AGRITURISMO LA SELVA, Siena

Agriturismo La Selva is in a quiet rural valley 5 km north of Siena's historic centre, 12 minutes from Monteriggioni and a short drive to Val d'Orcia, Val d'Elsa, Florence, and San Gimignano. The property is well signposted but requires a car-no public transport stops directly outside. Free private parking is plentiful and reservation-free. For city access, driving to Siena takes about 10-15 minutes. The location is particularly convenient for those exploring Tuscany by car, offering a countryside base with easy highway connections to multiple medieval towns.

Accommodation is in two restored 12th-century farmhouses, offering a choice of guest rooms and self-catering apartments. Rooms feature Tuscan-style furnishings-wrought-iron beds, walnut pieces, satellite TV, en-suite bathroom with bidet and toiletries, and in some units, exposed wood-beamed ceilings or a private balcony (availability varies by date). Apartments add a kitchen or kitchenette with stovetop, oven, fridge, and cooking utensils. Some apartments have a private entrance, terrace, and garden area. Parquet floors and heating are standard in all accommodation, but there is no air conditioning. The farmhouse style means rustic rather than modern decor, and noise from farmyard animals (horses, roosters) is part of the rural experience. Rooms and apartments are consistently described as clean and spacious, with comfortable beds. Apartments without a kitchen are well served by the communal BBQ and picnic area.

Breakfast is served as an Italian buffet for an additional charge of 10 EUR per person and includes homemade cakes, jams, yogurt, fresh fruit, toast, cold cuts, cheeses, and-on request-vegan or lactose-free options. Apartments with a kitchen allow guests to prepare their own meals using the stovetop, oven, fridge, and utensils provided. For dinner, there is no on-site restaurant, but the property has BBQ facilities (free to use) and a picnic area with outdoor furniture. The host can recommend nearby eateries within a few minutes' drive, which offer both casual and more formal Tuscan dining.

The outdoor swimming pool is open seasonally from late May until the end of September (weather-dependent). It has a shallow end, fence, sun loungers, and umbrellas. The property is a working horse-breeding farm, and guided horse rides with a professional handler (Sergio) are a highlight-available for an additional charge. Table tennis and a children's playground with swings and slide are on site. The large garden, sun terrace, and BBQ/picnic area with outdoor furniture and a barbecue provide ample space for relaxation. Hiking trails through the valley allow for self-guided walks through the farm's land, which was once a lake. The farmyard animals-horses, dogs, cats, roosters-create a lively but peaceful rural atmosphere.

Wi-Fi is free in public areas (signal not guaranteed in all rooms). Parking is free and private with no reservation needed; an electric vehicle charging station is available. Reception services include invoice provision and luggage storage (free). Daily housekeeping is available for an additional charge, which is useful for longer stays. Pets are allowed on request (charges may apply) and pet bowls are provided. The property offers key card and key access, CCTV, and fire extinguishers for security. Family guests will appreciate the availability of cots, board games, and kids' outdoor play equipment. A fax/photocopying service is available for business needs. Accepted payment methods include American Express, Visa, CartaSi, and MasterCard.