Following our day in Lake Como, we departed from our accommodation in Milan, seeking to reach our new abode for the week: a Tuscan farmhouse.
This farmhouse was situated in relative isolation, resting approximately midway between San Miniato and San Gimignano. Despite our aims to arrive early in the day, our drive from Milan to Tuscany was filled with various distractions, including charming towns, quaint villages, and delicious Florentine steaks, resulting in our late evening arrival.
The farmhouse, as it turned out, exceeded my expectations. I aimed for an authentic and slightly rustic experience, and this establishment is indeed a working farm. Upon arrival, one is greeted by the proprietor, whose family has stewarded the land for generations. Additionally, a cow shed is conveniently situated next to the reception area, while a farm shop is only a short stroll away. (Rest assured, your accommodation is not adjacent to the barn—it’s approximately 5 km distant.)
Let me provide you with a detailed tour of the property…
The farm presents an ideal setting for extensive countryside excursions, albeit encounters with wildlife—including deer and wild boar (the latter requiring a respectful distance)—are likely. Additionally, one may encounter various farm animals; intriguingly, the cows on this property are known to leap over fences, a phenomenon I was previously unaware of.
This charming location makes it easy to feel at home immediately, offering a comfortable atmosphere.
Moreover, there is a pool available, which, while not typically associated with a ‘classic’ farmhouse, certainly adds to the enjoyment.
With unsatisfactory weather preventing us from utilizing the pool, we opted instead to visit the farm shop and Montaione to procure supplies for dinner. This led to a classic meal of pasta with tomato sauce, served with a crusty Italian bread, salad (complete with ample cheese—as personal preference dictates), farm-sourced olive oil and butter, all enjoyed with a generous amount of prosecco.
It has been some time since we last prepared a meal during our travels, as we have grown accustomed to dining out. Thus, it was refreshing to savor a genuine home-cooked meal (complete with ample mozzarella). Furthermore, perhaps due to psychological factors, engaging in this familiar routine accelerated my acclimatization to life in our new Italian dwelling, evoking comforting experiences—the aroma of pasta sauce, relaxed dining in comfortable attire, and everything I had anticipated and more.
This establishment encapsulates the quintessential Tuscan experience, leaving me eagerly anticipating our planned activities over the forthcoming week.
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