San Fabiano

our guests' comments

	Michael A. Spinelli, MCC With 45 years experience in selling travel, he was chosen in 1995 & 1998 by Tour and Travel Magazine as one of the 25 Most Influential Executives in the World Travel Industry. www.mikespinelli.com
For your nest destination wedding, you might try the complex we stayed at: San Fabiano Agriturismo. They have a castle as well as a chapel right on their property at Monteroni d'Arbia (8 Kilometers south of Siena). Plus there is a little family owned restaurant in town which serves Vino "fatto in casa" as well as anchovies which he bottles and serves. Jane and I ate there 4 times. Since I am a a vegetarian but cheat now and then, they called me Vegitario Oggi. We rented the Villa, Le Tortore. The complex has apartments. The owners, Rachel and Filippo Fiorentini, live in one of the apartments. Better hosts I have rarely seen! They know the amenities Americans enjoy and provide it... like the DSL CONNECTION ON THIS INTERNET plus a computer in the room. (Who could ask for anything more!). Mike Spinelli Past President of ASTA PMerrimac Travel 6 Lakewood Road Windham, NH 03087 (603) 894-6660 Cell: (978) 771-7590 Fax (603) 894-6616
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	Romnesh Lamba Head of Asia Pacific Energy & Power Group Investment Banking Merrill Lynch (Asia Pacific) Limited Tel: 852-2536-3465 Fax: 852-2536-3281 e-mail: romnesh_lamba@ml.com
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We stayed in Tuscany from June 21 - July 5, 2003. I was the lucky one who got to plan the trip and was I ever lucky to find Filippo's place. Everyone loved the farmhouse. There were five couples so we took all four apartments. My brother and I plus our wives stayed in the two bedroom apartment and the kids plus their significant other stayed in an apartment for each couple. Other than the two bedroom apartment, the other apartments work well for only a couple plus there is plenty of room in each for one to two children.

This was a family trip but it also worked very well for each to have private quarters. The two bedroom unit has a large kitchen that can seat ten at the table. The living room is large and was a gathering place. If you plan on more than 10-12 the kitchen downstairs can seat around 25 people. The building is totally air conditioned and you definitely want this if you go in the summer. This was the only air conditioned place of adequate size for our party unless you want to double the price. The swimming pool was a positive and was used daily by just about everyone.

Podernovo is approximately 25 minutes from Siena, 45 minutes from Montalcino, 60 minutes from Montepulciano and 90 minutes from Florence. There is lots to do in these towns, plus the towns in between are very interesting. The local area has good local eateries and Siena has some excellent restaurants. Our goal was to find a comfortable place to relax, travel from and get to know a little bit about the local area from a life in Italy viewpoint. We enjoyed every minute at the house and in the area. Our plan is to go back in two years and stay at Filippo's again.

The local train station worked for some travel but you definitely will need a car. Driving was not an issue for anyone in our group. They do pass on curves and drive fast but it was easy to adjust.

You will not find a more gracious host than Filippo and his wife. We have probably stayed at 50-60 B&B's and they are the best host!

Jim Dean
2535 W Simms Blvd
Tampa, FL 33609

Dear Rachel and Filippo,
When I look at the hundreds of websites and books on agriturismo, I am overcome by the thought that out of all those choices we were lucky enough to stay at the very nicest one. Thank you so much for making our week in Tuscany a perfect one -- we loved everything about San Fabiano and appreciate all the extras you provided for us. We hope we will be able to come back soon, and we will certainly be telling everyone we know to visit you!
With kind regards,
Lynette, Paul, and Claire Eastwold

Lynette Eastwold, Saint Paul, Minnesota
(ljoneseast3@comcast.net)

The Villa Podernova at San Fabiano combines the charm of an ancient Tuscan Farmhouse with modern comforts. Hosted by a warm, informed couple and their friendly staff - the villa is air conditioned, has screened windows and internet access.

Recently renovated from a working farmhouse into 5 modern suites with authentic Tuscan architectural touches, the villa is complete with modern bathrooms and kitchen facilities. Conveniently located within walking distance of the nearby village Monteroni D'Arbia and all its services, San Fabiano is also within a short drive to many hill villages and the historical town of Siena. There is plenty to do right on the villa's extensive acres: swimming in a lovely pool nestled in the fields; hiking on paths beginning right outside the back door; riding mountain bikes available to guests; visiting historical buildings scattered around the working farm; and, of course, simply relaxing. Villa Podernova's staff attends to your suite every day and is at the ready to do your laundry or suggest a good restaurant. A wonderful great room is available for pre-arranged cooking lessons or special meals. This villa is a perfect base for your stay in Tuscany - providing comfortable, lovely suites to ret
urn to after exploring the Tuscan hills.

Suzanne e Peter Sidman
2213 Buffalo Rd
Rumney,NH 03266
USA
tel.001-603-786-2556
suzannesidman@hotmail.com

Ciao Filippo! I just wanted to thank you for everything that you and Rachel did to make our stay at San Fabiano so wonderful. We had such a great time and were so disappointed that we could not stay for more days! Our villa was beautiful and I hope that next time we come we can stay for a week!!

Thank you again and I will recommend your place to anyone that is planning a trip to Italy.
I will email you a couple of pictures from the cooking class as soon as we get them back.

Thanks again!!!
God Bless -

Leslie

Leslie Gavin
Senator Saxby Chambliss
6501 Peake Road
Building 950
Macon, GA 31210
478-476-0788 (phone)
478-476-0735 (fax)

Thank you for a wonderful Tuscany adventure! A beautiful way to start 2005! Everything from the mountain biking, hiking, cooking lesson, horse back riding was fantastic!!

We hopefully will be able to return soon
love

The Vellis family
1782 Belford road
reno,NV 89509
USA
tel 001 775 337 6188

6/05/05 Filippo,Rachel & David,

Thank you for your hospitality.

We enjoyed our stay at San Fabiano very much.You've done a wonderful job on the renovations and the grounds are beautiful. Thank you for all your helpful tips on places to see and things to do.
Regards

Phil & Sharon Yardy
P.O. Box 96
Collaroy Sydney
Australia 2097
tel.02 00723525
email:pyardy@optusnet.com.au

Filippo,

We arrived home last evening. We had a wonderful vacation. Tuscany was the best, and your Villa was outstanding! Especially when compared to the other accommodations we experienced along the road to and during our stay in Positano. My radio station address is www.ozfm.com. I have been working in the broadcast industry for the past 30 years both as a presenter and manager, and I was speaking of the trip this mornings during our morning show. I will send you some audio of my remarks, all positive. As well, thanks for the photos. I plan to return and I will bring others along. All the best to your lovely wife and son. Thanks again for an amazing holiday, I'll be in touch.

Brian O'Connell