Originally Posted by
eeeee
And since you're still willing to make recommendations, I can try to be more specific.
And so you know more about me, I have travelled a pretty good amount and I can be happy with accomodations that range from $10/night is southeast Asia, to Oberoi or St. Regis level luxury. I'm game for anything (as long as it's clean and safe), but I also understand the limitations of any given trip. I don't necessarily prefer one or the other - it is dependent on where I am going. In Italy, I'm not looking to spend all day on the property, but I do want it to be comfortable and if we decide we need some down time, we can relax at the hotel.
So for the time in the Tuscan countryside -
I'm less interested in a home rental situation because I don't want to feel like I should be cooking or anything like that, which is how I feel when there is a kitchen. A comfortable place to sleep, not too frou-frou. It doesn't have to have a restaurant on site but places to eat and drink within walking distance would be a plus.
As far as activities - they would be limited to good food and wine and enjoying the view. We plan to be more active with museums, a bicycle tour, maybe a food or cooking tour/class while in Florence.
In reading about the different towns in the guide books and looking at the various lodging options, we're finding it a bit overwhelming to narrow it down - hence this post!
Don't make it make it more difficult than it needs to be. No matter what, you are going to have an unforgettable time. I mentioned Siena, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, and you said you wanted something rural, not within a city.
You really need to choose an area of Tuscany where you want to be. It sounds like you want something rural, but not too far from a town or a city. That suggest that you want a B&B, or an agriturismo where meals are provided, or you can drive and get meals.
You didn't like Lupaia just outside of Montepulciano, with killer views of it. I think you wanted something not as upscale, there are a lot of others around there to consider.
Agriturismo San Gallo and Poggio Etruscan are just outside of Montepulciano, and are considerably less than your budget.
Agriturismo Malafrasca is in the Chianti hills less than a mile outside of Siena. Hotel Le Fontanelle is big enough to have weddings, but is rural, 10 miles fro Siena, is not a gated resort like Il Burro. It's kind of in the middle of nowhere, though. Fattoria il Poderaccio is an agriturismo about five miles from Siena.
Borgo di Pietrafitta Relais is right in the center of Chianti region, very rural, 15 miles from Siena, but only 2-3 miles from the typical Tuscan village of Castellini in Chianti. Small, rural, not touristy, big enough village to have some nice restaurants. You should take a close look at this one.
Agriturismo Cretaiole is just outside of the quaint town of Pienza, down in the Val D'Orcia, the typical rolling hills Tuscan countryside. Agriturismo Il Colombaiolo is in the countryside but just a five minute walk to Pienza.
Casanova di Pescille Farm House is just a mile outside of the wonderful town of San Gimignano.
Google these, and see if any seem to your liking.