Fattoria San Leolino -

This is a Tuscan hilltop home on the outskirts of Florence whose warm embrace will bring us back again and again.

A gorgeous almost too-good-to-be-true cottage nestling in intense green. My biggest impression is of the verdure, from the well tended garden, to the densely wooded hills in all directions.

The holiday home is on an olive and wine farm run by a charming and beautiful Italian-Dutch family.

We did not even get to see Florence, how could it compete? But a the biggest PRADA outlet was not far away and this was worth a visit.

Looking forward to our next dose, soon.

Relaxing Tuscan Location
This was our 2nd visit to this lovely Tuscan Villa and we were not disappointed. The owners Tommaso and Nanette warmly welcomed us back with homemade jam and a bottle of their outstanding organic wine. Set in beautiful gardens and next to the vineyard Valpiana is a large traditional style old farmhouse which has been tastefully restored and decorated. The kitchen is very well equipped but I must say we chose to eat out every night . Londa the small town down the road has good restaurants that all offer reasonably priced menu's with great pasta and meat dishes . ( fabulous pizza's too ) Further down from Londa is Contea where it is easy to catch the train to Florence where there are further opportunities to dine out and visit outstanding museums and of course fantastic shops. However you may find it difficult to leave the beauty of Valpiana as we did and prefer to chill by the pool and take in the gorgeous views whilst sipping on a small glass of someth ing! I would recommend Valpiana to anyone who wants to have a true relaxing Tuscan experience. Here's hoping for another visit soon . Jo & Bob

We booked 'Vapliana' for a one week holiday for me, my wife, 8 year old daughter, my friends and their 20 month old son thinking it was brilliant value for 6 people. After making the enquiry we then realised it was for 6 bedrooms! So ended up having more friends and family join us. It was unbelievable value. Having booked online you are never quite sure what you will find, but 'Valpiana' was above everything that I expected. It has spectacular and breathtaking views, a large living space, and is well placed for visiting Florence and many other of Tuscany's sights. Not to mention the warm welcome we received from the owners and their family. We were invited to a small festa in nearby Londa, and also experienced the olive oil tour and tasting session. When not seeing the sights, we spent time relaxing in the swimming pool and spent the glorious evenings eating and drinking before taking our 8 year old daughter wild boar spotting. We enjoyed it so much that we have already enquired about spending two weeks here for our 2014 holiday. I can't wait.

"Super locatie voor een familievakantie!"
Prachtig gelegen landhuis in het wonderschone Toscane. Zeer ruime accommodatie (max.12 personen). Eigen zwembad en prachtige grote tuin! Vriendelijke italiaans, engels en tevens ook nederlands sprekende gastvrouw. (Gabor-1969)

Waardering: 9
Ligging: 10
Prijs/kwaliteit: 8
Kindvriendelijk: 9
Hoeveelheid ruimte: 9

http://www.zoover.nl/italie/toscane/londa/casa-valpiana/vakantiehuis#uppe rPaging

In english:
"Great location for a family holiday!"
Beautifully situated country house in the beautiful Tuscany. Spacious accommodation (max. 12 persons). Private pool and beautiful garden! Friendly hostess (English, Italien and also Dutch-speaking).
(Gabor, 1969)

Rating: 9
Location: 10
Price / Quality: 8
Child friendly: 9
Space: 9

op 28-08-2013 in het Duits
Das wunderbare, sehr geräumige alte Haus Valpiana war für unsere Grossfamilie (8 Erwachsene, 2 Kinder) für zwei Wochen im heissen August 2013 ein Ort der Erholung und Ruhe, an dem sich sogar die Temperaturen zwischen 35 und 39 Grad gut ertragen liessen, denn es ging meist ein leichter angenehmer Wind, in dem grossen Garten fanden sich auch viele Schattenplätze, an denen wir die traumhaften Fernblicke geniessen konnten. Nach kurzer Zeit schon hatten wir uns an die grosse Stille und Einsamkeit gewöhnt. Der etwas tiefer gelegene Pool bot den ganzen Tag sauberes kühles Wasser und schattige Ecken und war ein sehr geschätzter Treffpunkt für alle. In Haus und Garten fehlte es an nichts, um einen komfortablen Urlaub zu geniessen. Alle Zimmer waren liebevoll mit alten Möbeln eingerichtet, die Betten hatten gute Matrazen, es gab immer genügend heisses Wasser für die Warmduscher und die Küche, die Mutigen rannten gleich früh zu den beiden Aussenduschen im Garten. Wenn es draussen zu heiss wurde, servierten wir das Mittagessen in dem angenhm kühlen Esszimmer oder ruhten uns im Wohnzimmer mit dem riesigen Kamin aus. Die kleine Küche empfanden wir als sehr kommunikativ, konnte man doch durch das offene Fenster mit der Familie im Garten plaudern. Der Kühlschrank war super und hat unsere grossen Wasservorräte und das viele Obst gut gekühlt, mit dem Gasherd kamen wir auch schnell klar. Nicht hat uns gefehlt, wir wollten zusammen Ferien machen, miteinander lachen und ratschen - das funktionierte bestens. Unsere angenehm zurückhaltenden, liebenswerten und fröhlichen Gastgeber halfen mit Rat und Tat, besonders, wenn es um guten Wein, Restaurants und Ausflüge ging.

Wow, wow, wow this is the best of vacation locations you can get ever. Beautifull landscapes, good food, swimming, warm weather and super nice owners and very caring. With love ande till next year fam. Timmerman, the Netherlands.xxx

We had a delightful time with Tommaso & Nanette. The property is rustic with a beautiful garden set amongst grapevines. It is a beautiful spot to come to. Tommaso & Nanette are lovely hosts. Giocanda & Cassimiro loved sharing the fruit from the garden with our children. The wine they make was very enjoyable too & the olive oil....wonderful. We had a very special time there and our hosts were so generous & gave us an extra night free as the weather had been a little cool & we were all there for a family celebration. In the evenings we lit the fire in the huge ancient fire place which was very atmospheric. If you want peace, serenity and calm to recharge your batteries this is the place to come. The village is very pretty too. All the locals are friendly. As a side issue if you are going to the MOTOGP in Mugello this property is near enough to get there easily along some lovely biking roads! This property is far from the madding crowd and along with its delightful hosts a pleasure to stay at. We thank Tommaso & Nanette for their kindness. Thinking of them all brings smiles to our faces.

This lovely old farmhouse was ideal for our extended family and we greatly enjoyed our stay. The accommodation was all that we needed and very clean and well presented. Meals in the garden of an evening were particularly enjoyed. The estate wine (Valpiana) is very good. Henry Rodger

"We have fallen in love with Valpiana! The house is just wonderful, the views spectacular and Londa is a delight. Nanette and Tommaso you have created a wonderful house, tastefully restored in keeping with Tuscan traditions, it was a pleasure to stay here!" (J. Randall, September 2012)

"Here with family for my 40th Birthday celebration. For 6 months I had thought of nothing else, so was very worried that it might not live up to expectation - no need to worry !!
For two weeks it has been like living in a dream. Stunning surroundings, beautiful garden and pool and the house wraps its arms around you as soon as you walk through the doors." (Holly Migden, August 2012)