| November
2009
Meme
en novembre c'est de nouveau un plaisir de se retrouver ici pour
profiter de la douceur toscane et des villages perches sure des
collines rougeoyants. L'accueil de Graham est toujours agreable,
prevenant et rend le depart chaque fois plus difficile.
Alain et Etienne, Lyon, France
November
2009
Sitting by the fire in this nice and quiet cottage we can look back
to a very pleasant week. We loved the trips to the nice villages,
the beautiful scenery and the Saturnia springs. My favourite days
were when I made some 2 hours walks on my own, that was the best
way to experience the silence.
Piet and Jacqueline, Holland
August
2009
We have never returned to a previous holiday destination instead
opting to remember places as they were and looking forward to new
discoveries. Zolferate and the surrounding area has proven to be
a magnet pulling us impossibly towards it.
Tony & Alison, South Yorkshire, UK
July 2009
Many thanks for a memorable week in Tuscany. The cottage provided
us a relaxing time and also a perfect base to explore the neighbouring
countryside. A trip to Siena is definitely worthwhile.
Gerard & Meghan, Cardiff, UK
April
09
Having been back twice now, I would highly recommend a stay in this
quaint and relaxing accommodation.
The
service I received while there was some of the best I have experienced
and Graham is extremely accommodating and friendly. I have stayed
in both cottages and equally they are beautifully designed to fit
in with the surroundings, very clean and cosy. Graham knows all
the restaurants and sights in the area and was particularily great
at introducing or directing us to these.
This part of
Tuscany is extremely beautiful all year round. I especially like
my trip in December just as Tuscany starts getting festive.
This
is the perfect place to stay in the area, either to relax or if
on business, to focus. Graham's Wi-Fi is no doubt the best in the
area and I was able to do everything I needed while there. I espeically
like the fact it sits on the edge of a valley, waking up to such
a perfect picture like landscape was definitely a highlight!
Nadine, London
August
2008
The cottage is refreshingly modern yet ful of rustic charm. It is
the perfect base for exploring the Maremma. A trip to Monte Argentario
is much recommended - we enjoyed a lovely lunch at one of the fish
restaurants at Porto Santo Stefano. A lovely relaxing holiday giving
a great insight into the rural way of life in an area of unspoilt
natural surroundings.
Heather, Catherine & Anna, South Yorkshire, UK
August 2008
For us travelling with two small children it was a particular pleasure
to be able to do so many entertaining things with them, we will
never forget the looks of wonder on their face as they saw a real
starry sky for the first time.
Tony, Alison, Isabella & Oliver, South Yorkshire, UK
September 2008
We arrived at Podere Sant'Angelo worn-out, stressed and frazzled
and left feeling relaxed, 'chilled' and calm. Must have been the
waters at Saturnia, maybe the aromas of a Tuscan garden? The beautiful
countryside?
Maggie & Harry, Glasgow, UK
27.10.07
Third time here. Always the same wonderful and nice welcome from
Graham and Tuscany.
Paolo, Marco, Roma
04.10.07
Podere Sant'Angelo strahlt Ruhe und Erholsamkeit aus. Wir fuehlen
uns wohl in der geflegten Umgebung. Naturlich ist eine Woche viel
zu kurz um die geheimnisse dieser uberraschend vielfatigen toskanischen
landschaft zu ergrunden.
Emma und Hermann, Zurich, Switzerland
21.08.07
Una dimensione dove lo spirito raggiunge la massima soddisfazione.
Le stanche membre trovano il miglior riposo. La vista domina una
grande natura. L'udito riposa al ritmo del vento e dei grilli. L'appetito
vorace dei sapori veri e forti di questo parte della Toscana. La
spontanea e la riuscita ospitalita' di un vero 'Lord' inglese. Cosa
chiedere di piu'?
Massimiliano, Milano
07.07.07
What a wonderful interlude after a hectic week in Rome. It was great
to come here to relax and chill out. It was a great base to see
the southern tuscan region. Every place we have been to has its
own attraction - so see it all! A very memorable week in our European
holiday.
Gary and Brenda, Adelaide, Australia
29.06.07
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Zolferate. The cottage was a tasteful
combination of old and new and provided for all our needs. We had
a wonderful trip to Montepulciano, Pienza and the lovely gardens
at La Foce and also enjoyed trips to Pitigliano, Grosseto and Saturnia
but we always felt at home when we came back to Roccalbegna where
the locals carried on their daily lives hardly noticing the tourists.
We loved La Grotta (the 'crostini' are impressive) and the 'macellaio'
and the 'alimentari'. The pork chops we bought were delicious as
were the honey and ricotta.
Top of our list, however, was sitting on the terrace at Zolferate.
I had intended to do more reading but it was hard to concentrate
with so much entertainment going on around us - butterflies and
bees everywhere, lizards up to their tricks, birds, crickets and
cicadas and at night as we sat outside waiting for the stars, bats
and fireflies to appear.
We would like to give a big 'thank you' to Graham for sharing all
this with us and wish him all the best for the future.
Diane and Francois, Sussex, UK
04.01.07
'Off the beaten track' is given its definition here! Just what I
needed to de-pressurize and re-energize my energy cells. The tips
and recommendations were particularly welcome. My only regret is
that we're not staying another week!
Maggie & Jinky, Milan
17.12.06
Stupendo il posto
Bellissimo il ricordo
Magico il caminetto
Complice il vino rosso
Grande il mio Amore ... Katia
Sandro & Katia, Genoa
13.09.06
Thank you Graham for a lovely two week stay in Zolferate. We have
had a really relaxing time and the sun has shone all the
time (even right through the night).
The sulpherous pools at Saturnia were warm, smelly and a little
bizarre. At night we sat on the terrace and heard the sound of wolves
howling from the nature reserve on the other side of Monte Labbro,
strangely moving.
The walk up Mt Labbro, through the wildlife park, is well worth
doing, not difficult and the views are magnificent. We met the indigenous
donkeys near the top. We mostly ate in but did make two trips to
Il Molino at Semproniano. No menu, no price list, but never fear,
the bill for three came to euro 87. The food is delicious, all local
ingredients and the chef, Pina, is an entertainment in herself.
We enjoyed the sea at the Parco dell'Uccellina nature reserve. The
pool at Castel del Piano is splendid but bracing. After a dusy walk
it's a great place to go.
Walks in the chestnut woods of Monte Amiata are lovely.
A
lovely bit of Italy, Thanks again, Graham
Andrew
and Jill, Tewksbury, UK
09.09.06
Un accueil tres sympa et un endroit superbe qui font vite oublier
le chemin rempli de poussiere (!) et nous plongent dans le charme
de la Toscane.
Merci pour cet agreable sejour,
Etienne et Alain, Lyon, France
23.08.06
We came here on honeymoon looking for a rustic Tuscan setting, a
romantic getaway, somewhere we could take peaceful evening strolls.
A place we could enjoy the best Italian food and sample some of
the country's rich history and culture.
Podere Sant'Angelo offered all of this and more. Zolferate is kept
in the old Tuscan farmhouse style with chestnut beams and a beautifully
kept garden. And still it offers all modern conveniences and is
practically and tastefully decorated.
The prominent hillside position with its panoramic views and beautiful
Tuscan scenery including the striking Monte Labbro were the perfect
backdrop for us at this special time. Hours of serenity were spent
on the lovely private terace listening to the crickets or gazing
at the milky way.
Podere Sant'Angelo is blessed with great walks in every direction.
Our favourite: walk to Triana with lunch at the exquisite 'Da Clara'.
As far as food is concerned you can't go wrong round here (try the
scrumptious sausages of the butcher in Roccalbegna or taste the
pizza from 'La Grotta').
Not only is the best food easily available, but history and culture
are at your fingertips too: the Etruscan town of Sovana, the picturesque
medieval hilltop towns, the 'Terme di Saturnia' ....
What made our stay really special was the hospitality shown by Graham,
who went the extra mile (and then some!)
Thanks for everything!
We are sad to leave and hope to we will be back some day!
Paul & Esther, Scotland / Switzerland
28.07.06
We've had a lovely two weeks putzing about the countryside and reading
in the garden. highly recommend the Etruscan remains around Sovana
as well as a visit to the bookbinder in town.
Thank you so much for your hospitality, great advice - and for the
lemons! We shall be recommending Zolferate to our friends and relations.
