Torretta Barbischio, Gaiole in Chianti - Siena

Would you like to translate?

Haus und Lage ist einfach toll. Wir wurden von Isabella und Ihrem Sohn Gabriele sehr nett empfangen und es wurde uns alles erklärt. Sehr freundlich und alles so sauber.
Allerdings ist es ein Manko, dass das Internet so schlecht ist, obwohl wir bei Wi-Fi eingeloggt waren. Dafür kann aber der Hausbesitzer nichts!

Leider gab es noch so viele Mücken... mein Mann hatte 36 Stiche und die haben sich so stark entzündet.
Die Mückengitter müssten mal wieder neu gemacht werden, denn es gibt schon viele Löcher, vor allem in der Küche unten. Aber sonst alles perfekt.

Would you like to translate?

Absolut genial. Wir kommen gerne wieder.

Il Papavero ist ca. 50 Meter entfernt und das nächste Weingut ca. 2 km.

Would you like to translate?

My husband and I along with 2 other couples spent a memorable week at this wonderful villa. It was beautiful, clean, comfortable, well-equipped... and the view! Can't say enough good things. It was close to the places we wanted to see but removed enough to give us a real Chianti country experience. The town of Gaiole met all our shopping needs. We set aside one day to relax and hang around at the pool but wish we could have spent more time at this perfect villa!

We visited Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Radda. Each was great in it's own way. Driving was easy with GPS and the Chianti region is so scenic! We ate at Il Papavero our first night - perfect. To Tuscany arranged for a chef, Cinzia to cook for us one night at the villa. Everything was delicious and we all agreed it was one of our favorite experiences. To Tuscany was so responsive, helpful and made excellent recommendations to enhance our Chianti experience.

Would you like to translate?

Bâtiment très bien restauré, les plafonds toscans sont magnifiques. Grands volumes et aménagements complets et de bon goût. Accueil parfait d'Isabella et de sa famille disponibles en toutes circonstances.
Seule ombre au tableau, la multiplicité des escaliers, peu favorable à des personnes un peu âgées ou des familles avec de très jeunes enfants.

Au restaurant Il Papavero, tout proche de la maison, il y a du bon et du moins bon (un repas très réussi et un autre à peine moyen). N'hésitez pas à reprendre la voiture pour goûter l'excellente cuisine toscane de Lo Sfizio di Bianchi sur la place du village de Gaiole.

Would you like to translate?

Villa très très agréable !
Une seule ombre au tableau : pendant quelques jours, nous avons eu de 8 heures à 16 h00 des bruits de tronçonneuses générés par la coupe d'arbres.
Bruit très gênant : la quiétude de la villa en a été affectée pendant quelques jours !
Personnel très agréable et discret !

Would you like to translate?

We had a great week in Tuscany and Torretta Barbischio exceeded our expectations. The location was brilliant and the views were picture-perfect. The villa was very well equipped and comfortable. The outside areas were fantastic, and a definite unique selling point of the property.

We were met at the villa promptly by Isabella and her son when we arrived, and they were also very helpful and kind during the course of our stay and upon departure. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable stay and we’d love to come back sometime!

Il Papavero, Barbischio - very welcoming (and as local as you could ask for!). Il Celliere, Castagnoli - a beautiful setting, with food and decor to match. An absolute must for those staying in the area. El Dorado, Vinci - warm and friendly pizzeria across the valley. Really pleasant setting and delicious pizza!

Would you like to translate?

Isabella and her son Gabrielle who spoke English well, were a joy to work with. They were very responsive and went out of their way to be helpful during our stay.

The villa was comfortable and very lovely. We would not recommend it for a family with small children due to the steps from the ground floor to the third floor. The kitchen on the ground floor was very well thought out. We cook in sometimes; and even made pasta one night. The gardens were beautiful and Paulo, who took care of the pool and gardens,
although speaking only Italian, was very friendly and helpful. The views were incredible from our villa. There is also a well know restaurant a few steps away from where we were that was very good
We did have problems with the internet which was a difficult for us due to my husbands business, but went into Gaiole at one of the coffee shops when needed.

We love Gaiole a small village we discovered on one of our trips to Italy. One of our requirements was to find a villa close to the town. There are lovely little shops in Gaiole to investigate with good sandwiches, gelato or clothing and gifts. There is a meat market and small grocery and the Coop that we frequented. We always go to the Castello di Spaltenna for dinner, to the pizzeria Il Galletto briaco on the second floor by the parking area for Gaiole for dinner twice. There is a restaurant in the square Lo Sfizio Di Bianchi that we went to this year for dinner that was very good. We would recommend also Le Contrade and enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Badia Coltebuono.

Would you like to translate?

A luxury villa in a tiny peaceful hilltop hamlet. Magnificent views over Chianti hills, loads of outdoor space with eating terrace and bbq, 12 metre salt water swimming pool which is divine and even a small gym. A comprehensive food welcome pack and fresh water you can collect from the fountain near by like the locals do. Beautiful bird song and tranquility.

The Osteria Il Papavero is one minute away, very quaint and authentic. Exceedingly lovely food and friendly service. Booking advised in peak season. We also had a local chef Michela who came to the house to cook. Well worth every penny. So close to Florence, Sienna and lots of pretty small towns in Chianti. Also would recommend a Classic Tour at Ricasoli where you get a castle tour and wine tasting which is first class.

Would you like to translate?

We stayed here 28/4/18 for a week with family and friends. The whole place has been extremely thought out and is well equipped and comfortable. Lovely terrace for sitting out in warmer weather, particularly impressed with the lovely wisteria on the bottom terrace. Lovely pool area, bit too cool for us to use at the end of April. Two of our party are fitness fanatics and really enjoyed using the gym every day. The only issue is the wifi, in good weather is works perfectly, when it is cloudy or rainy it grinds to a halt. Everyone in the village knows about it and it came as no surprise to the chap who checked us out at the end of our stay. The beds are superb, large, comfortable with lovely linens. Great showers and lovely view from the front facing bedroom. Mosquito screens on all the windows is a huge plus. We would love to come back sometime.

The brilliant restaurant Osteria Il Papavero is only 2 minutes walk from us and we ate there 6 out of 7 nights as we were there. Great food and wine, meant none of us had to drive. Gaiole in Chianti is only a ten minute drive away and has a supermarket and a few restaurants we ate lunch there a few times. The highlight was the private chef we hired to come and cook dinner for us on our second night. The weather was kind to us that night and we were treated to a fabulous meal with local wines. I would really recommend you do this if you can. The 2 lady chefs that arrived were very friendly, one spoke excellent english, they set the table, made the food, served the food and then did all the clearing up. We didn't have to lift a finger. A wonderful experience.

Would you like to translate?

- Super Lage
- Sehr gut ausgestattet
- Toller Pool und Garten
- Super Restaurant gleich um die Ecke
- Sehr freundlicher Empfang und Verabschiedung, Reinigung alle zwei Tage

- Osteria Il Papavero, gleich um die Ecke, super Essen, super gemütlich - La Botte di Bacco in Radda, geniale Küche, super nette Bedienung - Le Contrade, feine Pizza - Biketour durch die Weinberge, vor allem nach Radda - Ausflüge nach Florenz und Siena, sehr gut zu erreichen ohne lange Anreise

Would you like to translate?

An outstanding villa, wonderful views, equipped for all eventualities and very friendly contact/maintenance/cleaning people. It is centrally located in Chiati country with Siena and Florence close at hand, take the train from Montevarchi into Florence.
Plenty of space with a number of quiet areas as well as the sensibly fitted gym.

Wine tastings all around, the local restaurant - excellent food if a little pricey

Would you like to translate?

We spent a fantastic week where we were perfectly located- close to town and restaurants. We easily travelled around the Chianti region, the Val D'Orca and Siena.With facility, we took the train to Florence from the Montevarchi station. The house was very clean and well appointed. We lacked for nothing. It was truly a home away from home. The pool was delicious , swimming every day. We will miss the views and the sunsets from the terrace!!

Le Contrade, Castello di Ama, Il Papavero,Le Forchette del Chianti , Reggia Degli Etruschi, Gattavecchi Winery:Lillian's Kitchen, Vini E Vecchi Sappori

Would you like to translate?

What a lovely place. The villa is great. Modern, clean. Great view and pool. Nice kitchen. Isabella takes good care of it. The town is truly special. Small charming hill-top village, population 21. The restaurant a few steps away is wonderful. Francesca and Claudio are so friendly and the food is great. We went twice. We met some town residents as well, and were invited into one home. And the location is perfect for exploring Chianti.

We particularly enjoyed our two dinners at the town restaurant, Il Papavero. Also had two wonderful dinners in Castelnuovo Beradenga, nearby. One was Asinello, and was recommended by a local chef when we couldn't get into his restaurant. The other is a Michelin star restaurant La Bottega del 30, where the owner/chef greets you and narrates the menu. The small family run winery Montefioralle is wonderful, as is the town. And we enjoyed the small winery Casalvento. The art/wine tour at Castello di Ama is great. Eat lunch there. And we had a great dinner with view at Badia a Coltibuono

Would you like to translate?

The house is exceptionally clean and tidy. It's over four levels so not 'child friendly', but would be perfect for three couples or adult children.

The location is very central to Sienna and Tuscan countryside. Plenty of nice vineyards in vicinity.

The restaurant close by is fantastic. Whilst the menu is small, the prices are very reasonable and you could easily eat there most nights. Staff spoke english and were very accommodating.

Would you like to translate?

Fantastic holiday experience.

Would you like to translate?

Wunderschönes typisch toskanisches Haus mit super Aussicht und großem Pool, den wir ausgiebig in Anspruch genommen haben. Sehr ruhig gelegen.
Es ist alles vorhanden was man für einen perfekten Urlaub braucht.
Es hat alles wunderbar gepasst - uns ist nichts eingefallen was verbessert werden könnte. Die besondere Sauberkeit im Haus und Garten muss nochmals hervorgehoben werden. Die Blumen, besonders die Rosen in der Anlage sind wunderschön und ebenfalls sehr gepflegt.

Das Restaurant nebenan ist ausgezeichnet - Reservierung ist aber unbedingt notwendig. Eine Radtour mit E-Bikes ist zu empfehlen.

Would you like to translate?

Siena ist ein must see und natürlich San Gimignano

Would you like to translate?

Das Haus liegt wunderschön am Hügel des sehr kleinen Ortes und ist in perfektem Zustand. Ein sehr gutes Restaurant liegt nur 100 m vom Haus entfernt - super. Wir hatten uns vom Ort jedoch ein wenig mehr erwartet - nochmal 100 m und fünf Häuser, dann ist das Ortsende erreicht. Zum Spazierengehen oder für einen kleinen Einkauf etwas zu wenig.
Das Haus selbst - das Beste, das wir je hatten. Alles da, sehr ordentlich, beste Betreuung - nur zu empfehlen. Leider war der Pool wohl frisch eingelassen und das Wasser empfunden kurz über der Frostgrenze. So sind wir bis auf eine einmalige Überwindung, den Pool nicht vollkommen ungenutzt zu lassen, leider nur beim optisch Genuss geblieben - für den Nachwuchs schon eine deutliche Einschränkung.
Insgesamt konnten wir die Woche jedoch zur Erholung geniessen, wenn auch nicht ganz ohne Kompromisse.

Would you like to translate?

From the moment Isabella met us and showed us around the villa with her son we were in or own little Hill top paradise. What a setting and what fabulous facilities over 6 levels (house and garden having 3 each). Bedrooms were all luxurious and very comfortable as was the lounge. Large and well equipped kitchen met all our needs and those of the visiting chef who is highly reommended. Stunning gardens and pool area to relax in the sun. Small gym is a great addition for fitness enthusiasts. The views at all times of the day are simply awesome. Highly recommended.

Visited Osteria Il Papavero, which is a very short walk from the villa, twice during our holiday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Great traditional food in a simple setting.

Would you like to translate?

The villa is in a stunning location with spectacular views! It has been refurbished to a high standard and the pool and terraces are beautifully laid out and make the most of the views.
You can happily spend many hours relaxing by the pool, enjoying the views and eating on the terrace, so it's difficult to tear yourself away, but of course there is so much to see at nearby Radda, Siena a little further, and Florence although that is a longer round trip.
We found the overall "To Tuscany" experience very professional from the booking, to the welcome at the house by Isabella and her son(who were lovely and very helpful), and the general upkeep and cleanliness of the house.
We would not hesitate to use "To Tuscany" again and can certainly recommend Torretta Barbischio as a delightful location!

The local restaurant Osteria Il Papavero(it really is only 50m away!) is excellent and we ate there 3 times. You will need to book in peak periods, especially Saturday evenings. You can play tennis at Gaiole(3km) at the Commune sports centre and it is possible to book in advance by calling in(we brought our own rackets). We greatly enjoyed a family cooking evening lesson together--there is a cooking school in Gaiole but it was shut for August so we booked at Fagiolari at Panzano in Chianti(30 minutes) and had a very good experience there.

Would you like to translate?

Bravo to the owners of Torretta Barbischio! We had an amazing three weeks in this lovely and well appointed villa. The owners have taken special care to provide beautiful furnishings and well designed living areas. Isabella and family and Paolo were extraordinarily helpful and provided excellent services. The outdoor spaces featuring amazing views and gardens are spectacular. We can't say enough good things about this lovely villa. Thank you!

We took advantage of the 90 second walk to Il Papavera numerous times over the 3 weeks. Francisco and Claudio are wonderful hosts. We also visited our favorite restaurant - perhaps in the world - at Badia a Coltibuono. Vineyards at Podera Ciona and Castello di Ama were wonderful.

Would you like to translate?

Fabulous villa with incredible views over Gaiole. Exactly as described and very well equipped. Loved the pool. Lots of little extras which we didn't expect like mini toiletries including sun lotion! We had a great time and were incredibly impressed with Isabella and her family who hold the keys. Good location between Firenze and Siena.

Loved Il Papavero just a few feet from the villa door. Great food and really friendly people. Siena was every bit as beautiful as we'd heard. Radda a short drive away and a beautiful place for a wander. Coop shop in Gaiole was very well stocked providing almost everything we wanted. Castello di Ama was great to visit and do a little wine tasting - but do book!

Would you like to translate?

Fabulous place! We enjoyed a wonderful week and totally relaxed at this amazing location. Scenery and view from the terrace and pool breathtaking. Isabella and Gabriele so welcoming. Il Papavero footsteps away - brilliant food for a special occasion.

Il Papavero was fabulous but quite expensive. Gaiole still relatively sleepy but gearing up for high season - can recommend the cheap and tasty pizzas from main square restaurant. Worth travelling to the small but perfect vineyard and olive farm recommended by the owners.

Would you like to translate?

Wonderful home and everything was as advertised. All of the people that we met who take care of the property were first class.