We rented the house Cipresso via In Campagna in Belgium. We were told it would not be very luxurious but very cosy. Upon arrival we already noticed the plaster falling from the walls and should havet urned around immediately. But we gave a try and were very disappointed:
* mosquito screens were all full of holes and broken
* no hot water for 2 days in kitchen and bathroom
* wireless Internet did not work most of the time
* sink plugs in bath room leaked/could not do dishes (there is no dish washer)
* gas pits did not all work
* screen television is smaller than average laptop (no manula for satellite)
* holes in walls and ceiling everywhere
* less than basic set of cutlery, plates, glasses, etc.
* not well-maintained swimming pool area with old parasols and (teared) mattresses for sunbeds
* the last day it rained and the roof started to leak in several places.

And on top of all we found a black scorpion in our bedroom one morning!

Need we say more?

A place that has breathtaking views and that is situated in the middle of silence. Oliver (the owner) is also the most kind and helpful host and guide.

We stayed two nights at this lovely agriturismo 2.5 km from Greve in Chianti. For those without a car, it is accessible by bus from Florence if you are prepared for a short walk on a narrow highway and then an uphill walk through quieter roads; exit the SITA bus at Tirassegno. Groceries can be purchased at the supermarket in Greve.

We stayed in a small apartment on the second floor of one of the buildings; the kitchen was adequately equipped for 2 people and is fine for preparing simple meals. A shared firepit/BBQ was also on site. Our rate included a generous breakfast buffet or cereals, pastries, yogurt, juice and boiled eggs.

We liked the extremely firm bed but it may be too hard for some. The standard of cleanliness was high. Windows are screened and an electric fan is provided. The only downside to the apartment is that the windows were at knee-level of the adjoining balcony; in our case, the room with the balcony was not occupied, but if it had been we would have had no privacy and noise might have been an issue.

There was a very nice (cold!) pool that was furnished with numerous lounge chairs and shade umbrellas. Although there was a children's pool, families with children used the main pool, making it a little more crowded and noisy that we would have liked.

Views from the breakfast room and a communal outdoor patio were goreous. Service was efficient and friendly. Wines and honey produced on site were available for purchase. A library of books and magazine was available.

We had hoped to do some hiking in the area, but the roads were very dusty and the heat made the uphill climbs too much of a challenge. We think that walking in this area would be lovely in cooler weather, however.

We recommend this agriturismo for a relaxing, no-frills holiday in a pleasant area of tuscany.

Villa Poggiarelli was a wonderful slice of Chianti for our family of 4. The thick walls provided a very cool retreat. Our only problem was making the decision to leave this place to tour some of the surrounding villages- we did not want to leave! The views were awesome. We enjoyed card games and meals on the large outside terrace as well as afternoons around the swimming pool.
Our room felt like Tuscany. The room was painted a vibrant yellow and had cool tile floors. We had one bedroom and a sleep sofa, both with awesome mattresses! The kitchenette was perfect for preparing some of our own meals. With a front and back entrance we could catch quite a breeze. When we return, we would definitely stay here again.