Tiffany & Eileen, Minneapolis / Oslo
30.06.06
We have had a week's holiday in what must be the prettiest part
of Europe. This cottage is a great place to base your exploration
of the area.
The information pack is worth a read and Graham's local knowledge
is a must.
Anyone who likes walking must take the forest paths to Triana and
Rochette.
A visit to Saturnia must not be missed (TIP: climb to the top of
the waterfall - the pools are warmer and deeper).
My lasting memory will be sitting outside the cottage, wine in hand,
breathing in the clean air and watching the first fireflies of the
night come out to play.
Brian & Liz, The Midlands, UK
27.05.06
Dear Graham
Kath and I have just had a really great week. Accommodation is very
good, views superb and your advice and guidance great!
Agree about the sausages from the local butcher - but try the 'porchetta'
- it's really very good.
Food has been excellent from the local restaurants as has the wine!
Would recommend a trip to Siena - well worth the visit.
All in all a really great time.
Thanks again
Ian and Kathleen, Shropshire, UK
25.04.06
Grazie a Graham per aver dimostrato che e' possibile abbandonare
la vita stressante di citta' e vivere completemente immersi nella
natura in un posto cosi incantevole e incontaminato. Sono stati
pochi giorni ma vissuti molto intensemente, speriamo di poter tornare
presto e realizzare che niente e' cambiato in quest'angolo di paradiso.
A presto
Ombretta, Rovigo,
Diego, Padova
05.04.06
We have had one of the most memorable vacations! The farmhouse is
very comfortable and modern. We have fallen in love with this part
of Tuscany - and we have travelled throughout Tuscany. The pastoral
beauty of this location is absolutely breathtaking and peaceful.
The small villages are quaint and friendly. The food fantastic,
all over Tuscany. We visited the hot springs in Saturnia - enjoyed
it. Lots of cool stuff to do. A perfect break from our busy lives.
Thanks for your hospitality and directions.
Ed & Guru, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
02.01.06
Pace, tranquillita', Amore, gentilleza, cortesia, disponibilita',
accoglienza, calore familiare, semplicita', questi sono gli ingredienti
che Graham ha amalgamato, in modo eccelente per la riuscita di questo
"Dolce squisito": Il Podere Sant'Angelo.
Grazie per questo splendido soggiorno,
Gabriele
e Chiara, Roma, Italia01.01.2006
Buon
anno!
Noi come inizio e' stato meraviglioso ... in questo luogo cosi ....
indefinibile!! E' stato una notte, solo una notte .. ma lunga, intensa,
piena d'Amore e semplicita' .. in questo luogo VERO!
Grazie a Graham per avere creato tutto questo ..
Alessia e Alessandro, Roma, Italia
3rd-10th
September, 2005
Steve and Mel's Top Ten
1. Sistine Chapel, Rome (55 mins to Grosseto, 1 hour 45 mins train
to Rome)
2. Towns
perched on hill tops and scenery
3. Hot springs at Saturnia
4. 'Fosso Bianco' at Bagni di San Filippo
5. 3.6 km way-marked walk at Talmone on the coast
6. Food - should be no. 1! 'Da Clara' at Triana, 'Il Molino', Semproniano
7. 'Salsiccia' (sausages) specials from the butcher in Roccalbegna
8. Lake at Bolsena
9. Monte Labbro fauna park
10. WWF animal sanctuary outside Semproniano
Steve and Mel, Bristol, UK
In
are cotege we wached the sheep go pased, it was fun. We also went
to the park. I went on the monkey bars and the swing.
Polly, aged 6, August 2005
Un
posto incantevole, dove ci si sente a casa, dove ci si sente in
Toscana, dove la gentilezza e l'accoglienza sono vere.
Con rispetto per il luogo, per la sua energia, saluto, ringrazio
e spero di tornare.
Sylvana, Lombardia
A wonderful
week, loved the Tuscan cottages, amazed by the wildlife especially
all the butterflies. The walks in the surroundings were just right
as far as length was concerned. High points were the Saturnia hot
springs and the silence! We also liked the trattorias.
June 2005, Polly, Amsterdam
Great
base for walking. I've never seen so many butterflies. Loved Roccalbegna
and I also enjoyed Castel del Piano and Rochette del Fazio. The
cottage was just perfect - every amenity but also very simple -
a great week!
June 2005, Mike, Amsterdam
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