider access if you’re into that sort of thing. What really got me was how quiet it gets at night – no traffic noise, just the occasional rustle of those olive trees the place is named after. The 9.7 rating doesn’t surprise me at all; it’s one of those places where they’ve thought of everything without making a big show of it.

Here’s what you should know practically speaking: parking is easy (a relief after navigating those medieval town centers), and they’re genuinely helpful with dinner reservations – important because the good restaurants in San Miniato fill up, especially on weekends. The location puts you about 40 minutes from both Pisa and Florence, but honestly, you might not want to leave. There’s something about the rhythm of this place that just slows you down in the best way. The breakfast spread features local honey and preserves, and they’ll pack you a picnic if you’re planning to explore the surrounding hills. I’d avoid July and August if you’re not a fan of heat – those Tuscan summers can be intense – but spring and fall are absolutely perfect. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself sitting on the terrace with a glass of Chianti, watching the light change over the valley, and thinking this is exactly what you came to Italy for.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $281. Villa with Private Pool with 2 × 1 sofa bed and 8 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 12

Reviews

• Exceptional – Ada from Poland – 29 May 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing house located on a hill with stunning views. It was clean Well equipped, beds were comfortable. It’s even better in reality than in the pictures. We had an amazing time there! I hope we come back next year.

• Stunning house, amazing views – Molly from United Kingdom – 14 April 2025 (10/10)

  You will not regret booking this place! The house is absolutely stunning with 8 great sized bedrooms all with en suites, and plenty of room for a big group. The view from the property is so beautiful and the surrounding grounds are lovely. Alessandro, the owner, really went above and beyond for us, bringing us pastries for breakfast one morning and even giving us a lift into the town to pick up our hire car after it got a flat tyre. We can’t wait to come back again!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Perfect house for groups. Perfect location, close to stores, restaurants and towns. Great views.. – Carola from Sweden – 4 August 2024 (10/10)

  We bought and made our own breakfast. Food stores close by.

• Stunning Villa in the heart of Tuscany! – Natasha from United Kingdom – 14 September 2023 (9/10)

  The Villa is stunning, with 360 views of Tuscany. You can watch the sun rise and set over the mountains, its truly magical. Each room is equally as nice and have their own bathroom. In 30 minutes you can walk to the train station (although its a pretty big hill up so I would reccomend a car) In 25 mins walk you can reach the beautiful town of San Miniato and the supermarket. Beautiful location, we had an amazing time.
  
  What could be improved: We did have issues with the pool but the host is amazing and very communicative and sorted it right away.

• Exceptional – Beverley from United Kingdom – 11 September 2022 (10/10)

  Beautiful home in a wonderful location. All bedrooms are en-suite, comfortable and lovely and clean with great air-conditioning and more importantly the most amazing views of of the countryside, San Miniato and clear star studded skies. This is a fabulous house for get togethers and parties as it has a lovely terrace with incredible views. The pool is glorious in the heat of high summer in Tuscany and the hosts are absolutely charming, thank you for our stay!
  
  What could be improved: Everything was lovely!

• Exceptional – Rainer from Germany – 1 May 2025 (10/10)

  Es war schön abgelegen auf dem Berg mit herrlicher Aussicht.
  
  What could be improved: Google maps führt einen von der falschen Seite in die Sackgasse. Man muss von oben aus san miniato kommen.

• Superb – Kina from Sweden – 27 June 2024 (9/10)

  Stort hus med väl tilltagna sovrum och gemensamhetsytor. Rejäl pool placerad i mysig olivlund. Stor terass. Trevlig utsikt mot San Miniato. Bra placering för att ta sig till Florence, Lucca, Pisa mm.

• Un séjour mémorable entre amis en Toscane! – Marie-paule from Canada – 18 July 2023 (10/10)

  Magnifique villa parfaitement située au calme dans la campagne toscane et proposant une superbe vue sur San Miniato et la vallée avoisinante. Les 8 chambres sont toutes spacieuses et confortables et nous avons grandement apprécié qu'elles soient toutes équipées chacune d'un air climatisé et d'une salle de bain privée. La maison et le terrain furent assez vastes pour offrir un endroit tranquille et intime à chacun des 15 membres de notre groupe si désiré, tout en fournissant l'équipement pour cuisiner et s'attabler tous ensembles lors des repas et des soirées. La piscine et la terrasse très bien entretenues par notre hôte Alessandro sont parfaites pour les journées chaudes de Toscane. Petits et grands ont pu autant s'y baigner que s'y reposer sur les nombreuses chaises longues. L'emplacement est parfait, à moins d'une heure de plusieurs attractions majeures de Toscane, ce qui permet une visite d'une journée à Pise, San Gimignano, Volterra, Florence, Sienne et plusieurs autres villes et villages. Merci encore à notre hôte pour ce mémorable séjour!

• Fantastisk sted til familieferie. – Anne from Denmark – 13 October 2022 (10/10)

  Podere L’Ulivo er et smukt hus, med den skønneste udsigt man kan drømme om. Huset er stort og meget velindrettet til en familie som vores på 15 voksne og børn. De 8 værelser er store og alle har tilhørende fine badeværelser. I underetagen er der flere stuer og et køkken.
  Der er en fin terrasse med udsigt en over dalen, som man ikke kan få nok af.
  Poolen er stor og velplejet og den giver timevis af underholdning for store og små.
  Ejeren Alessandro, er den venligste vært. Han var altid klar med hjælp og gode råd.
  Tak for en helt vidunderlig familieferie.

• Adresse à recommander. – Geoffrey from France – 18 August 2022 (10/10)

  La piscine (très bien entretenue), chaque chambre est dotée d'une salle de bains et de toilettes, l'emplacement exceptionnel avec des vues incroyables, le fait de pouvoir aller à pied au village historique (vues époustouflantes depuis la tour) et à la gare (30 mn pour les deux destinations), ce qui permet d'aller facilement à Florence, Pise ou Sienne en train, la grande cuisine, très conviviale, l'espace dont on dispose tant à l'intérieur qu'à l'extérieur.
  
  What could be improved: Il faut savoir que vous devez vous doter de certains produits de base comme des savonnettes, du produit de vaisselle, du sel. Le wifi n'est accessible que dans une petite partie de la maison.

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