Fattoria Barbialla Nuova

Rooms

Spread across the estate are 2 converted farm buildings (Brentina and Doderi), which between them house 7 apartments for 2-6, plus 1 small house for 2 in Doderi's garden. There's also a third building (Trosce), which is a separate villa for 8-10.

Country living is reflected in the rustic charm inside. Simple, sturdy wooden furniture (well-worn dining tables, four-poster beds and capacious wooden chests) sit comfortably on original tiled floors, next to large traditional fireplaces (in some apartments) and exposed original brickwork. All kitchens are thoughtfully stocked, and there are enough utensils and chairs for the number of people in each house. In the summer, the rooms are blissfully cool thanks to thick stone walls and small windows; in the autumn and winter, they're cosy and snug, with open fires (in some apartments). Don't expect a luxurious finish, but know that all the bathrooms are modern and surprisingly stylish.

Doderi is a typical Tuscan hilltop farmhouse split into 3 apartments. It's a 20-minute walk from a lake, and surrounded by fruit and olive trees. There's also a small house called Doderino in the garden - perfect for couples after complete seclusion. All Doderi guests share a large pool that has panoramic views of the farmland and beyond, and each accommodation has its own outdoor dining space - we particularly liked the covered terrace and elevated views from Doderi Alto, where we stayed during one of our revisits.

Brentina is more remote, tucked in a dip out of sight from the main track that cuts through the farm. The traditional farmhouse and converted barn make 4 apartments that share a pool, in gardens full of plum, apple and pear trees. Rambling roses climb up the walls, while lizards scuttle into log piles collected for firewood. You'll have your own designated outdoor area for eating and relaxing.

Le Trosce, built in the 19th century and rented as a villa for 8-10, is an ivy-covered farmhouse with 4 double bedrooms (though only 2 bathrooms). The terrace is a perfect place to sit and take in the fantastic panoramic view, and you can cool off in a small but stylish decked plunge pool. Bags of communal space include a large dining room, a sitting room, a kitchen, a dining area and large covered terrace. We found a little darker and less funky than the other 2 houses, but wonderfully cool in summer.

As a pointer, we thought the best option for a couple is Doderi Ovest (overlooking olive groves, with an open fire in the terracotta tiled kitchen, and a cosy double bedroom); the best for a family of 4 is Brentina Ovile (a funkily converted sheep barn with great original features in its open-plan living space); the best for a larger group is Trosce (see above), because it has its own pool. If you ever need a hand, the team are available between 9am and 8pm on WhatsApp - so you can feel completely independent, but support is just a message away.

Features include:

• WiFi

Eating

The villas are self-catering so bring what you need, though you're encouraged to help yourself from the garden, or to stock up from their lovely organic shop (see below). If you're arriving late, you can ask for your fridge to be pre-stocked.

The kitchens in the apartments are well supplied with plates, utensils and pans, though note that Doderino only has a small kitchenette so is a little light on equipment. Each apartment also has its own outdoor area with table and chairs, as well as table and chairs in the kitchen. There are crates of local bottled water in the outdoor area - you can help yourself, leaving cash in the box and bringing your empties back to the same place for recycling. You can also buy boxes of firewood here.

One of the best things about Barbialla Nuova is its organic shop, with staples like milk, bread, tea and pasta, home-grown products (olive oil, honey, meat, eggs, jam, ragout sauces, white truffles), local wines and, if you're lucky, something from their gardens. If that's not enough, there are several village shops close by, and a larger supermarket in nearby Montaione; or owner Guido can direct you to another organic farmshop about 10km away.

As well as a list of local shops, they have also compiled a list of restaurants worth a visit for lunch or dinner, ranging from the local trattoria to fine dining in the city. If you head to Florence, perhaps check out their organic restaurant, Le Lune Ristorante nel Vivaio, which occupies a beautiful garden setting and offers guests farm-to-table dining (dishes include their own Chianana meat and white truffle).

Features include:

• Barbecue
• Fridge
• Full kitchen
• Kitchenette
• Organic produce
• Oven

Activities

• Explore the vast swathes of woodland on marked walks put together by Guido, looking out for wild boar, badgers, porcupines and wild roses; or stroll through the farm, visiting the organic veg garden and the friendly chianine cattle
  
• We really recommend booking their excellent activities to fully immerse yourself in farm-life. These change seasonally (so check what's on during your stay), but can include pasta- and cake-making lessons; seasonal fruit and herb culinary transformation workshops; blackberry picking and hiking among others
  
• Guests also rave about the guided truffle hunts in the autumn - it's one of the few areas boasting highly prized white truffles, and porcini (cepes) are also abundant
  
• You can fly-fish in the estate's lake, or sit with binos and a bird book looking out for hoopoes, bee-eaters and buzzards
  
• Horse-riding is available 3km away (La Mura) and there are 2 golf courses within 15 minutes (San Miniato and Castelfalfi)
  
• There are countless lovely villages to explore, including Palaia and Montaione
  
• Head to the touristy but pretty medieval towers of San Gimignano and the under-rated town of Volterra, both 40-50 minutes' drive away
  
• It's only as a little further to Florence, Siena or Pisa - each is about an hour's drive
  
• There are plenty of vineyards around for a spot of wine tasting too
  
• Or just sit by the pool and appreciate the tranquillity - you couldn't be any more immersed in nature

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Cooking classes
• Fishing
• Golf
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Plantlife / flora
• Private guided tours
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Table tennis
• Traditional cultures
• Trekking
• Truffle hunting
• Wildlife
• Wine tasting

Best Time to go

Our Top Tips

Location

Fattoria Barbialla Nuova is in the heart of northern Tuscany, midway between Siena, Florence and Pisa. It is set on its own 500-hectare estate, reached by an unsurfaced track.

By Air
There are some flights to Florence Peretola Airport (55km away). However, most people fly to Pisa Galileo (also 55km away), which is well-served by budget and scheduled airlines from the UK, other European countries and further afield. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.

By Train
If you'd prefer to travel overland from the UK, you can reach Florence quite easily from London, then take a local service. The closest train stations to Fattoria Barbialla Nuova are Castelfiorentino (16km away) or San Miniato (also 16km away). See the excellent Seat 61 for more details.

By Car
You’ll definitely need a hire car if you want to explore the region - see our car rental recommendations.

Detailed directions will be provided after your booking is confirmed.

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