Description: To get to the villa is not difficult, but you must be observant to find it. The villa's website implies that the villa is in a village, but only if you count a pub, gas station, two villas, and an equestrian centre a village. If you drive, the turn off for the villa is about five hundred meters south of Barberino Val d'Elsa .
If you take a bus (which I don't recommend if you can afford a rental because the Italian roads must be driven to be experienced) you must make sure that you don't take the Firenze/Siena express bus but the Firenze/Siena via Poggibonsi bus (
www.sitabus.it/sita-toscana/Firenze-Siena06.pdf).
Villa San Filipo is a beautiful south facing property overlooking a gorgeous valley filled with olive trees, grape fines and cypress trees.
The restaurant in the villa is very good and serves authentic Tuscan food. A typical Italian breakfast is served every morning, but don't ask for bacon and eggs or you will be disappointed - this is Italy - you will get eggs scrambled in olive oil and fried pancetta. But the food that is served is great - fresh, tasty and filling. Dinner must be arranged in advance.
Your host, Maria, is amazing and will help with any issue or questions. She will help you plan your day or fix a reservation at one of the local restaurants in San Barbarino.
The suites are large, have kitchenettes and every bedroom in the suite has its own bathroom (note: no bathtubs). When I return (and I know I will) I would request either the 'tower' room which has a bedroom tucked up in the turret or the 'balconies' which is a two bedroom suite with a Juliette balcony off of the living room.
More information and reservations can be found on villa's website at:
www.sanfilippo-chianti.it/en/sanfilippo-chianti-tuscany.htmlClose