Set at the end of a winding dirt road, close to the charming village of Monticchiello, near Montalcino, you’ll discover a 200-year-old Tuscan stone farmhouse called Follonico.
Surrounded by organic veggie and herb gardens, olive groves and an inviting pool, Follonico is a hidden getaway that offers Tuscan country living at its most authentic. Inside, expect giant hearths, old stone arches, exposed beams and ancient thick walls.
‘To us Follonico is a timeless way of living,’ say owners Fabio and Suzanne. ‘Following the natural and ever-changing rhythm of the seasons. A living, breathing thought. A moment in time, a melody caught in a breeze, always changing, ever so slowly. Follonico is a place to breathe, to touch, to listen, to smell and to see: a place to simply and gently be.’ Music to our ears, indeed!
Follonico is a luxury farm stay, a destination in itself, with plenty to explore in the area either by car, on an e-bike or hiking trails that they’ve put together with an environmental guide. ‘Far away from everything, yet magically close,’ Fabio said… words that made us jump for joy when sleuthing for authentic places to stay in Italy! Follonico certainly delivers.
Feast and slumber among Tuscan hills…
Fabio and Suzanne live on site, as do geese, chickens and sheep, and Fabio is an aspirant chef and wine lover, so his dinners are a treat. There’s no place better than to sit at the kitchen table while he prepares what he calls his ‘blind-tasting’ menu, and chat to him about Tuscan wine and olives, or watch him baking bread.
All the suites are individually decorated and all have views or flow directly through shuttered doors to the pretty garden. They may be booked separately, unless you would like exclusive-use of the whole farmhouse.
The light-filled, loft-style Rosso Tramonto suite has pretty views and gorgeous old beams; historic Verde Intenso is reached via a private balcony up a few stairs and is set on three different levels; Blu Notte is the largest suite on the first floor with huge open fireplace (it was the original farm kitchen); Alba Chiara can do twin beds or a king, plus it has a garden entrance which makes it ideal for families.
Everything here is authentic and true to self: whether it’s the Busatti linen or heavenly eco-organic Biofficina Toscana amenities… and the rest is up to you. Immerse yourself in the rural charms of this Tuscan hideaway and you’ll never want to leave.
Reviewed and edited by Michelle Snaddon