Agriturismo Il Vecchio Maneggio

We recently enjoyed three magical weeks in Tuscany, most of them spent at agriturismos, but nothing felt more authentically Italian, or more fun, than Titziana’s farmhouse. It was a bustling place both mornings and evenings, very informal, with lots of happy tourists coming and going, a long table set up in the big front room for family-style dining, the operatic voice of field-general Titziana booming out greetings and genial commands (“John and Jan, you sit over there, by John and Helen”) so that everyone had folks near them that they could comfortably converse with, as many as a dozen guests noisily chowing down together to endless supplies of absolutely delicious food and wine, heart-stopping views out nearly every window, farm workers casually dropping by at odd hours to chat or grab some coffee or cull saffron threads together around a kitchen table—well, surely this is what some of us come to Italy to experience, and Tiziana, a true force of nature, served it up with the best. If you’re partial to San Gimignano, as much of the word is, you will love knowing that you’re just a 50-minute hike from that classic hilltown Breakfast proved as sumptuous and multi-coursed as our dinners, and it even included eggs to order—fresh eggs gathered from the henhouse out back. Also honey collected from the farm’s own hives. Yes, Tiziana aims to spoil you, and she does. Once you’ve tasted her hospitality and food, you’ll feel like you’ve finally tasted the Italy of your dreams.

We stayed for 2 nights and we had a great time.. The room and the place were clean, and we could tell from many minor details around the place that the lady owner who served us was a person who cared very much about cleanliness.. She's definitely a lady with great cheerful character, AND the meals she served us were all great. We had a great time dining with other guests, all you can drink wine, and fresh ingredients which you won't easily find in city. The breakfasts were also delicious, we especially liked a pastry, we didn't know the name, but it's deep fried and of a shape a bit like a long big fingers.. anyway, I will post the photo in the album here to let you all see, and if you do go there, MUST TRY :)

We used Il Vecchio Maneggio for several days as a base to explore the fantastic surrounding area. When we returned, we enjoyed the relaxed family athmosphere. The evening dinners were excellent, the menue changed every day and the amount of food was a challenge to our capacity. The wine is excellent. After about 2 hours of wining and dining, we retired to our simple but sufficiently furnished room. Our thanks goes to Titiana and her staff for a really memorable stay at her place.

We just returned from our trip to Italy last week and were lucky enough to have had the privilege of staying at Il Vecchio Maneggio. We, like most I’m sure, had expected something along the lines of your “run of the mill” bed & breakfast. What we found were some of the best times on our trip. The property offers all of the standards: very clean rooms, exceptional views of the countryside, great location. These can’t possibly sum it all up. We arrived just before dinner time and we immediately welcomed as though we have know Tiziana & her family for years. We kicked back & relaxed on the patio, taking in the breathtaking sunset views of San Gimignano while enjoying a glass of their own Chianti. Slowly other guest form the inn filtered downstairs & by 8 PM sharp, Tiziana appeared to ring the dinner bell & to hustle us all over to the table. Dinners are served family style, no exceptions, but any reservations we may have had dissolved in an instant. The family style setting was warm & welcoming. The food was fantastic. The rooms are not fancy, but very clean. Don’t look for a tv or phone, it is an old farmhouse, and nights are to be enjoyed in a lazy fashion, falling asleep to the sounds of the farm and surrounding countryside. There is no air conditioning, but ceiling fans are in each room & with the window open, it is a great night sleep. I highly recommend the horse back ride through the vineyards, it offers great views of the area & is a really fun time. Of the horses, we rode Rocky & Luna – Rocky loves to convince you to let him eat his way along the ride & Luna, well she’s in charge & knows where to go & what to do! We have traveled the world & stayed at many places. Il Vecchio Maneggio is easily a favorite & somewhere that I would not only highly recommend, but look forward to returning to someday. To Tiziana & all of her family & staff – thank you for making us feel welcome, at home and very relaxed. It was truly a pleasure!