Podere Spedalone

Hotel Description

You know what hit me first about Podere Spedalone? The silence. I mean, you’re driving down this winding SP71 road towards Cosona – honestly, GPS gets a bit confused out here – and suddenly you’re in this pocket of absolute Tuscan quiet that feels almost sacred. It’s one of those places where you actually hear the cypress trees rustling, which sounds cheesy but it’s true.

The property itself is what locals call a real podere – basically a traditional farmhouse that’s been lovingly converted without losing its soul. The owners clearly know their stuff; they’ve kept all the original stone walls and terracotta floors that make your footsteps echo just right. I stayed in October (perfect timing, by the way – the summer crowds are gone but the weather’s still gorgeous), and honestly, waking up to those rolling hills dotted with olive groves felt like living inside a Renaissance painting. The rooms are spacious in that old-world way, with thick walls that keep things naturally cool and windows that frame the Val d’Orcia like artwork.

What really sets this place apart – and I’ve stayed at my share of agriturismo properties – is how it manages to feel both authentic and comfortable. The restaurant uses ingredients from their own gardens, and I mean that literally; I watched them pick tomatoes for my bruschetta that morning. The pool area is tucked into the hillside so cleverly that you can swim while looking out over the same landscapes that inspired those medieval painters. Parking is easy (thank god, because maneuvering rental cars on these narrow Tuscan roads is… well, it’s an adventure), and the staff actually lives locally – they’ll tell you which hill towns are worth the drive and which ones are tourist traps. Pienza is maybe fifteen minutes away, which is perfect because you can walk those ancient streets and buy pecorino from actual shepherds, then retreat back to your peaceful hilltop refuge. The only minor thing I’d mention is that dinner reservations fill up quickly during peak season, so book ahead if you want to eat on-site. But honestly, with an 8.9 rating, this place has earned every bit of its reputation – it’s the kind of spot that makes you understand why people fall in love with Tuscany and start fantasizing about buying their own crumbling farmhouse.

Rooms

• Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Deluxe Double or Twin Room with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Superior Double or Twin Room with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Family Room with Private Bathroom with 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 1 sofa bed and 2 single beds for 3 adults
• Two-Bedroom Villa with 1 extra-large double bed, 1 bunk bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults
• Deluxe Junior Suite with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults
• Deluxe Junior Suite with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 5 adults
• Apartment with Terrace with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults
• Double Room with Terrace with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Family Room with Garden View with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 sofa beds for 4 adults

Reviews

• Jessy from Canada (10/10)

  The ambiance was peaceful and charming. The staff were super friendly. The location was perfect.

• Carissa from United States (10/10)

  The breakfast, view and hospitality were amazing. We enjoyed meeting other travelers at the family style dinners. It was a great break from the hustle of big cities in the countryside. The cooking class was a treat and the meal at the end plentiful and delicious.

• Nathaniel from United States (10/10)

  Beautiful room on a magnificent and peaceful Tuscan farm. Wonderful staff.

• Arielle from Australia (10/10)

  Such a warm, vibrant and beautiful place. The hospitality was superb and the food was divine. Highly recommend booking the restaurant for dinner, such a great experience.

• Nanette from United States (10/10)

  We travelled there with friends to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. Neither of us had ever stayed at a farm/agriturismo place before and this place was incredible! It is an old stone monastery and amazing is so many ways….extremely friendly staff, beautiful rooms, great views of the vineyards/farm/hills, and wonderful dinners. We took a cooking class that was great fun. Roti the chef was so helpful and funny. We had an opportunity to watch them harvest the olive trees, then took a walk around the property and saw their pet goats and chickens. Before dinner, there is always an appertivo hour where everyone congregates before dinner. You chat with everyone, have some champagne and delicious fresh bites. Dinner immediately follows and everyone sits at long farm style tables. The whole vibe is comforting and friendly. We met great people from all over the world! We all said we go back in a heartbeat. It was perfectly located between Montalcino and Montepulciano, and Pienza.

• Aurelia from Canada (9/10)

  The location and the views are amazing. The staff really cares about your comfort and they all make an effort. Even the chef when we left dinner early as we were tired, came out to offer desert to take with us to our rooms. We especially enjoyed the aperitif time spent before dinner with the antipasto in the large dining area and fireplace. The host came to us refilling our glasses and offered to take pictures and chat. He was very cordial making us feel like invited guests.

• Mark from United States (10/10)

  It was a charming farm stay. Everything was perfect …from the delicious food to the caring and attentive staff. It was a picturesque wonderful location straight out of a movie set. They showcased wonderful oil that they produce at the property. There were sheep and the chickens. It was all just great. I would go back. It was an idyllic trip to Tuscany.

• Gerard from United States (10/10)

  We loved the History of it. The gorgeous property was a perfect setting for Tuscany. We loved the family style diners and getting to know people from all over the world. The BEST part was meeting Sarah! What a wonderful person! Her love for meeting people and taking care of them was wonderful! Her laugh was infectious… it was a Very Special place in which we LOVED!!

• Vikram from India (10/10)

  Exceptional location and a beautiful property

• Linda from United States (10/10)

  This was a total experience. Beautiful setting, amazing staff, great community experience with other guests with the dining, cooking classes, and other community activities.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities